12 Festive Toronto Restaurants That’ll Transport You To The North Pole

‘Tis the season to be festive because the holidays are finally here! It’s time for Toronto restaurants to show just how merry they can be as they deck their four walls with lots of jollies. Here are 12 festive Toronto restaurants that you need to check out this season that will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

Related: 10 Food Stands to Try at the Distillery District’s Christmas Market

1. Little Sister

Addesss: Various locations

Java Jingle is a festive Toronto restaurant located in Little Sister and is only open until December 31. The restaurant is decked out with all the holiday decor that you can think of, and it’s fantastic! Java Jingle has transformed both Little Sister locations, 102 Portland St. and 2031 Yonge St., into a winter wonderland that features Grinch and ornament-shaped cocktail mugs, a lifesize Baby Yoda sporting a Santa hat, twinkling lights and garlands galore, and so much more!

2. Kost Chalet

Addesss: 80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON

This festive Toronto restaurant is a cozy and chalet-inspired cabin on the 44 floor of the Bisha Hotel. Kost Chalet is the perfect way to go to a cottage without the long drive. Nestled in the heart of Toronto, you can experience everything you like about apres-ski without the sporty part. The limited-time pop-up cabin is around till February 2025, so you’ve got plenty of time to check it out!

3. Jack Astors

Addesss: Various locations

All the Jack Astors in Canada are turning down the lights and bringing up the festive spirits. The festive restaurants are packed with Christmas lights, snowflakes, snowmen and so much more. Additionally, Jack Astors has partnered with Make-A-Wish Canada, where all proceeds from Santa’s Menu will be donated to make wishes come true for children with critical illness.

4. Papi Chulo’s

Addesss: 121 Ossington Ave., Toronto, ON

Papi Chulo’s is back with its fourth annual Christmas bash and it’s one of the city’s most popular festive Toronto restaurants! They turn the restaurant into mistletoes and margaritas. Expect to see all the lights, ornaments and tinsel you can imagine in a spot hidden on Ossington Avenue. You’ll be munching on tacos and sipping on festive drinks in a place that resembles Santa’s workshop at the North Pole.

5. The House Of York- Fairmont Royal York

Addesss: 100 Front St. W, Toronto, ON

While the Fairmont Royal York was known for their Thirsty Elf pop-up, this season, they’ve decided to change things up and bring the cozy cabin vibes that we long for on cold winter days to the heart of the city. The House of York is a “new holiday pop-up bar and cozy retreat that evokes a sense of nostalgia and Canadian winter spirit,” the Fairmont shared with us. So make sure to check it out all winter long.

6. Aleria

Addesss: 1070 Queen St. W, Toronto, ON

Aleria is a Christmas pop-up on Queen Street, and it’s running till January 31, so you’ve got a lot of time to check it out and try all the menu items! It is a Meditteranean restaurant that features a whole bunch of seasonal sips, from Naughty & Spice to Elf’s Elixir; it’s the jolliest time of year.

7. Distillery District Winter Village

Address: 51 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON

The Distillery District’s Winter Village is back this holiday season and it feels bigger and better than ever! With lots of lights, a Dior Christmas tree, food stalls and the viral Yorkie Burrito from the UK, all in the same space, there’s a lot to explore at the market this year.

8. Ginger’s Cocktail Bar

Address: 12 Sousa Mendes St., Toronto, ON

Tucked away in The Junction, Ginger’s holiday cocktail pop-up bar opened its doors and the space is filled with so much cheer. Located atop one of Toronto’s most popular culinary classrooms, Le Dolci, is a cozy winter wonderland. The pop-up is open until December 29, Wednesdays through Sundays, so make sure to check it out ASAP.

9. Christmas at the Castle

Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON

At Casa Loma, from December 5 to January 4, enjoy the magic of the holiday season and the enchanted castle. From fun activities to performances that are perfect for all ages, the holiday spirit is oh so jolly at the castle. There will be holiday decor, a 40-foot-tall tree and eight other trees!

10. Melody Gladstone House

Address: 1214 Queen St. W, Toronto, ON

The Gladstone House is bringing a festive dining experience with holiday comforts and cocktails. The Winter Wonderland pop-up is open from November 20 till New Year’s Eve. With a hint of charm and a load of nostalgia, you’ll feel like you’re in a real-life snowball this holiday season.

11. STACKT Market Holiday Hills

Address: 28 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON

From November 15 to December 29, STACKT Market will transform into a cool winter wonderland. You can buy gifts from local vendors, enjoy community events and immerse yourself in the holiday magic. For example, GLAD has an activation in the market where you can take part in fun, family-friendly activities on-site, like DIY ornament-making, a hot chocolate station, and visits with Santa.

12. Tinseltown

Addesss: 45 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON

The Novotel Toronto Centre is bringing Tinseltown to the heart of Toronto. The immersive holiday pop-up bar will have a theatrical experience inspired by Christmas classics, an appearance from the Grinch himself and his elf sidekick. Guests will be greeted with a complimentary festive cocktail and a holiday-inspired menu. On New Year’s Eve, they will be hosting a three-hour special of Tinseltown to count down until 2025!