Toronto's largest Christmas tree returning to Eaton Centre with new twist

The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, and that means Toronto's largest Christmas tree is returning to the Eaton Centre — with a brand-new twist for 2026.

Cadillac Fairview has unveiled its 2026 holiday programming, and while the lineup promises plenty of festive fun at several of its shopping centres across the province, it begins with the lighting ceremony of Canada's tallest indoor Christmas Tree, a classic holiday-season landmark inside the CF Toronto Eaton Centre. 

The 114-foot-tall tree is celebrating its tenth anniversary at the city's gigantic, multi-level shopping epicentre, with a special lighting ceremony scheduled for Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. Visitors can watch the tree light up the mall's multiple atriums during the launch celebration. 

And that's truly just the beginning of the dazzling holiday spectacle.

The mammoth Christmas tree will feature hourly light and snow shows, running from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays until Jan. 3, 2027.

To kick things up a notch, shoppers will also get the chance to put their own creative spin on the Yule tree this year.

A new interactive experience on Level 3, near Sephora, will allow guests to customize the tree's colours and animations before activating their personalized light display using a special lever. This activity will run daily from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., starting Nov. 12.

What about the other seasonal offerings by Cadillac Fairview? Let's just say this year's interactive tree experience is really just the tip of the iceberg (or should I say, tree?).

Those hoping to meet the big man himself can also start planning their annual Santa visits. Santa will be making appearances at select Cadillac Fairview shopping centres from Nov. 13 to Dec. 23, with the 2026 setup featuring a new North Pole-inspired mailroom where families can snap festive photos and drop off their Christmas wish lists.

For families looking for a quieter alternative to the traditional Santa experience, designated Sensitive Santa appointments will also be available. These sessions will offer a more relaxed, lower-sensory setting for families who may find the usual holiday festivities overwhelming. 

And Santa isn't the only North Pole VIP making the rounds this holiday season. Mrs. Claus will also be spreading some Christmas cheer with appearances at select shopping centres on weekends between Nov. 14 and Dec. 20.

A plethora of other festive activities are happening across select malls all season long. Between the towering Christmas tree at Eaton Centre, twinkling light displays, and interactive attractions, the malls are back at making sure there's more to the seasonal shopping experience than simply checking gifts off your list.

Cadillac Fairview confirms that individual shopping centres will also have adjusted holiday operating hours, with visitors encouraged to check its official website for full event schedules and details.