Easter season in and around Toronto is packed with theme-based activities. Here you will find everything from egg hunts to Easter festivals that may last for the whole Holy week and beyond. One of the highlights of the celebration is the annual Toronto Passion Play hosted by the Christian Performing Arts Centre. It takes place in the Church on the Queensway on Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. Over 70 actors, singers, and dancers are involved in the play that thoroughly depicts the life of Jesus Christ. Live orchestras, dazzling lights, and other special effects make for the atmosphere. This moving musical theatrical production speaks to the audience of all ages and is attended by over 15,000 spectators annually.
Toronto Beaches Easter Weekend Celebration (April 7–9, 2023)
Another annual highlight of the holiday week is Toronto Beaches Lions Club Easter Parade, the world's largest and longest running Easter parade. Traditionally it's held on Easter Sunday drawing 50,000 people to the Queen Street East. The parade's history is traced back to 1967 when it was organized by the East Toronto Community Association to celebrate Canada’s Centennial year. Originally held along the boardwalk, it finally moved to Queen Street in 1974 owing to its increasing popularity. Since 1981, Toronto Beaches Lions Club has been the official organizer of the event.
Celebrations around Toronto
Countless Easter egg hunts and other celebrations take place all across Toronto. Additionally, a dozen towns in the vicinity of Toronto offer their own festivals to celebrate this holiday with friends and family. You'll find lots of local celebrations in Kidnetix, Pickering, North York, Aurora, and Hampton all the way to Markham, Courtice, Newmarket, Whitchurch, Mount Albert, Milton, Caledon, and Burlington.
