Easter season in and around Toronto is packed with theme-based activities. Here, you will find everything: from egg hunts to Easter festivals, which may last for the whole Holy week and beyond. Let's dive into the details!
Canada celebrates Easter with a fusion of secular festivities and religious customs, and one of the biggest and most varied cities in the country–Toronto–showcases this diversity in its Easter celebrations. On Easter Sunday, a lot of Canadians go to church to celebrate Jesus Christ's resurrection. Families also frequently get together for special feasts, which include customary Easter fare, like hot cross buns, lamb and ham.
Toronto offers entertainment for kids and families with a variety of community events, including Easter egg hunts in parks or neighbourhood-sponsored community centres. Toronto's rich Easter celebrations are enhanced by the inclusion of components from various ethnic origins in cultural events and festivals–all thanks to the city's diverse population. Toronto's festive atmosphere is also enhanced by the numerous special deals and themed events, hosted by local companies and attractions throughout the Easter weekend.
Toronto Passion Play (March 29-31, 2024)
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, which 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. Tickets are $10 per person, and the shows run from 3 to 7 pm.
Toronto Beaches Easter Weekend Celebration (March 29-31, 2024)
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.
