This holiday season, Fairmont Royal York celebrates nearly a century of festive tradition. From the Grand Lobby adorned with towering trees and twinkling lights to cozy evenings by the fire at REIGN Bar or relaxing on Fairmont Gold, every corner of the storied landmark hotel will radiate warmth and wonder. Guests will indulge in festive afternoon teas, savor holiday favorites reimagined by award-winning chefs, and create lasting memories in the heart of Toronto. Whether celebrating with family, hosting festive gatherings, or enjoying a winter escape, guests will revel in the unforgettable holiday transformation at Fairmont Royal York.
An Enchanted Winter Estate
The hotel will be transformed into an enchanted winter estate. From the moment guests arrive whether through the Grand Lobby or the East Doors, they’ll be greeted by pathways lined with Victorian-style lampposts and snow-covered evergreens, creating scenes straight out of a winter fairy tale. The Grand Lobby will feature a towering Christmas tree framed by elegant drapery and towering nutcrackers.
Guests continue their journey through a serene winter garden gazebo or stop for champagne or tea at the hotel’s bustling lobby lounge, CLOCKWORK, its white ironwork gates evoking the entrance to a palace. Every vignette is dressed in frosted whites, icy crystals, lush greenery, and glistening snow.
Extending the enchantment beyond the lobby, families can experience Festive Fun for Families on the Main Mezzanine, featuring beautifully decorated Balsam Hill Christmas trees as part of a charming photo booth backdrop. The activation also includes daily gingerbread cookie decorating at 2:00 PM, holiday crafts and activities throughout the day, and special visits from Santa on December 24 and 25 for hotel guests only, with priority access for those booking the Special Delivery Holiday Package, this festive program runs from December 19 to January 3, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
Additionally, Fairmont Royal York will count down to the holiday season with an eight-day social media Advent Calendar giveaway starting on November 13, featuring a new prize each day from partners including Jo Malone London, Fairmont Hotels, Balsam Hill, Porter, and Devialet. Full details will be announced on @fairmontroyalyork.
A Magical Beginning at the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
The festive season officially begins with the hotel’s beloved annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 19 at 5:00 PM. Guests will gather in the Grand Lobby as twinkling lights illuminate the historic space, marking 96 years of holiday memories. The celebration will feature live music by Kibra at CLOCKWORK throughout the evening and a festive retail cart offering limited-edition Fairmont Royal York treasures - the perfect mementos of a magical evening. The event is free and open to the public.
New this year, guests can experience the magic from above with reserved balcony seating overlooking the lobby during the annual tree lighting ceremony. The experience includes one festive cocktail and is limited to 60 seats, $30 per person. Link to book HERE
Toast to the Season with Signature Cocktails
Fairmont Royal York invites guests to toast the holidays with two featured holiday cocktails: the wintery Old-Fashioned variation Royal Tannenbaum or the cheerful, tropical Snowbird Holiday, served in a Santa Tiki Mug. These holiday favorites will be available across all restaurants and bars, whether enjoyed with a meal or simply sipped while soaking in the festive atmosphere. Available for purchase from November 19 to December 31.
Festive Afternoon Tea at CLOCKWORK with Jo Malone London
In partnership with Jo Malone London, Fairmont Royal York will present a Festive Afternoon Tea at CLOCKWORK, inspired by the brand’s limited-edition scent of the season Sandalwood & Spiced Apricot Cologne. Inspired by the fragrance notes of cardamom, apricot, and vanilla, Executive Chef Paul Shewchuk has crafted a menu that captures the essence of the season. With live piano setting the tone, guests can indulge in warm candied ginger and cranberry scones, savory bites like Coronation Chicken and Smoked Salmon with Lemon Crème Fraîche, and sweet delights including Étoile de Noisette and Ginger Snowfall Cherry Cocoa. New this year, the Festive Afternoon Tea introduces Friday seatings in addition to the weekend tradition. Served Fridays through Sundays from November 21 to January 4, the experience includes a glass of sparkling wine for later seatings and an exclusive Jo Malone London gift for Friday guests only. $2 from every tea sold will be donated to Make-A-Wish International. Seatings are offered at 11:00 AM–1:00 PM ($99 per person) | 1:00–3:00 PM & 3:00–5:00 PM ($129 with Champagne)
REIGN Restaurant & Bar: A Manor House Holiday Season
Led by Chef Roland Torok-Ducharme and Executive Pastry Chef Kapila Amaratunga, the culinary visionaries behind all of REIGN’s celebrated menus, guests are invited to indulge in a refined three-course Festive Lunch. The menu features seasonal starters like Roasted Parsnip & Apple Soup, entrées such as Flat Iron Steak, and indulgent desserts including a Black Forest Yule Log that turn an ordinary workday into a celebration of the holiday season. Served only on weekdays from December 1 to 12, priced at $65 per person. Link to book HERE
Showcasing seasonal favorites, REIGN brunch specials will feature indulgent dishes such as Gingerbread French Toast with brioche, eggnog custard, maple chantilly, and spiced pecan praline, and Cranberry & Cream Buttermilk Pancakes topped with spiced cranberry compote, whipped mascarpone, and hazelnut crumble. Luxurious options like Lobster & Tarragon “Croast” and Duck Confit & Root Vegetable Hash complete the experience. Available à la carte from December 26 to 28.
Guests can bring the flavor of the Manor House home with a festive feast and artisanal pies available for takeaway, perfect for celebrating with loved ones. Offerings include Roasted Ontario Free-Range Turkey or Maple & Mustard Glazed Ham, complete with classic sides and handcrafted pies. The first 50 bookings will also receive a bottle of Momento wine, and all guests will be gifted a custom Fairmont Royal York ornament (while supplies last). Available in small (serves 4, $350) and large (serves 8, $550), exclusive of taxes. Orders must be placed by December 19 with pickup on December 24 to 25. Link to order HERE
Fairmont Royal York invites guests to gather Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with a Festive Dinner at REIGN featuring Manor House Turkey, Seared Seabass and indulgent desserts like Mont Blanc and Blackforest Snow Log - providing the perfect backdrop for creating cherished holiday memories. Link to book HERE
Packages
Special Delivery Holiday Package: Celebrate the season with a stay filled with holiday magic. This package includes a beautifully decorated in-room Christmas tree, a Royal Elf plush, a custom Fairmont Royal York ornament, two adult Express Tickets to The Distillery Winter Village, and priority access to Festive Fun for Families (December 19–January 3), where guests can enjoy holiday crafts, activities, and a charming photo booth surrounded by Balsam Hill trees. Valet parking is also included. Available for booking from October 15 to January 3 for stays from December 1 to January 3, this festive add-on is priced at $150 per room.
Trees of Hope: Give hope a home this holiday season with an unforgettable festive escape, while saving 15% on a two-night stay, plus the Fairmont Royal York custom ornament, and $25 festive dining and drinks. With every booking, $10 supports Make-A-Wish International. Available for booking from December 2 to January 3 for stays from December 2 to February 28.
Fairmont Gold: Experience an elevated stay on the exclusive Fairmont Gold floor, complete with private check-in, personalized service, and access to the sophisticated 18th-floor Fairmont Gold Lounge. This holiday season, Gold guests will be greeted by a striking display of fully decorated Balsam Hill trees adorning the 18th-floor elevator bank - a display that introduces the beauty and timeless elegance of the holidays the moment guests arrive.
House of York: Available exclusively for private buyouts, this intimate, cozy cabin retreat setting offers the perfect venue for corporate or festive celebrations, complete with bites from REIGN. Evoking the romance of a Canadian winter and the nostalgia of holidays past, House of York invites guests to unwind amidst the glow of candlelight and the warmth of rustic elegance. Link to book HERE
New Year’s Eve
Library Bar is a haven of timeless elegance and modern legend, newly recognized on NA 50 Best Bars and The Pinnacle Guide for its award-winning service and cocktails, where rich marbles, bold leathers, and whimsical velvets set the stage. The menu will feature exquisite specials, including Venison Tartare with Cannoli, Salsify, and Black Truffle, and a Sourdough Toastie with 100km Goose Liver Pâté. Available à la carte on the evening of December 31.
A celebration of timeless European elegance, REIGN invites guests to ring in the New Year with a refined four-course tasting menu and choice of dessert. Guests may choose between the Omnivore Tasting Menu - featuring highlights such as Seared Chilean Sea Bass with earthy root vegetables and Ontario Venison Lion - or the Plant Forward Tasting Menu, showcasing dishes like Compressed Pear & Kohlrabi Carpaccio and Jerusalem Artichoke Risotto. Priced at $229 per person.
Guests can ring in 2026 at REIGN with festive brunch specials from January 1-4. The menu features indulgent dishes such as Caviar & Crème Fraîche Omelette and Lobster & Polenta Benedict, alongside other seasonal favorites. Available à la carte from January 1 -4.
Photo Credit: Rick O’Brien
