How to Celebrate Diwali in Toronto in 2024

Toronto is ready to celebrate Diwali this month! Known as the “festival of lights” in the South Asian community, the five-day festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and of light, knowledge and hope over darkness, ignorance and despair. This year, there are plenty of places to celebrate and gather with friends and family during the festival from October 29 to November 3, 2024. Whether your visit to the GTA coincides with Diwali, or you are looking for a fun way to spend time with family and friends, here are some of the many ways you can celebrate this month.

UP Express Celebrates Diwali with You

Travelling for Diwali this year? Visit us at the SkyWalk at UP Express Union Station for a keepsake of your travels and share with loved ones. From October 30 to November 1, UP Express will have a Diwali photobooth for you to pose and take with you. Also, you can get a digital version to share the festivities with friends and family.

If you’re travelling with friends and family this Diwali, save on your fare with UP’s Group Pass. Groups of 3-5 people can save up to 36% on one-way fares travelling together to/from Pearson Airport. Plus, kids 12 and under ride free on UP Express, so there’s savings for the whole family!

Welcoming people from near and far, the GTA offers plenty of ways to celebrate Diwali. With trains running every 15 minutes and convenient stops at Weston and Bloor Stations, UP Express offers connections to and from Pearson Airport in just 25 minutes, making it easy to visit the vibrant South Asian communities, shops, events, and eateries in Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton. Get to the core of Diwali celebrations in the Peel region with an easy transfer on GO Transit. For guests arriving from near or far, an UP Express Return Ticket is the best way to travel between the airport and downtown, allowing you to spend less time in transit and more time in the city.

Spend A Day In Toronto’s Little India

Venture into the heart of downtown Toronto’s Indian community along Gerrard Street East. Known as the Gerrard India Bazaar, this vibrant area is home to many South Asian shops, restaurants, public art, and more. A cultural destination since the 1950s, this neighbourhood is a feast for your senses and a must-visit any time of the year, especially during Diwali festivities. Each year, Little India lights up during Diwali with decorations, cultural live performances, music, feasts, dance, fashion and more. It’s also the perfect place to pick up Diwali gifts! Visit Rang Home Décor for a unique blend of traditional and modern Indian designs including bedding, rugs, textiles, and more. Meanwhile, Chandan Fashion is the go-to if you’re looking for traditional clothing, jewellery and scarves. It’s a must-visit for brides and wedding parties looking for high-quality bridal and party wear.

After all that shopping, stop in for a bite to eat at Lahore Tikka House if you’re craving Northern Indian or Pakistani cuisine or grab a tasty samosa to go from Moti Mahal if you’re on a budget. Best explored on foot, head to Little India by connecting directly to the TTC from UP Express Union Station.

Light Up The City with Celebrations

Light up your celebration and experience the vibrant festival in Toronto. Bring friends and family to Diwali – Festival of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square on October 26 to 27. This event features performances, fireworks, vendors and more! From UP Union Station, transfer onto the TTC to Queen Station to get to all the fun. If you’re travelling to or from the city, remember youth and post-secondary students can save on UP Express travel with fare discounts while kids ages 12 and under always ride for free!

Indulge In An Indian Feast At One Of Toronto’s Top Indian Restaurants

Toronto’s South Asian food scene will keep your mouth watering and your belly full. Indulge in your own Diwali feast at long-standing Toronto favourite, Banjara on Bloor Street West, just a few TTC subway stops from UP Express Bloor Station. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here, but try the butter chicken which has been dubbed Toronto’s best version of the classic dish!

Closer to UP Express Bloor Station is Dil Se Indian Restaurant where you’ll find freshly prepared Northern Indian-style cooking inspired by Punjabi dhabas. From UP Express Bloor Station, you can also head towards the Junction neighbourhood to Leela Indian Food Bar for a satisfying meal. If quaint and cozy Indian is what you’re craving, Indilicious in the Junction is also a must-visit for their aloo gobi and saag paneer.

When your visit to Toronto has come to an end, we’re ready to whisk you back to Pearson Airport in just 25 minutes from downtown UP Express Union Station. Relax onboard knowing your trip is on track. On every UP Express train, you’ll find ample seating, free Wi-Fi, roomy luggage racks and overhead storage, as well as barrier-free platforms and boarding.