31 Toronto events worth checking out this December

Get ready for the most wonderful time of the year by checking out some of the best events happening in the city this month.

This month’s highlights include festive shows like the Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol, a number of festive holiday markets, and an epic New Year’s Eve party at the ROM.

Happy holidays!

See also

• Toronto's Fairmont Royal York is kicking off the holidays this Friday
• Canada's magical Christmas train rolls into town next week
• 14 outdoor experiences to try in Ontario this winter

Home Alone in Concert

What: Enjoy the cult classic Christmas film Home Alone at the iconic Roy Thompson Hall and to the sounds of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, who will perform the film’s memorable soundtrack.

When: Now until December 2
Where: Roy Thompson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street

trace

What: Factory, in association with b current performing arts, is proud to present the world premiere of trace, a one-man-two-piano-play written, composed and performed by former Factory Artistic Associate Jeff Ho.

When: Now until December 3
Where: Factory Studio Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street

One of a Kind Christmas Show

What: If you’re in the market for a unique holiday gift, you’ll find a talking point-filled one at the One of a Kind Show & Sale and meet the creators behind the works of art at the same time. You’ll find 800 local and international artists, makers, designers and craftspeople

When: Now until December 3
Where: Enercare Centre, Exhibition grounds, 100 Princes’ Blvd

Nightmare on Dundas Street Movie Nights

What: Get into the Halloween spirit by catching one the ten most terrifying films of all time at the AGO. This special event is part of the AGO’s creepiest new exhibit, Guillermo del Toro: At Home With Monsters. This month’s lineup includes Repulsion and The Haunting.

When: Now until December 8
Where: The AGO, 317 Dundas Street West

Toronto Christmas Market

What: The always crowd-filled and equally as photo-worthy Christmas Market returns to the Distillery District, offering boozy holiday cocktails, comforting food stations, no shortage of shopping and a few rides.

When: Now until December 23
Where: Distillery District, 55 Mill Street

Polar Express

What: This holiday season, you’re invited to embark on a magical holiday journey as you take a ride on the Polar Express.  Operated by the Waterloo Central Railway, passengers will be whisked away to the sounds of the beloved film’s motion soundtrack, enjoy freshly prepared hot cocoa and holiday treats and they will also receive a very special visit from Santa, and each child will be given their first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell.

When: Now until December 23. Select times available, check the website for details.
Where: Waterloo Central Railway Train Museum Platform, 50 Isabella Street

Bat Out of Hell Musical

What: Bat Out of Hell is a rock musical that tells the epic tale of love, rebellion, and rock n’ roll. This incredible performance will feature an award-winning cast that will definitely bring the audience to their feet.

When: Now until December 24
Where: Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria Street

A Christmas Carol

What: The beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, is taking the stage at Toronto’s Elgin Theatre this evening. Ross Petty Productions will be putting on their unique take of the story this holiday season. Cyrus Lane will make his Petty Panto debut as everyone’s favourite Christmas curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge.

When: Now until December 30
Where: Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge Street

Party Today, Panic Tomorrow

What: Second City’s latest talent-packed mainstage show is now on. Faced with our culture of bad news and political exhaustion, the show encourages the audience to “settle in and get ready for us to spin, sing and laugh away your troubles.”

When: Now until December 31
Where: Second City Mainstage Theatre, 51 Mercer Street

12 Trees: Let There Be Light

What: Now in its 27th year, 12 Trees is a beloved holiday tradition in Toronto that features unique installations from Canada’s leading designers and artists where they will have the chance to re-imagine the traditional Christmas tree.

When: Now until January 7
Where: Gardiner Museum, 11 Queen’s Park

Music from People City

What: This fall, Toronto’s most iconic musical assets will be on display, as Myseum of Toronto, (a nonprofit museum dedicated to all things Toronto) presents Music from People City – a professionally curated event series that invites locals, visitors and travellers to experience the city’s world-class music scenes, sounds and stories firsthand.

When: Now until January 12
Where: Venues throughout the city

Christian Dior Exhibit at the ROM

What: Come explore the brilliance behind Christian Dior’s dramatic designs that revived the Paris haute couture industry following the Second World War at the ROM’s latest exhibit Christian Dior which officially begins this Saturday.

When: Now until March 18
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park

Hop Chow

What: Hop Chow is the newest festival presented by TO’s Finest in partnership with the Craft Beer Passport and The Art of Craft Beer, and it’s promising a “one-of-a-kind tasting experience.” At this festival, expect food and drink offered as curated pairings as chefs and brewers buddy up to collaborate on menu items complemented by amazing brews.

When: December 2, 2017, noon to 11 pm
Where: 99 Sudbury Street, Toronto

4th Annual Christmas Market

What: Held once again at Toronto’s iconic Great Hall on Queen Street, this year’s festivities will feature 95 artists and designers, interactive activities and demos, a live DJ, four floors of shopping and activities for the little ones.

When: December 3, 11 am to 7 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West

LCD Soundsystem

What: Fresh off the highly-anticipated release of their fourth studio album, American Dream, LCD Soundsystem is in town this month. Fans can expect to hear the new stuff and some classics like “Dance Yrself Clean” and “Someone Great.”

When: December 3, 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: Air Canada Centre, Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay Street

Hoppy Holidays

What: Presented by Drink Inc., this craft beer sampling event already boasts nearly 20 vendors that will be serving up seasonal brews, one-off creations, and yuletide beer cocktails. Not to mention the culinary team at The Berkley is putting together of beer-friendly bites including mini Jamaican patties, mini grilled cheese sandwiches, poutine, and more.

When: December 5, 6 pm to 10 pm
Where: The Berkeley Church, 315 Queen Street East, Toronto

Emily Haines

What: Lead singer of Toronto rock band Metric, Emily Haines, will be performing at the Massey Hall this month in support of her second studio album, Choir of the Mind. The album is her first solo album in over 11 years.

When: December 5, 8 pm to 11 pm
Where: Massey Hall, 78 Victoria Street

I Heart BEER Holiday Festival

What: I Heart Beer Festivals is introducing a holiday edition that promises to be an “epic holiday extravaganza” complete with ugly sweaters and tipsy caroling to make this a hoppy holiday to remember.

When: December 9, 3 pm to 9 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Building, 160 Princes Boulevard, Toronto

An Evening with Kenny vs Spenny

What: Kenny and Spenny a.k.a. Kenny Hotz and Spencer Rice continue where they left off on their hit television series, competing for victory in insane challenges that see the best friends try to humiliate one another live on stage.

When: December 9, 7 pm to 10:30 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 190 Princes’ Boulevard

iHeartRadio Canada Jingle Ball

What: The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball will be returning to Toronto this month and will be bringing a star-studded lineup of performers. The first round of performs have been revealed, which includes the Backstreet Boys (who will hopefully be singing a few of their holiday hits), as well as Cardi B, Fergie, Fifth Harmony, Kelly Clarkson, Noah Cyrus, and more.

When: December 9
Where: Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay Street

Santa Brunch Cruise

What: Mariposa Cruises is hosting a festive two-hour cruise on the Northern Spirit with the big guy in red on board this month. Look forward to feasting on an array of baked goods, seasonal fruits, cinnamon French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, carved turkey, ham, homefries, and more while the boat tours the Toronto Harbour and caroling elves and kid-friendly activities keep the whole family entertained.

When: December 10, boarding begins at 11:30 am
Where: Northern Spirit, Toronto Harbourfront at the Queen’s Quay Terminal Building, 207 Queen’s Quay West

Mariposa Cruises Ugly Christmas Sweater Cocktail Cruise

What: Wear your ugliest Christmas outfit and enjoy breathtaking views of Toronto’s Christmas tree skyline during Mariposa Cruise’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Cocktail Cruise. During the two hour cruise, you will have the chance to win the Ugly Christmas Sweater and Santa Costume contest for having the most hideous attire.

When: December 15,  9:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Where: Northern Spirit, Toronto Harbourfront at the Queen’s Quay Terminal Building, 207 Queen’s Quay West

Holiday Cocktail Workshop with Modest Marce

What: Be a master bartender this holiday season by attending this festive cocktail workshop with Modest Marce and Kotn. Guests will learn how to create three holiday cocktails including a salted caramel bourbon cider, a cold brew white Russian featuring Station Cold Brew and a pomegranate thyme spritzer.

When: December 16, 7 pm to 9 pm
Where: Kotn, 754 Queen Street West

Miracle on Mercer Street

What: Miracle on Mercer Street features The Second City’s adorable puppet troupe and their funny human friends, and tells the story of a 13-year-old girl who spends the winter holiday visiting her grandmother in the town of Hollydale. But the town is being torn apart as the residents clash over their different traditions, and a dastardly mayor’s plan to chop down the town’s oldest tree!

When: December 16 to January 5
Where: The Second City, 51 Mercer Street

Daniel Ceasar

What: Daniel Caesar brings his raw and soulful voice to Toronto this month for five back to back concerts. Catch him as he performs songs from his debut album Freudian and tracks like “Get You” and “Blessed.”

When: December 16 to 20
Where: The Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave

Toronto Winter Vegan Market

What: Toronto’s Vegan Winter Market is back for its second year this December. The indoor marketplace showcases cruelty-free products is on in time for the holidays. This event offers a festive way to warm up with seasonal treats, shop an abundance of gift options from local vegan-friendly businesses, and stock up for holiday entertaining.

When: December 17, noon to 7 pm
Where: Lithuanian House, 1573 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Casa Loma Canadian Winter Nights

What: This holiday season, the castle will be celebrating the season bigger than before by hosting a number of incredible festive events. There will also be plenty of holiday décor and lights to get you into the festive spirit, including a 40ft tall tree in the Great Hall, designed by Fashion Icon Jeanne Beker and eight other signature trees by talented Canadian designers.

When: December 18 to January 7, 5 pm to 9 pm (excluding December 24, 25, 31 and January 6)
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace

12 Beers of the Holidays

What: Come enjoy 12 local craft beers at this annual all-you-can-taste, beer-drinking extravaganza. There will be live music, DJs, and enough suds to give Santa’s village a hangover.

When: December 22, 6 pm to 9 pm
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West

The Nutcracker

What: No holiday season is complete without The Nutcracker. The classic charm and pageantry of The Nutcracker return to Toronto for its 10th annual performance for not only two shows this month.

When: December 23, 2 pm to 4 pm. 7 pm to 9 pm
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East

Jurassic Park Live in Concert

What: The 1993 classic thriller will be hitting the big screens in Toronto this winter for a very special performance with the Motion Picture Symphony Orchestra.

When: December 29
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East

#ROMNYE 2018

What: Inspired by the ROM’s incredible Christian Dior exhibit, the museum will be hosting a swanky New Year’s Eve bash, coined #ROMNYE, featuring the hottest bands and DJs, delicious hors d’oeuvres, a complimentary toast at midnight, and exclusive access to the Christian Dior exhibit.

When: December 31, NYE exclusive dinner begins at 7 pm and the regular party runs from 9 pm to 2 am
Where:  100 Queens Park, Toronto