25 things to do in Toronto this weekend: December 15 to 17

The weekend has finally arrived Toronto, and we couldn’t be happier.

But don’t stress if you haven’t made any plans yet because we’ve gone and rounded up the hottest events happening throughout the city all weekend long.

Whether you’re looking to wrap up your Christmas shopping or enjoy a comedy show with your closest friends, here are your top events for December 15 to 17.

See also

• Icefest is taking over Yorkville Village again this winter
• Your ultimate Toronto New Year's Eve party guide for 2018
• 10 places to go snow tubing near Toronto

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

Evergreen Winter Village

What: Roast s’mores over the open campfire and enjoy warm beverages from the Sipping Container while shopping or playing street curling at this Winter Village. Hungry for more? Look forward to a rotating line-up of food trucks serving up comfort foods ranging from crêpes to gourmet grilled cheese, and more.

When: Weekends in December and weekdays from December 26 to 29, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto

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

Yorkville Village Holiday Magic

What: Toronto’s Yorkville Village lights up each holiday season with its annual Holiday Magic event. If you’re shopping in the area, we highly recommend checking out the beautifully lit Christmas tree and taking in the incredible glittering light displays and festive decorations that line the streets.

When: Now until December 31
Where: Village of Yorkville Park, 115 Cumberland Street

Holiday High Tea at The Tea Room

What: Start a new holiday tradition this winter by enjoying high tea in the heart of Yorkville. Come and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon tea complete with a wide variety of aroma options like Russian Caravan to Sencha, indulge in savoury sandwiches like Gougere chicken terrine and guacamole, and then treat yourself to fresh pastries made daily in-house.

When: Now until January 1, 12:30 pm, 1 pm, 5:30 pm, and 6 pm
Where: Windsor Arms Tea Room, 18 St Thomas 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

Pia Bouman School Presents The Nutcracker

What: The Pia Bouman School of Ballet and Creative Movement will be hosting its 32nd annual production of the Nutcracker this month. This rendition of the beloved fairytale classic embraces the charitable spirit of the season.

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

The Trinity Bellwoods Flea: Happy Holidays Market

What: Located at the historic Great Hall, the holiday market will feature a truly one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience, complete with some of the city’s best handmade, local, art and vintage vendors and artisans, giving you a diverse and truly gift-worthy selection of goods.

When: December 16, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West

Social People Studios Pop-Up

What: Social People Studios, an upcoming clothing brand designed by Anthony Sorella, will be releasing its first collection this Saturday. The event will include complimentary drinks, music, and a secret art installation. The brand will also be premiering its campaign video for the collection as well. Make sure to RSVP to ensure your spot as availability is extremely limited.

When: December 16, 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: 2nd floor, 165 Geary Avenue

FEED Toronto

What: If you’ve been wanting to give back this season, this weekend you can join FEED Toronto as they help prep and distribute 150 meals for those in need this Saturday. There will also be live music to help entertain helpers, animal movement guided by Jay from Wall St. Fitness and move into a guided sound meditation with Alexandria from NULOVE.

When: December 16, 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Where: 890 Dundas Street West

Toronto Etsy Christmas Market

What: If you’re looking to give more one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season, you’ll find them at the 4th annual Etsy Christmas Market. Hosted by the Toronto Etsy street team, this festive marketplace will feature awesome handmade, vintage, and delicious wares all made by the team members.

When: December 16, 11 am
Where: Church of St. Stephen in-the-Fields, 365 College Street

The Leslieville Holiday Market

What: Wrap up your holiday shopping at this special two-day event. In partnership with the Leslieville Farmer’s Market and Rorschach Brewing Co., this holiday market will feature over 30 vendors selling vintage and handmade goods, delicious local eats, hot beverages, locally-brewed beer, kid’s activities, a silent auction and more.

When: December 16, 11 am to 6 pm; December 17, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Rorschach Brewing Co., 1001 Eastern Avenue

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

Hot Docs’ Free Holiday Classics Screenings

What: Come and get into the holiday spirit at a free screening of your favourite holiday movies! Hot Docs Cinema will be hosting free screenings of Elf, A Christmas Story, Love Actually, and more!

When: December 16 to 22
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor 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

DJ Skate Nights

What: Sharpen your skates and skills at Toronto’s number one outdoor winter party. This year you can expect another stellar lineup of DJs that will bring the heat to your Saturday nights.

When: December 16 to February 17 (Saturday’s from 8 pm to 11 pm)
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West

Tonic Blooms Holiday Pop-Up

What: Tonic Blooms is hosting a special holiday pop-up at the Sleepover Space on Queen West this Sunday. Here you’ll find holiday flowers and gifts at discounted rates. This will give shoppers the opportunity to see Tonic Bloom’s flower options in person and enjoy some incredible savings on last-minute gifts.

When: December 17, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Sleepover Space, 950 Queen Street West

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

Winter Solstice Lantern Walk

What: Toronto’s Don Valley is inviting the city to join it on its annual winter solstice lantern walk, where the darkness is filled with stories and light. Participants will first get to make their own lantern and then join in on a walk through the wetland trails in the Don Valley Brick Works Park during the darkest period of the year and then linger after and enjoy the Winter Village festivities.

When: December 17, 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Where: Meet at the Watershed Wall at Evergreen Brick Works, across from the parking lot