22 things to do in Toronto this weekend: November 16 to 18

Good news Toronto, the weekend is finally here!

In case you don’t have any plans, you’re in luck as there’s plenty of exciting events and activities happing in the city all weekend long.

From the opening weekend of the highly anticipated Toronto Christmas Market to the 114th annual Santa Claus Parade, here are the hottest events happening in the city.

Friday, November 16

Regent Park Film Festival

What: Movie buffs can enjoy culturally diverse film screenings, interactive workshops, panels, virtual reality experiences and more at the 15th edition of the community-driven Regent Park Film Festival.

When: Now until November 17
Time: 7 pm to 12 pm
Where: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas East
Price: Free admission

Harry Potter: The Goblet of Fire

What: Harry Potter fans will be able to enjoy The Goblet of Fire on the big screen for a very special performance this month. On November 15, 16 and 17, one the most thrilling fantasy films ever made will return to the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra will perform the magical score from the movie all while the film plays in high-definition on a 40-foot screen.

When: Now until November 17
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Price: Tickets from $55 to $110.50

European Union Film Festival

What: The critically acclaimed European Union Film Festival returns to Toronto this month with a variety of film screenings at the Royal Cinema. Award winning-films will make their debut at the festival, representing a rare opportunity to see these movies on the big screen. With genres spanning drama, comedy, romance and more, there is something for everyone at the EUFF.

When: Now until November 22
Time: Screenings vary by day
Where: Royal Cinema, 608 College Street
Price: Free to attend, but seats are first come first serve

Bombay Sapphire Gin Pop-Up Canvas Bar

What: This month, Bombay Sapphire Gin has set up Canvas Bar, the first-ever, interactive cocktail bar where guests can enjoy DIY drinks and play the role of master mixologist.

When: Now until November 30 (Thursday to Sunday)
Time: Thursday to Saturday, 6 pm to 12 am; Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: 950 Queen Street West
Price: Free to attend

The Little Holiday Pop-up Shop: Whack-a-Mole Contest

What: If you are looking for a place to find some cool gifts for this holiday season, then look no further than the Nanoleaf holiday pop-up shop. This Friday, the pop-up will be hosting a Whack-a-Mole competition and the highest score player will win a Nanoleaf tote bag filled with prizes including a self-dimming LED light bulb, a beech wood lamp base, T-shirt and other goodies. The contest runs from 5 to 7 pm and 8 to 9 pm.

When: Now until December 14
Time: Monday to Thursday, 12 pm to 10 pm; Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 12 am; Sunday, 12 pm to 8 pm
Where: House of VR, 639 Queen Street West
Price: No entrance cost

Cinesphere Fall Film Series

What: Toronto’s Cinesphere theatre at Ontario Place will be screening several iconic films over the next few months as part of its fall and winter programming. The Cinesphere will screen a number of iconic films including Aliens, Blade Runner: The Final Cut, Blade Runner 2049 in IMAX, The Fifth Element and Die Hard. 

When: Screenings running till December 23
Time: Showtimes vary by day
Where: Cinesphere at Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd West
Price: $15 for adults

Toronto Christmas Market

What: Rediscover the magic of Christmas at the Toronto Christmas Market. Here you’ll find an assortment of artisan vendors, an Instagram-worthy Christmas tree, live music, incredible Christmas decorations and so much more.

When: Now until December 23 (closed on Mondays)
Time: Tuesday to Thursday, 12 pm to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 10 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 9 pm
Where: The Distillery District
Price: $6 admission fee on weekends only

Spiders: Fear & Fascination

What: This summer, the ROM welcomed a new exhibit, Spiders: Fear & Fascination and trust us, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The exhibit explores the hunting, burrowing, and weaving world of these eight-legged creatures and will feature more than 400 live and preserved spiders, cutting-edge interactive experiences, and new scientific discoveries.

When: Now until January
Time: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
Price: $32 for adults

Happy Place Toronto

What: Happy Place is an interactive, 20,000-sq-ft immersive exhibit with larger-than-life installations and multi-sensory themed rooms, and it’s on a mission to spread happiness here in Toronto and around the world.

When: Now until January 1
Time: Friday to Sunday, 10 am to 8 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre
Price: From $32

Swarovski Holiday Tree Unveiling

What: This Friday, you’re invited to head to one of Toronto’s most iconic heritage buildings, Union Station, for the official launch of this year’s Swarovski Holiday tree. Hosted by notable personality Liz Trinnear, three stunning trees will be unveiled featuring over 2000 Swarovski crystals. There will also be a Swarovski crystalized train-set travelling throughout the display. Following the official tree reveal, there will be a special musical performance by TD Music.

When: November 16
Time: 5 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: Union Station (West Wing)
Price: Free to attend

ROM Friday Night Live

What: Spend your Friday nights this November on the dance floor with top DJs and live artists, or explore our stunning galleries with tasty food and drinks.

When: November 16
Time: 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
Price: $19.21

Saturday, November 17

Google Home Mini Gingerbread Smart Home

What: To celebrate the beginning of the holiday season, Google is bringing the ultimate Gingerbread House, the Google Home Mini Gingerbread Smart Home, to the Toronto Eaton Centre this month.  Visitors can see how the Google Home Mini can help be that extra set of hands through the busy holiday season and beyond. All guests will walk away with either a Google Home Mini or a gingerbread cookie.

When: November 17 to 29
Time: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 9:30 pm; Saturday, 9:30 am to 9:30 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Toronto Eaton Centre
Price: Free to attend

Anthropologie & Terre Bleu Toronto Holiday Pop-Up

What: The Terre Bleu Lavender Farm is coming to Toronto this weekend to spread holiday cheer (and a little bit of lavender too). Experience the farm, store, and our signature lavender products in an exclusive pop up shop in collaboration with Anthropologie on Queen Street West.

When: November 17
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Anthropologie, 761 Queen Street West
Price: No cover

Kawaii Land

What: Kawaii Land is a free to attend community gathering and meet up event for colourful fashion and artwork enthusiasts in Toronto. Guests can look forward to cosplay stars, performers, fandoms, shopping and more.

When: November 17
Time: 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Design Exchange, 234 Bay Street
Price: Admission is free

Palooza Beer Pong Festival Toronto

What: The world’s largest beer pong tournament is headed to Toronto this month, for eight hours of fierce competition and party-style shenanigans. This 19+ event will be making its Toronto debut with some big DJs, a celebrity MC, celebrity judges, 100 tables, and a whopping 1,000 beer pong teams competing.

When: November 17
Time: 12 pm to 8 pm
Where: Rebel – 11 Polson Street, Toronto
Price:  Team registration $55-70; general admission (not participating in tournament) $30

Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic Official Tree Lighting

What: Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville will be transformed into a winter wonderland this weekend, and it will kick off the festive season with its annual Holiday Magic celebration. The highly anticipated event will illuminate the neighbourhood, creating a unique destination for patrons of the neighbourhood to shop, dine and take in the area’s art and culture while surrounded by festive lighting. At the Holiday Magic event, there will also be carolers spreading holiday cheer, complimentary refreshments, a special performance from Shawn Hook and much more.

When: November 17 to December 31
Time: After sunset
Where: Bloor-Yorkville Village
Price: Free to attend

Illuminite

What: Head to the heart of downtown Toronto and check out the festive music, dancing, and the Christmas tree lighting to celebrate the holidays. Devin Cuddy Band will be performing, in addition to an incredible tree-lighting show to remember from TDC Entertainment. Guests can also join in singing some holiday favourites led by Toronto crooner Ori Dagan.

When: November 17
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: Yonge and Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East
Price: Free to attend

Sunday, November 18

Trinity Bellwoods Flea Christmas is Coming Market

What: Come and find a special gift for that special someone on your list at this one of a kind holiday shopping experience. Here you’ll find plenty of handmade, local, art and vintage vendors and artisans selling a gift-worthy selection of goods.

When: November 18
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
Price: Entry is free

3rd Annual Holiday MRKT Show & Sale

What: The MRKT is a community shopping event, organized by the Toronto Creative Entrepreneurs, which features local vendors including fashion, beauty, wellness, visual artists, crafters, food merchants, and retailers.

When: November 18
Time: 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Centre for Social Innovation, 192 Spadina Avenue
Price: Entry is free

Santa Claus Parade

What: Get into the holiday spirit by attending the 114th annual Santa Claus Parade. Just make sure to fill a thermos with your favourite warm beverage and a dash of Baileys. 

When: November 18
Time: 12:30 pm to 4 pm
Where: Beginning at Christie Pits and travelling along Bloor Street
Price: Free

Mickey Mouse’s 90th Anniversary

What: On November 18, 1928, Mickey Mouse’s first movie hit screens with Steamboat Willie, forever changing the realm of animation. 90 years later, you’re invited to celebrate this iconic moment in film history with a documentary about the creators of Mickey Mouse and a program of classic early Mickey Mouse shorts on the big screen.

When: November 18
Time: 3:30 pm
Where: Hotdocs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West
Price: $6

The Greasy Spoon Diner Supper Series

What: The Greasy Spoon Diner Supper Series returns to Toronto. The Supper Series pairs the best chefs in the world with a local hangout to create a four-course dining experience. Chefs are trading in their tweezers for tongs, creating each course using inspiration from diner food.

When: November 18 and 19
Time: Seatings at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Where: Propeller Coffee, 50 Wade Avenue, Toronto
Price: Tickets are $95

See also

• There's a massive cat festival coming to Toronto next summer
• Toronto is getting a new holiday outdoor skating rink this November
• The massive Toronto Light Festival returns to the Distillery District this winter (PHOTOS)