19 FREE events worth checking out in Toronto this December

Nov 29 2019, 8:07 pm

The holidays don’t have to be expensive, though they often are. Save your money for the things that matter this month while still having some fun.

Toronto is always teeming with great things to do and December is no exception.

Tunnel of Glam

What: The celebrated Tunnel of Glam returns for its second year. Members of the public can visit this outdoor, 80 ft. pedestrian tunnel lined with 14 million reversible sequins for a delightfully festive and immersive wintertime destination.

When: December 1 to January 6
Where: 1501 Yonge Street
Admission: Free

Humanz of Hip Hop

What: Humanz of Hip Hop is a specially curated Human Library that brings to light the relationship between hip hop and the world we live in. Whether you have been into hip hop since the 70s or have developed a more recent liking for it through art, clothing, dance or movies, hip hop has stormed onto the scene and has never looked back. Learn about its connection to the city.

When: Tuesday, December 3
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Where: Hart House Library, 7 Hart House Circle
Admission: Free

The 2019 Corktown Toronto Holiday Party

What: The annual Corktown Holiday Party is back. Take part in the Silent Auction, enjoy great company, and raise funds for Anishnawbe Health. Aviary Brewpub will be there playing host and serving drinks

When: Thursday, December 5
Time: 7 pm
Where: Aviary Brewpub, 484 Front Street East
Admission: Free to attend

North York Job Fair

What: Do need a job or even just a career upgrade? Well get your resume together and head to meet some of the best employers in the city looking to hire someone today. Everyone from the TTC to Bell and more will be there.

When: Thursday, December 5
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Novotel Hotels and Resorts, 3 Park Avenue
Admission: Free

Wax Candy: Disco Fridays

What: Playing soulful, refreshing, and uplifting Disco all night. Listen to the selection from DJ Efsharp and Cyclist at this weekly dance event. Be prepared for disco standards you already know and some deep cuts that will probably surprise you.

When: December 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 10 pm to 2 am
Where: The Piston, 937 Bloor St W
Admission: Free, register online

Eurydice

What: Eurydice is a modern, poetic reimagining of the classic greek myth of Orpheus bringing the perspective of Eurydice to the spotlight. Tender and delightful, this play pulls us into a state of introspection.

When: December 6 to 8
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse, 79 Saint George Street
Admission: Free, register online

Hygge Holiday Market

What: Get ready to embrace the coziness of the holidays like never before. Besides awesome shopping, enjoy everything from a meditation seminar to taking part in mindful conversation.

When: Saturday, December 7
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: stackt market, 28 Bathurst Street
Admission: Free

Free Yoga

What: Feel more focused, relaxed and calm in body and mind while stretching in a tranquil, supportive environment. This can help set yourself up to transition with ease into meditation or with energy into your everyday activities. All levels are encouraged to join in.

When: December 7, 14, 21, and 28
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: 1254 Danforth Avenue
Admission: Free

FAO Schwarz Holiday Pop-Up

What: Explore larger-than-life treasures for the holidays from one of the world’s most iconic toy brands. Plus, check out the FAO Schwarz pop-up and events in-store. There’s drum lessons for kids, a holiday photo booth, and more. Instagram will thank you.

When: Now until December 7
Time: 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Hudson’s Bay, 176 Yonge Street
Admission: Free, register online for activities

Leslieville Winter Market

What: Every Saturday you can shop baked goods, crafty gifts, and a huge selection of prepared food at the Leslieville Winter Market. It’s a celebration of all things local and seasonal, so don’t miss out.

When: Now until December 10
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Jonathan Ashbridges Park, 20 Woodward Avenue
Admission: Free

ANIMALIA: Animals in the Archives

What: In this exhibit, you’ll learn about five distinct animal groups in Ontario — fish, bears, horses, dogs and birds — and discover how animals connect Canadians to the land, provide food for many, help people get around, and enrich their lives. The diverse ways humans have recorded, remembered, and affected other animals often says as much about us as it does about them.

When: December 7 to January 1
Time: 8:30 am to 5 pm
Where: Archives of Ontario, 134 Ian Macdonald Blvd
Admission: Free

Festival of Cool: The Arctic

What: This all-ages festival is inspired by and celebrates the International Year of Indigenous Languages with programming from across the Arctic Circle including contemporary music, film, visual art and thought-provoking panels – proving that even extreme cold can be cool. The majority of the Festival of Cool’s programming is FREE to attend.

When: December 10 to 15
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
Price: Many events are free, register online

CSI Holiday Smackdown

What: The Centre for Social Innovation is holding a holiday party that’s complete with cookie-making competition and cocktails. There will also be snacks!

When: Thursday, December 12
Time: 4 pm
Where: Centre for Social Innovation, 720 Bathurst Street
Admission: Free

BAKEFEST 2019

What: Have a baking recipe that you want to try out? Bring it into a fun social environment. Bring something to drink and learn, laugh, and bake.

When: Saturday, December 14
Time: 11 am to 10 pm
Where: 275 Silver Birch Avenue
Admission: Free, register online

The Trinity Bellwoods Flea – Happy Holidays Market

What: The over 100 vendors at this holiday flea should make finding that perfect gift for everyone on your list the easiest part of the holidays. Avoid the malls and shop a selection of artisans, makers, and crafters, all local.

When: Sunday, December 15
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W
Admission: Free

Open Mic at the Library!

What: Are you a singer, musician, poet, comic, or storyteller? If so, then you are invited to share your various talents at the Toronto Reference Library Open Mic! There will be an acoustic guitar and digital piano provided. Sign-up is at 5:30 pm in the Beeton Hall (1st Floor). Open to all ages.

When: Thursday, December 19
Time: 5:30 pm
Where: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street
Admission: Free

Addams Family Christmas Bazaar

What: It’s a show of local odd crafts, fashion, and other accessories. Food and drinks will also be offered in this “Christmas in Halloween theme” style event. There will also be a costume contest with prizes and live entertainment.

When: Friday, December 20
Time: 2 pm to 9 pm
Where: See-Scape, 347 Keele Street
Admission: Free

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

What: It’s a free movie screening at The Rec Room. As usual, there will be games, prizes, and more! Best dressed will receive a special prize so come wearing your favourite Harry Potter garb. Fun and games at 7 pm, movie starts at 7:45 pm.

When: Monday, December 30
Time: 6 pm
Where: The Rec Room, 255 Bremner Boulevard
Admission: Free

Glow Party at Fiction Nightclub

What: Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail is opening at College Park. There will be activities for the whole family, including ice sculptures, fire pits, and a Fire Juggling, Fire Eating, Fire Breathing performance that you won’t want to miss. Bring your skates, or borrow from the Toronto Public Lending Library.

When: Tuesday, December 31
Time: 1 to 5 pm
Where: College Park, 444 Yonge Street
Admission: Free

Peter SmithPeter Smith

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