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Simply put, December is always an expensive month of the year.
You obviously still want to be able to enjoy all of the festive events taking place, but many of those events come with a price to pay.
See also
- Dates and times for every Toronto holiday market you want to go to this year
- This drive-thru Christmas light tunnel is just 2 hours from Toronto
- Romantic winter date ideas for Toronto singles (and couples who do stuff)
Luckily for you we’ve gone and compiled this list of FREE things to do in Toronto this December.
We rounded up 20 things that won’t cost you or anything at all – and are guaranteed to put you in a festive mood.
Toronto Christmas Market
Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, Toronto’s annual brings together the tradition, heritage and charm of the old world while showcasing hundreds of unique and local handcrafted products. Entry is free Tuesday to Friday.
When: Now until December 22
Where: 55 Mill Street
Free Taco Party
You read ^ correctly, this is a FREE taco party! This Thursday, get a head start on your weekend as you get down to the best Latin, Brazilian, Mexican and top 40 music spun by DJ Mario & DJ Vince. The first guests to arrive will receive free tacos.
When: December 1st 10 pm to 3 am
Where: 50 Cumberland Street
Sounds of the Season
Head to the CBC building for some free coffee and snacks (while they last) and listen to your favourite radio shows recorded live. You can also meet a bunch of CBC personalities and watch live performances all day from local artists.
When: Friday, December 2, 5:30 am to 6:30 pm
Where: CBC Broadcasting Centre, 250 Front Street
Light Up the Holidays
Come and get into the holiday spirit as you light up the holidays at Toronto’s Fairbank Village. Here you can enjoy complimentary face painting, photos with Santa, live music by GTA Swing Band, snacks and drinks, a Christmas tree lighting, and family activities.
When: Saturday, December 3, 1 pm to 6 pm
Where: Fairbank Village, Eglinton West and Dufferin
Free Viewing of the Polar Express
The World Vision Gift Catalogue presents The Polar Express. Bring your family and friends, free of charge, and celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
When: Saturday, December 3, 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Cineplex Cinemas Queensway, 1025 The Queensway
Santa in the Junction
Come out and get ready for the holidays with a day of seasonal shopping and Santa-inspired fun. Get into the Christmas spirit as you visit Santa and his elves at the Junction Train Platform, listen to Mrs. Claus read Christmas stories and check out the live holiday music and workshops that include everything from holiday crafts to furniture demonstrations.
When: Sunday, December 4, 11 am
Where: 2964 Dundas Street West
Free Flicks Presents Die Hard
Toronto’s Royal Cinema invite you to its free monthly film series and the final event of the year will be the classic action-thriller and incidental holiday favourite, Die Hard.
When: December 5, 7:30 pm
Where: Royal Cinema, 608 College
Free Beyoncé Choreography Dance Class
Have you ever wanted to learn the moves to Queen Bey’s Single Ladies? Well, now’s your chance. Release your inner diva in this intensive, two-hour class.
When: December 6th at 5:30 pm
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Free Travel Trivia Night
Presented by Where2Now & G Adventures, the Firkin will be hosting a free travel-themed trivia night that’s filled with tons of prizes.
When: December 7, 7 pm
Where: Firkin on the Bay, 68 Marine Parade
Holiday Fair for Epilepsy Toronto
Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square will be transformed into a quintessential European holiday market complete with free admission, shopping, skating, midway rides, Santa visits, live performances, and so much more all in support of Epilepsy Toronto.
When:
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Winter Mamma’s Market
Hosted at Yoga Mamas East, this modern pop up market offers a convenient, and seamless shopping experience for mamas shopping for the holidays. Here you’ll find baby clothing, nursery decor, toys, bath and body products and so much more.
When:
Evergreen Winter Market
Celebrate the holiday season at Evergreen’s Winter Village at the Brick Works. Enjoy the new Street Food Market, find unique gifts, shop the Farmers Market and play outdoors all December. Admission is free.
When: December 10 to February 28
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue
Alternative Gift Shop
Bring your new or gently used, giftable items and exchange them for items to use as gifts for friends and family. Not only is it free, money is not actually permitted.
When: December 10, 10 am to 3 pm and December 11, 4pm to 3pm
Where: The Shore Leave, 1775 Danforth Ave
Wholistic Artistic Show
This one of a kind Christmas fair will feature natural cosmetics, homemade chocolate, beeswax candles, recycled clothing and more from environmentally conscious vendors.
When: December 11, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Dundas West Medical Building, 2238 Dundas Street West
Gladstone Christmas Flea Market
Start crossing names off of your Christmas list at the Gladstone Christmas flea market. Here you’ll find artist goods, reclaimed vintage, craft, jewelry, clothing and so much more for everyone on your list.
When: December 11, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen West
Free Justin Bieber Choreography Dance Class
Learn the moves to Justin Bieber’s hit track Sorry. Doors open 15 minutes before class starts. Please arrive early to sign-in. Late comers will not be allowed entrance.
When: December 13, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: The Sony Centre For The Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Toronto Professionals and Entrepreneurs Social Mixer
Get your business cards ready, it’s time to get your network on. This social mixer will provide professionals, entrepreneurs and art enthusiasts with an opportunity to expand their business and social circle through networking.
When: Wednesday, December 14, 7:30 pm to 11 pm
Where: Studio Event Theatre, 333 King Street West
Hot Docs Cinema Free Holiday Movie Screenings
Toronto’s Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema on Bloor will be hosting its annual free holiday movie screening. This year, Elf, White Christmas, Love Actually, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Jingle All The Way, A Christmas Story, and The Holiday will be screening.
When: December 17 to 22 (view event page for specific show times)
Where: 506 Bloor St West
Trinity Bellwoods Flea Local Holiday Market
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: December 17 and 18, 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Studio Bar, 824 Dundas West
New Year’s Eve Ice Jam
Ring in the New Year as you skate to the sounds of DJ P-Plus as he plays the hottest songs of 2016. Make sure to dress warm and bring along a thermos filled with your favourite hot beverage.
When: Saturday, December 31st, 8 pm to 1 am
Where: Natrel Rink, 235 Queens Quay West
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