14 things to do in Toronto this weekend: December 17 to 19

Dec 17 2021, 3:15 pm

There are just a few more days left until Christmas and, thankfully, Toronto doesn’t lack in holiday-themed events. There are tons of things to do in the city so go out and explore.

Bundle up, stay safe and don’t forget that mask! Check out all the events happening in the city this weekend that’ll surely put you in the holiday spirit.

Visit The Grinch’s Grotto

Thought 2021 was rough? If you’re not in the holiday spirit, you’re probably not the only one. Celebrate the holiday season with a fun, and gloomy, visit to The Grinch’s Grotto at Scarborough Town Centre brought to life by the creators of The Dr. Seuss Experience.

When: Until December 24
Where: Scarborough Town Centre

Head on over to the Leslieville Christmas Pop-up Market

Can’t have enough of the festive season? Here’s another holiday market to add to your list — and it’s totally free to attend! Expect everything, from fashionable items, accessories, home decor items, and art, from 30-40 creative and talented vendors. Plus, there will be complimentary hot chocolate at a dedicated bar and free candy being given out by Santa.

When: December 18 from 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 20 Wagstaff Drive, Toronto

Mix and mingle at The Rec Room

Make some new friends and wonderful memories at this holiday-themed event. It will be a night full of trivia, fun and unlimited play at The Rec Room. Each table will have board games, food and drinks too! The ticket cost covers the entrance fee, unlimited gameplay for 2 hours, and the event organization.

When: December 19 from 5:45 pm to 10 pm
Where: The Rec Room Toronto 255 Bremner Blvd

Skate on this rooftop patio rink

Sky Skate is back this year at The Porch rooftop patio in Toronto with an improved experience. Something about skating under the moonlight and enjoying the breathtaking view of the CN Tower sounds magical. This one-of-a-kind experience will provide family fun events during the day, rooftop date nights, and parties at night.

When: Monday to Thursday from 3 pm to 10 pm, Friday from 3 pm to 12 am, Saturday from 12 pm to 12 am, and Sunday from 12 pm to 10 pm
Where: The Porch rooftop – 250 Adelaide Street West

Eat at Mississauga’s Winter Food Festival

Night Market Toronto is hosting a three-day winter food fest at Square One, and you’ll have a variety of food trucks to pick your meals from. Expect delicious foods from Chen Chen’s Hot Chicken, Cheesecake In Tha 6, Holy Grill, and Lemon Bar, and more.

When: December 17 from 3 pm to 10 pm, December 18 and 19 from 12 pm to 9 pm,
Where: Square One – 100 City Centre Drive, Mississauga

Enjoy the Christmas spirit at Miracle Toronto Pop-up

Miracle Toronto is back this year, bringing the excitement of Christmas to its annual pop-up event. Since its humble beginnings in 2018, Miracle has popped up at different locations across the city. Nothing screams Christmas like kitschy holiday décor and a ton of festive cocktails.

When: November 25 to December 26 from 5 pm to 2 am every day
Where: Miracle on Bloor Street – 875 Bloor Street West

Enjoy a Dino Holiday

Have you ever been faced with the difficult decision of choosing between seeing dinosaurs and seeing Santa? Well, a Markham festival found a solution for that. Dino Holiday is a huge indoor event full of massive dinosaurs completely decked out for the holidays. There are more than 45 animatronic dinosaurs to fulfill every Jurassic Park (or Jurassic World) fan’s dreams. There are games and carnival rides, too!

When: December 17 to January 2, including Christmas Day
Where: Markham Fairground, 10801 McCowan Road, Markham

Eat and drink at Papi Chulo’s Mistletoes & Margaritas

It’s all about the Christmas joy at Toronto’s Papi Chulo’s! The spot known for its margarita towers has transformed its space into the ultimate festive pop-up. They’ve decorated the interior indoor space from head to toe in holiday cheer, welcoming the season with open arms.

When: Until January 2
Where: 121 Ossington Avenue – Papi Chulo’s

Mix and mingle at The Rec Room

Make some new friends and wonderful memories at this holiday-themed event. It will be a night full of trivia, fun and unlimited play at The Rec Room. Each table will have board games, food and drinks too! The ticket cost covers the entrance fee, unlimited gameplay for 2 hours, and the event.

When: December 19 from 5:45 pm to 10 pm
Where: The Rec Room – 255 Bremner Boulevard

Explore Toronto’s largest outdoor holiday fest

Toronto’s biggest outdoor holiday festival is put on by Concierge Club and features 16 festive holiday zones and a huge photo-op station for pictures with Santa. The event runs until December 26 and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 5 pm to 11 pm.

When: Until December 26
Where: Bandshell Park in Exhibition Place

Journey into Enchantment

Forget cruising your neighbourhood for Christmas lights this holiday season. Journey to Enchantment is one of the largest Christmas Drive-Thru Light Events in the GTA, and this year there are two locations from which to choose.

When: Until January 8
Where: Mount Joy Go Station – 1801 Bur Oak Ave, Markham; Meadowvale Go Station – 6845 Millcreek Drive, Mississauga

Support local this holiday season at the Toronto Made Market

Looking for some last-minute gifts? Toronto Made Market is hosting its holiday event this weekend with over 50 vendors to shop from. On December 19, Toronto Made Market will host its festivities at The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West.

When: December 19
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West

Go to a free screening of Elf

Revue Cinema is hosting a free-to-attend screening of the 2003 holiday hit Elf, starring Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel. If you missed out on the film or just want to watch it again, make your way to Revue this week. Though you won’t need tickets, visitors are encouraged to bring along non-perishable food items to donate to the Daily Bread Food Bank.

When: December 17 from 7 pm to 9 pm
Where: Revue Cinema — 400 Roncesvalles Avenue, Toronto

Get tickets for Sweaters’ n’ Snowflakes

The Sweaters’ n’ Snowflakes pop-up is here this winter for the ultimate holiday experience. Guests will jump into a winter wonderland and experience the fun and joy of the holidays. When it comes to food and drink options, it seems almost endless. There’s a cocktail and wine bar where guests can order holiday-inspired cocktails and mulled wine. For larger groups, they also have wine tastings available.

When: December 3 to 26 and 31
Where: 621 Richmond Street

Karen DoradeaKaren Doradea

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