15 things to do in Toronto today: Saturday, December 21

Dec 20 2019, 4:24 pm

In case you didn’t realize it already, it’s freaking Saturday.

And it’s officially the first day of winter.

Time to get out on the town (covered in jackets and scarves of course) and find something awesome to do. Start at one on these events today, Saturday, December 21.

The Nutcracker

What: See an unforgettable production of The Nutcracker featuring ballerina powerhouses Anastasia Stashkevich and Vyacheslav Lopatin, principal dancers of the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. With Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, The Nutcracker is bound to add more cheer to your Christmas.

When: Now until January 4
Time: 2 pm and 7 pm
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Admission: From $67 to $142, available online

Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest

What: Canada’s Wonderland is transforming the park into a magical winter wonderland for its new immersive, holiday event and it all kicks off this weekend. Winter festival goers will experience enchanting themed areas adorned with more than five million holiday lights, festive décor and three 15-metre-high Christmas trees. There will also be tons of music and Christmasy activities for everyone.

When: Now until December 31
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: Canada’s Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive
Admission: Start at $21.99, available online

Martin Scorsese: A Retrospective

What: He’s one of the globe’s greatest and most iconic of filmmakers. See 27 of the master’s feature movies, playing into the new year, and see what makes Marty one of the best.

When: Now until January 4
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West
Admission: Prices vary, available online

Aurora Winter Festival

What: For the first time ever, Aurora Winter Festival will transform Toronto’s Ontario Place into a hidden village with enchanting elements inspired by the North Pole including magical characters, captivating light displays, endless fun, games, and activities.

When: Now until January 5
Time: 4 pm to 10 pm
Where: Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Admission: $17.99, available online

Miracle on Ossington pop-up bar

What: All this Christmas cheer is probably going to make you want a cocktail. Start a new tradition by heading west to the Miracle on Ossingting pop-up. Sip on holiday-themed drinks while sitting warmly among with a huge amount of fun, kitschy holiday decorations.

When: Now until December 26
Time: Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 2 am; Saturday to Sunday, 2 pm to 2 am
Where: 146 Ossington Avenue

Sippin’ Santa

What: What’s better than one winter pop-up? Two holiday winter pop-ups, that’s what. Get your Christmas spirit with a Tiki twist that’s full of music, themed drinks

When: Now until December 26
Time: Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 2 am; Saturday to Sunday, 2 pm to 2 am
Where: 1369 Dundas Street West

The Music Of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” 

What: Head to the Dakoda Tavern for an all-ages rendition of the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. It’ll be full of good feels and great options from the kitchen.

When: Saturday, December 21
Time: 2 to 4 pm
Where: The Dakota Tavern — 249 Ossington Avenue
Admission: $10, available online

Kensington Market Winter Solstice

What: Ignite the darkest night of the year at this uniquely Toronto event. It’s the 30th year the celebration has taken place and is worth braving the cold.

When: Saturday, December 21
Time: Parade starts at 7 pm
Where: Kensington Market
Admission: Free

K POP North

What: Do you love the heck out of K Pop music? Get ready to see performers like KARD, VERIVERY, Zion.T, and The Rose take the stage at KPOP North 2019. KPOP North will cater to the multitude of Canadian fans of Korean culture giving them the opportunity to dive into the world of K-Beauty, K-Food, K-Culture and, of course, K-Music. K-ool!

When: Saturday, December 21
Time: 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre — 255 Front Street West
Admission: Passes start at $99, available online

Wannabe presents Naughty and Spice

What: Get ready to see Wannabe, a full-on, girl-powered, Spice Girl tribute band. They’re taking over the Opera House on Saturday. And if that wasn’t enough, they’re bringing True Colours, a Cindy Lauper tribute band along with them.

When: Saturday, December 21
Time: 8 pm
Where: Opera House — 735 Queen Street East
Admission: $19.67 to $24.99, available online

A Bowie Christmas Dance Party

What: There’s a Starman living in the sky, and he’ll blow your mind at Sneaky Dee’s this weekend. Head to the spot for an increadible holiday celebration, along with Bowie hits you and more.

When: Saturday, December 21
Time: 10 pm
Where: Sneaky Dee’s — 431 College Street West
Admission: $5, available online

Divas Only – All I Want for Christmas Is You Edition

What: It’s the dance party where all they play are the divas of the past and present. Hear the hits of Mariah, Ariana, Gaga, Madonna, Britney, Beyoncé, and more. There’s even free candy at this holiday edition.

When: Saturday, December 21
Time: 10:30
Where: Glad Day Bookshop — 499 Church Street
Admission: Free before 11 pm; $5 cover between 11 and 11:30 pm; $10 after 11:30

Handel’s Messiah

What: Alexander Shelley, music director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, conducts Handel’s Messiah with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, and four dazzling Canadian soloists.

When: Saturday, December 21
Time: 8 pm
Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street
Admission: Tickets start at $75, available online

Withrow’s Winter Market

What: Withrow Park Farmers’ Market will transform Crow’s Theatre into an intimate community market. The pop-up celebrates all things local from handcrafted goods and artisanal foods to local farmers, makers, and crafters.

When: December 21 and 22
Time: Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Crow’s Theatre — 345 Carlaw Avenue
Admission: Free

Peter SmithPeter Smith

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