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Somehow it’s already the last weekend of November. As we crash headfirst into the final month of the year, find yourself some awesome things to do in Toronto this November 29 to December 1.
Friday, November 29
The Toronto Christmas Market
What: The Christmas Market will feature daily entertainment on the outdoor stage, beer gardens, mulled wine, and various vendors, all wrapped up in holiday magic. Climb into your warmest gear and get to the Distillery District for some Christmas cheer!
Remember to get photos of The Market’s famous 50-foot tree, which will flood the space with the glow of its 40,000 lights.
Where: The Distillery District
When: Now until December 22 (closed on Mondays)
Tickets: Available online
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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
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
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
In the Realm of Oshima: The Best of Japanese Master Nagisa Oshima
What: Running 11 films created by Japanese filmmaker Nagisa Oshima, this run of movies hosted by TIFF is a serious piece of reference material for anyone looking to tell stories through moving pictures. See Oshima’s classics, from Boy to the deeply satirical Pleasures of the Flesh.
When: Now until December 7
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: 350 King Street West
Admission: Prices vary, check online
Chelsea Handler’s Stand-up Comedy Tour
What: She took late night by storm, now she’s touring the country dispensing her own personal wisdom, observation, and straight-up truths to audiences. Check out the show and laugh until it hurts.
When: Friday, November 29
Time: 7 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 190 Princes’ Boulevard
Admission: Tickets start at $49.99, available online
Cher concert
What: It doesn’t matter if you believe in a life after love, you’ll be able to die happy after seeing the queen herself, Cher, live in Toronto. An icon of multiple generations, the illustrious singer will be stopping by the city as part of her latest worldwide tour.
When: Friday, November 29
Time: 8 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena — 40 Bay Street
Admission: Tickets start at $107, available online
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
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. It’s the last Disco Friday of the month.
When: November 29
Time: 10 pm to 2 am
Where: The Piston, 937 Bloor St W
Admission: Free, register online
Saturday, November 30
Cavalcade of Lights 2019
What: Each year, the holiday traditions bring thousands of people down to Nathan Phillips Square and besides all the lights, the event will include live musical performances from some of Canada’s top performers and a skating party on the iconic outdoor rink.
The highlight of the evening, of course, is the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas Tree, which glitters with more than 525,000 lights and hundreds of individual ornaments and will light up Nathan Phillips Square through to New Year’s Eve.
When: Saturday, November 30
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Nathan Phillips Square — 100 Queen Street W at Bay Street
Price: Free to attend
Horror-Rama
What: Toronto’s premier event for fans of all things horror returns to its roots this Halloween season. Intimate and accessible, this year’s HORROR-RAMA will focus on bringing you what you have come to expect: the highest calibre of guests working in horror film and culture, the most amazing and unique exhibitors and artisans, insightful panel discussions and a full line-up of film screenings.
When: November 30 to December 1
Time: Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm
Where: 918 Bathurst Street
Admission: From $25
Brainfreeze: Polar Bear Dip
What: Time to get wet and freezing cold, Toronto. Taking place across the whole country, Brainfreeze, a Polar Bear Dip for youth mental health is going down. Make sure to sign up online and take the challenge this weekend.
When: Saturday, November 30
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Woodbine Beach — 1675 Lake Shore East
Admission: $20, register online
Prozzäk
What: It won’t suck to be you if you score tickets to this show. You’ve got a strange disease called nostalgia, and live it to the fullest at the Prozzäk Never Get Over You tour. The animated duo is hitting the Danforth Music Hall.
When: Saturday, November 30
Time: 7 pm
Where: The Danforth Music Hall — 147 Danforth Avenue
Admission: Tickets start at $36, available online
After Hours
What: It’s a weekend show of some of the funniest and most talented comedic minds in the city and still have time to catch the train home afterwards. After Hours at Comedy Bar is a hilarious institution not to be missed as the venue collects the best local laugh-smiths around.
When: Saturday, November 30
Time: 11:30 pm to 1 am
Where: Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor Street W
Admission: $8, available online
The Longevity Sack
What: The Consulate General of Japan will be organizing a free Kyogen performance that’s not to be missed. Enjoy the work of The Shigeyama Kyogen troupe as they put on “The Longevity Sack,” a traditional theatrical masterpiece that invites the audience to laugh at the subtleties of love between husband and wife.
When: Saturday, November 30
Time: 5 to 8 pm
Where: Varley Art Gallery — 216 Main Street Unionville
Admission: Free
Sunday, December 1
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 winter time destination.
When: December 1 to January 6
Where: 1501 Yonge Street
Admission: Free
A Nutcracker Christmas at the Castle
What: Toronto’s only castle will host a wide range of activities and thrilling performances that will be fun for the whole family. Enjoy new shows by famed illusionist entertainer Professor Wick and ice skating performers Glisse on Ice. Guests will be surrounded by holiday magic throughout the castle which will be resplendent with holiday décor,
When: December 1 to January 5
Time: Daily, December 1 to January 5, 9.30 am to 5 pm; nightly, December 15 to December 30, 5 pm to 9 pm
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
Admission: $30, available online
The One of a Kind Show
What: The first day of the month, is the last day of the show. While this market is much larger than your typical artisan market, the One of a Kind Show is the perfect opportunity to shop for Canadian handmade goods while the weather is still somewhat reasonable.
When: Sunday, December 1
Time: Times vary
Where: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Boulevard
Admission: $15, available online
Andrei Tarkovsky | Solaris
What: See Andrei Tarkovsky’s increadible masterwork of cinema. Ground control has been receiving mysterious transmissions from the three remaining residents of the Solaris space station. When cosmonaut and psychologist Kris Kelvin is dispatched to investigate, he experiences the same strange phenomena that afflict the Solaris crew, sending him on a voyage into the darkest recesses of his consciousness.
When: Sunday, December 1
Time: 6 pm
Where: The Royal Cinema, 608 College Street
Admission: $12, available online
Vegan Holiday Brunch
What: Plant-based brunch? Don’t mind if we do. Indulge in scrumptious, fresh, and nutritious food made with love that is sure to please your senses. The menu offers an assortment of mainly gluten-free appetizers, fresh salads, stews, waffles, fruit, and more.
When: Sunday, December 1
Time: 12 to 3 pm
Where: 555 Dundas Street East
Admission: $25, available online
For The Ladies…A Celebration of Women in Dance
What: Check out an intimate showcase of works by an incredible all-female line up of emerging and established artists. Celebrate the female voice in dance and stay to vibe out with DJ @miasalav.
When: Sunday, December 1
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Danceology — 2700 Dufferin Street, unit 4
Admission: $10 at the door, limited availability