17 things to do in Toronto today: Saturday, December 7

Dec 5 2019, 7:05 pm

Saturday is the best part of the weekend. Get outside and see why this weekend. Toronto is offering some seriously fun activities so check it out this December 7.

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: On until 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

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: Now until January 6
Where: 1501 Yonge Street
Admission: Free

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 Sunday, December 22 (closed on Mondays)
Tickets: 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

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
Tickets: Start at $21.99, 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
Price: $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. This is the last day of the event.

When: Saturday, December 7
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: 350 King Street West
Admission: Prices vary, check online

Undaunted: Into the Open

What: Get ready for a jam of both new originals and beloved songs played on booming drums; story vignettes on resistance, resilience, and what lives on through collective struggle; and collaborations exciting new guest artists.

When: Now until December 8
Time: 8 pm
Where: Betty Oliphant Theatre — 404 Jarvis Street
Admission: $25 to $35, available 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: Now until December 8
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse — 79 Saint George Street
Admission: Free, register online

Come From Away “Kitchen Party”

What: Just in time for the season of giving, Toronto’s hit production Come From Away invites you to a one-time-only fundraising event like no other as cast and musicians from the show throw a very East Coast style “kitchen party” at Daily Bread Food Bank to raise much needed funds for their food programs.

When: Saturday, December 7
Time: 2 pm
Where: 191 New Toronto Street
Admission: $100, available online

Headstones and Finger Eleven

What: Are you ready to rock like it’s 2002? Canadian power band the Headstones and their special guest Finger Eleven are in the city playing old and new hits.

When: Saturday, December 7
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street
Admission: $39.50, available online

Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical

What: Based on the smash-hit movie Bend It Like Beckham, this musical follows two west London girls on and off the pitch. Making its North American debut in Toronto this play is written by Gurinder Chadha, the writer of the original film, with lyrics by Phantom of the Opera’s Charles Hart, and music by award-winning composer Howard Goodall.

When: December 7 to 24
Time: Shows at 2 pm and 8 pm
Where: St. Lawrence Centre, 27 Front St E
Admission: Tickets start at $79, available 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: Saturday, December 7
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: 1254 Danforth Avenue
Admission: Free

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

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