19 things to do in Toronto today: Saturday, November 24

Whether you’re looking to spend some time with your family or wanting to go out with friends, Toronto has something for everyone to enjoy this fine Saturday, November 25.

Check out these events in the city today, and have a great weekend.

Gourmet Food and Wine Expo

What: This one is for the foodies. The 24th annual Gourmet Food and Wine Expo returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, filling it with food, wine and spirits of all kinds.

When: Now until November 25
Time: Saturday, 12 pm to 10 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, 222 Bremner Blvd.
Price: From $20

Google Home Mini Gingerbread Smart Home

What: To celebrate the beginning of the holiday season, Google is bringing the ultimate Gingerbread House, the Google Home Mini Gingerbread Smart Home, to the Toronto Eaton Centre this month.  Visitors can see how the Google Home Mini can help be that extra set of hands through the busy holiday season and beyond. All guests will walk away with either a Google Home Mini or a gingerbread cookie.

When: Now until November 29
Time: Saturday, 9:30 am to 9:30 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Toronto Eaton Centre
Price: Free to attend

Bombay Sapphire Gin Pop-Up Canvas Bar

What: This month, Bombay Sapphire Gin has set up Canvas Bar, the first-ever, interactive cocktail bar where guests can enjoy DIY drinks and play the role of master mixologist.

When: Now until November 30 (Thursday to Sunday)
Time: Thursday to Saturday, 6 pm to 12 am; Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: 950 Queen Street West
Price: Free to attend

One of a Kind Winter Show

What: This year’s winter show is back and bigger than ever, featuring thoughtfully made items from hundreds of artisans including thousands of festive foodie treats, home décor, artsy offerings and everything else you’ll need to get your festive shopping done. In addition to shopping, attendees can unleash their creative side at the One of a Kind Creative Lounge where you’ll find various art and DIY related workshops.

When: Now until  December 2
Time: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm; extended hours on November 29, 10 am to 11 pm
Where: Encare Centre Exhibition Place
Tickets: $13 for adults

Cinesphere Fall Film Series

What: Toronto’s Cinesphere theatre at Ontario Place will be screening several iconic films over the next few months as part of its fall and winter programming. The Cinesphere will screen a number of iconic films including Blade Runner: The Final Cut, Blade Runner 2049 in IMAX, The Fifth Element and Die Hard. 

When: Screenings running till December 23
Time: Showtimes vary by day
Where: Cinesphere at Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd West
Price: $15 for adults

Toronto Christmas Market

What: Rediscover the magic of Christmas at the Toronto Christmas Market. Here you’ll find an assortment of artisan vendors, an Instagram-worthy Christmas tree, live music, incredible Christmas decorations and so much more.

When: Now until December 23 (closed on Mondays)
Time: Tuesday to Thursday, 12 pm to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 10 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 9 pm
Where: The Distillery District
Price: $6 admission fee on weekends only

Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic

What: Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville will be transformed into a winter wonderland this winter, turning the neighbourhood into a unique destination for patrons to shop, dine and take in the area’s art and culture while surrounded by festive lighting.

When: Now until December 31
Time: After sunset
Where: Bloor-Yorkville Village
Price: Free to attend

Spiders: Fear & Fascination

What: This summer, the ROM welcomed a new exhibit, Spiders: Fear & Fascination and trust us, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The exhibit explores the hunting, burrowing, and weaving world of these eight-legged creatures and will feature more than 400 live and preserved spiders, cutting-edge interactive experiences, and new scientific discoveries.

When: Now until January
Time: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
Price: $32 for adults

Happy Place Toronto

What: Happy Place is an interactive, 20,000-sq-ft immersive exhibit with larger-than-life installations and multi-sensory themed rooms, and it’s on a mission to spread happiness here in Toronto and around the world.

When: Now until January 1
Time: Friday to Sunday, 10 am to 8 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre
Price: From $32

Winter at Ontario Place

What: Following last year’s successful inaugural winter program, Ontario Place will once again come alive this winter season. Running from November 23 to March 17, the West Island of Ontario Place will be home to the Winter Light Exhibition, free public skating on a synthetic rink and community bonfires. This year, visitors can also look forward to a series of DJ nights at the iconic waterfront venue and bring a range of beloved films to Cinesphere.

When: Now until March 17
Time: 6 pm to 12 am
Where: 955 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Price: Free to attend

41st Annual CN Tower Climb for United Way

What: Get ready to get your climb on. This weekend, the 41st annual CN Tower Climb for United Way returns, giving you the opportunity to get your sweat on for a good cause.

When: November 24 and 25
Time: Saturday, 6 am to 10 am; Sunday, 6 am to 10 am
Where: CN Tower
Price: A non-refundable registration fee applies — $10 for students and $20 for adults

Swedish Christmas Fair

What: This weekend, warm up to the sounds of children singing carols at the Lucia Pageant, grab some Fika, discover the story behind IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad and participate in folk dancing, craft making and more. It’s the perfect place to sample delicious Scandinavian food and have a drink of glögg. And you can check off your gift list with imported handmade crafts, unique Christmas décor, textiles and tasty Swedish delicacies.

When: November 24 and 25
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Price: Admission is free

King West Holiday Pop-Up

What: This free two-day event takes place in the heart of King West and features a highly curated collection of Toronto’s finest makers, designers and brands to kick off the holiday season.

When: November 24 and 25
Time: Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The Portland Market, 105 Portland Street
Price: Free admission

Norden: The Festival of Cool

What: Norden: The Festival of Cool, is taking over the Harbourfront Centre for nine days, inviting Toronto to discover the richness of the Nordic region. Featuring some of the most creative driving forces in Nordic contemporary art, music, and thought leadership, this inaugural festival promises to make you think differently about the dark nights of winter. Throughout the festival, visitors can look forward to Nordic music, visual arts, films, panel talks, a pop-up holiday market, and of course, food.

When: November 24 to December 2
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
Price: While many events are free, ticketed events start at $20

Kidzfest

What: It’s a day all for our little ones! Kidzfest includes stage performances from hosts from TVOKids, exciting stage shows, meet and greets with characters from PJ Masks, arts & crafts stations, bouncy castles, and more.

When: November 24
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East
Price: Admission is free

Coffee Cupping at Boxcar Summerhill

What: Boxcar Social wants to include you in their menu decisions, which is why they offer free coffee cupping sessions to the public. Learn about the origins of different coffees and sample different blends to help decide what will be on next week’s menu.

When: November 24
Time: 1 pm to 2 pm
Where: Boxcar Social – 1208 Yonge Street
Price: Free

ABBA on Ice

What: Calling all dancing queens! This Saturday, you’re invited to lace up and hit the ice at Toronto’s Natrel Rink for ABBA on Ice.

When: November 24
Time: 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: Natrel Rink, 235 Queen’s Quay West
Price: Free

Cavalcade of Lights 2018

What: The 52nd annual Cavalcade of Lights returns to Toronto this month and will feature the first lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree along with some spectacular fireworks. 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.

When: November 24
Time: 6 pm to 10 pm
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West at Bay Street
Price: Free to attend

Calabrian Christmas Dinner

What: If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to eat Spaghetti alle vongole, Frittura di calamari, Insalata mista, broccoli, rapini, roasted chestnuts, tangerines, Pignolata (and more!) all in one sitting… you’ve found it. Tickets for this delectable holiday meal are going for $75.

When: November 24
Time: 6:30 pm  to 10 pm
Where: Cucinato Italian Culinary Studio – 1338 Lansdowne Avenue
Price: $75

See also

• Toronto's gorgeous waterfront skating rink is officially open
• 12 places to see spectacular holiday light displays near Toronto this year
• 18 exciting indoor activities that'll keep you smiling during the Toronto winter