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It’s the perfect day for a Sunday Funday in Toronto.
And luckily there are plenty of exciting events happening all day throughout the city!
So be sure to get outside and enjoy the final day of the weekend.
Aurora Winter Festival
@aurorafestto_/Instagram
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 December 30
Time: 4 pm to 10 pm
Where: Ontario Place, East Island
Price: $19.99 for general admission
Body Shop Portrait Pawty
What: The Body Shop invites you and your furry friend to join it for a portrait pawty this weekend. The Body Shop is celebrating reaching its goal of 8 million signatures on its Forever Against Animal Testing campaign and it’s inviting dog owners to bring their pets in to have it photographed with the one and only Santa Paws.
When: Now until December 2
Time: 1 pm to 4 pm
Where: The Body Shop, 2366 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Price: Free!
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
Waterloo Central Railway Polar Express
What: All aboard! This holiday season, you’re invited to embark on a magical holiday journey as you take a ride on the Polar Express. Operated by the Waterloo Central Railway, as soon as you step on board, you’ll be whisked away to the sounds of the beloved film’s motion soundtrack. Passengers can then sit back and relax as they enjoy freshly prepared hot cocoa and holiday treats as they are read the classic holiday story.
When: Now until December 22
Time: Select times available, check the website for details
Where: Waterloo Central Railway Train Museum Platform, 50 Isabella Street
Price: Available online from $49.99 per person
Toronto Christmas Market
Courtesy of Toronto Christmas Market
What: Always festive, always fun, always filling, you can count on the Toronto Christmas Market for your food and drink fix. Whether you’re craving savoury sausage, sweet sugar cookies or warming mulled wine, there’s something here to satisfy you.
When: Now until December 23 (closed 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 Historic District
Price: $6 admission fee on weekends only
Holiday Fair in the Square
What: Holiday Fair in the Square, in support of Epilepsy Toronto, is back and bigger than ever and the fair will be running from December 1 to 23 at Nathan Phillips Square. Now in its third year, Holiday Fair includes an open-air artisan village. There will be over 50 talented vendors selling gifts and special treats, just in time for you to cross off your list.
When: Now until December 23, closed Mondays
Time: Tuesday to Thursday, 4 pm to 9 pm; Friday to Sunday, 12 pm to 10 pm
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Price: No cover
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 Ghostbusters, Alien, Aliens, 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
Miracle on Queen Street
What: This Christmas-themed bar is popping up on Queen Street West is officially open. Bring your Grinchiest-friend along… this spot’s sure to get everyone in the holiday mood with their elaborate decor and seasonal cocktails.
When: Now until December 26
Time: Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 2 am; Saturday and Sunday, 12 pm to 2 am
Where: 251 Queen Street West
Price: Pay for what you order
Evergreen Winter Village
Evergreen Brick Works / Instagram
What: Glide around the free skating rink, shop local vendors at the holiday market, and feast on festive foods during your visit. Hungry for more? The food vendors will change week to week, featuring appearances from Chocosol Traders, Get Your Own Taters, The Arepa Republic, Fully Loaded TO, The Food Dudes, and many more.
When: Now until December 31 (open every weekend)
Time: 10 am to 5 pm (10 am to 3 pm on December 24)
Where: 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
Price: Entry is free
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
What: Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville will be transformed into a winter wonderland this holiday season. The annual event will illuminate the neighbourhood this December, creating a unique destination for patrons of the neighbourhood 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 2019
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: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11 am to 8 pm; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 8 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Where: Harbourfront Centre
Price: From $32
A Nutcracker Christmas at the Castle
Casalomatoronto/Instagram
What: Toronto’s iconic castle is being transformed into a magical winter wonderland this month and will feature a wide range of activities and thrilling performances that are sure to be fun for the whole family.
Daily: December 1 to January 6, 9:30 am to 5 pm
Nightly: December 17 to December 23, 5 pm to 9 pm
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
Price: From $22.15 to $32.49
Simcoe Christmas Panorama
What: Although this is a bit of a trek from Toronto, it’s perfect for those wanting to go on a festive road trip. Each year, Simcoe puts on an incredible light display called Christmas Panorama that features over 60 dazzling light displays. The spectacle shimmers with thousands of lights transforming the downtown parks into a winter wonderland, attracting visitors from across the province and the US.
When: Now until December 6
Time: 5:30 pm to 11 pm
Where: Wellington Park, 50 Bonnie Drive, Simcoe
Admission: Free
Light Up the Beach
What: Now in its 11th year, Light Up the Beach features more than 80,000 twinkling lights along the Toronto Beaches boardwalk to support The Michael Garron Hospital Foundation. The light display is truly a sight to see and a holiday tradition that every Torontonian should enjoy.
When: Now until mid-February
Time: 7 pm
Where: At the foot of Leuty Avenue, The Beach
Price: Free to visit
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 now 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
Winter Flower Show
Winter Flower Show/Facebook
What: Add some much-needed colour to your life this winter at this annual flower show. Breathtaking floral scenes with thousands of colourful blooms, vines and lush plants from around the world will transform Alan Gardens into a memorable, must-see winter destination.
When: December 2 to January 9
Time: 10 am to 5 pm; with extended hours on select dates to 7 pm
Where: Allan Gardens Park and Conservatory, 19 Horticultural Avenue
Price: Free
Vegan Holiday Brunch
What: You can have your vegan, gluten-free, raw, nut-free options and eat them too at this plant-based brunch event. Here you’ll find vegan eats, music, giveaways, shopping and all-around good vibes.
When: December 2
Time: 12 pm to 3 pm
Where: 44 Charles Street East
Price: $25
Holiday Party with Live Latin Music and Dancing
What: This holiday party, hosted by The Salsa Club, will feature live Latin music, dancing, food and drinks. Come dance your way into the holidays.
When: December 2
Time: 4 pm to 8 pm
Where: The Ezone – 120 North Queen Street, Etobicoke
Price: $15
iHeartRadio Canada Jingle Ball
What: The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball will be returning to Toronto this month and will be bringing a star-studded lineup of performers. Look forward to performances from The Chainsmokers, Khalid, Dua Lipa, Alessia Cara, Loud Luxury, Tyler Shaw, Lauv, bülow, MAX, Delaney Jane, Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine, and more.
When: December 2
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena 40 Bay Street
Price: From $75
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