16 things to do in Toronto today: Sunday, January 6

When you’re done fighting off your hangover with bottomless mimosas and a greasy brunch, you’re going to want to check out these awesome events happening in the city.

From hilarious comedy shows to delicious foodie events, here are the top events happening in the city this fine Sunday, January 6.

Free Fried Chicken

What: Gdous Juicy Chicken House is celebrating the grand opening of their second location this weekend. Starting Friday and going through to Sunday, the first 100 customers each day will receive a piece of free fried chicken. Choose between the BA chicken leg or a crispy chicken steak… either way, you’ll leave satisfied.

When: Now until January 6
Time: Beginning at 11:30 am
Where: Gdous Juicy Chicken House Bloor – 495 Bloor Street West
Price: Free

Vintage Patch Pop-Up Sale

What: Whether you have a jacket that needs jazzin’ up or you’re just a vintage patch collector, this is a pop-up sale you won’t want to miss. You can browse through the largest selection of vintage patches in Canada in downtown Toronto this weekend.

When: Now until January 6
Time: 9 am to 6 pm
Where: 438 Queen Street West
Price: Free admission

A Nutcracker Christmas at the Castle

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.

When: Now until January 6
Time: 9:30 am to 5 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 January 6
Time: 5:30 pm to 11 pm
Where: Wellington Park, 50 Bonnie Drive, Simcoe
Admission: Free

Cinesphere Winter Film Series: Black Panther

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 theatre is kicking off the month with a screening of Black Panther.

When: Now until January 6
Time: 7 pm
Where: Cinesphere at Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd West
Price: $15 for adults

Burlington Festival of Lights

What: The Burlington Festival of Lights is the city’s longest-running festival, which lights up the waterfront from dusk to dawn over the holiday season. Now in its 23rd year, the festival will feature 60 festive displays that can be viewed up close or from the warmth of your car.

When: Now until January 8
Time: After sundown
Where: Spencer Smith Park, Burlington, Ontario
Admission: Free

Winter Flower Show

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: Now until 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

Eat Famous French Pastry

What: Nadege is bringing back a limited-edition favourite. The Galette de Rois is filled with a rich and velvety almond pastry creme… and a small trinket called the fève. The trinket is hidden in one of the tart’s slices, and the person who finds it gets to keep it! The pastry will be available for three weeks at all locations starting from January 5. 

When: Now until January 26
Time: Varies by store location
Where: 780 Queen Street West; 1099 Yonge Street; Richmond Adelaide Centre – 120 Adelaide Street West
Price: $35

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 27
Time: Thursday, 11 am to 7 pm; Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 7 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 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

Skating at Nathan Phillips Square

What: Skating at Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto is a quintessential winter activity for anyone who lives or is visiting this city. And it’s all in the heart of our beloved downtown core. Throw in change rooms, washrooms, a snack shop, and skate rentals and you’ve got everything an entire weekend afternoon needs.

When: On now until March 17
Time: 9 am to 10 pm
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Price: Free (skate rentals are available on-site)

Yoga, Beer and Brunch

What: Start your 2019 off right with 60 minutes of Vinyasa Flow yoga led by Becki Charles, followed by a well-deserved flight of People’s Pint beers with a tutored tasting with owner and Prud’homme Master Sommelier Doug Appeldoorn.

When: January 6
Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: People’s Pint Brewing Company, 90 Cawthra Avenue (Unit 101)
Price: $25

Bootcamp + Beer

What: Working out and beer? This sounds like a bootcamp we could get used to. Junction Craft Brewing is hosting this fun workout that combines strength, conditioning and motivation to work off the calories you’ll consume after class, Post workout you’ll raise a pint to all the hard work you just put in.

When: January 6
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Where: Junction Craft Brewing, 150 Symes Road
Price: $22 to $52

Paint Pouring with a Pint

What: Get your creative juices flowing this Sunday as you sip on a pint at this fun abstract art workshop. During the workshop, you’ll develop and refine your paint pouring skills and incorporate wax to add details using negative space. No experience required!

When: January 6
Time: 12 pm to 2 pm
Where: Fresh Paint Studio (Danforth East), 1849 Danforth Avenue
Price: $42, $48 with beer

Classic Chocolate Making

What: Learn about the history of this delectable, romantic treat and make your own truffles at this hands-on event. You’ll get to learn about tempering and moulding decorate a lava cake, and take home a box of delicious truffles. Which you can share… or savour all for yourself. We won’t tell.

When: January 6
Time: 5 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: The Mad Bean Coffee House – 519 Eglinton Avenue West

Sunday Night Live Best of 2018

What: If you’re in the mood to get your laugh on, Sunday Night Live returns to Toronto’s Comedy Bar this Sunday. Sunday Night Live is written by and features The Sketchersons and is modelled after SNL featuring all-new sketches, live music, and a special guest host every week.

When: January 6
Time: 9 pm to 11 pm
Where: Comedy Bar, 945b Bloor Street West
Price: $10

See also

• You can skate for FREE below the Gardiner Expressway this winter
• You'll have even more chances to visit Happy Place this January
• Get discounted lift tickets for National Ski and Snowboard Day this winter