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It’s cold Toronto. And no matter what the calendar says, winter is definitely here.
Embrace the season and spend your time warming your heart with plenty of holiday (and just downright cool) events going on this weekend, December 20 to 22.
Friday, December 20
The Toronto Christmas Market
What: The Christmas Market is winding down this weekend, so be sure to catch its holiday magic. 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
Tickets: Available online
Cash Me If You Can
What: The incredible true story of a down-on-his-luck man who cashed a $100,000 phony, junk mail check as a joke, and fought the world’s biggest bank when it actually cleared. A true-life David and Goliath tale that captured the imagination of millions.
When: Now until December 22
Time: Times vary
Where: Berkeley St. Theatre — 26 Berkeley Street
Admission: Tickets start at $45, available online
The Nutcracker
What: See an unforgettable production of The Nutcracker featuring ballerina powerhouses Anastasia Stashkevich and Vyacheslav Lopatin, principal dancers of the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. With Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, The Nutcracker is bound to add more cheer to your Christmas.
When: Now until January 4
Time: 2 pm and 7 pm
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Admission: From $67 to $142, available online
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
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
A Christmas Story
What: Based off the movie, this theatrical production of A Christmas Story has all the classic hallmarks of the film, from the leg lamp to pink bunny PJ’s to a young man’s quest for an air rifle.
When: Friday, December 20
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Lower Ossington Theatre — 100 Ossington Avenue
Admission: $59.99 to $69.99, available online
Addams Family Christmas Bazaar
What: It’s a show of local odd crafts, fashion, and other accessories. Food and drinks will also be offered in this “Christmas in Halloween theme” style event. There will also be a costume contest with prizes and live entertainment.
When: Friday, December 20
Time: 2 pm to 9 pm
Where: See-Scape — 347 Keele Street
Admission: Free
Die Hard
What: Christmas movie or not, it’s the time to watch John Mclean take Gruber out. See Bruce Willis at the peak of his powers as an 80s action star. (He even had hair.)
When: December 20 to 22
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Admission: $15, available online
Addams Family Christmas Bazaar
What: It doesn’t have to be Christmas if you don’t want it to be. Shop local odd crafts, fashion, and other accessories. Food and drinks will also be offered and it’s a Christmas in Halloween theme.
When: Friday, December 20
Time: 2 to 9 pm
Where: See Scape — 347 Keele Street
Admission: Free
12 Beers of the Holidays
What: Sample 12 different beers from a collection of different breweries. Grab a passport and enjoy good works of an all-Ontario selection of brews. It’s the place to be if you love Christmas-themed excuses to drink and the best local craft beers.
When: Friday, December 20
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Gladstone Hotel — 1214 Queen Street West
Admission: $30 to $35, available online
Karaoke Fiesta with Mariachi
What: It’s not just time to party, it’s time to sing. Take your favourite tunes up on stage and delight and revile friends and strangers alike at this Karaoke Fiesta of both English and Spanish songs.
When: Friday, December 20
Time: 7 pm
Where: Frisaca — 592 Queen Street West
Admission: Free
Saturday, December 21
The Music Of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
What: Head to the Dakoda Tavern for an all-ages rendition of the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. It’ll be full of good feels and great options from the kitchen.
When: Saturday, December 21
Time: 2 to 4 pm
Where: The Dakota Tavern — 249 Ossington Avenue
Admission: $10, available online
Kensington Market Winter Solstice
What: Ignite the darkest night of the year at this uniquely Toronto event. It’s the 30th year the celebration has taken place and is worth braving the cold.
When: Saturday, December 21
Time: Parade starts at 7 pm
Where: Kensington Market
Admission: Free
K POP North
What: Do you love the heck out of K Pop music? Get ready to see performers like KARD, VERIVERY, Zion.T, and The Rose take the stage at KPOP North 2019. KPOP North will cater to the multitude of Canadian fans of Korean culture giving them the opportunity to dive into the world of K-Beauty, K-Food, K-Culture and, of course, K-Music. K-ool!
When: Saturday, December 21
Time: 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre — 255 Front Street West
Admission: Passes start at $99, available online
Wannabe presents Naughty and Spice
What: Get ready to see Wannabe, a full-on, girl-powered, Spice Girl tribute band. They’re taking over the Opera House on Saturday. And if that wasn’t enough, they’re bringing True Colours, a Cindy Lauper tribute band along with them.
When: Saturday, December 21
Time: 8 pm
Where: Opera House — 735 Queen Street East
Admission: $19.67 to $24.99, available online
A Bowie Christmas Dance Party
What: There’s a Starman living in the sky, and he’ll blow your mind at Sneaky Dee’s this weekend. Head to the spot for an increadible holiday celebration, along with Bowie hits you and more.
When: Saturday, December 21
Time: 10 pm
Where: Sneaky Dee’s — 431 College Street West
Admission: $5, available online
Divas Only – All I Want for Christmas Is You Edition
What: It’s the dance party where all they play are the divas of the past and present. Hear the hits of Mariah, Ariana, Gaga, Madonna, Britney, Beyoncé, and more. There’s even free candy at this holiday edition.
When: Saturday, December 21
Time: 10:30
Where: Glad Day Bookshop — 499 Church Street
Admission: Free before 11 pm; $5 cover between 11 and 11:30 pm; $10 after 11:30
Handel’s Messiah
What: Alexander Shelley, Music Director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, conducts Handel’s Messiah with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, and four dazzling Canadian soloists.
When: Saturday, December 21
Time: 8 pm
Where: Roy Thomson Hall — 60 Simcoe Street
Admission: Tickets start at $75, available online
Withrow’s Winter Market
What: Withrow Park Farmers’ Market will transform Crow’s Theatre into an intimate community market. The pop-up celebrates all things local from handcrafted goods and artisanal foods to local farmers, makers, and crafters.
When: December 21 and 22
Time: Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Crow’s Theatre — 345 Carlaw Avenue
Admission: Free
Sunday, December 22
Apres Ski Day Party
What: To wrap up stack Market’s 27 day Holiday Hills festival they’re hosting an 80s video dance party with ski shots, s’mores, snow cones a costume contest, and more. Grab your friends and dress in your 80s Aprés-Ski best.
When: Sunday, December 22
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: stackt Market — 28 Bathurst Street
Admission: $10, available online
Bad Santa
What: Most likely the single greatest movie to watch when you’ve had just about as much Christmas cheer as you can handle. See Billy Bob Thorton at the height of his debaucherous powers on the big screen.
When: Sunday, December 22
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: Paradise — 1006 Bloor Street West
Admission: $14, available online
Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks
What: Maybe you’ve heard that Toronto is ballin’? Well, the rumours are true. It’s time to go see the NBA Champions in action against the Dallas Mavericks. Pack the house, Toronto.
When: Sunday, December 22
Time: 3:30 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena
Admission: Current price $64 to $441, available online
Clara Engel – Solstice Show
What: Listen to some electric dirges and shadowy tunes and Engel’s Solstice Show. Celebrate the passing of the year’s darkest day with some worthy music.
When: Sunday, December 22
Time: 8 to 10 pm
Where: Hirut Cafe — 2050 Danforth Avenue
Admission: $10
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