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It’s the last weekend of the year, so pack it full of memories. Toronto has so many great things going on you’ll be sad to see 2019 come to an end. (Not really, but you will have fun.)
Friday, December 27
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
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: Now 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
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
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
Price: $17.99, available online
CATS
What: See the live version without any CGI. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.
When: On until January 5
Time: Times vary
Where: Princess of Wales Theatre — 300 King Street West
Admission: Tickets start at $39, available online
What’s in the Box
What: What’s in Box Music Festival (WITB) is where the plethora of Canadian talent — from DJs, to singer-songwriters, to cultural producers – get to showcase their music, their ideas and visions. It’s five days of increadible art.
When: Now until December 30
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: The Drake Hotel — 1150 Queen Street West
Admission: $5, available online
Light Up the Dark
What: Light Up the Dark returns for three evenings this season. Bring family and friends to watch as 3D projection mapping transforms the Museum’s façade into a series of colossal artworks. There will also be pop-up performances and the museum will be open late.
When: December 27 to 29
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Aga Khan Museum — 77 Wynford Drive
Admission: Free
DisasterFEST 2019
What: It’s a six hour marathon of wild, weird, and experimental comedy. Every 10 minutes is a new show that is gets wilder than the next. Don’t bring the kids to this show. It’s a raunchy time of no holds barred comedy.
When: Friday, December 27
Time: 8 pm
Where: Bad Dog Comedy Theatre — 875 Bloor Street West
Admission: $20, available online
Love Actually
What: This may or may not really be a love story, but it certainly fun to watch. Follow everyone from ageing rockstars to the Prime Minister, as they fumble their way through love, romance, and Christmas.
When: Friday, December 27
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Cinesphere — Remembrance Drive
Admission: $15, available online
After Hours
What: It’s a party, and a show, it’s a party show. See one of the best ensembles of comedians in the city, coming together for a night of raucous jokes, stories, and more. This venue does not disappoint.
When: Friday, December 27
Time: 11:30 pm
Where: Comedy Bar — 945 Bloor Street West
Admission: $8, available online
Blues Brothers
What: Brothers Jake and Elwood embark on a madcap mission from God to get their band back together and save an orphanage in this sprawling comedy from Second City alums John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Along the way the brothers dodge state police, a mysterious assassin and Illinois Nazis.
When: Friday, December 27
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: Paradise — 1006 Bloor Street West
Admission: $14, available online
Closer To Zero, Third World Famous, and Forever Living Young
What: Head to see some good ol’ fashioned live music at one of the city’s most iconic venues. Sneaky Dee’s is everything you hope for in a punk bar. Try out their selection of brews while jamming out to Closer To Zero, Third World Famous, and Forever Living Young.
When: Friday, December 27
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Sneaky Dee’s — 431 College Street West
Admission: $12
Wild Wild Holiday Party
What: Handlebar is not letting the holiday season go without a fight. They’ve got an all vinyl set coming up of 45 rpm 50s and 60s holiday rock n soul. It’s time to dance to garage, RnB, beat, fuzz and tons of other hip shakers.
When: Friday, December 27
Time: 10 pm
Where: Handlebar — 159 Augusta Avenu
Saturday, December 28
Drakemas: Drake Holiday Dance Party
What: Don’t be upset this holiday season. Call the broskis and head out to a ridiculous event. Show your love for this great city of ours by celebrating everyone’s favourite member of the Raptors, Drake.
When: Saturday, December 28
Time: 10 pm to 2 am
Where: Sneaky Dee’s, 431 College Street West
Admission: $5, available online
Ashley with a ‘Y’
What: An awe-inspiring mix of cabaret, raconteuring and quick-as-lighting musical improv, watch Ashley Botting perform most people’s worst nightmare, and ever-so glamorously. Collecting audience suggestions at the beginning of the show, Botting, with the aid of gifted pianist Scott White, tackles everything from the mundane to deep human truths, in improvised song.
When: Saturday, December 28
Time: 9 pm
Where: Paradise — 1006 Bloor Street West
Admission: $33, available online
Good Enough Live Karaoke: They Play, You Sing
What: If you’ve ever had a secret desire to sing on stage with a band, Good Enough Live Karaoke is coming to unleash your inner rockstar and make it happen. Get up on stage and sing your heart out with live backup.
When: Saturday, December 28
Time: 10 pm
Where: Gladstone Hotel — 1214 Queen Street West
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. New York Rangers
What: The New York Rangers came all the way to Toronto to get beat by the Maple Leafs. That’s pretty considerate of them. Show them how welcoming we can be and cheer on the Leafs at the same time.
When: Saturday, December 28
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena
Admission: Tickets start at $134, available online
HEY GIRL HEY: Hail Santa!
What: It’s a late-night holiday drag show of epic proportions. Listen to some of the best hip-hop from DJ Orange Pekoe after taking all the festive cheer of Beardoncé. It’ll stuff your stocking one more time before the new year.
When: Saturday, December 28
Time: 12 am
Where: The Baby G — 1608 Dundas Street West
Admission: $10
Selectress Sunshine
What: Calling all Mods, Mod lovers, and other incredibly well-dressed individuals. It’s time to descend on Swan Dive and dance to some of the best soul tracks on offer.
When: Saturday, December 28
Time: 10 pm
Where: Swan Dive –1631 Dundas Street West
Night of Rock
What: A night of rock classics with this show’s headliner, Destroyer. Also appearing will be Sticks N’ Stones, and Maiden 06. All will be playing songs from artists like Kiss, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Metallica, GnR, Motorhead, and more.
When: Saturday, December 28
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Rockpile — 5555 Dundas Street West
Sunday, December 29
Polar Bear Skate at The Bentway
What: Strip down to your skivvies and hit the trail. The Polar Bear Skate is free to attend — just bring your skates and you’re good to go. If you don’t have skates, there are rentals onsite.
Ready to brave the cold? All participants must sign a waiver before taking part in the Polar Bear Skate
When: Sunday, December 29
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: The Bentway — 250 Fort York Boulevard
Admission: Free
Toronto Raptors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
What: The Raps are hard at work this season. In their latest soon-to-be victory, they’ll be taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder. We hope our guys aren’t too tired from carrying those rings around.
When: Sunday, December 29
Time: 6 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena
Admission: Tickets currently $72 to $517, available online
The HOT LIST – December Edition
What: Want to know what’s hot right now? Better head out to this comedy show and find out for yourself. It’s a monthly showcase of national performers who deliver big laughs. Warning: This will be funny.
When: Sunday, December 29
Time: 11 pm
Where: 945 Bloor Street West
Admission: $12, available online
DJ workshop: Mixing Techniques and Harmonic Mixing
What: Does a secret music producer live deep within you? Are you curious about how to start or improve your skills on the decks? Well, this is the class you want to take. Learn everything from equipment set up to basic mixing techniques.
When: Sunday, December 29
Time: 1 to 2 pm
Where: Mod Club Theatre — 722 College Street
Admission: $75, available online
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