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It’s the first weekend of December and the holidays have definitely arrived. Whether you want to deck the halls or jingle all the way this weekend, Toronto has got something for you this December 6 to 8.
And don’t worry Grinches, there’s plenty for us too.
Friday, December 6
Tunnel of Glam
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
- See also:
The Toronto Christmas Market
What: The Christmas Market will feature daily entertainment on the outdoor stage, beer gardens, mulled wine, and various vendors, all wrapped up in holiday magic. Climb into your warmest gear and get to the Distillery District for some Christmas cheer!
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 (closed on Mondays)
Tickets: Available online
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: On 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
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
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
In the Realm of Oshima: The Best of Japanese Master Nagisa Oshima
What: Running 11 films created by Japanese filmmaker Nagisa Oshima, this run of movies hosted by TIFF is a serious piece of reference material for anyone looking to tell stories through moving pictures. See Oshima’s classics, from Boy to the deeply satirical Pleasures of the Flesh.
When: Now until December 7
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: 350 King Street West
Admission: Prices vary, check online
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
What: The longest-running and most prestigious nature photography competition in the world returns to the ROM for the seventh year in a row. Whether you’re a nature lover, aspiring photographer, or simply love a perfectly captured moment, you will appreciate the talent and technical expertise required to photograph such rare and surprising glimpses of the diverse life on this planet.
When: Now until March 29
Time: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Where: Royal Ontario Museum — 100 Queens Park
Admission: $31 for adults, $24 for students, $18 for children, available online
Undaunted: Into the Open
What: Get ready for a jam of both new originals and beloved songs played on booming drums; story vignettes on resistance, resilience, and what lives on through collective struggle; and collaborations exciting new guest artists.
When: Now until December 8
Time: 8 pm
Where: Betty Oliphant Theatre — 404 Jarvis Street
Admission: $25 to $35, available online
Eurydice
What: Eurydice is a modern, poetic reimagining of the classic greek myth of Orpheus bringing the perspective of Eurydice to the spotlight. Tender and delightful, this play pulls us into a state of introspection.
When: Now until December 8
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse — 79 Saint George Street
Admission: Free, register online
Wax Candy: Disco Fridays
What: Playing soulful, refreshing, and uplifting Disco all night. Listen to the selection from DJ Efsharp and Cyclist at this weekly dance event. Be prepared for disco standards you already know and some deep cuts that will probably surprise you.
When: December 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 10 pm to 2 am
Where: The Piston, 937 Bloor St W
Admission: Free, register online
Saturday, December 7
Come From Away “Kitchen Party”
What: Just in time for the season of giving, Toronto’s hit production Come From Away invites you to a one-time-only fundraising event like no other as cast and musicians from the show throw a very East Coast style “kitchen party” at Daily Bread Food Bank to raise much needed funds for their food programs.
When: Saturday, December 7
Time: 2 pm
Where: 191 New Toronto Street
Admission: $100, available online
Headstones and Finger Eleven
What: Are you ready to rock like it’s 2002? Canadian power band the Headstones and their special guest Finger Eleven are in the city playing old and new hits.
When: Saturday, December 7
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street
Admission: $39.50, available online
Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical
What: Based on the smash-hit movie Bend It Like Beckham, this musical follows two west London girls on and off the pitch. Making its North American debut in Toronto this play is written by Gurinder Chadha, the writer of the original film, with lyrics by Phantom of the Opera’s Charles Hart, and music by award-winning composer Howard Goodall.
When: December 7 to 24
Time: Shows at 2 pm and 8 pm
Where: St. Lawrence Centre, 27 Front St E
Admission: Tickets start at $79, available online
Hygge Holiday Market
What: Get ready to embrace the coziness of the holidays like never before. Besides awesome shopping, enjoy everything from a meditation seminar to taking part in mindful conversation.
When: Saturday, December 7
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: stackt market, 28 Bathurst Street
Admission: Free
Free Yoga
What: Feel more focused, relaxed and calm in body and mind while stretching in a tranquil, supportive environment. This can help set yourself up to transition with ease into meditation or with energy into your everyday activities. All levels are encouraged to join in.
When: Saturday, December 7
Time: Times vary, check online
Where: 1254 Danforth Avenue
Admission: Free
Leslieville Winter Market
What: Every Saturday you can shop baked goods, crafty gifts, and a huge selection of prepared food at the Leslieville Winter Market. It’s a celebration of all things local and seasonal, so don’t miss out.
When: Now until December 10
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Jonathan Ashbridges Park, 20 Woodward Avenue
Admission: Free
ANIMALIA: Animals in the Archives
What: In this exhibit, you’ll learn about five distinct animal groups in Ontario — fish, bears, horses, dogs and birds — and discover how animals connect Canadians to the land, provide food for many, help people get around, and enrich their lives. The diverse ways humans have recorded, remembered, and affected other animals often says as much about us as it does about them.
When: December 7 to January 1
Time: 8:30 am to 5 pm
Where: Archives of Ontario, 134 Ian Macdonald Blvd
Admission: Free
Sunday, December 8
The Star Wars Holiday Special
What: Screening at Handlebar is the movie that George Lucas probably wishes he could forget. See the intergalactic nightmare is the Star Wars Holiday Special. A hilarious sci-fi romp that can be enjoyed with a few beers.
When: Sunday, December 8
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Handlebar — 159 Augusta Avenue
Admission: Free to attend
The Bazaar of the Bizarre: FrostBite 2019
What: Not your typical Christmas show, The Bazaar of the Bizarre brings you arts, fashion and crafts that are: different, interesting, weird, strange, one of a kind, macabre, whimsical or just things to flip your brain out. Enjoy the event with entertaining DJs, magicians, dancers, and other oddities.
When: Sunday, December 8
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Native Canadian Centre of Toronto — 16 Spadina Road
Ridiculous Auction 2019
What: Site 3 coLaboratory is a 2,000 sq. ft. member-run makerspace in Toronto’s west end that’s dedicated to the intersection between art and technology. Their raising money by holding an auction of found and donated objects. Who knows what interesting find could be in there.
When: Sunday, December 8
Time: 2 to 5 pm
Where: Site 3 coLaboratory — 718R Ossington Avenue
Cautious Clay – Context Tour
What: Cautious Clay is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who is coming to Toronto, and after a quick venue switch will be appearing at The Great Hall. Don’t miss the rising talent and an incredibly soulful show. Tickets from Phoenix Concert Theatre will be honoured at the door.
When: Sunday, December 8
Time: 7 pm
Where: The Great Hall Toronto — 1087 Queen Street West
Admission: $18 to $44.50, available online
Deez Laughs Comedy Jam
What: Come for Laughs and stay for the sounds of one of Toronto’s best Hip Hop artists DJ Law. Hosted by Noor Kidwai, Deez Laughs is bringing some seriously funny people to the stage. This week includes Juliana Rodrigues, Marito Lopez, Paul Thompson and headliner Chris Locke.
When: Sunday, December 8
Time: 8 pm to 2 am
Where: Friday Roots — 876 Dundas Street West
Admission: $10
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