21 things to do in Toronto this weekend: January 5 to 7

Jan 5 2018, 3:21 am

Welcome to the first weekend of 2018.

You can stay warm by checking out all of the exciting events and activities happening in the city.

From DJ skate parties and concerts to the 16th annual No Pants Subway Ride, here are your top Toronto events from January 5 to 7.

Have a great weekend, Toronto!

See also

60th Anniversary of Dr. Seuss

What: In celebration of Dr. Seuss’ 60th Anniversary of “The Cat in the Hat” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, Toronto’s Liss Gallery is hosting a specially curated exhibition called The Art of Dr. Seuss.

When: Now until January 6
Where: Liss Gallery112 Cumberland Street

12 Trees: Let There Be Light

What: Now in its 27th year, 12 Trees is a beloved holiday tradition in Toronto that features unique installations from Canada’s leading designers and artists where they will have the chance to re-imagine the traditional Christmas tree. Remember, this is the final weekend to check out this year’s exhibit, so head to the Gardiner Museum ASAP!

When: Now until January 7
Where: Gardiner Museum, 11 Queen’s Park

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 22nd 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
Where: Spencer Smith Park, Burlington, Ontario

Music from People City

What: This winter, Toronto’s most iconic musical assets will be on display as Myseum of Toronto(a nonprofit museum dedicated to all things Toronto) presents Music from People City – a professionally curated event series that invites locals, visitors and travellers to experience the city’s world-class music scenes, sounds and stories firsthand.

When: Now until January 12
Where: Venues throughout the city

Christian Dior Exhibit at the ROM

What: Come explore the brilliance behind Christian Dior’s dramatic designs that revived the Paris haute couture industry following the Second World War at the ROM’s latest exhibit Christian Dior which officially begins this Saturday.

When: Now until March 18
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park

The Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls

What: The annual Winter Festival of Lights stretches over 8 kilometers in Niagara and will run through to the end of January. Attracting over 1 million visitors annually, this incredible spectacle is Canada’s largest lights festival. Just imagine a breathtaking, colourful scene with millions of sparkling lights and animated displays that extends to Dufferin Islands. And yes, it’s completely free to attend!

When: Now until the end of January
Where: Niagara Falls

Light Up the Beach

What: Now in its 10th year, Light Up the Beach features more than 80,000 twinkling Christmas 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
Where: At the foot of Leuty Avenue, The Beach

Winter at Ontario Place

What: Ontario Place will be welcoming a new festival this December: Winter at Ontario Place. The new festival features various winter-themed activities including the Winter Light Exhibition, skating on the new synthetic skating rink and film screenings at the newly re-opened Cinesphere.

When: Now until March 18
Where: Ontario Place

Kensington Krawl Food Tour

What: Calling all Toronto foodies!  Come and taste your way through Toronto’s most unique and eclectic neighbourhood on a culinary excursion in Kensington Market. As you stroll, you will learn about the history and heritage of the market, meet local shopkeepers and chefs, and indulge in a variety of delicious foods and drinks.

When: January 5, 11 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Meeting point is Jimmy’s Coffee (Kensington Market), 191 Baldwin Street

Long Winter

What: Start the new year off right by checking out some incredible live music at Toronto’s historic Gladstone Hotel as part of Long Winter, a monthly arts and music showcase. All of the traditional Long Winter policies will be in place: pay what you can at the door, all ages, all fun, and all access.

When: January 5, 7 pm to 2 am
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West

Miracle on Mercer Street

What: This Friday is the final night to see Miracle on Mercer Street, The Second City’s adorable puppet troupe and their funny human friends as they tell the story of a 13-year-old girl who spends the winter holiday visiting her grandmother in the town of Hollydale. But the town is being torn apart as the residents clash over their different traditions, and a dastardly mayor’s plan to chop down the town’s oldest tree!

When: January 5
Where: The Second City, 51 Mercer Street

Uncrwnd Volume 6

What: Toronto’s premiere concert series Uncrwnd returns this weekend and is taking over the Rivoli stage. You can expect an action-packed night, with performances from Cardo Antonnio, Don Papi, Haviah Mighty, Jalen Santoy, Jerelle, JETSET, Kyle Wildfern, Tahir, and Uptown Boyband. Tickets are available through the Jukebox app.

When: January 5, 10 pm to 2 am
Where: Rivoli, 332 Queen Street West

The Killers

What: Spend your Friday night rocking out to one of the greatest rock bands of our generation, The Killers. Relive the glory days of your youth as you sing along to the band’s hit tracks Mr. Brightside, Somebody Told Me, and  When We Were Young. 

When: January 5, 8 pm
Where: Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay Street

January Really Really Free Market

What: Whether you’re looking to clear up some space in your closet or find some new one-of-a-kind treasures, the Really Really Free Market is the place to be. Everything is free, no money is required, and there’s no swapping involved. Remember, if you bring items to share, you must bring them before 3 pm and please make sure they are in clean and working condition.

When: January 6, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Campbell Park, 225 Campbell Avenue

Bentway Skate Trail Official Opening

What: This Saturday, the highly anticipated Bentway Skate Trail located under the Gardiner Expressway will officially open to the public and will host a series of special family-friendly events all weekend long.

When: January 6, 11 am
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd

East Meets West: Movies and Music 

What:  Come and experience this epic performance showcasing the best music from the silver screen from China to Hollywood. This live performance will be put on by the internationally renowned China Broadcasting Film Orchestra and will feature timeless scores and soundtracks from both corners of the world that will be brought to life as films play on a massive LED screen in the backdrop.

When: January 6, 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street

DJ Skate Night: Soul On Ice

What: Sharpen your skates and skills at Toronto’s number one outdoor winter party. This Saturday you can expect another stellar DJ lineup for Soul On Ice to heat up your Saturday night.

When: January 6, 8 pm to 11 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West

Ukrainian Christmas Buffet

What: The historic Toronto inn sets a festive scene featuring “glorious Christmas decorations and wood-burning fireplaces,” carollers singing Ukrainian Christmas songs, and a Christmas buffet featuring a selection of traditional Ukrainian Christmas dishes this January.

When: January 7, 2018, seatings from 11:30 am to 3 pm; 5:30 pm to 9 pm
Where: 
Old Mill, 21 Old Mill Road

Mayor’s Winter Skate Party

What: This weekend, you’ll have the opportunity to lace up your skates and hit the ice with Toronto’s very own Mayor John Tory as part of his annual Winter Skate Party. This family-friendly event have complimentary skate rentals and hot chocolate, and plenty of winter fun at the city’s newest outdoor skating trail.

When: January 7, 1 pm to 4 pm
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd

No Pants Subway Ride

What: This Sunday, the 16th annual No Pants Subway Ride will be taking place at various Toronto subway stations. Hosted by the No Pants Society, the risqué subway ride will be happening simultaneously in 50+ cities around the world with the hopes of bringing a smile to commuters’ faces.

When: January 7, 3 pm to 11 pm
Where: Participating TTC Stations (starting station coming soon, check event page for details)

Casa Loma Canadian Winter Nights

What: This holiday season, the castle will be celebrating the season bigger than before by hosting a number of incredible festive events. There will also be plenty of holiday décor and lights to get you into the festive spirit, including a 40ft tall tree in the Great Hall, designed by Fashion Icon Jeanne Beker and eight other signature trees by talented Canadian designers.

When: January 7, 5 pm to 9 pm
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace

DH Toronto StaffDH Toronto Staff

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