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Now that October has come and gone, the holidays will be here before you know it, which means your wallet is about to take a bit of a beating.
To ensure you have plenty of money saved for the upcoming season, we’ve rounded up 28 free events happening in Toronto this November so you can still join in on the holiday fun without breaking the bank.
From an incredible holiday light show to Toronto’s iconic Santa Claus Parade, here are the top free November events to check out.
Toronto Pumpkin Parades
tomotto1001/Instagram
What: Give your pumpkin one last night to shine as you check out your neighbourhood Jack-0-lanterns on display. Since 2004, it’s become a tradition for parks across the city to host their own pumpkin parade. You can find a full list of participating parks here.
When: November 1
Time: Varies by the park, but typically at 6 pm
Where: Parks throughout the city
Price: Free to join
Free Slice of Pizza Pizza
What: It’s the ultimate trade – your leftover Halloween candy for a FREE slice of pizza, what could be better? Pizza Pizza is offering any customers who come on November 1 with candy (minimum three pieces wrapped) a free slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza. The Toronto-based pizza chain will be giving all the donated candy to a charitable organization.
When: November 1
Time: Hours vary by location
Where: Participating Pizza Pizza locations across Canada
Price: FREE
HomeFest
What: HomeFest is Toronto’s newest festival-style event set to inspire you to see the full potential of your home. From tiny homes and maximizing your space to customizable kitchens and even an interactive culinary masterclass series, you’ll learn how to adapt your space to your lifestyle all while celebrating your home.
When: November 2 to 4
Time: Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga
Price: Entry is free. Reserve your complimentary tickets here
Day of the Dead
What: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a festival of reverence for those who have left the world of the living. Explore Mexico’s most popular cultural celebration through a contemporary lens, with live music, art installations, family activities and more.
When: November 3 and 4
Time: Saturday, 12 pm to 7 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
Price: Free
EcoFair
@ecofairatthebarns/Instagram
What: The 10th annual EcoFair is a free, family event that informs and inspires people to make greener choices in their homes and communities. Here you’ll learn about green initiatives and achievements in Toronto’s neighbourhoods, and learn green tips and tricks.
When: November 4
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
Price: Entry is free
Lunchtime Yoga at Sony Centre
What: Come and work up a sweat while you spend your lunch hour stretching, twisting, breathing at a free yoga class at the Sony Centre this month. Classes run Tuesday and Thursday.
When: November 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27
Time: 12 pm to 1 pm
Where: The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Price: Free to join. Register here
Free Barre Fitness Classes
What: If you want to try a fun new way to break a sweat, the Sony Centre is offering free barre fitness classes this month. Barre fitness classes are a blend of pilates, dance, cardio and core strength training, that will help you reshape your body as you work up a sweat in a high energy and fun class set to music.
When: November 6 and 13
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm
Where: The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Price: Classes are free. Save your spot here
Free Meditation Class at Hoame for International Stress Awareness Day
What: In honour of International Stress Awareness Day, Hoame will be holding all of their regularly-scheduled classes for free on Wednesday, November 7. With over 5,000-sq-ft devoted to wellness, Hoame provides a contemporary atmosphere where mindfulness and ease are the guiding principles of your daily existence.
When: November 7
Time: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Where: Hoame, 430 Adelaide Street West
Price: Free
East End Holiday Market
East End Holiday Market
What: Ready to start shopping for your loved ones? You can enjoy local shopping, vegan food, music and good vibes at the East End Holiday Market. Pick up a handmade gift, enjoy some holiday treats and hot chocolate and meet your local artists.
When: November 10
Time: 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: 765 Queen Street East 2nd floor
Price: Admission is free
Remembrance Day- City Ceremonies
What: On Sunday, November 11, City of Toronto ceremonies will be taking place at Old City Hall and each of the Civic Centres across Toronto, as well as at Fort York.
When: November 11
Time: 10:45 am
Where: Various civic centres as well as Old City Hall, 60 Queen Street West
Price: Free to attend
Love Toronto Pop-up Market
What: Get a head start on your holiday shopping at this curated pop-up market selling art and apparel from local vendors that represent the city you love. Vendors include Lovetoronto, @416cess, LOYAL to a TEE, @originalgenes_to, YYZ Preservatory, NA Stock Company and Ave Mariabell Designs.
When: November 11
Time: 1 pm to 7 pm
Where: Kensington Market, 187 Augusta Avenue
Price: No cover
Regent Park Film Festival
What: Movie buffs can enjoy culturally diverse film screenings, interactive workshops, panels, virtual reality experiences and more at the 15th edition of the community-driven Regent Park Film Festival.
When: November 14 to 17
Time: 7 pm to 12 pm
Where: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas East
Price: Free admission
Toronto Christmas Market
Toronto Christmas Market/Facebook
What: Rediscover the magic of Christmas at the Toronto Christmas Market. Here you’ll find an assortment of artisan vendors, an Instagram-worthy Christmas tree, live music, incredible Christmas decorations and so much more. Admission is free during the week.
When: November 15 to December 23 (closed on Mondays)
Time: Tuesday to Thursday, 12 pm to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 10 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 9 pm
Where: The Distillery District
Price: Admission is free of charge on weekdays until Friday at 5 pm
Kawaii Land
What: Kawaii Land is a free to attend community gathering and meet up event for colourful fashion and artwork enthusiasts in Toronto. Guests can look forward to cosplay stars, performers, fandoms, shopping and more.
When: November 17
Time: 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Design Exchange, 234 Bay Street
Price: Admission is free
Illuminite
What: Head to the heart of downtown Toronto and check out the festive music, dancing, and the Christmas tree lighting to celebrate the holidays. Devin Cuddy Band will be performing, in addition to an incredible tree-lighting show to remember from TDC Entertainment. Guests can also join in singing some holiday favourites led by Toronto crooner Ori Dagan.
When: November 17
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: Yonge and Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East
Price: Free to attend
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
What: Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville will be transformed into a winter wonderland this November, as the neighbourhood will be kicking off the season with its annual Holiday Magic celebration. The highly anticipated event will illuminate the neighbourhood for the holiday season, creating a unique destination for patrons of the neighbourhood to shop, dine and take in the area’s art and culture while surrounded by festive lighting.
When: November 17 to December 31
Time: After sunset
Where: Bloor-Yorkville Village
Price: Free to attend
3rd Annual Holiday MRKT Show & Sale
Holiday MRKT
What: The MRKT is a community shopping event, organized by the Toronto Creative Entrepreneurs, which features local vendors including fashion, beauty, wellness, visual artists, crafters, food merchants, and retailers.
When: November 18
Time: 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Centre for Social Innovation, 192 Spadina Avenue
Price: Entry is free
Santa Claus Parade
What: Get into the holiday spirit by attending the 114th annual Santa Claus Parade. Just make sure to fill a thermos with your favourite warm beverage and a dash of Baileys.
When: November 18
Time: 12:30 pm to 4 pm
Where: Beginning at Christie Pits and travelling along Bloor Street
Price: Free
Free Evening Yoga Classes
What: Spend your evening stretching, twisting, and breathing at this free evening yoga class led by Modo Yoga Danforth. No experience is necessary, just remember to bring a mat and water.
When: November 19 and 26
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Price: Classes are free. Register here
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 November 23 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: November 23 to March 17
Time: 6 pm to 12 am
Where: 955 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Price: Free to attend
Cavalcade of Lights 2018
@vsnapshot/Instagram
What: The 52nd annual Cavalcade of Lights returns to Toronto this month and will feature the first lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree along with some spectacular fireworks. Each year, the holiday traditions bring thousands of people down to Nathan Phillips Square and besides all the lights, the event will include live musical performances from some of Canada’s top performers and a skating party on the iconic outdoor rink.
When: November 24
Time: 6 pm to 10 pm
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West at Bay Street
Price: Free to attend
Kidzfest
What: It’s a day all for our little ones! Kidzfest includes stage performances from hosts from TVOKids, exciting stage shows, meet and greets with characters from PJ Masks, arts & crafts stations, bouncy castles, and more.
When: November 24
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East
Price: Admission is free
King West Holiday Pop-Up
What: This free two-day event takes place in the heart of King West and features a highly curated collection of Toronto’s finest makers, designers and brands to kick off the holiday season.
When: November 24 and 25
Time: Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The Portland Market, 105 Portland Street
Price: Free admission
Swedish Christmas Fair
What: The Swedish Christmas Fair will transform Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre into an epic holiday extravaganza this November. Stocked with Swedish folk art, design, and traditional Christmas decorations, this holiday shopping destination also boasts a lakeside terrace and food market serving up Swedish coffee, saffron and cinnamon buns, gingerbread and more.
When: November 24 and 25
Time: Saturday, 12 pm to 7 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Price: Admission is free
Etsy Toronto Christmas Market
Etsy Holiday Market
What: If you’re looking to give more one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season, you’ll find them at the Etsy Christmas Market. Hosted by the Toronto Etsy street team, this festive marketplace will feature awesome handmade, vintage, and delicious wares all made by the team members. Admission is FREE and first 50 visitors receive a complimentary swag bag.
When: November 25
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The Great Hall Toronto, 1087 Queen Street West
Price: Free to attend
Beyography
What: Get ready to unleash your inner diva, as the Sony Centre for Performing Arts is hosting three free Beyography class this month. That’s right, everyone can try the two-hour intensive dance class to learn choreography to Queen Bey herself.
When: November 27
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Price: Free. Reserve your spot here
CP Holiday Train Toronto
What: The 20th edition of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will travel across Canada this holiday season and will be making a stop in Toronto on Thursday, November 29. This year, two trains will be travelling through the US and Canada to bring holiday cheer to 164 communities and collect donations for local food banks.
When: November 29
Time: 8:15 pm to 9 pm
Where: 750 Runnymede Road, in front of CP Lambton Yard office
Price: Free! Bring non-perishable donations to support your local food bank
Light Up the Beach
What: Now in its 11th year, Light Up the Beach features more than 80,000 twinkling 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: November 30 until mid-February
Time: 7 pm
Where: At the foot of Leuty Avenue, The Beach
Price: Free to visit
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