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With the holidays slowly creeping up, our wallets can take a bit of a beating even before December arrives.
To ensure you have plenty of enough money saved for the upcoming season, we’ve rounded up 30 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.
See also
- 52 Toronto events you need to check out this fall
- Winter forecast: Toronto to be hit with frequent snow storms this year
- Massive celebration of lights returning to Nathan Phillips Square next month
Free Tidal Flow Yoga Class
What: You’re invited to come and enjoy a chill and surf-inspired yoga class in Toronto’s most chill and surf-inspired space: Surf the Greats Surf Shop & Cafe. There are two classes available each week, Sunday mornings at 10: 30 am and Tuesday evenings at 8 pm and your first class is free!
When: Now until December 19
Where: Surf the Grates, 276 Carlaw Avenue
Voices: Artists on Art
What: Voices: artists on art is inspired by and builds on a 1967 exhibition hosted by the National Gallery in Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square and opens a door into 51 studios of artists currently working across Canada.
When: Now until December 24
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
Rennie Park Pumpkin Parade
What: Save the date and head to Rennie Park’s second annual Pumpkin Parade. Bring your family, bring your pumpkin to be lit up and then enjoy the beautiful designs. At the end of the night, the park will send all the pumpkins for composting.
When: November 1, 6 pm to 9 pm
Where: Rennie Park, 1 Rennie Terrace
Sorauren Park Pumpkin Parade
What: Toronto’s Sorauren Park will be hosting a pumpkin parade this year, which has had close to 2,000 pumpkins on display in recent years. From witches and cats to politicians and world events, the artful jack-o-lanterns represent the spirit of Halloween and also the spirit of the times.
When: November 1, 6 pm
Where: Sorauren Park, 50 Wabash Avenue
Centennial Park Pumpkin Parade
What: Give your pumpkin a second chance to shine and come view the neighbourhood Jack-O-Lanterns on display. There will also be some fun children’s activities to enjoy as well.
When: November 1, 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road
6th Annual Mimico Pumpkin Parade
What: Bring your Jack-O-Lanterns down to light up Mimico Square and Amos Waites Park. No someone who can’t make it? Leave no pumpkin behind and bring your friend’s stranded pumpkins to the parade and help the park reach its target of 900 glowing pumpkins.
When: November 1, 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Mimico Square, 2445 Lake Shore Blvd West
Free Toronto Museum Admission
What: Get a taste of history this month by taking advantage of the month-long free admission to nine of Toronto’s historic museums courtesy of Mackenzie Investments. Participating museums include Colborne Lodge, Gibson House, Fort York National Historic Site and Mackenzie House to name a few.
When: November 1 to 30
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Pumpkin Party
What: Those who aren’t quite ready to give up their Halloween spirit can bring their carved pumpkins to Gibson House. There will also be hot apple cider and treats from the historic kitchen for guests to enjoy.
When: November 2, 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: Gibson House, 5172 Yonge
Stereo: A Glasses-Less 3D Exhibit
What: Toronto artist Trevor Twells will be opening Stereo an art exhibit that captures Toronto’s essence from a different perspective. The exhibit uses glasses-less 3D images to give a vivid and life-like picture of Toronto in a way it hasn’t been seen before.
When: November 4 to 12
Where: Hashtag Gallery, 830 Dundas Street West
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 4 & 5
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
EcoFair
What: The 9th 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 5, 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
Free Film Screening at EcoFair
What: As part of the 9th Annual EcoFair at the Barns, you’re invited to attend a movie screening of Tommorrow, which explores the collapse of the world’s ecosystems in addition to exploring the world in search of solutions that can save the children, and with them, future generations.
When: November 5, 4 pm to 6 pm
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
Toronto Indie Horror Fest
What: The Toronto Indie Horror Fest will be screening eight feature films and eight shorts. Titles include The Candle, Mother’s Krampus, Unhinged, Rewind, and more.
When: November 8 to 11, check event website for screening times
Where: D-Beatstro, 1292 Bloor West
Remembrance Day- City Ceremonies
What: On Saturday, 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, 10:45 am
Where: Various civic centres as well as Old City Hall, 60 Queen Street West
Lunch time 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 2, 9, 14, 21, 23 28 & 30, 12 pm to 1 pm
Where: The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
European Union Film Festival
What: This unique film fest will feature award-winning films from countries who are part of the EU and it happens to be one of the largest free film festivals in the country.
When: November 9 to 23, 12 pm to 11 pm
Where: The Royal Cinema, 608 College Street
The Eco Lifestyle Market – Holiday Edition
What: Giving the gift of green this holiday season is easier than you think. Especially considering you can attend this free eco lifestyle market featuring 45 of Toronto’s finest local, handcrafted, sustainable, eco- friendly and wellness goods vendors.
When: November 12, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
Beyography
What: Get ready to unleash your inner diva, as the Sony Centre for Performing Arts is hosting three free Beyography classes this month. That’s right, everyone can try the two-hour intensive dance class to learn choreography to queen Bey herself.
When: Tuesdays in November (on the 14, 21, and 28) at 5:30 pm
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
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 15 to 18
Where: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas East
Globus
What: Come and experience Florian Innerkofler’s first Toronto exhibition showcasing a curated collection of his personal photographs captured through his lens while travelling around the world shooting high-profile campaigns and editorials. From iconic skyscrapers in New York City to the Arctic Circle to beautiful tranquil beaches, Innerkofler’s curiosity has led him to explore hidden corners of the earth from an unexpected and evocative point of view.
When: November 16 to 20
Where: Art Hub Gallery, 334 Dundas Street West
Toronto Christmas Market
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 16 to December 23
Where: The Distillery District
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. Toronto-based pop-rock quartet Jane’s Party will be performing, in addition to an incredible tree-lighting show to remember from TDC Entertainment featuring renowned acapella group Countermeasure, and an LED drumline from 416 Beats, plus you’ll witness breathtaking aerialists, incredible music, and dazzling dancers.
When: November 18, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: Yonge and Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East
Holiday Magic
What: Kick off the holiday season with Holiday Magic, the annual community concert event in support of Canadian Foundation for Aids Research. This year’s event will feature a free, open-air concert performance by Keshia Chante.
When: November 18, 5 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: Yorkville Park, Cumberland and Bellair Streets
Santa Claus Parade
What: Get into the holiday spirit by attending the 113th annual Santa Claus Parade. Just make sure to fill a thermos with your favourite warm beverage and a dash of Baileys.
When: November 19, 12:30 pm
Where: Throughout downtown. Visit the website for the official parade route
Trinity Bellwoods Pre-Flea Holiday Market
What: Get a head start on your holiday shopping by attending an afternoon of shopping, drinks, local food and music at this free, market filled with a great curated lineup of local makers.
When: November 19, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
Cavalcade of Lights
What: Seen as Toronto’s kick off to the holiday season, the annual Cavalcade of Lights will feature glittering lights, live music, fireworks and the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree.
When: November 25
Where: Nathan Philips Square, 100 Queen Street West
Kidzfest
What: It’s a day all for our little ones! Kidzfest includes stage performances from Paw Patrol and PJ Masks and more. There will be arts & crafts stations, bouncy castles, and a Ferris wheel.
When: November 25, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East
Toronto Comic Book Show
What: Comic book lovers are invited to buy, sell and trade at the Toronto Comic Book Show. There will also be the very best in modern, silver age, golden age comics, trade paperbacks, graphic novels as well as related toys and TV show/movie memorabilia.
When: November 26, 10 am to 4 am
Where: Toronto Plaza Hotel, 1677 Wilson
The Happy Pals
What: Come and enjoy an evening of incredible music by The Happy Pals, a seven-piece jazz band playing authentic old-time New Orleans party music.
When: November 28, 4:30 pm to 8 pm
Where: Grossman’s Tavern, 379 Spadina
CP Christmas Train
What: The 9th edition of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will travel across Canada this holiday season and will be making a stop in Toronto on Tuesday, November 28. Come down and kick off the holidays with the best locomotive around and be sure to bring donations for the local food bank to help those in need.
When: November 28, 8:15 pm
Where: Lambton Yard, 750 Runnymede Road