28 things to do in Toronto this weekend: December 1 to 3

Toronto/Shutterstock

FEATURED ON THE LISTED GUIDE

Fri, September 29, 7:15pm

The Isabella Street Séance

Fri, October 6, 5:00pm

Toronto Oktoberfest

Click to add your event to the Listed Events Guide

The weekend is finally within reach.

If you haven’t had a chance to make any plans yet, there’s plenty to see and do over the next few days, and we’ve rounded up the best weekend events.

From a light festival along the Toronto Beaches to the second annual Holiday Fair in the Square, here are the top 28 weekend events happening in and around Toronto.

Home Alone in Concert

What: Enjoy the cult classic Christmas film Home Alone at the iconic Roy Thompson Hall and to the sounds of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, who will perform the film’s memorable soundtrack.

When: Now until December 2
Where: Roy Thompson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street

What: Factory, in association with b current performing arts, is proud to present the world premiere of trace, a one-man-two-piano-play written, composed and performed by former Factory Artistic Associate Jeff Ho.

When: Now until December 3
Where: Factory Studio Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street

One of a Kind Christmas Show

What: If you’re in the market for a unique holiday gift, you’ll find a talking point-filled one at the One of a Kind Show & Sale and meet the creators behind the works of art at the same time. You’ll find 800 local and international artists, makers, designers and craftspeople

When: Now until December 3
Where: Enercare Centre, Exhibition grounds, 100 Princes’ Blvd

Toronto Christmas Market

What: The always crowd-filled and equally as photo-worthy Christmas Market returns to the Distillery District, offering boozy holiday cocktails, comforting food stations, no shortage of shopping and a few rides.

When: Now until December 23
Where: Distillery District, 55 Mill Street

Polar Express

What: This holiday season, you’re invited to embark on a magical holiday journey as you take a ride on the Polar Express. Operated by the Waterloo Central Railway, passengers will be whisked away to the sounds of the beloved film’s motion soundtrack, enjoy freshly prepared hot cocoa and holiday treats and they will also receive a very special visit from Santa, and each child will be given their first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell.

When: Now until December 23. Select times available, check the website for details.
Where: Waterloo Central Railway Train Museum Platform, 50 Isabella Street

Bat Out of Hell Musical

What: Bat Out of Hell is a rock musical that tells the epic tale of love, rebellion, and rock n’ roll. This incredible performance will feature an award-winning cast that will definitely bring the audience to their feet.

When: Now until December 24
Where: Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria Street

A Christmas Carol

What: The beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, is taking the stage at Toronto’s Elgin Theatre this evening. Ross Petty Productions will be putting on their unique take of the story this holiday season. Cyrus Lane will make his Petty Panto debut as everyone’s favourite Christmas curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge.

When: Now until December 30
Where: Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge Street

Party Today, Panic Tomorrow

What: Second City’s latest talent-packed mainstage show is now on. Faced with our culture of bad news and political exhaustion, the show encourages the audience to “settle in and get ready for us to spin, sing and laugh away your troubles.”

When: Now until December 31
Where: Second City Mainstage Theatre, 51 Mercer 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.

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

Music from People City

What: This fall, 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

Nightmare on Dundas Street Movie Nights

What: Get into the Halloween spirit by catching one the ten most terrifying films of all time at the AGO. This special event is part of the AGO’s creepiest new exhibit, Guillermo del Toro: At Home With Monsters. This week’s film is Repulsion.

When: December 1
Where: The AGO, 317 Dundas Street West

Crendon Launch Party

What: The Crendon team is hosting its official launch party this Friday at Brimz on Queen Street West. The pop-up will include incredible music, complimentary entry, and free drinks.

When: December 1, 8 pm
Where: 311 Queen Street West

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: December 1, 7 pm until mid-February
Where: At the foot of Leuty Avenue, The Beach, Toronto

CBC Toronto’s Sounds of the Season

What: Enjoy this annual charity drive to help support local food banks. Admission is free, but if you can, please bring a cash or food donation. See live radio and television broadcasts of CBC shows including Metro Morning, Here and Now and CBC Toronto News.

When: December 1, 5:30 am to 7 pm
Where: CBC Broadcasting Centre, 250 Front Street West

Evergreen Winter Village

What: Roast s’mores over the open campfire and enjoy warm beverages from the Sipping Container while shopping or playing street curling at this Winter Village. Hungry for more? Look forward to a rotating line-up of food trucks serving up comfort foods ranging from crêpes to gourmet grilled cheese, and more.

When: December 1 to 3, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto

Fair in the Square

What: This massive holiday market and winter carnival located outside Toronto City Hall kicks off on December 1 and runs until the day before Christmas Eve. Look forward to holiday shopping, an ice bar, and plenty of festive foods including a two-handed festive feast dubbed Deep Fried Christmas, plus Beavertails, poutine, fudge, and more.

When: December 1 to 23
Where: Nathan Phillips Square

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: December 1 to January 8th
Where: Spencer Smith Park, Burlington, Ontario

Hop Chow

What: Hop Chow is the newest festival presented by TO’s Finest in partnership with the Craft Beer Passport and The Art of Craft Beer, and it’s promising a “one-of-a-kind tasting experience.” At this festival, expect food and drink offered as curated pairings as chefs and brewers buddy up to collaborate on menu items complemented by amazing brews.

When: December 2, 2017, noon to 11 pm
Where: 99 Sudbury Street, Toronto

December Really Really Free Market

What: You read the event name correctly, everything is free. No money. No swapping.
If you do bring items to share, bring them before 3 pm and make sure they are clean and in working condition. During the Market, there is a limit to the number of items you can take, which is one large shopping bag per person (2 bags for families of 3 or more people).

When: December 2, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Campbell Park, 225 Campbell Avenue

Free unicorn treats from Le Dolci

What: To celebrate the opening of Le Dolci’s Scarborough Town Centre location, the bakeshop is planning a day full of music, samples, and balloons. Additionally, the first 100 people through the doors will get a mini unicorn cake or unicorn cupcake!

When: December 2, 10 am
Where: Le Dolci Scarborough Town Centre, 300 Borough Drive, Scarborough

Berczy Park Cavalcade of Lights

What: Torontonians are invited to come and celebrate the holiday season with Toronto’s Old Town community at is annual Cavalcade of Lights. During the park’s official tree lighting ceremony, visitors will also be able to enjoy traditional Victorian Christmas carol singers, and free hot chocolate and apple cider under the park’s beautiful holiday tree.

When: December 2, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: Berczy Park, 35 Wellington Street East

Milton Pop-Up Holiday Market

What: Milton’s pop-up Holiday Street Market, from the founder of Toronto’s Mac and Cheese Festival is putting on “Ontario’s largest authentic outdoor holiday market.” Expect an open concept street market complete with 242 artisan vendors selling all the holiday classics from gingerbread cookies to hot apple cider to one-of-a-kind gifts and crafts.

When: December 2, 9, and 16 from noon until 7 pm
Where: Along Main Street from Brown Street to Commercial in Milton

Dean Davidson 10th Annual Pop-Up Shop

What: In celebration of the brand’s 10 year anniversary and in anticipation of the holiday season, Dean Davidson is giving Torontonians the chance to shop his pieces at this first-ever pop-up shop starting this weekend. The pop-up will feature Dean’s luxurious jewels and cult favourite Ela handbags.

When: December 2 to 12
Where: 38 Ossington Avenue