Festive Events To Get You In The Holiday Spirit!
Come November the city begins to burst with seasonal events that showcase the talents of everything from musicians and craftspeople to foodies, artisans and performers.
Feast your eyes on this stellar albeit incomplete offering of festive activities:
November 16:
Baby It’s Cold Outside – At Jane and Annette Streets, this free open house brought to you by the Baby Point Gates Business Improvement Area is cuckoo for Santa.
Holly Berry Fair – This fundraiser at Rosedale United Church features baked goods, knitted items for sale and a silent auction.
Illuminite – This evening event features light installations and entertainment that mixes technology with art. Presented by the Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area, it takes place at Yonge-Dundas Square.
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic – The Bloor-Yorkville BIA kicks off the festive season with an early evening performance by Sarah Slean.
St. Olave’s Christmas Craft Show and Coffee House – On Windermere just south of Bloor, go for the books and stay for the cheer.
St. Pius X Christmas Bazaar and Craft Sale – At 2305 Bloor West, this event features handmade items, gift baskets and tombola.
November 17:
Toronto Santa Clause Parade – Parade begins at 12:30 p.m. from Christie Pits and ends at the St. Lawrence Market.
November 22:
Christmas Tree Lighting – Sponsored by the Entertainment District BIA, this event at David Pecaut Square showcases the music of St Michaels Choir School and music students from U. of T. as well as hot chocolate and cookies.
November 23:
Christmas in the Park with Colborne Lodge – Discover Victorian festive traditions and a tour of Colborne Lodge in High Park beginning today till January 5.
Annual Christmas Bazaar — Presented by the ladies auxiliary of Mount Dennis Legion at 1050 Weston Road, the event features a tea room and over 30 vendors.
Nutcracker Fair – Presented by St. Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church, this annual bazaar at 151 Glenlake Avenue includes a peameal bacon brunch, crafts and vintage fashions.
19th Annual Swansea Craft Sale – 207 Windermere Avenue is home to over 70 vendors selling everything from children’s hats and candles to gourmet edibles and greeting cards.
Westside Christmas Bazaar – At the Westside Long Term Care Centre on Albion Road, pose for Santa photos and much more.
Annual Junction Triangle Home Style Craft Show and Sale – At Perth Ave. Public School at 14 Ruskin Ave., check out the crafts and gifts made by local artisans.
November 28:
One of a Kind Christmas Show & Sale – Begins today and runs till December 8.
November 29:
St Demetrius Annual Christmas Bazaar — Running November 29 and 30, this bazaar showcases traditional Ukrainian cuisine and other festive goodies.
Toronto Christmas Market – Beginning today in the historic Distillery District, this street market invites participants to eat, drink and be merry until December 15.
November 30:
Old Town Toronto Cavalcade of Lights – At Nathan Phillips Square this features fireworks, skating, music and more.
Agricola Christmas Bazaar – See this Finnish style Christmas bazaar at 25 Old York Mills Road.
Holly Tea – This afternoon event at St. John’s Anglican Church on Humberside offers hand-made crafts, preserves and one-of-a-kind items.
The Artisan’s Gift Fair – Begins today and goes to December 22, this weekend show at the Tranzac Club on Brunswick offer high-quality gifts and free live music.
December 1:
Pet Photos with Santa – At PawsWay, 245 Queen’s Quay West, get into the festive mood with a photo of you and your dog or cat. A portion of the cost is donated to guides dogs. Other weekend dates available for photos. See website for details.
December 4:
Chanukah Concert with Mickey Lewin – This toe-tapper takes place in the Bathurst Clark Resource Library.
22nd Annual Christmas Tuba Festival and Sing-a-long – You’re invited to play and sing at this Nathan Phillips Square event that runs from noon to 12:45 p.m.
Journey into a Medieval Christmas – Treat yourself to the harmonious sounds of medieval Europe at The Church of St. Mary Magdalene on Manning Avenue.
December 7:
Candy Cane Tea and Bazaar – If you’re into fancy sandwiches, baked good and Christmas crafts, Presteign-Woodbine United Church is for you.
Christmas by Lamplight — December 7, 14 and 21. Enjoy the charms of Victorian Christmas at Black Creek Pioneer Village.
Gift of my Hands Holiday Craft Market – At Sorauren Park on Wabash, purchase locally made crafts from local artisans.
Jane Austen Christmas Ball – This dance at St. Barnabas Anglican Church Hall on the Danforth doesn’t require a partner or experience. What more can you ask for?
December 8 & 9:
Fort York Frost Fair – Experience the wonder of an Upper Canadian Christmas some 200 years ago.
December 14:
The Nutcracker – Beginning today the National Ballet of Canada puts on the classic Christmas tale.
