Another festive weekend has officially arrived! With Christmas just two weeks away, our city is really starting to sparkle. One of the most picturesque rinks in Toronto is opening for the season this Sunday and holiday markets are running all weekend long. There’s even a dog-friendly festive event you can check out with your pup. Whatever vibe you’re seeking, you can bet that Toronto has the perfect activity for you. Aren’t we lucky to call this city home?

Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Toronto this weekend.

EVERGREEN BRICKWORKS SKATING

Described as the most picturesque outdoor rink in the city, the skating rink at Evergreen Brickworks is officially opening for the season this weekend. Glide through snow-covered gardens and under the exposed beams of the historic brick factory, illuminated by twinkling lights. If you stop by between December 17th and the 22nd, you can shop and grab a bite at one of the biggest sustainable holiday markets in the city.

Where: 550 Bayview Ave
When: Sunday, December 12th, 11 a.m. — 4 p.m.

CANADIAN TIRE CHRISTMAS TRAIL

Ready for a road trip to the North Pole? Thankfully, you won’t have to travel too far because it’s coming right to us this year. The Canadian Tire Christmas Trail is returning for the holiday season and you’ll see Santa’s village come to life from the warmth of your car. In addition to thousands of twinkling lights, the 1.5 km trail will take you past bright interactive displays, carolers singing your favourite holiday songs, “magically curated Christmas vignettes,” including real elves making toys in Santa’s workshop.

Where: 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy
When: Until December 23rd

HOLIDAY STREET MARKET

It’s shaping up to be a wildly exciting holiday season here in Toronto, and joining the festive fun this year is the Holiday Street Market at Scarborough Town Centre. Between unlimited rides, incredible food and unique attractions, you’ll be feeling as excited as a kid on Christmas morning. New to the event this year is the walk-in Christmas tree, plus returning favourites like the food market, Lover’s Lane, and fire pit lounge.

Where: Scarborough Town Centre
When: December 10-12

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THE IMMERSIVE NUTCRACKER – A WINTER MIRACLE

Over a course of 30-minutes, this magical performance takes its guests into the story of a girl, the mouse king and a heroic nutcracker using projections, special effects and more. Written by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker has delighted, dazzled and enchanted families all over the world for over 130 years – but never like this.

When: Until December 26th
Where:  1 Yonge St

EAT SUPERMOON CHEESECAKES

The grand opening of this 3rd location for the wildly popular Supermoon Cheesecakes takes place Saturday, December 11th, and you aren’t going to want to miss it! Located in Newmarket (the first 2 locations are both in Mississauga), you can now get fluffy, delicious desserts when you’re in the area. And did we say they have a limited-edition flavour every month? Taro-lovers, December is your chance! 

Where: 695 Stonehaven Ave #5, Newmarket, ON L3X 0G2
When: Opens December 11th at 11AM

SNOWFLAKE WALK IN HIGH PARK

Take a walk through the High Park Zoo to see rows of twinkling trees and animals all at the same time. You have until early January to enjoy this holiday activity in Toronto’s sprawling park in the west end. You can even bring your skates and hit the free enclosed rink at the park. Thet event is PWYC with a suggested amount of $10 per group.

When: Until January 8th, 2022
Where: High Park Zoo

DOGGOS’ HOWLIDAY MARKET

Is there anything better than a pup-centric event? Toronto’s getting a festive market just for dogs and dog-lovers called the Doggos’ Howliday Market, and it’s the perfect excuse to get in the holiday spirit with your four-legged friend and over a thousand other like-minded folks. You can also sip festive drinks like hot chocolate for younger folks and spiked holiday drinks for those inclined.

When: December 11th
Where: Daniel’s Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East, Toronto, ON

DISTILLERY WINTER VILLAGE

Toronto’s iconic Christmas Market in the Distillery District is now open with a new name, look, and feel. Enjoy decorations like 7’ tall snow people, 11’ tall LED stars, a holly wall, Santa’s sleigh, the iconic LOVE Locks wall, and Big Heart lit up for the holiday season. You can shop from 75+ local merchants as well as new seasonal vendor cabins. You can also grab a bite at the food cabins serving raclette, schnitzel, doughnuts, jerk chicken, and much more.

Where: The Distillery District
When:  Until December 31st, 2021

MISTLETOE AND MARGARITAS AT PAPI CHULO’S

Feliz Navidad! Toronto’s Papi Chulo’s is hosting their own pop-up, Mistletoes, and Margaritas this holiday season. It’s the perfect holiday foodie pop-up for those of you looking for a holiday celebration that’s a little more unique. You can enjoy all your old-time Papi Chulo’s favorites like tacos, nachos, elotes, and much more. Of course, you’ll also be able to sip on some festive cocktails to really help you get in the holiday spirit.

When: Until January 2nd
Where: 121 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON

THE NUTCRACKER BALLET

Toronto is known for having “one of the finest versions” of this magnificent two-act ballet, which premiered in Russia in 1892. The set design, costumes, and orchestra give the whole experience such a magical feel. The show will be taking place at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts as it does every year. There’s no better way to make the holiday season feel complete in Toronto than this enchanting show.

Where: 145 Queen St W
When: December 10th — December 31st, 2021