There’s only one thing better than the weekend, and that’s a weekend filled with fun things to do. Luckily, we’re spoiled for choice here in Toronto with holiday events, immersive exhibits, light shows, and festive villages galore. Whether you’re keen to bundle up and explore on foot or enjoy it all from the comfort of your car or an indoor venue, you’ve got lots of options. Now, it’s just a matter of choosing what sounds most exciting and who you want to enjoy it with.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Toronto this weekend!
RUSTY GRISWOLD’S CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY
We love to see a holiday classic come to life! Ontario’s very own Rusty Griswold Christmas house has returned this year and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped onto the set of National Lampoon’s Vacation. Every holiday season since 2015, the Burlington home transforms into an “animated gingerbread house” inspired by the 1989 Christmas movie. You’ll be able to watch the dazzling light show from the warmth of your car, accompanied by festive tunes on the radio.
Where: 2176 Devlin Drive, Burlington
When: Nightly until January 2nd, 2022
THE IMMERSIVE NUTCRACKER – A WINTER MIRACLE
Over a course of 30-minutes, this magical performance – which kicks off November 20th – will take 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: Saturday, November 20th
Where: TBA
Cost: $39
IMMERSIVE KLIMT
A new immersive art experience has officially opened its doors in Toronto. Joining the ranks of Immersive Van Gogh and Beyond Monet is Immersive Klimt, a colourful new exhibition curated by the “world-renowned master of digital art” Italy’s Massimiliano Siccardi. Through vivid 360 projections, the revolutionary works of Gustav Klimt come to life all around you. Klimt is described as a “rebel, genius and legend” of a painter, and now you can be swept up in his electrifying world.
Where: 1 Yonge St
When: Various times
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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 back 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
CANADA’S WONDERLAND WINTERFEST
Canada’s Wonderland has transformed into a holiday fairytale for its annual WinterFest event and from the sounds of it, we’re in for a real treat this holiday season. In addition to hundreds of twinkling trees and millions of spectacular lights strung throughout the amusement park, this season’s WinterFest features ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, tons of live shows and entertainment, two 50-foot Christmas trees, and carolers singing from old fashioned cable car trolleys.
Where: Canada’s Wonderland
When: Until December 31st
WINTER VILLAGE HOLIDAY MARKET
The iconic annual tradition that takes place every holiday season in the historic Distillery District is officially coming back this year, with a brand new name, look, and feel. You’ll get to wander past festive stalls selling handmade gifts and delicious treats, marvel at the towering twinkling trees, and take in the sights and sounds of this special time of year. This year’s market is described as “Toronto’s most magical shopping and dining experience.” We can’t wait!
When: Until December 31st
Where: The Distillery District
GOOD AMERICAN CASTING CALL
Ever dreamed of seeing yourself on a billboard as the face of a clothing brand? Well, now you can shoot your shot! Khloe Kardashian’s Good American clothing line is hosting its annual open casting call in North America and women of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds are wanted. Don’t forget to RSVP in advance because you’ll need it to be granted entry.
When: November 19th, 9 a.m. — 12 p.m.
Where: Nordstrom, CF Eaton Centre
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WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
See the brand new award-winning works of the most famous wildlife photographers from around the world. The winners of this prestigious and longest-running photography competition will have their work on display at the ROM this month. These photos reveal the “striking wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and the remarkable beauty and rich multiplicity of our natural world.”
Where: 100 Queen’s Park
When: Until April 18, 2022
HARBOURFRONT CENTRE ICE LOOP
The Harbourfront Centre’s revamped rink is set to open on November 19th and it’s one of the city’s most picturesque spots for an outdoor skate. The rink is nestled along the Lake Ontario shoreline, along with an ice loop in the “south orchard” that connects to the rest of the rink. And once you’re done, you can warm up with a hot drink from Boxcar Social right next door.
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
When: Opens November 19
OUTDOOR SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Take a trip outside the city for this dreamy outdoor Christmas market. Stroll among the lights and Scandinavian decor, treat yourself to apple cider and a Finnish baked treat and do a little handmade gift shopping too. And if you’ve already set your sights on festive decor, you can even pick up an Ontario-grown Christmas tree.
Where: 18463 ON-48, Mount Albert
When: Until December 22nd
