We are entering a pretty exciting time in our city, folks! Now that the Halloween decorations have been packed away until next year, it’s time to start looking forward to the festive season ahead of us. As you’ll soon find out, the lineup of holiday events in and around Toronto this month is nothing short of astounding. But, those of us who are less eager to get into the jolly spirit have just as much to look forward to this November, with all kinds of arts, music, culture and food festivals happening all around town.
Here are 31 of the absolute best things to do in Toronto and the GTA this November!
Arts & Culture Events
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
TOUCH
This interactive performance is a combination of powerful projections and superb live dance. It dives into the relationship between two people as they move through the stages of their interactions. It’s described as a deeply moving performance that’ll give you goosebumps the whole way through. The show has been extended through November 7th and the long weekend is a great opportunity to check it out.
Where: 1 Yonge St
When: Until November 7th
BEYOND MONET
This breathtaking exhibit is now open for the first time in the world — here’s a sneak peek so you know exactly what to expect. Over 400 of Claude Monet’s works come alive before your eyes through vivid 360-degree displays that swirl all around you, enhanced by sound effects and music. Forget the world and get lost the mind and masterpieces of this great painter.
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W
When: Hours vary
PICASSO: PAINTING THE BLUE PERIOD
Joining the ranks of Monet and Van Gogh is Pablo Picasso, with a landmark celebration of his iconic modernist masterpieces. The Picasso exhibit now running at the AGO takes visitors through the early projects from his signature Blue Period with over 100 works sourced from 15 countries. You’ll get to experience the world as he interpreted it as a young artist in the early 1900s.
Where: 317 Dundas St W
When: Until January 16, 2022
BUG LAB IMMERSIVE EXHIBITION
A one-of-a-kind exhibition has arrived at the Ontario Science Centre! Wander through a surreal world filled with giant, ultra-realistic models of bugs while you learn about the profound impact that insects have on our lives. The exhibit is both a fascinating and beautiful experience suitable for all ages, so if it’s been a minute since you’ve paid a visit to the Science Centre, this is your excuse!
Where: 770 Don Mills Rd
When: Until April 2, 2022
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WIZARDS FESTIVAL
Something magical is coming our way this fall and you’ll want to have your wand and spellbook at the ready. A Wizards Festival is taking place near Toronto this November, complete with a bewitching train ride adventure on the Hallows Express. Come dressed in your Hogwarts attire for a fun-filled day of interactive shows, potions classes, an ancient cursed maze, magic shows, and more. The fun continues as you embark on a thrilling journey on a train, where you’ll be tasked with a mission worthy of Harry Potter himself.
Where: 19 Railway St, Uxbridge
When: November 6th — November 7th
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: Opens November 13th
LONG WINTER: TOGETHER APART
Toronto’s annual winter-long arts and music event series is returning this month! You’ll get to witness the work of Toronto’s emerging talent, dance the night away to live shows and experience the togetherness we’ve missed out on for so many months. It may be getting frigid out there, but at least we have Long Winter to look forward to.
Where: St. Anne’s, 270 Gladstone Ave
When: November 26th — November 27th
TERRA LUMINA
Are you ready to be whisked away to the year 2099? Terra Lumina is making its return at the Toronto Zoo this month for more nightly magic under the stars. The immersive light show features an illuminated 1.5 km trail designed to make you feel like you’ve travelled to a “radiant” future world.
Where: The Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto, ON
When: Select dates in November 2021
CANDYLAND AT BAYVIEW VILLAGE
The drool-worthy pop-up experience is appropriately called Candyland and is gracing Bayview Village until December. You’ll be able to experience an eight-foot gumball walk-in photo-op, walls lined with gumball machines, and a rainbow road of colourful candy boxes. Talk about an Instagrammable pop-up!
Where: 2901 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON
When: Until December 2021
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Sports & Fitness Events
PUPPY YOGA
Yoga and puppy cuddles? Name a better combo, we’ll wait. Puppy yoga is making a comeback in Toronto next month and if you’re in need of a mood booster, this will surely do the trick. The event is exactly what it sounds like — a real yoga class with puppies roaming and playing at your feet. An instructor will guide you through a series of poses while the pups learn to socialize. You’ll have to bring your own water bottle and a yoga mat, and tickets must be purchased in advance online.
Where: 213 Sterling Rd
When: Select dates in November
SQUID GAME FITNESS CHALLENGE
Think you have what it takes to become the next winner of Squid Game? Pretty soon, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test in a series of challenges inspired by the show, hosted by Fit Factory Fitness in Toronto. The games will begin on November 6th and will run over 6 weekends at both the downtown and midtown locations. Get ready to give it all you’ve got because these challenges “will put you through the ultimate test.”
Where: 161 Eglinton Ave E & 373 King St W
When: November 6th — December 12th
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS & RAPTORS GAMES
The Raptors and Leafs are back on home soil and they’re inviting fans at full capacity to cheer in the stands. After missing out on live sports for 18 months straight, the energy this season is sure to be higher than ever. There’s nothing quite like the electrifying energy of a packed arena, and even if we don’t take the W, the experience is always worth it.
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St
When: Select dates in November 2021
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Holiday Festivals, Markets & Light Shows
SNOW MAGIC
Something magical is coming to Ontario Place and it’s like a snow globe come to life! Beginning this November, Snow Magic will invite you to “explore a wonder-filled adventure inspired by fire, ice, and light.” Drive your way through 1.7 km of magical sights, including 18 art installations, crystalline caverns, awe-inspiring creatures and “mysterious sights that only dreams are made of.”
Where: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
When: November 12, 2021 — January 16, 2022
POLAR WINTER FESTIVAL
Toronto’s biggest walkthrough holiday market and festival opens its doors this November and it’s a Christmas fairytale come to life. Not only is it a vendor market with all kinds of treats and gifts to shop for, but it’s also an immersive walkthrough experience with larger-than-life displays, an amusement park with rides, and a destination for all things festive.
Where: Bandshell Park, 210 Princes’ Blvd
When: November 25th — December 26th
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: November 13th — December 23rd
CANADA’S WONDERLAND WINTERFEST
Canada’s Wonderland is transforming into a holiday fairytale this November for its annual WinterFest event. Tickets are officially on sale for this year’s festival 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 will feature 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: November 13th — December 31st
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WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
It’s about to get festive in Niagara Falls for the annual Winter Festival of Lights! Known as Canada’s biggest free outdoor light festival, the 8-km trail is returning in November with millions of lights on display for even longer than before. This time around, the festival will run for 101 nights from November 13th all the way until the end of February, so you can enjoy the breathtaking twinkling lights well beyond the holidays.
Where: Niagara Falls, Ontario
When: November 13th, 2021 — February 21st, 2022
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: November 18th — December 31st
Where: The Distillery District
SANTA EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE
All aboard the Santa Express! This festive train ride is returning this year, so get ready to make some magical holiday memories. The popular event is fun for families and people of all ages. Santa will be on board to spread joy and cheer while you settle into your seat by the window. It’s a cozy and unique way to celebrate the season and get into the holiday spirit.
When: Select dates in November 2021
Where: 19 Railway St, Uxbridge
JOURNEY INTO ENCHANTMENT
A drive-thru holiday festival is opening at two locations this month. It’s the largest Christmas drive-thru light event in the entire GTA, so if you want to experience an enchanting world with your seat warmer on and your favourite songs playing on the radio, this is the place to do it! Buckle up, because this year’s event will be bigger, brighter, and more over-the-top than ever!
When: November 25th, 2021 — January 9th, 2022
Where: Meadowvale GO Station & Mount Joy GO Station
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BURLINGTON FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Take a little trip out of the city for a breathtaking Christmas light show by the waterfront. Wander through a park filled with larger-than-life displays, twinkling lights, and multicoloured trees. Hopefully, it will be made even better with some gently falling snow. The festival is free and even dogs are welcome to join the fun!
When: November 26th, 2021 — January 8th, 2022
Where: Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd
HOLIDAY NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
Another festive event is coming to the GTA this month just north of Toronto in Vaughan. The “holiday lights spectacular” sold out in 2020 and is coming back even bigger this time around as a walk-through immersive experience and Holiday Fair in the Square. Once you experience the dazzling lights, you can make your way to the market to do a little present shopping and warming up with something warm to drink.
When: November 26th, 2021 — January 2nd, 2022
Where: 80 Interchange Way
THE BENTWAY CHRISTMAS MARKET
Get your holiday shopping on extra early this year at this free Christmas market with over 70 artisan vendors. Shop for handmade items, clothing, decor, art, and more as you dance along to the live DJ show. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll have tons of food options to choose from too. It’s all happening at The Bentway under the Gardiner Expressway!
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
When: November 6th, 11 a.m. — 5 p.m.
ONE OF A KIND SHOW
Toronto’s flagship holiday craft market is finally back and oh, how we’ve missed it! This is the ultimate place to shop for special gifts for your loved ones, and spoil yourself a little while you’re at it! The 11-day show will have over 400 talented exhibitors selling 100% unique handmade creations, plus festive decor to get you into the holiday spirit.
Where: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd
When: November 25th — December 5th
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Food & Drink Events
SELVA TORONTO
A new experience in art and dining is coming to Toronto and it’s unlike anything the city has seen before. The new venue is not only a dining destination but also a “multi-sensory” journey in immersive art. You’ll be surrounded by colourful 3D jungle creatures as you dine on South America and Thai fusion cuisine. The creators told Curiocity that it’ll be a “one-of-a-kind experience that doesn’t exist in the world.”
When: Opens November 2021
Where: 211 Richmond St W
MIRACLE TORONTO CHRISTMAS POP-UP BAR
Well jingle our bells and call us Nick. This November, pre-order an Uber and get your Mariah Carey on at the Miracle Toronto pop-up bar, a Christmas-themed haunt that will knock your stockings off. Beginning in November on a date TBA, those looking to get holly jolly among friends and gift boxes can visit the Miracle Toronto pop-up bar as long as they’re vaxxed and can handle their liquor.
When: November 2021
Where: TBA
POUTINE FESTIVAL
The title pretty much says it all. Come hungry and get ready to feast on all the squeaky cheese, fries, and gravy you can handle at this free festival. Whether you’d prefer to eat it with a fork or topped on a pizza, you’ll be gobbling up every last bite of this Canadian comfort food staple. There will be tons of vendors to try, so prepare for a feast unlike any other.
Where: 520 Progress Ave
When: November 6th — November 7th
SWEETS FESTIVAL
Got a sweet tooth you need to satisfy? Then you won’t want to miss this outdoor celebration of all your favourite desserts. With so many delicious vendors to try at this free outdoor festival, you’ll be drooling from the moment you arrive. Bring on the sugar high!
Where: 520 Progress Ave
When: November 27th — November 28th
Have a jolly November, Toronto!
