Another week is underway in Toronto with festive events starting up for another exciting holiday season, and for the very first time. With the One Of A Kind show returning, Christmas pop-up bars now open, and light shows in full effect, you won’t want to spend a moment at home during this eventful time of year. Throw on your fuzziest festive sweater, round up your pals, and make some merry memories.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Toronto and the GTA this weekend!
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
HOLIDAY NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
Another festive event is coming to the GTA this week 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
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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POLAR WINTER FESTIVAL
Toronto’s biggest walkthrough holiday market and festival opens its doors this week 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
LONG WINTER: TOGETHER APART
Toronto’s annual winter-long arts and music event series is returning this week! 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
THE THIRSTY ELF POP-UP BAR
A magical tradition has returned to Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York. The Fairmont has created the perfect home for you to celebrate the holidays this festive season. From tree-lighting to over-the-top cocktails, you’ll want to stop The Thirsty Elf pop-up in Toronto. Christmas sweaters are encouraged as you enjoy kitschy décor while sipping on cheerful, festive cocktails.
When: Until December 18th
Where: Fairmont Royal York, 1OO Front Street W
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
WINTER VILLAGE HOLIDAY MARKET
The iconic annual tradition that takes place every holiday season in the historic Distillery District is officially 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.
When: Until December 31st
Where: The Distillery District
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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
MIRACLE BAR & SIPPIN’ SANTA
Toronto’s iconic Christmas pop-up bars, Miracle and Sippin’ Santa, are opening back up for the holiday season. Whether you’re in the mood for cheesy over-the-top decor or a holiday bar with a tiki twist, you’ll be able to try both in one night at Bloor St W and Ossington Ave this year. As for the cocktail menu, you can expect professionally-developed creations that combine all your favourite flavours of the holidays.
Where: 875 Bloor St W & 866 Bloor St W
When: November 25th — December 26th
