November is just a few days away and that means it’s time to prepare for the holidays. That being said, there are tons of events and activities in Toronto this November, and many of them are also free. If you’re saving room in your budget, then this list of free and cheap things to do in Toronto this month will come in handy.
Let’s hop right into the very best free and cheap things to do in Toronto this November:
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Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market
If you’ve got some green thumbs on your holiday gift list this year, then you’ll want to pay a visit to the botanically-themed market this November.
Shop for eco-friendly and nature-inspired products including home décor, fine chocolates, fresh seasonal greens, along with amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs.
Plus, the TBG Bloom Cafe will be serving up hot beverages and light bites during the market.
When: November 24th to 26th, 2023
Where: Toronto Botanical Gardens, 777 Lawrence Avenue East
Cost: FREE
Outdoor skating at City of Toronto rinks
Get ready to lace up your skates!
There are tons of City-run public rinks opening for the season on November 26th, including Christie Pits, College Park, High Park, Kew Gardens, and Mel Lastman Square, Nathan Phillips Square.
So, grab your favourite people and glide the day away at the rink
When: November 26th, 2023 to March 19th, 2024 (select rinks)
Where: See all locations
Cost: FREE
Toronto Santa Claus Parade
The original Toronto Santa Claus Parade is returning to give our city a huge dose of holiday cheer this November.
This parade has been a Toronto tradition since 1905 and this year, it will delight the city once again.
All are welcome to gather and witness the amazing floats make their way through the streets — with Mrs. Claus and Santa in tow, of course!
When: Sunday, November 26th at 12:30 PM
Where: Christie Pits Park to St. Lawrence Market – see route map here
Cost: FREE
Santa in the Village
Pay a visit to jolly ole’ Saint Nick this November 25th in Bloor West Village!
Complimentary photos with Santa and visits with Mrs. Claus will be available, as well as a festive outdoor holiday marketplace, live entertainment and crafts for kids.
When: November 25th, 2023, 10 AM to 4 PM
Where: Green P Lot at Willard and Armadale Avenue, Bloor West Village
Cost: FREE
CPKC Holiday Train 2023
Choo-choo! The holiday train is rolling through our city this month.
Until December 19th, the CPKC Holiday Train travels through Canada and the U.S., complete with free concerts from the festive train stage by professional musicians like Seaforth and Kiesza.
On the 28th, the decked-out train will make its anticipated stop in Toronto and you bet it’ll be bringing its festive spirit along with it.
When: November 28th, 2023
Where: CPKC Yard Office parking lot, 750 Runnymede Road
Cost: FREE
Cavalcade of Lights
Get excited because the Cavalcade of Lights kicks off this month, initiating the holiday season.
Every year, the Cavalcade of Lights takes over Nathan Phillips Square with a dazzling array of holiday lights and offerings.
The tree lighting ceremony and celebration will take place on November 25th.
If you can’t make the ceremony, you can still stop by for some ice skating, lighting displays, and more until January 7th.
When: November 25th, 2023 to January 7th, 2024
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Cost: FREE
Holiday Magic 2023
Kick off the holidays with the exciting return of Holiday Magic on November 25th!
The Bloor-Yorkville BIA welcomes all to enjoy the Christmas spirit with its tree lighting ceremony taking place on Cumberland Street and at the Village of Yorkville Park.
This year’s event will be hosted by award-winning Singer and TV Host, Keshia Chante and includes a live performance from five-time JUNO Award-winning Canadian Jazz singer and songwriter Matt Dusk.
When: November 25th, 2023 from 5 PM to 7 PM
Where: Village of Yorkville Park
Cost: FREE
Toronto Holiday Market
Shop ’til ya drop at this dog-friendly holiday market!
You’ll be browsing over 20 vintage and craft vendors, munching snacks, sipping drinks, and dancing along to the festive music.
We can’t think of a more fun and exciting way to cross gifts off your list.
When: November 25th, 2023, 11 AM to 4 PM
Where: Society Clubhouse, 967 College Street
Cost: FREE
North York Diwali Fest
Another Diwali festival is coming our way in November, and this time, it’ll be in North York’s Mel Lastman Square.
Celebrate the festival of lights with live music, dance, a rangoli competition, live performances, food, and entertainment of all kinds.
The best part? Admission is free!
When: November 11th, 2023, 11 AM to 9 PM
Where: Mel Lastman Square
Cost: FREE
Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market
Want a head start on your holiday shopping? You can shop directly from the hands of 180+ amazingly talented Toronto artists and artisans this month at a market under the Gardiner Expressway.
The one-day market will have a little of everything, including art, photography, sculptures, jewellery, fashion, home decor, and skin care.
It also has food vendors and DJ Kid Artik! So bring your dancing shoes, you’ll be dancing while shopping.
When: November 4th, 2023, 11 AM to 6 PM
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd
Cost: FREE
Midtown Mix & Mingle
Grab your crew or make some new friends at Snakes & Lattes Mix & Mingle nights. Play some board games, sip on some cocktails, and have fun! There will be food and drink specials all night including $2 off wine, a selection of draught beer, and flatbreads.
When: November 21st at 6 PM
Where: 45 Eglinton Ave E
Cost: $10 per guest
Keep Calm & Carry Yarn Crafting Circle
The Toronto Reference Library hosts a crafting circle every month where you can crochet, knit, embroider, or sew alongside other crafty people. All skill levels are welcome so even if you’re not the best, it doesn’t hurt to practice and even get some tips from the pros.
According to TRL, they do supply yarn and crochet hooks/knitting needles for those who need it during the program.
When: November 30th from 6 PM to 7:30 PM
Where: 789 Yonge Street Beeton Hall, First Floor
Cost: FREE
Toronto Career Fair and Training Expo Canada
If you’re on the job hunt, check out this career fair at the Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place. You can network and apply with employer exhibitors and advance your career.
When: November 21, 2023
Where: Queen Elizabeth Building – 180 Princes’ Blvd, Exhibition Place
Cost: FREE
Aga Khan Museum Free Wednesdays
The Aga Khan Museum also offers free admission to the public on Wednesday evenings from 4 PM to 8 PM.
No pre-registration is required, just show up in person to receive your free ticket and enjoy!
Where: Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Drive
When: Wednesdays from 4 PM to 8 PM
Cost: FREE
AGO Free Wednesday Nights
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has a longstanding tradition of allowing the public to visit the gallery for free every Wednesday evening.
Free general admission tickets must be booked in advance, online.
If you don’t manage to get one, be on the lookout on Mondays when a limited number of free timed-entry tickets are released for the following Wednesday.
Where: The Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas Street West
When: Wednesdays from 6 PM to 9 PM
Cost: FREE
