The holidays are approaching (can you believe it?!) and that means it’s time to start saving some money where you can. If you’re an activity-lover like myself, you don’t have to sacrifice getting out of the house in order to do so. We’ve put together 18 free and cheap things to do in Toronto this November so you can save your moolah while enjoying getting out in the city.

Toronto Biennial of Art

Toronto Biennial of Art is part of Canada’s leading visual arts program focused exclusively on contemporary art from around the world!

This interactive experience transforms Toronto and its partner regions with free exhibitions, performances, and learning opportunities.

All the Toronto exhibitions can be found here.

When: All November
Where: Various locations around Toronto
Cost: Free admission

Sorauren Park’s Pumpkin Parade

The day after Halloween, the famous Pumpkin Parade takes place at Sorauren Park!

With more than 1,500 pumpkins on display in some years, “the Parade is a neighbourhood and even regional highlight of the season.”

All are welcome to add their pumpkin to the path around the park (starting at 6:00 PM) and enjoy the final sights of Halloween.

When: November 1st starting at 6:00 PM
Where: Sorauren Avenue Park, 289 Sorauren Ave
Cost: Free

T3 Holiday Market

Shop local and get ready for the holidays at this two-day vendors’ market.

The market is held at STACKT and will feature trendy apparel, local food, handcrafted jewelry, and unique one-of-a-kind items for the holiday season.

Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst St
Cost: Free admission

Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market 

This one-day outdoor Christmas market is back for its 10th year!

The beloved event takes place at The Bentway and will feature work from 180+ talented Toronto artists and artisans.

Admission is free but you can register for a spot ahead of time.

When: November 2nd from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd
Cost: Free admission

2024 EcoFair Toronto

Help contribute to a better planet at the 2024 EcoFair!

Guests can interact and enjoy environmental non-profits, businesses, fun interactive activities, and fabulous food vendors in the Wychwood Barns.

The fair is free to attend but donations are accepted.

When: November 3rd from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St
Cost: Free admission

6ixScreams International Horror Film Festival

Halloween may be over by the time this comes around but spooky season doesn’t end for horror lovers!

The 6ixScreams International Horror Film Festival will feature flicks from around the globe and the best part is that it’s free to attend.

Doors open at 5:30 PM and you can reserve a spot ahead of time to guarantee entry.

When: November 5th starting at 5:30 PM
Where: Naturlandia, 2237 Dundas Street W
Cost: Free admission

Swifties Friendship Bracelet Making

November is the month Taylor Swift comes to Toronto for her iconic Eras Tour and if you’re looking for an affordable way to join the fun, this is it.

Creative Reuse Toronto & Repair Café is hosting a sustainable bracelet-making workshop on November 6th for $15.

All you have to do is show up and get ready to create something wonderful.

When: November 6th starting at 7:00 PM
Where: East Art Amenity, 68 Abell St
Cost: $15 per person

Soberish Fest Toronto

If you’re sober yourself or know someone who is, this is a great event to add to your list of things to do in November.

Soberish Fest aims to create an inclusive, enjoyable experience which will include “premium non-alcoholic beverages, along with on-site entertainment throughout the day and into the evening.”

Early bird tickets to the festivities start at $15!

When: November 9th from 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Henderson Brewing C0, 28 Sterling Rd
Cost: $15 – $20 per ticket

The Distillery Winter Village

It’s TIMMMEEEE! The Winter Village opens in the Distillery District on November 13th!

From festive vendors to dazzling decorations, this is a must-visit during the holidays. November is the perfect time to go before the crowds get bigger around Christmas.

Tickets start at $15.

When: Starting November 13th
Where: The Distillery District, 51 Gristmill Lane
Cost: $15+ per ticket 

Gem Expo

Now this is cool!

“The beauty and splendour of gemstones from around the globe will be on display in Toronto,” shares the Gem Expo.

“Come and see selenite from Morocco, Kunzite from Afghanistan, Larimar from the Dominican Republic and Rubies from Sri Lanka. But Canada also has its own treasures such as Amethyst from Thunder Bay and unique Forest Crystals that are only found in BC!”

Tickets are $10 and the expo will run for three days.

When: November 15th – 17th
Where: Hyatt Regency, 370 King St W
Cost: $10 per ticket

Holiday Artisan Market

Jewelry, embroidered accessories, pottery, greeting cards, tote bags, and more can be shopped for at the Holiday Artisan Market!

Free to attend, the market is held at the Riverdale Hub and is the perfect way to get a head start on your holiday shopping.

When: November 16th from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Riverdale Hub, 1326 Gerrard St E
Cost: Free admission

The Huddle: Cheifs vs Bills

Watch The Chiefs take on the Buffalo Bills at King Tap’s latest location on King West and Portland.

The day will include visits from the Chiefs’ Mascot and four Chiefs Cheerleaders!

Watch the game and chow down on something delicious bites. There’s no entry fee, just make a reservation ahead of time.

When: November 17th starting at 1:00 PM
Where: King Taps King West, 620 King St W
Cost: Free admission

ROM Third Tuesday Nights Free

The ROM Museum will be free—for everyone—on the third Tuesday Night of each month from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM.

In November, this falls on the 19th and will include access to most galleries and live performances.

When: November 19th starting 4:30 PM
Where: The ROM, 100 Queens Park
Cost: Free admission

Holiday Market Toronto Botanical Garden 

This FREE holiday market is running for a weekend in November and it’ll have everything you need to get into the holiday spirit.

The market will feature local vendors, an outdoor campfire, live music and food trucks.

When: November 22nd – 24th
Where: Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave E
Cost: Free admission

HER Holiday Market 

This marketplace will showcase 30+ women-owned businesses just in time for the holidays!

Shop the vendors at Stackt Markt from November 23rd – 24th – admission is free.

When: November 23rd – 24th
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst St
Cost: Free admission

2024 Santa Claus Parade

SANTA! I know him!

Santa Claus is coming to town, or should I say to the city, on November 24th. The annual parade will wind from Christie Pitts to St Lawrence Market with the full route available online so you can pick out where you’re going to post up and wait for the big man himself.

When: November 24th starting at 12:30 PM
Where: Starting at Christie Pitts to St Lawrence Market
Cost: Free

Guided Walk at Rouge National Urban Park

End the month connecting with nature!

Happening at Rouge National Urban Park, this guided walk will include stories of the park from friendly and knowledgeable Parks Canada volunteer leaders and staff.

Guests can expect wildlife sightings, fitness challenges and meeting new people!

When: November 30th from 1:00 PM = 3:00 PM
Where: 7445 Elgin Mills Road E
Cost: Free

Fun, free and cheap things to do in Toronto in November: CHECK! Enjoy the start of the holiday season!

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Taylor Lucas

Associate Editor – Taylor is a Toronto-based journalist with a passion for storytelling. Whether chasing a story, writing, or editing, she brings a creative spin to the media world and has a blast doing it. Taylor brings years of journalism experience in sports, local/national news, and entertainment. In her spare time, you can typically find Taylor trying out a new restaurant or cocktail bar, cooking, golfing or binge-watching true crime documentaries.

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