Spooky season is behind us now, and you know what that means! You now have official permission to dive headfirst into all things holidays. There are plenty of things to do in Toronto this November if you love the festive vibes, but there’s still so much fun to be had if you couldn’t care less about Santa.
From Broadway musicals to film festivals and boozy art shows, there is something for everyone in our city this month.
Holiday Festivals & Winter Celebrations
Miracle Toronto
Nothing says holiday season in the city like a festive cocktail bar, and this year, Toronto’s iconic Miracle pop-up bar is making a comeback.
‘With kitschy holiday décor, cocktails by the team at Civil Liberties, and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to,” the description says.
You’ll be feeling more jolly than Santa Claus with a few Jingle Ball Nogs in your system, the Christmas music, and the endlessly amusing holiday decorations.
Where: 875 Bloor Street West
When: November 18th to December 31st, 2022
Distillery District Winter Village Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Distillery District is kicking off its Winter Village with a Tree Lighting Ceremony this month. The breathtaking 50-foot-tall White Spruce tree will come alive with twinkling bright lights on Thursday, November 17th.
The celebration will be accompanied by carolers, special guests, and, of course, Santa Claus to commemorate the beginning of this special time of year.
When: Thursday, November 17th, 2022 at 6 PM
Where: The Distillery Historic District
Christmas Glow Toronto
The popular Christmas Glow festival is coming back to Toronto this year, but instead of taking you on a trip to Santa’s village, you’ll be taken on a trip around the world.
Starting on November 30th, the indoor experience will take visitors on an illuminated journey to six different countries. No passport required!
You can also shop in the Merry Maker’s Market, enjoy live entertainment from local performers, indulge in holiday cocktails and delicious international bites, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, and of course, visit Santa!
Where: Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road
When: November 30th, 2022 – December 31st, 2022
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Twinkle After Dark
Something magical is coming our way this holiday season. The creators of the popular illuminated trail Pumpkins After Dark are opening a magical holiday experience this year called Twinkle After Dark.
Tens of thousands of lights will illuminate this sprawling walk-through experience in a picturesque country setting just outside of Toronto.
You’ll get to wander through an enchanting immersive world featuring historic buildings, holiday projections, costumed actors, festive music, and even a main street.
Where: Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremaine Road, Milton
When: November 24th to December 24th, 2022
Christmas Land at Niemi Family Farm
All aboard the Polar Express! Niemi Family Farm’s Christmas Land returns this November and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to Santa’s hometown.
You’ll get to climb aboard the Polar Express and travel around the magical village, saying hello to the farm animals along the way.
You can warm up by the bonfire and treat yourself to some tasty s’mores, then visit the on-site Christmas market where you can pick up all kinds of goodies to take home.
When: November 12th to December 22nd, 2022 (Fridays and Saturdays)
Where: Niemi Family Farm, 18463 ON-48, Mount Albert
Cavalcade of Lights 2022
Cavalcade of Lights is an annual event that kicks off the official start of the holiday season in Toronto. Nathan Phillips Square comes to life with a glittering tree, ice skating, and, of course, lights.
Watch in amazement as City Hall is illuminated with twinkling bulbs, and live performers provide incredible entertainment on stage.
When: November 26th, 2022, 6 PM
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market
Want a head start on your holiday shopping? You can shop directly from the hands of 120+ amazingly talented Toronto artists and artisans this month at a market under the Gardiner Expressway.
The market also features food vendors and DJ Kid Artik! So bring your dancing shoes, you’ll be dancing while shopping.
When: November 5th, 2022, 11 AM to 6 PM
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd
Swedish Christmas Fair
A Swedish Christmas event is coming our way! Shop for all kinds of Swedish products, all under one roof.
Indulge in Swedish food at the Café, watch the folk performers and shop the vast selection of Swedish design products and folk art for sale. Plus, you’ll get to sip Sweden’s traditional Glögg mulled wine and dance around the tree.
When: November 19th and 20th, 2022
Where: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic 2022
Kick off the holidays with the exciting return of Holiday Magic on November 26th. 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.
The event will be hosted by Traci Melchor and includes a live performance from Grammy and JUNO award-winning Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk. Toronto-based musician Jeremie Albino will kick off performances before Kreviazuk takes the stage and sings hit singles from her holiday album.
When: November 26th, 2022, 5 PM to 7 PM
Where: Village of Yorkville Park
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Light Up the Square 2022
Cheers to the holidays! Mississauga will light up Celebration Square for the holidays and host its annual tree-lighting ceremony this month.
On November 26, Light Up the Square will kick off the festive season with ice skating, food trucks, Christmas tree lighting and so much more.
When: November 26th, 2022
Where: Celebration Square – 300 City Centre Drive
Toronto Santa Claus Parade
Get excited, friends! The Toronto Santa Claus Parade is making an in-person comeback this November.
This parade has been a Toronto tradition since 1905 and on November 20th, it will delight the city with a big dose of holiday cheer.
All are welcome to gather and witness the amazing floats, bands, marchers, and celebrity clowns make their way through the streets — and Mrs. Claus and Santa, of course!
When: Sunday, November 20th, 2022
Where: Parade route TBA
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 third year in a row and you’ll see Santa’s village come to life from the warmth of your car.
This year, the experience will be bigger and more exciting than ever, with new interactive displays to see as you make your way along the trail.
When: November 12th to December 23rd, 2022
Where: 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy
Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest
The season of holiday cheer is about to begin at Canada’s Wonderland for its annual WinterFest, a celebration of everything magical about this time of year. Get ready to lace up your skates, wander along a starlit trail, and feel festive AF.
The park is transforming into a cheerful holiday dream world with ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, live entertainment, carolers, a nightly tree-lighting ceremony, an artisan market, festive food offerings, and, of course, millions of twinkling lights.
Where: Canada’s Wonderland
When: Select nights from November 18th to December 31st, 2022
CP Holiday Train
Mark your calendars! The beloved CP Holiday Train will be putting smiles on Canadians’ faces this year as it hits the road for its cross-continent tour.
The train will arrive in Toronto on November 29th for one night of holiday cheer. The dazzling lights of the train will be complemented by live performances by popular artists Tenille Townes and Aysanabee.
The shows are free to attend but visitors are asked to make a cash or non-perishable food donation if they’re able to.
When: November 29th, 2022, 8:30 PM to 9 PM
Where: 750 Runnymede Road, CP Yard Office parking lot
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
One of Toronto’s most prestigious winter traditions is returning for its 100th anniversary this year.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has been bringing world-class equestrian entertainment to the city since 1922 and this year promises to be the biggest and best yet.
Whether you’re a fan of equestrian sports or simply love the history and tradition of it all, you’ll have no shortage of entertainment and attractions to enjoy at this year’s fair.
Where: Exhibition Place, Toronto
When: November 4th to 13th, 2022
One Of A Kind Show
The One Of A Kind show is coming back to Toronto and if you’re looking to support local this year, there’s no better place to start.
From November 24th to December 4th, the OOAK show will take over the Enercare Centre and more than 600 artisans from all over Canada will showcase their extensive selection of goods.
You can expect to find a wide range of craft goods including houseware items, clothing, art pieces, sweet treats, jewelry and so much more.
When: November 24th to December 4th, 2022
Where: 100 Princes’ Blvd – Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place
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Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment
The Toronto Pancakes & Booze Art Show
Art, booze, and unlimited pancakes. Need we say more? An international pop-up art event is coming to Toronto this November, featuring over 75 local artists, 300 pieces of artwork, and most importantly, all-you-can-eat flapjacks.
Local DJs and musical performers will provide the live soundtrack as you make your way through the exhibit and discover some of Canada’s finest emerging artists. All while you sip boozy beverages and stuff your face with flapjacks, of course.
Where: Revival Event Venue, 783 College Street
When: November 25th, 2022, 8 PM
Mean Girls: The Musical
This is SO Fetch! Tina Fey’s Broadway hit Mean Girls has hit the stage in Toronto.
According to Mirvish Productions, Mean Girls is a hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team. And as they say, “It’s not a regular musical. It’s a cool musical.”
This production is not one to miss, and this month is your only chance to see it in Toronto.
Where: Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King Street West
When: Until November 27th, 2022
The Taylor Party: Taylor Swift Night
Calling all Swifties! The Taylor Party is coming to Toronto for a night of dancing, singing, and good vibes, all in the name of T-Swift!
The Taylor Party is a celebration of all things, well, Taylor! From photo ops to non-stop hits from every era of her career, you’ll truly be immersed in her world.
Where: The Danforth Music Hall
When: November 25th, 2022, 8 PM
Reel Asian Film Festival
Canada’s largest Asian film festival is coming to Toronto this month.
The 26th annual Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is a “unique showcase of contemporary Asian cinema and work from the Asian diaspora,” according to the description.
Festival-goers will get to see films and videos made by Asian-identifying artists in Canada, the U.S., Asia and all over the world.
When: November 9th to 20th, 2022
Where: See all venues
ROM After Dark: Being Legendary
ROM After Dark returns this month! Get ready for a late-night museum party unlike any other, with all kinds of interactive experiences to participate in.
According to The ROM, this monthly 19+ event features a range of “experiential activities, curated music, visual arts, pop-up performances, and distinctive food and drink, designed for adults looking for a fun, art-driven night out.”
When: November 25th, 2022 7:30 PM
Where: Royal Ontario Museum
The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience
Bridgerton fans, your Queen’s Ball invitation is here. Toronto is getting an exclusive ball experience inspired by the hit Netflix series so you can feel like royalty for one magical night.
Get ready to mingle with other royal members, sip on cocktails and take part in an evening of music and dance.
When: Various dates in November 2022
Where: Cinespace Studios, 8 Unwin Avenue
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Outdoor Activities
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 this November, including Christie Pits, College Park, High Park, Kew Gardens, Mel Lastman Square, Nathan Phillips Square, and many more.
Where: See all locations
Union Winter Free Public Skating Rink
The Union Station skating rink will open back up this November with its biggest ice surface yet, and that includes free skate rentals too!
The free public skating rink is located in front of the transit hub. You’ll get to glide along the ice with views of the city all around you and a live DJ supplying the tunes. You can also get some free lessons and head inside for live entertainment, shopping, and dining.
Where: Union Station, 65 Front Street West
When: November 28th, 2022 to January 29th, 2023
Illumi: A Dazzling World of Lights
Prepare to be amazed, friends. An immersive light show has arrived in the GTA. The experience is called illumi — A Dazzling World of Lights and it’s said to be the first of its kind in the world. Here’s a first look inside so you know what to expect!
Illumi spans 600,000 square feet in Mississauga, taking visitors on a magical journey through 13 different worlds, each with its own theme and spectacular sights, including a special holiday-themed installation.
Where: 7174 Derrycrest Dr (near Hwy 407 and Hurontario St), Mississauga
When: Until January 8th, 2023
