It’s time to bid adieu to November and welcome December in with open arms! And what’s the best way to do it? By exploring and enjoying all the things to do in Toronto, especially for the holidays. It’s another wonderful week and we’re ready to dive right in.

Whether you’re all in for these festive activities or rather explore more exciting things in your city, don’t you worry! There are tons to do across Toronto to end November.

Here are 10 of the best things to do in Toronto this week.

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Christmas at the Castle & Holiday Lights

The holiday magic is coming back to Toronto’s Casa Loma for the festive season, transforming the castle grounds into a winter wonderland. Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights Tour experiences will take over Casa Loma this December.

Get ready to experience a holiday event like no other starting December 1st. Embark on a Christmas journey as you wander outdoors, through dazzling light displays in the gardens and throughout the castle grounds and tunnels.

Holiday Lights is a self-guided walk that will delight guests as they encounter the almost endless holiday decorations, lights, and live performances. There will be a magic show, a fire performer, roaming mime artists, mascots, and silt walkers. We can’t for the Christmas carolers and of course, Santa.

When: December 1st to January 6th
Where: Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace
Cost: Starting at $45+tax

The Thirsty Elf

One of Toronto’s most beloved and magical holiday pop-ups is back!

Get ready for The Thirsty Elf at the Fairmont Royal York!

Celebrate the holidays this season with over-the-top cocktails in the most festive bar imaginable.

The Thirsty Elf pop-up will be located on the Mezzanine (MM) Level of Fairmont Royal York, at the former York Station Bar.

When: Until December 22nd, 2023
Where: Fairmont Royal York, 1OO Front Street West
Cost: Varies

Sponsored Pick: Moxies Winter Menu

‘Tis the season for cozy eats, which is good news because Moxies just announced their new menu for the colder season. Check out tasty new additions, like Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts, Short Rib Bolognese, and Rigatoni Arrabbiata, along with some returning favourites from last year, like the Mushroom Mosaic Dip and Sticky Toffee Pudding. This new winter menu is available for a limited time, so don’t wait to book your reso and try it for yourself!

When: Available now until Sunday, January 14th
Where: Moxies restaurant locations across Canada

Holiday Nights of Lights

Ready for an immersive walk-through experience like no other? Holiday Nights of Lights will soon feature over 1.5 million LED lights animated & synchronized to your favourite holiday tunes, and it all takes place in Scarborough this year.

According to organizers, the event, which is back for the fourth year, will be bigger and brighter with new displays and interactive activities kicking off on December 1st.

Where: Scarborough Town Centre, 500 Progress Ave.
When: December 1, 2023 to January 7, 2024 (select nights), open daily from December 21

Sponsored Pick: MOCA Museum

Experience incredible contemporary art at MOCA Toronto!  From towering installations to a stream of found and hand-crafted objects to a fresh take on portraiture, immerse yourself in spectacular art at MOCA. If you visit often during the year, you might want to consider getting an annual membership. ? It’s only $25 per year and comes with free admission, exclusive Members-only events, discounts with neighbourhood partners, and more. 

Cost: Membership fee $25
Where: MOCA Toronto, 158 Sterling Rd

Outdoor ice skating

It’s time to sharpen up those skates and get your warmest gear out. Toronto’s outdoor skating season kicks off this weekend as outdoor artificial ice rinks will officially open for all to enjoy, this Saturday.

From local parks to the city’s popular outdoor skating rinks, Toronto offers great skating options – east to west. According to the city, Toronto’s outdoor rinks typically open in late November and last up until March. So that means you have plenty of time to hit the ice and practice those skills.

When: Until end of season in March (depending on rink)
Where: Outdoor skating rinks across the city

Sponsored Pick: Game night on a weeknight? Try these tea-infused mocktails instead

You can’t help it if the big game is on a Tuesday. But you CAN still enjoy it without waking up on Wednesday in a world of hurt. These 10 tea-infused mocktail recipes with Traditional Medicinals are tasty, wintery, and perfect for sharing with all your game-day buddies. It’s all the delicious satisfaction without any of the consequences. Now, if only your team could win…

One Of A Kind Show

The One Of A Kind show is coming back to Toronto and there’s no better place to cross gifts off your list!

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, and jewelry.

When: Until December 3rd, 2023
Where: 100 Princes’ Blvd – Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place
Cost: $18 per adult

Wonka’s Sweet Escape

Have you ever thought of what it would be like visiting Willy Wonka’s factory? Well, now you can finally explore the world of the famous fictional chocolatier at this new immersive Wonka experience in Toronto. And you don’t need a golden ticket for this sweet adventure.

Visitors will have the chance to tap into the candy maker’s imagination and experience the magic firsthand through visual content displays and even replica props.

When: Until January 2nd, 2024
Where: Yorkdale Mall

Holiday Afternoon Tea at the AGO

Book a reservation at the AGO’s The Grange for a celebratory holiday afternoon tea. Enjoy flavours from across the Caribbean diaspora. This experience includes UK classics too. The holiday afternoon tea experience is inspired by Life Between Islands.

Seatings are available Wednesday through Sunday until December 17th.

When: Until December 17th, 2023 – 11:30 AM, 12 PM, 2:30 PM, 3 PM
Where: 317 Dundas Street West
Cost: $95 + tax per adult and $45 + tax per child (10 and under)