Out with the old, in with the new year! We’ve got another fun weekend coming our way, Toronto. And there is sure to be a ton of exciting things to do in Toronto this weekend, considering all the NYE events and final runs for holiday festivals. So without further delay, let’s dive in.

Here are 10 of the best events worth checking out around the city this weekend.

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Northern Lights TO

Northern Lights has arrived in the city for the first time ever, and it’s described as an “an unparalleled winter wonderland.” It has over 80,000 square feet of breathtaking installations and uniquely immersive experiences. Some of the features include art installations, dazzling décor, a 25-foot illuminated Christmas tree, fun-for-all-ages games and activities, a holiday vendor market, and much more.

When: Until January 8th, 2022 From 5:00 P.M. until 10:00 P.M.
Where: Grand Bizarre at Exhibition Place

Toronto Gingerbread Festival

The festival will feature a life-sized gingerbread display and gigantic installations, filling the streets with excitement and nostalgia. But, what makes this event extra special is the interactive element. Visitors to the festival can scoop up a free gingerbread-building kit and join a contest for the best creation!

When: December 13th, 2022 to January 11th, 2023
Where: Yonge and St. Clair, Life-sized display in the lobby at 2 St. Clair West

Go skating around Toronto

When it comes to outdoor skating rinks, Toronto has no shortage of fantastic options. From ice trails through the city to DJ skate nights in the heart of downtown, these rinks will make you want to lace up your skates all season long.

Where: Select skating rinks

Casa Loma’s Christmas at the Castle

Step into a world of holiday magic at Toronto’s Casa Loma this joyous season! Yes, the beloved Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights is a day-and-night experience that takes place at our beloved castle during the holidays. Until January 8th, explore the castle grounds as it transforms into the ultimate winter wonderland, surrounded by holiday decor in every corner and draped in dazzling lights.

Where: 1 Austin Terrace
When: Until January 8th, 2023

City of Toronto New Year’s Eve Fireworks 

The City of Toronto has announced that it will ring in 2023 with two synchronized 15-minute fireworks displays on the water. The high-altitude fireworks will be launched across Toronto’s downtown waterfront, and you’ll be able to enjoy them anywhere with a view of Toronto’s inner harbour. Can’t make it? Here are other spots where you can catch the fireworks too!

When: January 1st, 2023 at 12:00 AM
Where: Downtown Toronto Waterfront (Inner Harbour)

The Nutcracker Ballet

The National Ballet of Canada has one of the finest versions of Marius Petipa’s beloved classic The Nutcracker, and it is a holiday season tradition that our city looks forward to every year. There’s no better way to make the holiday season feel complete in Toronto than this enchanting show.

When: Until December 31st, 2022
Where: 145 Queen Street West

Enjoy a dome dining experience

Treat yourself this winter and enjoy an intimate, heated, dome dining experience in Toronto courtesy of Selva. You can get the best views of the CN Tower while you indulge in a special drink menu made especially for this foodie adventure. Selvierno at Selva offers a fun dining experience and provides all the comforts of private dining inside individually heated domes with plush pillows, blankets, and cozy seating even at sub-zero temperatures!

When: Evening
Where: Selva – 221 Richmond Street W

Holiday Hills

Toronto’s annual winter festival, Holiday Hills, is back featuring local businesses for holiday shopping, festive food and drink offerings, community-led events, workshops and so much more. There’s a new addition to the festivities this year, the Holiday Hills Fun Zone, featuring the huge Ferris wheel for those stunning city views, and a one-of-a-kind 40 x 40 ft. Crokicurl ice rink.

When: Until December 31st, 2022
Where: stackt market, 28 Bathurst Street

Christmas Glow Toronto

The popular Christmas Glow festival is back, but instead of taking you on a trip to Santa’s village, you’ll be taken on a trip around the world. 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:  Until December 31st, 2022

Holiday bars

‘Tis the season for all things festive and a lil’ boozy. For the holiday season, Toronto has a bunch of holiday bar pop-ups and they’re serving us the most festive drinks around – for a limited time only. Act fast before the holidays are over. These holiday pop-ups are sure to close up by the end of the month.

Where: Mulitple locations
When:  Until December 31st, 2022