Things to do in Toronto Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, 2023
The following is a selection of featured events from toronto.com’s self-submitting events calendar along with selected events from the city’s event listings. Link here to our own full calendar at toronto.com.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29
Fire Stories at Downsview Park Wednesday, Nov. 29, 5:45 to 7 p.m. at Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Ave. Enjoy the fun of a traditional campfire, where a discussion will take place of nature, science, and history of fire in Canada. It’s outdoors, so dress comfortably for the weather. Reserve your spot here (youth under 16 must be accompanied by adult).
Acclaimed Grammy and JUNO-Nominated ARC Ensemble Marks its 20th Anniversary of Reviving Music Suppressed through War, Anti-Semitism and Political Oppression Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Telus Centre For Performance And Learning. More info.
TSO presents Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, Nov 29, 30, Dec 1 & 3 at Roy Thomson Hall. More info.
Short Book Club last Wednesday of the month, 6 to 7 p.m. Toronto Public Library – Parliament Street Branch, 269 Gerrard St. E. Upcoming: Nov. 29, How Should a Person Be by Sheila Heti; Dec. 27, The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen. More info.
bikebike multimedia experience and live album recording Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7 to 10 p.m. at Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave. More info.
I Love You and It Hurts presented by Hart House Theatre, Hart House Building, 7 Hart House Cir. Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Theatre of the Beat has developed three short forum theatre plays that reflect lived experiences of elder abuse, healthy masculinity, and intimate partner violence in youth relationships, with a focus on how to recognize the subtle early signs of abuse. This project is produced in partnership with community partners Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region and Assaulted Women’s Helpline of Ontario. More info.
Touting itself as the largest craft show in North America, the One Of A Kind Winter Show runs Nov. 23 to Dec. 3 at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes Blvd., with more than 650 of the most talented artisans from across Canada. Ticketed event. More info.
Shop indoors for fresh produce, mushrooms, baked goods, jam, honey, prepared foods, freshly baked bread, and much more at Montgomery’s Inn Winter Farmers’ Market, 4709 Dundas St. W. Wednesdays, 2 to 6 p.m. Support local farmers and small food producers through the winter season! The final market of 2023 will be December 20; the market will remain closed during the month of January and re-open in February 2024. Some vendors accept credit/debit. Others accept cash only. More info.
For more events for Wednesday, Nov. 29, including a comprehensive lineup of live music, click our toronto.com events calendar page here.
THURSDAY, NOV. 30
MinoFest, formerly the Racialized Maternal Health Conference, touts itself as the premier event in Canada shaping the future of perinatal care for Black and racialized birthing persons. MinoFest 2023 will take place on Thursday, Nov. 30 at Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St. E. with a carefully curated and enriching program that includes inspiring keynote speakers, thought-provoking panel discussions, and engaging workshops. More info.
TSO presents Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, Nov 29, 30, Dec 1 & 3 at Roy Thomson Hall. More info.
Gay Lea Foods Co-Operative (“Gay Lea Foods”), a 100% Canadian-owned dairy co-operative, is bringing back its one-of-a-kind ‘Share Joy by Gay Lea’ holiday pop-up experience to Toronto Nov. 30 to Dec. 31 at The Well, 410 Front St. W. The family- and dog-friendly Share Joy by Gay Lea pop-up welcomes guests of all ages to explore five immersive rooms, each carefully designed to spark creativity and joy. More info.
Joy! A Jubilant Evening of Songs & Stories Thursday, Nov. 30, 7 to 10 p.m. at De La Salle College with local musical artists Jacob Moon, David Leask and Ali Matthews plus the Canadian premiere screening of the new docuseries Zero Hunger, Part 1. More info.
Plant Sex in the City: Urban Pollination Thursday, Nov. 30, 7 to 8 p.m. at Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Ave. Stephen Humphrey, author of Paths of Pollen (McGill-Queen’s University Press), will present a talk, with pictures, about Toronto’s diverse pollination community. Reserve a spot here.
ICFF is screening ‘A Muso Duro’ otherwise known as ‘Hard-nosed’, directed by Marco Pontecorvo, preceded by a panel discussion taking place Thursday, Nov. 30 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W. Accessibility and inclusion are at the core of the ICFF and this event aims to shed light on the success and challenges related to wheelchair basketball while being of immense significance in promoting awareness and understanding of the Paralympic Games and disabled peoples. Ticketed event. More info.
Slideshow Bob – A Powerpoint Comedy Show at The Sidekick Thursday, Nov. 30 , 7:30 to 9:30 at The Sidekick Comicbook Store, 1374 Queen St. E. More info.
Esprit Orchestra: Circle Maps Thursday, Nov. 30, 8 to 10 p.m. at Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W. Music by Žibuokle Martinaitytė, Vito Žuraj and Alex Pauk feature alongside a tribute to Kaija Saariaho and a work by Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, with soloists Erica Goodman and Kevin Ahfat. More info.
Touting itself as the largest craft show in North America, the One Of A Kind Winter Show runs Nov. 23 to Dec. 3 at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes Blvd., with more than 650 of the most talented artisans from across Canada. Ticketed event. More info.
TacoTaco Open Mic Thursdays every Thursday 8 p.m. at TacoTaco, 319 Augusta Ave. More info.
For more events for Thursday, Nov. 30, including a comprehensive lineup of live music, click our toronto.com events calendar page here.
FRIDAY, DEC. 1
Bad Dog Theatre has a home for the holidays – a Winter Wonderland Comedy pop-up theatre at 1479 Queen Street West (The Assembly Theatre) in Parkdale for December. This year’s ‘Comedy on Queen St.’ Festival in December features an entire month of comedy shows. More info.
The Mistletoe Christmas Pop Up Market will take place on Friday, Dec. 1, 5 to 9 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., Scarborough Bluffs. An evening of shopping, good food, warm drinks, and cozy, Christmas ambiance will feature artisan handcrafters as vendors, Christmas items for sale, a sweet and savory table, and even dinner with chili and ice cream on the menu! Shop local and support community artisans. More info.
Holiday Fair in the Square, offering an abundance of holiday delights for the entire family (and their pets), runs Dec. 1 to 23 at Mel Lastman Square. It features: 65-plus artisans and their unique creations; photo ops for humans and furry friends; Polar Point Bar serving up delicious holiday drinks; rides and games: This event raises essential funds for Epilepsy Toronto and helps to support the 1 in 100 people living with epilepsy in our community. More info at fairinthesquare.ca
Navidad Nuestra, a folk drama telling the story of the Nativity through the rhythms and traditions of Hispanic America, ushers in the holidays when the Upper Canada Choristers and their accomplished Latin ensemble Cantemos present A Seasonal Journey, Friday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. at Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd. Tickets, $25, can be ordered via Eventbrite or purchased at the door. Children 16 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult. Mask-wearing is strongly recommended. Information is available on the choir’s website at uppercanadachoristers.org, or by calling 416-256-0510 or emailing [email protected]. Audiences may also watch the live stream through the choir’s website or Facebook, or on YouTube. There is no charge for the stream, but donations are welcome.
A Burlesque-Mas Carol Dec. 1, 2 at The Painted Lady, 218 Ossington Ave. A unique twirl on the classic holiday tale, promises a night of playful parody, laughter, and seductive entertainment. More info.
Scarborough Players present A Christmas Carol Dec. 1 to 16 at Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd. More info at theatrescarborough.com.
Touting itself as the largest craft show in North America, the One Of A Kind Winter Show runs Nov. 23 to Dec. 3 at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes Blvd., with more than 650 of the most talented artisans from across Canada. Ticketed event. More info.
TSO presents Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, Nov 29, 30, Dec 1 & 3 at Roy Thomson Hall. More info.
Voices for World AIDS Day 2023: An Evening of Storytelling Friday, Dec 1, 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Toronto Reference Library. This intimate evening on World AIDS Day will celebrate six incredible Black women as they share how they navigated systems and made impactful strides for the HIV community. Register to attend for free at caseyhouse.ca/voices
For more events for Friday, Dec. 1, including a comprehensive lineup of live music, click our toronto.com events calendar page here.
SATURDAY, DEC. 2
The 33rd Annual Etobicoke-Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to noon. This exciting event will fill the streets with joy and holiday spirit. Starting from Dwight Avenue and Lakeshore Boulevard West, the parade will make its way to 30th Street and Lakeshore Blvd West, showcasing a magnificent display of festive floats, lively marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus himself. Don’t miss out on this magical experience that will surely bring smiles to faces of all ages. More info.
The Model Railroad Club of Toronto will be holding its annual holiday public show Dec. 2 and 3 at 11 Curity Ave. The club appeals both to a child’s sense of wonder and discovery and an adult’s interest in technology, artistry and history. Trains pass through cities, towns and countryside of the Central Ontario Railway, popping in and out of tunnels and crossing over bridges. Visitors can explore innovations in techniques from hand-crafted models to 3D printing. The club uses true-to-life (prototypical) switching, signals and dispatching of passenger and freight trains, which are controlled digitally, and connected with wifi. More info at modelrailroadclub.com
The Etobicoke Centennial Choir kicks off its season with Holiday Fanfare Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, 7:30 p.m. at Runnymede United Church, 432 Runnymede Rd. Members of the Hannaford Street Silver Band join ECC for this festive concert, featuring Rutter’s beautiful Gloria and a selection of timeless holiday songs. Kick off the season by singing along, with brass accompaniment, to some of your favourite carols. More info.
Voices Chamber Choir presents “Night of Wonder” Saturday, Dec. 2, 8 to 10 p.m. at Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Toronto, 151 Glenlake Ave. Tickets available at the door (cash only). More info.
Holiday Reflections presented by Singing Out Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, 3 to 7 p.m. at East End United, 310 Danforth Ave. Toronto’s largest and coolest 2SLGBTQQIA+ choir presents its heartwarming holiday extravaganza. More info.
Okavango African Orchestra Concert in Toronto Saturday, Dec. 2, 7 to 11 p.m. at The Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard St. E., celebrating their new album ‘Migration’. More info.
The 2023 Canada’s Walk of Fame 25th Anniversary Celebration will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, with a special Canada’s Walk of Fame 25th Anniversary broadcast to follow on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. on CTV. More info.
Transcendence, an Afro Cuban Art + Fashion Show, Saturday, Dec. 2, 7 to 11 p.m. at It’s Ok* Studios, 468 Queen St. W. Celebrate Black Art and Cuban culture throughout the evening with art by BIPOC Cuban artists and allies including Eduardo de la Cruz Guerra, Renier Cabrera Marrero, Agustín Hernández Carlos, a fashion show by Canadian designer Lagachette Suits, live Cuban music and interpretive dancing by Okan Music, and Latin-inspired music by DJ to close the night. More info.
Touting itself as the largest craft show in North America, the One Of A Kind Winter Show runs Nov. 23 to Dec. 3 at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes Blvd., with more than 650 of the most talented artisans from across Canada. Ticketed event. More info.
The West Hill/HIghland Creek Lions Club annual Craft & Gift Sale will be held Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heron Park Community Centre, 292 Manse Rd. where there will be crafters and artists offering a wide variety of unique items including home decor, seasonal items, fashion accessories, jams and jewellery, and more. Something for everybody. More info.
The St. Demetrius Christmas Bazaar will take place Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 in the Church Hall, 135 La Rose Ave., 135 La Rose Avenue. Come out for great food, Christmas gifts, decorations, handmade crafts and more. Open to all ages! Activities include vendor tables, traditional Ukrainian cuisine, a 50/50 draw, handmade embroidered crafts, decorations, gifts and more! Participate in our Online Silent Auction for a chance to bid on great prizes! Proceeds directly support the St. Demetrius community. More info.
Curran Hall Christmas Craft Bake Sale and Tea Room Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 277 Orton Park Rd. Spoil yourself with some home baked goodies from the bake table. Get a start on your Christmas shopping with our various vendors. More info.
Vegan Holiday Wine & Dine Saturday, Dec. 2, 7 to 10 p.m. at Centre for Social Innovation – Annex, 720 Bathurst St. with a portion of proceeds to support the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank. More info.
Rapunzel, the Family-Friendly Musical presented by TYT Theatre Dec. 2 to Jan. 7 at Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave., recommended for five-plus. More info.
Story Time with Vikki VanSickle with her book How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Saturday, Dec. 2, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Yonge Eglinton Centre, 2300 Yonge St. centre court; and Sunday, Dec. 3, 11:30 a.m. at TYPE Books Junction, 2887 Dundas St. W. More info.
A Burlesque-Mas Carol Dec. 1, 2 at The Painted Lady, 218 Ossington Ave. A unique twirl on the classic holiday tale, promises a night of playful parody, laughter, and seductive entertainment. More info.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority have a series of events at Tommy Thompson Park, 1 Leslie St., designed to embrace the upcoming Winter Solstice, including:
• Saturday, Dec. 2, 1 to 3:30 p.m., Wildlife Wonderland: Explore Ontario’s wildlife at a captivating and educational family-friendly event by TRCA at Tommy Thompson Park. Naturalists will lead guided nature walks to showcase local wildlife survival tactics and explore the science behind the winter solstice’s effect on creatures in the park. An educational and captivating experience for the whole family.
• Saturday, Dec. 9, 6 to 8 p.m., Solar and Lunar Wonders: Learn about the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 in the ideal stargazing setting at Tommy Thompson Park. Join TRCA for a presentation and interactive demonstrations on the science of the winter solstice. All ages are welcome!
• Sunday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.: Weaving Dreamcatchers. Join Diane Montreuil, an Algonquin Métis visual artist, educator, and Knowledge Keeper, for a 2-hour dreamcatcher workshop. Dianne will immerse participants in the art of crafting these symbolic pieces and share Indigenous teachings on the winter season and solstice.
All are ticketed events. For tickets and info visit their website here.
Enjoy holiday fun at Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy., including
• On select Saturday nights (Dec. 2, 9, and 16), 6 to 9 p.m., enjoy candlelit Village strolls with live entertainment and traditional holiday treats. And don’t miss the opportunity to take an “elfie” with Santa as he welcomes everyone to the Village.
• Santa at the Village Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, noon to 4 p.m., experience holiday joy with festive activities like toy making, holiday magic at the School for Elves, and crafting decorations. Enjoy Santa’s favourite treats, a wintery puppet show, and hot cocoa.
• VIP Visit with Santa Dec. Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, noon to 4 p.m., enjoy an exclusive experience with Mr. Claus, while indulging in festive activities with his helpers, complemented by toasty apple cider and a delightful seasonal treat.
All are ticketed events. For tickets and info visit their website here.
For more events for Saturday, Dec. 2, including a comprehensive lineup of live music, click our toronto.com events calendar page here.
SUNDAY, DEC. 3
The World’s Greatest Christmas Party at Variety Village, 3701 Danforth Ave., Sunday, Dec 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy festivities, Christmas music, shop for gifts and indulge in festival treats. The one-day event is rounded out by activities the whole family can enjoy: a Kids’ Zone featuring the world’s biggest inflatables, food and drink, chances to win, and a visit from Santa. More info.
Join the Chime and Handbell Ringers, along with guest soloists from St. John’s York Mills Anglican Church, 19 Don Ridge Dr., for the annual Sing ‘n’ Ring on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 at 3 p.m. (doors open at 2:30 p.m.). No tickets required, but a freewill offering will be collected with proceeds going to charity. More info.
Opera Revue presents Ruckus at the Revival Vol 2: The Parody Edition Sunday, Dec 3, 7 to 10 p.m. at the Revival Event venue, 783 College St. A night of original operatic parodies presented by your favourite ‘opera lunatics’ (Opera Ramblings). More info.
Antiques at the Grand Luxe, 3125 Bayview Ave., Sunday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vintage music, pianist, 38 outstanding exhibitors and plenty of merchandise to browse and buy. More info.
Holiday Market Sip ‘N’ Shop at the Kimpton Saint George Hotel Sunday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kimpton Saint George Hotel, 280 Bloor St.W. Enjoy a glass of wine, holiday coffee sips, light bites and live music while shopping from Toronto’s luxe, local brands to find the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family. New to the market this year: Santa Paws! Get into the howl-iday spirit with a special photo-op with Santa Claus from noon to 2 p.m. for you and your furry friend. All people and pets are welcome. More info.
Made for Me Holiday Mini-Market Sunday, Dec. 3 noon to 6 p.m. at Steadfast Brewing Company, 301 Lansdowne Ave. Find vintage, art, handmade goods, and more! Support Toronto’s hardworking local artisans. Venue is located in Toronto’s west end at Dundas and Landsdowne, situated among trendy restaurants and bars, and accessible from the Dundas, College and Landsdowne transit lines. More info.
The Model Railroad Club of Toronto will be holding its annual holiday public show Dec. 2 and 3 at 11 Curity Ave. The club appeals both to a child’s sense of wonder and discovery and an adult’s interest in technology, artistry and history. Trains pass through cities, towns and countryside of the Central Ontario Railway, popping in and out of tunnels and crossing over bridges. Visitors can explore innovations in techniques from hand-crafted models to 3D printing. The club uses true-to-life (prototypical) switching, signals and dispatching of passenger and freight trains, which are controlled digitally, and connected with wifi. More info at modelrailroadclub.com
The Rally Against Hunger, Sunday, Dec. 3, 1 to 5:30 p.m. at K1 Speed Toronto, 75 Carl Hall Rd., is a charity go-kart race in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank. More info.
Sunday Scene with curator and cultural producer Toleen Touq Sunday, Dec. 3, 2 to 3 p.m. at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, 231 Queens Quay W. Inspired by Anna Boghiguian’s exhibition Time of Change, this talk will touch on the socio-political issues Boghiguian references in her work and what these look like on a historical stage. Free but reservations required. More info.
Touting itself as the largest craft show in North America, the One Of A Kind Winter Show runs Nov. 23 to Dec. 3 at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes Blvd., with more than 650 of the most talented artisans from across Canada. Ticketed event. More info.
TSO presents Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, Nov 29, 30, Dec 1 & 3 at Roy Thomson Hall. More info.
Story Time with Vikki VanSickle with her book How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Saturday, Dec. 2, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Yonge Eglinton Centre, 2300 Yonge St. centre court; and Sunday, Dec. 3, 11:30 a.m. at TYPE Books Junction, 2887 Dundas St. W. More info.
Enjoy holiday fun at Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy., including
• Santa at the Village Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, noon to 4 p.m., experience holiday joy with festive activities like toy making, holiday magic at the School for Elves, and crafting decorations. Enjoy Santa’s favourite treats, a wintery puppet show, and hot cocoa.
• VIP Visit with Santa Dec. Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, noon to 4 p.m., enjoy an exclusive experience with Mr. Claus, while indulging in festive activities with his helpers, complemented by toasty apple cider and a delightful seasonal treat.
All are ticketed events. For tickets and info visit their website here.
For more events for Sunday, Dec. 3, including a comprehensive lineup of live music, click our toronto.com events calendar page here.
ONGOING…
Disney Animation: Immersive Experience at Lighthouse ArtSpace Toronto, 1 Yonge Street, extended to Jan. 7, is an innovative celebration that takes you inside the greatest films of Walt Disney Animation Studios, from their vetxry earliest, groundbreaking features to the beloved hit movies of today. More info.
Letters From Max, a ritual runs Nov. 15 to Dec. 3, 2023, Franco Boni Theatre, 1115 Queen St. W. A deeply moving portrait of a friendship, and an unforgettable exploration of love, art, mortality, and the afterlife. More info.
Jr. Forest Explorers at Downsview Park (usually second and fourth Mondays), 10 a.m. for 90m to 1hr. A nature program for toddlers and their guardians. Upcoming themes: Free but registration required for each session. More info.
Nature Connection at Downsview Park (usually second and fourth Sundays, 2 to 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted). Each nature-themed session will get you exploring the natural world that makes Downsview Park unique. Each program is 90 minutes; all ages are welcome but those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult; activities will be flexible and reflective of the participants’ interests; pets are not permitted at this program (service animals are always welcome). More info.
Rouge National Urban Park guided walks: discover the park’s natural, cultural and agricultural stories with friendly and knowledgeable Parks Canada volunteer leaders and staff on most weekend days. Visit park website for information on theme, age suitability, difficulty of the walks.
Divina Dali Toronto features 110 rare masterpieces from the private collection of Dali’s archivist extended to Dec. 17 at Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St. Visitors will embark on a captivating journey through the universes of the Inferno, Purgatory, and Paradise. The carefully curated music and theatrical lighting effects are the backdrop for these original artworks and will transport you into a world of wonder, where the profound paintings will leave a lasting impression. More info at divinadali.com
Towards Home, an exhibition exploring the concept of home from the perspectives of Arctic Indigenous designers, opens Oct. 25 at the Daniels Architecture and Design Gallery, running until March 22, 2024. The exhibition showcases installations by Indigenous designers and artists that explore how Arctic Indigenous communities relate to land and create empowered spaces of belonging. The exhibition is an important first step towards welcoming and understanding Indigenous design in the canon of Architecture. More info.
Toronto-based artist Bryan Espiritu returns with his first solo exhibition in over 12 years with Passage, Oct. 27 to Dec. 21 at Cultural Goods Gallery, 1444 Dupont St., Unit 15. Passage is an amalgamation of Espiritu’s original poetry and paintings that delve deep into the intricate channels between the rational adult mind and inner child, exploring how each attempts to process, rationalize, and recollect experiences of trauma, pain, and isolation. More info.
Artist James Kirkpatrick Blurs the line between human and robot In his latest exhibition. ‘They Were Never Robots’ runs from Oct. 28 to Dec. 23 at the James Rottman Fine Art Gallery in Toronto, Ontario. More info.
Bryan Espiritu returns to his roots, opening up his first fine art exhibition in 12 years with a show titled Passages which will open Friday, Oct. 27 at Cultural Goods Gallery and remain open until Dec. 21. More info.
Scarborough Players present A Christmas Carol Dec. 1 to 16. Scarborough Theatre Guild presents Death of a Salesman Jan. 12 to 27, 2024. Scarborough Music Theatre presents Christmas Cabaret Dec. 11 and 12 (see under those dates) and their next full production is Freaky Friday, Feb. 8 to 24. All productions performed at Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd. Info on the theatre and the production companies at theatrescarborough.com.
Etobicoke’s Famous People Players theatre group’s new show, ‘Winter Wonderland’ runs Nov. 9 to Jan. 6. A Holiday glow in the dark musical that promises to enchant, the young at heart. The experience of Famous PEOPLE Players includes an exceptional performance in the dining room. More info at famouspeopleplayers.com
Bau-Xi Gallery at its new flagship location in Toronto at 1384 Dufferin Street, presents through to Nov. 29 exhibitions by Canadian artists Nicole Katsuras with All the Colours of the Moon; and also by David T. Alexander with Less Trodden Lands Curate my Point of View.
Crow’s Theatre, 345 Carlaw Avenue (at Dundas Street East), extends Bad Roads by Ukraine’s Natal’ya Vorozhbit’s and directed by Andrew Kushnir on stage until Dec. 3. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit crowstheatre.com.
The Lehman Trilogy presented by Canadian Stage at Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front St. E. Nov. 14 to Dec. 2. Featuring a cast of three playing the Lehman brothers, their sons and grandsons in an extraordinary feat of storytelling told in three parts on a single evening. More info.
STACKT announces the return of Toronto’s winter festival, Holiday Hills Nov. 17 to Dec. 31, taking over a full city block in downtown Toronto with immersive installations and activities, elevated food and drink zones, rotating small business holiday pop-ups and vendor markets, and a plethora of community-led events such as live music concerts, special family-centric programming, and sip and shop experiences. More info.
Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St. is thrilled to present a powerful once in a lifetime double-bill from acclaimed, award-winning playwright Daniel MacIvor. Monster, directed by Soheil Parsa and featuring Karl Ang, will run Nov. 16 to Dec. 10, 2023 in the Studio Theatre; and Here Lies Henry, directed by Tawiah M’Carthy and featuring Damien Atkins, will run Nov. 23 to Dec. 17, 2023 in the Mainspace Theatre. More info.
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Nov. 20 to Dec. 30 at Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front St. E. Recommended for ages 10-plus, 85-minute run time. Transport yourself to 1945 Bedford Falls, as an ensemble cast of five retells the story as a vintage radio broadcast. Watch as each actor doubles as a foley artist (someone who creates amazing sound effects), producing a playful acoustic backdrop. More info.
People, Places, Things: A Group Exhibition at Stephen Bulger Gallery, 1356 Dundas St. W., Nov. 18 to Dec. 23. The collection of photographs spanning over 150 years includes works covering a variety of genres, processes, and intent. More info.
Illuminarium at The Distillery District is celebrating its first year at the The Distillery Winter Village by bringing a one-of-a-kind Christmas immersive titled Winter Wonderland Spectacular for people to experience the magic of holidays. The yuletide experience lights up Nov. 24, runs till Jan. 7, 2024 to coincide with Toronto’s most loved holiday market, and promises that guests will be transported into a winter wonderland castle filled with state-of-the-art interactive technology and an ever-changing dreamland of nutcrackers, jingle bells and candy canes. From Santa’s luxurious winter palace to whirling snowstorms and glowing Northern Lights, Winter Wonderland Spectacular is touted as a place of beauty, magic and wonder, inspiring us to feel the joy of the season. Tickets are on sale starting Nov. 6. More info.
Don Valley Art Club Holiday Show & Sale at the Women’s Art Association of Canada, 23 Prince Arthur Ave, featuring 100 original works of art in a variety of media, subject matter, and styles Nov. 22 to Dec. 2 (in-person hours Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The simultaneous virtual show can be accessed through a link available on our site. The online experience highlights an additional 300 pieces of art and will be accessible throughout, until the show closes. More info at donvalleyartclub.com
Here Lies Henry, directed by Tawiah M’Carthy runs Nov. 23 to Dec. 17, 2023 in the Mainspace Theatre, 125 Bathurst St. Damien Atkins steps into the iconic role of Henry in Daniel MacIvor’s seminal one-person show Here Lies Henry about a man alone in a room with a mission to tell us something we didn’t already know. More info.
Toronto Botanical Garden presents the inaugural Winter Blooms Festival Nov. 24 to Dec. 17. This year, visitors can expect a wonderful indoor/outdoor holiday experience that combines the magic of the season with the wonders of nature with shopping, food, workshops, Elf School for Kids and plant-focused experiences that will engage visitors of all ages. More info.
The Fourth Annual Window Wonderland transforms The Junction Into a free Outdoor Art Gallery Nov 25 to Jan 31, 2024, featuring 20 spectacular augmented reality (AR) window installations with accompanying sidewalk art and five murals, all designed by local and international artists. More info.
Winners & Losers: Toronto Sports Histories, an exhibition that explores the ways our city has been shaped by the games we play, runs Nov. 26 through to March 9, 2024 at 401 Richmond St. W. (closed Mondays/Tuesdays). The exhibition will explore pivotal moments in Toronto’s sports history and expose the fault lines that run through the city’s foundations. Led by Myseum of Toronto, this exhibition is co-curated by award-winning author, storyteller and historian Adam Bunch and veteran sports writer Morgan Campbell, with contributions by journalist and Anishinabek News contributor Sam Laskarkis. More info.
Buffy Revamped Nov. 22 to Dec. 31, various dates at Lighthouse Artspace Toronto, 1 Yonge St. Taking veteran and emerging slayers through all seven seasons of the popular TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, in 70 fang-tastic minutes as told through the eyes of the person who knows it outside in… Spike. More info.
The City of Toronto will launch its 57th annual Cavalcade of Lights Saturday, Nov. 25 from 3 to 11 p.m. at Nathan Phillips Square with feature a lineup of free special programming including skating presentations, art installations, food vendors and live performances. Cavalcade of Lights, featuring a massive 55-foot Christmas tree, stays lit up until Jan. 7. See our story here. Visit the City of Toronto Cavalcade of Lights webpage here.
Bad Dog Theatre has a home for the holidays – a Winter Wonderland Comedy pop-up theatre at 1479 Queen Street West (The Assembly Theatre) in Parkdale for December. This year’s ‘Comedy on Queen St.’ Festival in December features an entire month of comedy shows. More info.
(UPCOMING)
Holiday Fair in the Square, offering an abundance of holiday delights for the entire family (and their pets), runs Dec. 1 to 23 at Mel Lastman Square. It features: 65-plus artisans and their unique creations; photo ops for humans and furry friends; Polar Point Bar serving up delicious holiday drinks; rides and games: This event raises essential funds for Epilepsy Toronto and helps to support the 1 in 100 people living with epilepsy in our community. More info at fairinthesquare.ca
The immersive and award-winning A Christmas Carol is returning for a fifth festive year Dec. 6 to 22 at Toronto’s Historic Campbell House Museum. This unique theatrical experience invites audience members to step into the world of Victorian England and follow flinty miser Ebenezer Scrooge on his ghostly journey of redemption. This adaptation of Charles Dickens’ story features original scenes, characters, songs, and dialogue, making it a re-imagining of the beloved holiday tale unlike any other. More info.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus presented by TYT Theatre at The Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst St. Dec. 16 to Jan. 14, recommended for ages 4-plus. More info.
Women’s Art Association of Canada, 23 Prince Arthur Ave., presents Small Gems Annual Members Art Show & Sale and Holiday Boutique Dec. 9 to Jan. 13, 2024, and is open to the public and the cost is free. Reception Dec.9, 2023, 1 to 4 p.m. Gallery closed Dec. 23 to Jan. 2, 2024. All proceeds of the sales go to the Women’s Art Association of Canada. More info.
Looking for more things to do? Check out our events calendar.
Looking for some holiday cheer? We’ve got 2023 Holiday events compiled for you here.
Although we endeavour to provide the most accurate description of events listing and venues, we are not responsible or liable for errors and omissions in the event description, location or intended audience. If necessary, please contact the event organizer for additional information.
