It’s that time of year again: we’re ending the end of the term with final due dates, essays, exams, and reports. But you owe it to yourself to take some time for yourself this season and enjoy the events Toronto has to offer. Here’s a simple list to get you started. If you live in London, our sister chapter University of Western Ontario has you covered!
Toronto Christmas Market
November 18- December 22
http://www.torontochristmasmarket.com/tickets.html
Event Details:
“The Toronto Christmas Market takes over the Distillery Historic District for another year of holiday magic and romance. Now in its seventh year, the market has become one of the city’s favourite holiday traditions and has been ranked one of the world’s best Christmas markets by Fodor’s Travel, USA Today, Mashable and more. Take in sparkling Christmas light canopies, traditional music and carols, dance performances and check out family-friendly activities like Santa’s House, a ferris wheel, carousel and life-sized gingerbread house. Foodies can taste traditional European street-style food and Canadian holiday treats and cold and warm brews in the beer gardens.”
Times:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Noon to 9 p.m.
- Fridays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Closed Mondays (but the shops and restaurants of the Distillery Historic District are open seven days a week)
Admission:
- Tuesday to Friday: Free
- Fridays (after 5 p.m.), Saturdays and Sundays: $6 (tax included)
Cavalcade of Lights
November 26- 7:00 PM
http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=750b7cc3b5e91410…
Event Details:
“There are light displays, and then there’s the Cavalcade of Lights. Nathan Phillips Square’s 50th annual kick-off to the holiday season takes place November 26, with a tree-lighting ceremony, fireworks show and live performances. At 7 p.m., join Choir! Choir! Choir!, Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland for a special sing-a-long, followed by the official tree lighting ceremony and live performances by Chris Derksen’s Cavalcade Orchestra, Red Pepper Spectacle Arts and Whitehorse. Then, dance your way around the skating rink as DJ General Eclectic provides the tunes for a skating party. If you miss opening night, don’t fret: you can catch the lights throughout the holiday season.”
Admission:
FREE
One of a Kind Christmas Show
Event Details:
“The One of a Kind Christmas Show is one of the most anticipated Christmas shopping shows of the year, featuring unique products for everyone. The show gathers the work of approximately 800 artisans for your browsing pleasure. Shop for hand-crafted ceramics, jewellery, furniture, clothing and accessories, browse through art galleries, watch a fashion show and take part in artistic holiday activities. Since its first show in 1975, it has become the largest consumer craft show in North America. There are also hands-on workshops where you can make unique gifts. Each includes breakfast and admission to the show.”
Admission:
- Adult: $13, Senior/Youth: $7.50, Children 12 and under: Free
Times
- Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
A Christmas Carol
Event Details:
“Soulpepper presents A Christmas Carol, the Charles Dickens holiday classic that tells the story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge — a rich, penny-pinching man with a cold heart. Through a series of supernatural experiences, Scrooge undergoes a transformation that kindles his charitable holiday spirit.
This year’s cast includes Kawa Ada, Kevin Bundy, Daniel Chapman-Smith, Eleanor Guy, Stephen Guy-McGrath, John Jarvis, Tangara Jones, Jordan Pettle, and Soulpepper Founding Member Joseph Ziegler.
A Christmas Carol runs December 2 through December 24, 2016 at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $32.
Note: The show is recommended for children 8 years and older.”
Admission:
- Starting at $32.00
Santa Claus Parade
Event Details
“The Santa Claus Parade, a Toronto tradition for more than 100 years, returns. The parade has come a long way since it first began in 1905, when Santa first walked down the streets from Union Station to the Eaton Centre. Today the parade includes 25 different-themed floats, 22 bands, 100 celebrity clowns, more than 1,500 volunteers, and the big man himself, Santa.This year’s Santa Claus Parade begins at the Christie Pits Park at 12:30 p.m. It travels past the ROM and the Eaton Centre, before ending at St. Lawrence Market. Click here for a map of the route. Tip: Make sure to arrive early for a good spot as space fills up fast. It’s also always a good idea to bundle up and bring a hot drink to stay warm waiting for St. Nick.”
Admission:
- FREE
Light up the Beach
November 25
Event Details:
“DeClute Real Estate presents Light Up The Beach 2016 in support of The Michael Garron Hospital Foundation. Join Santa Claus and his special guests as he illuminates the boardwalk with 80,000 light. Assemble on the boardwalk at the foot of Leuty Ave. in Toronto’s Beach neighbourhood by 7 p.m., when festivities start.”
Time:
- Friday 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm