With just a few weeks to go before Christmas and Hanukkah, the holiday season is in high gear with lots of things to do — both festive and non-festive (but mostly festive).
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Here’s what you need to know to make the necessary plans.
Fleurs de Villes NOËL
The renowned holiday flower show is back as visitors can walk a self-guided trail of discovery featuring 30 fresh and fabulous floral installations by top local florists and enjoy the festive window displays the neighbourhood is known for.
The activation, which this year brings beloved holiday songs to life, runs daily from 10 a.m. until Sunday in the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood.
For more information, click here.
Holiday Fair in the Square
Experience the joy of the holiday season with magical attractions and activities including artisan and food vendors offering handcrafted gifts and delicious treats, photos with Santa, ice skating, a Fireside Lounge, and the Coca-Cola Caravan will also be there throughout this opening weekend.
Head to Mel Lastman Square from Friday until Dec. 23 (Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Tuesdays to Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The fair is closed Mondays except Dec. 23 when it will open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
To donate to Epilepsy Toronto or for more information, click here.
Cabbagetown Holiday in the Patch
Celebrate with holiday music, kids’ games and activities, festive food, delicious drinks at a heated outdoor après-ski lounge, photos with Santa, a treasure hunt, shopping at local businesses, and so much more.
Join the fun at Parliament and Carlton Sts. on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Winter Market
Explore a curated selection of local vendors offering unique artisanal goods, delectable seasonal food and drinks all while enjoying live entertainment.
Stroll the city’s newest market at St. Lawrence Market from Thursdays to Sundays until Dec. 23. (Thursdays and Fridays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
For more information, click here.
Winter Glow
Light up your night — and day — at this fun event featuring carnival rides and treats, midway games, holiday music, live entertainment, special themed days, brand-hosted experiences and giveaways, and the can’t-be-missed 30-foot Tree of Remembrance.
It’s all at Sankofa Square — formerly Yonge-Dundas Square — until Dec. 22 (12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and Mondays to Fridays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.).
For tickets and more information, click here.
Fleischmann’s Cookie Drive
Local bakeries across the country are teaming up with Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food rescue organization, to spread holiday cheer and give back to the community with free boxes of cookies to the first 100 visitors.
It’s a day of giving, baking and making a difference at The Night Baker at 825 College St. on Saturday beginning 12 p.m. until supplies last.
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Nutella Holiday House
Guests can unwind by the fire and take part in various activations while sampling two mouthwatering Nutella holiday treats (Holiday Note Cookies and Cinnamon Rolls with Nutella), which are perfectly paired with hot chocolate and coffee.
All the deliciousness is inside Balzac’s Coffee at The Distillery District on Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Gay Lea Shortbread Village
Explore interactive installations, decorate cookies and support Habitat for Humanity Canada at this fun, family-friendly and free pop-up.
Sweeten up the holidays at the lower level of The Well until Dec. 22 (Fridays to Sundays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Krampus Ball
The alternative Christmas costume party celebrates the darker side of the holidays with an eclectic spectacle of attire, musical, burlesque and circus aerial performances.
The 19+ event starts at 10 p.m. on Saturday at the Opera House at 735 Queen St. E.
For tickets and more information, click here.
Toronto Gingerbread Festival
The sweetest festival around features 16 professionally designed gingerbread houses at select storefront windows, transforming the Yonge and St. Clair neighbourhood into a magical wonderland where locals and visitors can enjoy musical pop-ups in the shops and eateries, as well as a weekend holiday block party at Fairgrounds.
All the action is along various venues at Yonge St. and St. Clair Ave. until Dec. 10.
For the schedule and more information, click here.
Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade 2024
The magic of the holidays hits Etobicoke Lakeshore and beyond in a completely volunteer-run, community-funded parade where locals and visitors show up for Santa but stick around for the festive experience and frolicking good time.
The fun begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday and runs between Dwight St. and Long Branch Ave.
For more information, click here.
Note: Road closures will be in place on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Dwight Ave. from Lake Shore Blvd. W. to Birmingham St., Birmingham St. from Dwight Ave. to Islington Ave., Second St. from Birmingham St. to Maple Blvd., while Lake Short Blvd. W. from Royal York Rd. to Thirty Seventh St. will be closed from 9:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.