Let’s get the obvious out of the way first.
Recommended Videos
We completely get it if you want to avoid a 5-km radius around the Rogers Centre, where Taylor Swift will be holding court for three nights this weekend and three nights next weekend.
But we also understand if you want to venture into the area just to see what all the fuss is about.
That’s said, it is arguably going to be like nothing else Torontonians have seen before.
Combine that with a Raptors game on Friday night and a Maple Leafs game on Saturday, both at Scotiabank Arena, and to say that downtown will be hopping is an understatement.
But if you are someone who neither cares to go nor was able to get tickets to the Eras Tour, there are other things going on in Toronto.
Really! Despite what it may seem, the city won’t be shutting down entirely for the singer-songwriter.
Here’s what you need to know to make the necessary plans. (Let’s just say it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas … )
Fall Cottage Life Show and Seasons Christmas Show
It’s the most wonderful time of the year because you get two shows for the price of one, whether you’re looking for cosy cottage decor or need advice on making winter improvements, but also need to get a jump-start on holiday gifting and entertaining or get creative during a fun workshop.
Head to the International Centre in Mississauga on Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For tickets and more information, click here.
Cavalcade of Lights
Kick off the holiday season in style with a sleighful of fun activities for all ages including a cosy apres-ski experience and tasting bar, live music, a magical train ride for the kids, carollers and your favourite characters – including Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves.
Get festive at Scrivener Square in Rosedale Main Street on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Note: The tree-lighting ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Winter Nights, City Lights
Get ready to light things up with festive decor, a tree lighting and fireworks as well as live entertainment, great food, artisan markets, an art installation, a synthetic skating rink (that’s open only on Saturday) and more.
Head to Esplanade Park at The Esplanade in Pickering on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For more information, click here.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
Big Stuff
Husband-and-wife duo Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus’ new theatre show tells the touching yet hilarious story of the couple as they decide what to do with the personal items that their late parents have left behind.
Prepare to laugh and cry at Crows Theatre in The Carlaw with the show running until Dec. 8.
For tickets, schedule and more information, click here.
Old Mill Holiday Fest and Butter Tart Market
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is because it’s always time for butter tarts, along with other baked goods and sweet treats, plus a marketplace where visitors can taste and try all kinds of goodies.
It’s all at 21 Old Mill Rd. on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Pride in STEM 2024
Hosted by the Ontario Science Centre and presented by Telus, this free event celebrates the contributions of the 2SLGBTQI+ community to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and is where visitors can participate in hands-on activities, workshops, presentations and a special storytime session.
Enjoy it all at Harbourfront Centre on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, click here.
WinterFest
The immersive holiday experience features more than 40 attractions as well as exciting live shows, enchanted themed areas, festive food, rides, a Christmas market, ice skating, millions of magical lights, a nightly tree-lighting ceremony and so much more.
Visit Canada’s Wonderland on select dates through Jan. 4.
For tickets and more information, click here.
Miracle Toronto Christmas Bar
The city’s most magical holiday-themed pop-up cocktail bar features kitschy holiday decor, a delightful array of holiday-inspired cocktails, visits from Santa and events full of cheer, with $1 from every drink sold donated to Nellie’s Women Shelter.
Join the fun at Third Place at 875 Bloor St. W. from Friday until Dec. 29 (Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
To make a reservation, click here.
Distillery Winter Village
Revel in the picture-perfect holiday experience, where you can shop and stroll through a curated selection of Toronto’s finest craftspeople, local shops and restaurants while taking in festive performances, delicious culinary treats and beverages, and don’t forget about the Illuminarium Winterland.
It’s all at The Distillery District until Jan. 5.
For tickets and more information, click here.