It’s December! Okay, technically not yet, but this weekend we enter the last month of the year, which means the holidays are quickly approaching.
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The last of the GTA’s Santa Claus Parades — in Markham on Saturday, and Mississauga and Burlington on Sunday — are on the docket for many as Christmas nears, but there are so many other events to enjoy.
Here’s what else you need to know to make the necessary plans.
Cavalcade of Lights
Experience the magic of the holiday season with an opening night inspired by international lantern, fire and light festivals, winter solstice celebrations, public skating, and enchanting light installations.
The opening night celebration includes live performances and the grand illumination of Toronto’s official Christmas tree — and it’s all at Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with the Christmas tree-lighting at 6:40 p.m.
The lighting installations will continue to brighten the area until Jan. 7. For more information, click here.
Regent Park Film Festival
The city’s longest-running free film festival is back with films by luminaries and up-and-coming talent dedicated to amplifying the stories of local BIPOC filmmakers.
Don’t miss out! Watch in awe and get inspired at Daniels Spectrum from Thursday to Sunday.
For tickets, the program and more information, click here.
Window Wonderland
Take an extraordinary urban walk through Toronto’s award-winning outdoor art exhibition where visitors can immerse themselves in 20 captivating augmented-reality window installations and 10 wall murals showcasing the creativity of both local and international artists.
Journey through this majestic, outdoor gallery in the Junction along Dundas St. W., from Quebec. Ave. to Indian Grove, from Friday to Jan. 31.
For more information, click here.
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Raven Mother
For one night only, you can revel in this Indigenous multidisciplinary performance presented by DanceWorks that features dance, live vocals, original music, projections, handmade regalia, striking masks and storytelling performed by Dancers of Damelahamid.
Head to Harbourfront Centre’s Fleck Dance Theatre on Friday with showtimes at 12:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
For tickets and more information, click here.
Harbourfront Centre’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
Another reason to head down to Toronto’s waterfront where the season launches with a tree lighting, a new holiday market selling one-of-a-kind hand-crafted gifts, a live, immersive performance, train rides for kids, hot beverages, an urban tree lot, and so much more.
Head to Harbourfront Centre Public Square on Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (the tree lighting is at 7 p.m.) while the rest of Winterfest is open Fridays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, click here.
We Love Willowdale Christmas Market & Festive Tree Lighting
Ring in the season with lots of delicious food, drinks and treats, live entertainment and a sing-along, kids’ activities, an artisan market with more than 50 vendors and the tree-lighting celebration.
The community event raises funds to support more than 150 local families through charitable programs like its food bank.
Head to Mel Lastman Square on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (the tree-lighting is at 6:30 p.m. and the sing-along is at 7 p.m.)
For more information, click here.
Illuminarium Journey to Oz
If you’ve already seen Wicked in theatres, here’s another chance to journey to Oz — literally — with an immersive animated musical that reimagines the classic tale using sound technology, sensors, and video game engines where guests can sing, dance and explore alongside Dorothy and other beloved characters.
Head to Illuminarium in the Distillery District on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Mondays to Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For tickets and more information, click here.
Magical Christmas Forest
Escape into the visits and experience a winter wonderland filled with lights, crafts, activities, horse-drawn wagon rides, treats for the whole family and a visit with Santa in his cabin.
Feel the magic at the Kortright Centre for Conservation in Vaughan on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Note: The forest is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. starting Dec. 4 with a bonus day on Dec. 23 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For tickets and more information, click here.
Aurora’s Christmas Market
Get your fill of good cheer and holiday spirit with hands-on workshops and activities, seasonal vendors, fun food and so much more.
All the fun’s at Aurora Town Square from Friday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. this weekend and next.
For more information, click here.
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker: Land of Sweets
Journey to a magical place filled with beloved holiday carols and music for all to bask in — whether you’re a classical music connoisseur, a pop enthusiast, or a family seeking wholesome fun.
Get in the Christmas spirit at Roy Thomson Hall on Thursday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
For tickets and more information, click here.