This is not a drill, people. Christmas is literally days away and if you’re like us, you’re wondering how we are almost in 2025.
But forget about the new year, we have to get through the holidays first.
Last-minute shopping and getting things squared away at work may be at the top of your to-do list, but if you’re looking for fun things to do, there is still lots going on in the city.
Here’s what you need to know to make the necessary plans.
DJ Skate Night
Strap on the skates and boogie on down with guest DJ Kimiwan on this grand opening weekend where visitors can expect free admission (daily), free skate rentals (on Saturdays), and a hot chocolate festival (Saturday and Sunday).
Also, don’t forget to check out the Winterfest Street Eats Market, which features train rides for the kids, a holiday food market and marketplace, an urban tree lot and so much more.
Swish your way down to Harbourfront Centre for the rink’s reopening on Saturday from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
DJ Skate Nights are on Saturday nights but the rink is open daily until March 16.
For more information, click here.
Winter Skating at The Bentway
Winter season under the Gardiner opens with plenty of joyful family fun including free hot chocolate on opening day as it welcomes locals, outdoor enthusiasts and skaters of all levels on the 220m figure-eight skate trail.
Rentals and skate sharpening are offered on-site every day.
Grab your free hot chocolate and enjoy the day at The Bentway on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. with extended holidays hours running until Jan. 5, but the season doesn’t wrap until Feb. 17.
For more information, click here.
Hangar Skate
Winter really isn’t the same without outdoor ice skating and the 4,500-square-foot refrigerated rink is the perfect spot.
There’s also indoor arts programming, holiday activities, DJ skate nights on Fridays and affordable skate rentals for all to enjoy.
Head to the YZD Plaza at 34 Hanover Rd. in North York beginning on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, click here.
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Rock The Halls
The festive benefit bash in support of Kids Help Phone will be an incredible evening of unforgettable music and holiday spirit featuring the likes of YASSiN & Sean Terrio, Mindflip, Cassie Dasilva, Dallas and more.
Join the fun while raising funds for a great cause at El Mocambo at 464 Spadina Ave. on Friday at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.).
For tickets, to donate and more information, click here.
Winter Blooms: Circus at the Garden
Visitors can expect an intimate and interactive high-flying, immersive performance featuring breathtaking displays of aerial silks, acrobatics, strength, artistry and humour by Toronto’s top aerial artists.
Take the magical journey at the Toronto Botanical Garden on Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
For tickets and more information, click here.
Candlelight: A Winter Solstice Concert
While you’re attending Winter Glow, which comes to an end on Sunday night, enjoy an illuminating performance by Candlelight’s Listeso String Quartet as they perform Christmas classics and melodies.
Warm up to the music at Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) on Saturday from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fore more information, click here.
ROM After Dark: Winter Festival of Light
Spark that holiday joy at the after-hours 19+ event series that features curated music, live performances, delicious food and drinks, skating, spectacular lights and more.
Embrace the spirit of the season at the Royal Ontario Museum on Friday at 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
For tickets and more information, click here.
Kensington Market Winter Solstice Festival
Celebrate the longest night of the year by supporting local merchants and the unique culture of the beloved neighbourhood where you will encounter thousands of decorated revelers with hand-made lanterns, scenarios of shadow play, rooftop masking antics, roving giant puppets, stilted dancers, fire breathers, spinners, a community feast and so much more.
Get out of the darkness and into the light on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Note: Road closures will be in place on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Augusta Ave. between College St. and Dundas St. W., and Bellevue Ave. from Oxford to Nassau Sts.
Dungeons & Dragons: The Immersive Quest
Families and fantasy fans can step into a legendary adventure at this groundbreaking experience that brings the world’s most iconic role-playing game to life.
There’s also a bustling marketplace, themed food and drinks and so much more.
Embark on an epic journey at GYGO Entertainment Complex, across from Square One, in Mississauga from Thursdays to Sundays until March 16, though it’s open daily throughout the holidays until Jan. 5 (but closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
For tickets and more information, click here.
Treewalk Village and upla by Treetop Trekking
Roast marshmallows by a bonfire, sip on steaming hot chocolate, listen to holiday tunes and play special games in between climbing snowy fortresses and travelling along the treetops.
Whether you are stepping into a magical forest village, heading into a dazzling, enchanted wonderland or discovering the thrill of bouncing among the frosty landscape.
Leap to new heights at their locations in Hamilton and Stouffville from Saturday to Tuesday.
For tickets, holiday and regular hours and more information, click here for the Treewalk Village and here for upla.