We're 1 week away from Christmas! If you're looking for some fun holiday festivities to get you into the festive spirit, we got you! Here are 12 of the best events happening in Toronto this week that you need to check out. 

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1. Winter Glow at Yonge & Dundas Square

Winter Glow is happening now until December 23rd and is a fun holiday event taking place in the heart of downtown Toronto. The event features popular carnival rides, like the Astro Amusements’ brightly lit 45-foot-tall ferris wheel, a 40ft tall Tree of Remembrance, and yummy carnival treats.

Where: Yonge & Dundas Square

When: Until December 23rd, 2023 (4 pm to 10 pm on weekdays and 12 pm to 10 pm on weekends)

Price: Free admission, but rides do require tickets 

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website.

2. Kensington Market Winter Solstice

This week, check out the 34th annual Kensington Market Winter Solstice happening on December 21st. This night street festival will feature live music, theatrical scenarios, ensembles of tall puppets, and fire arts all within the market. Come on out and join the fun on the longest night of the year. 

Where: Kensington Market (Intersection of Augusta Ave. and Oxford St.)

When: December 21st, 2023 (6 pm - 9:30 pm)

Price: Free admission

Category: Date/Friends

Click here for the website.

3. Go Ice Skating 

There are a ton of free outdoor skating rinks that you need to take advantage of. The Bentway, Evergreen Brick Works, Nathan Phillips Square, Mel Lastman Square and more will be having free outdoor skating for the public to enjoy. Click here for the full list.  

4. Todotoronto Networking Social at Fox and Fiddle Cityplace 

Join us on December 20th at Fox and Fiddle Cityplace and meet your community of like-minded GTA business owners and entrepreneurs. Our networking events usually garner 75-150 attendees. This event will be a combination of open mingling and speed networking.

Where: Fox and Fiddle Cityplace (17 Fort York Boulevard Toronto, ON M5V 3Y7)

When: December 20th, 2023 (7 pm - 10 pm)

Price: $$

Category: Networking 

Click here for the website.

5. The Nutcracker at Meridian Hall

Catch the performance of The Nutcracker presented by the Toronto International Ballet Theatre. This performance is one you don’t want to miss and the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. 

Where: Meridian Hall (1 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1B2)

When: December 23rd, 2023 (2 pm & 7 pm)

Price: $$-$$$

Category: Family-friendly 

Click here for the website.

6. Third Tuesday Nights Free

Head over to the ROM this Tuesday and enjoy free admission (third Tuesday of every month). Don’t miss the chance to explore the ROM for free! 

Where: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6

When: December 19th, 2023 (4:30 pm - 8:30 pm)

Price: Free admission 

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website. 

7. Wonka’s Sweet Escape

Step into a world of pure imagination and head over to Wonka’s Sweet Escape, an exclusive immersive experience filled with cute photo ops, a 30-foot chocolate-candy cherry blossom tree, a giant chocolate bar and more. 

Where: Yorkdale Shopping Centre (3401 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6A 2T9)

When: Until January 2nd, 2024

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website.

8. Niemi's Christmas Market

If you’re looking for some last minute gifts, then you have to check out Niemi's Christmas Market. Just less than a hour drive away from Toronto, the market features Christmas treats, candles, ornaments, holiday cards, handmade gifts and more.

Where: Niemi Family Farm (18463 ON-48, Mount Albert, ON L0G 1M0)

When: Until December 23rd, 2023 

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly 

Click here for the website.

9. Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic 

Soak in the sparkling one-of-a-kind festive lighting displays. Continuing with its annual traditions, visitors can look forward to shopping, dining, and surrounding themselves with the holiday lighting along the tree-lined streets.

Where: The Village of Yorkville Park 

When: Until December 31st, 2023 

Price: Free admission 

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website.

10. Thirsty Elf 

Thirsty Elf is wrapping up this week. If you haven't had the chance to experience this annual holiday-themed pop-up, you still have time. This pop-up features kitschy décor, festive cocktails, and more. 

Where: Fairmont Royal York (100 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3)

When: Until December 22nd (Thursday - Saturday, 5 pm - 10 pm)

Price: Free admission 

Category: 19+

Click here for the website.

11. Illuminarium Winter Wonderland Spectacular

Enjoy Illuminarium's Winter Wonderland Spectacular at the Distillery District. This immersive holiday experience will transport you into a magical world. From Santa's luxurious winter palace to whirling snowstorms and glowing Northern Lights, Winter Wonderland Spectacular has everything you can think of. Plus, there will be a ton of photo ops, family-friendly activities, and more. 

Where: Illuminarium @ The Distillery (28 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4)

When: Until January 7th, 2024

Price: $$

Category: Family-friendly 

Click here for the website.

12. Toronto Raptors 

Cheer on the Toronto Raptors as they go against the Charlotte Hornets on December 18th, Denver Nuggets on December 20th and the Utah Jazz on December 23rd. 

Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5J 2X2)

Price: $$$

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website.

Community Events

1. Jr. Forest Explorers: Celebration of light and sunshine

Gather your young adventurers, and join for a Celebration of Light and Sunshine with the Jr. Forest Explorers. It's an educational and exciting journey into the heart of the forest, where we'll celebrate the brilliance of the sun and the magic it brings to our natural world!

Click here for more information.

2. Toronto Marlies vs. Providence Bruins

Be there to cheer on the Marlies and witness the excitement of this hockey clash. Don't miss a single moment of the action!

Click here for more information.

3. Big Wreck: North American Tour 2023

Brace yourself for a mesmerizing fusion of rock and alternative sounds as this legendary Canadian band hits the road. Don't miss your chance to be part of the Big Wreck experience – grab your tickets now and be prepared for a night of music that will rock your world!

Click here for more information.

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