The temperatures are quickly dropping, and while we may be tempted to stay at home and watch Netflix while drinking some hot cocoa, there are plenty of events around the city this weekend worth leaving the house for.
Here’s what happening in Toronto this weekend:
Saturday, November 16th:
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic: Bloor-Yorkville is kicking off the holiday season with their annual lighting ceremony and a special performance by Juno-nominated artist Sarah Slean with Strings in support of CANFAR. There will also be a special 15-minute performance by the Rosedale Day School Choir. Attendees can enjoy complimentary hot apple cider and cookies while they enjoy the glittering lights, majestic Christmas tree and festive decorations. The event is free to attend, but cash and cheque donations are welcome to support CANFAR.
6:30 p.m.; Village of Yorkville Park (Bellair St. & Cumberland St.)
Illuminate: For more holiday festivities, head over to Yonge and Dundas square for Winter Magic’s annual tree lighting ceremony. This year’s festival will feature stunning dance, music and aerial acrobatic performances produced by Creativiva Inc. UK aerial act Heliosphere will headline the event with an acrobatic performer suspended and moving in the sky attached to a hot-air balloon. The evening will end with the lighting of the 40’ high tree (it will be covered with more than 52, 000 LED lights!), along with the illumination of the 3D polar bears.
6-8 p.m.; Yonge-Dundas Square.
Murder at the ROM: If you think scavenger hunts are reserved solely for kids, you’re wrong. Urban Capers is holding a murder/mystery-themed adult scavenger hunt this Saturday at the ROM (think of it as a real-life version of Clue). Attendees must solve the mystery of the murdered curator by solving clues and cracking a cryptic code left in the curator’s appointment book. Teams of two to six compete over the course of two hours. Tickets are $29.99 and include admission to the ROM.
1-3:30 p.m.; Royal Ontario Museum.
Ice-skating at the Natrel Rink: Ice-skating at the Natrel Rink officially kicks off on November 16th. The outdoor rink offers on-site skate and helmet rentals (in case you don’t have some of your own) and has a heated indoor change room with lockers and washrooms. Hot food and drink available at the rink-side restaurant, Lakeside Local Bar & Grill. Skating is free, so bring your friends or your date for the perfect weekend activity.
10 a.m. – 11 p.m., 235 Queens Quay West.
Sunday, November 17th:
Gluten-Free Garage: Toronto’s original pop-up market for all things gluten-free is back! Set up like a farmer’s market, the event will feature gluten-free food and lifestyle products from (mostly) local vendors for patrons to sample, shop and discover. The Canadian Celiac Association and local health experts will be on site offer information, resources and support about celiac disease, gluten intolerance and the gluten-free diet. Tickets are $10 for adults, and free for kids 12 and under with a portion of the proceds going to the Toronto chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Artscape Wychwood Barns at 601 Christie Street.
Toronto Santa Claus Parade: In case you didn’t get your holiday fix from Bloor-Yorkville’s annual lighting ceremony and Yonge and Dundas’ Illuminate festival, you’re bound to get in the spirit at the Toronto Santa Claus Parade. A city tradition for over 100 years, the festival will feature animated floats, two dozen marching bands, thousands of costumed participants, and of course, Santa Claus himself. The parade will begin at Christie Pits Park at 12:30p.m., travelling past the ROM and the Eaton Centre before ending at St. Lawrence Market. Attendees can also use the “Track Santa” app to find out where the big guy is.
12:30 p.m., beginning at Christie Park.