We get it: you’re busy. With so many things happening in Toronto every week, let alone every month, things can get a little overwhelming when planning your social calendar. Let’s keep it simple. Each month, Vv Magazine collects the top events in Toronto so that you know what you absolutely must attend. The rest, as they say, is noise.
As we head into the holiday season, it finally seems like the cold weather is here to stay and pretty soon the city will be covered in a blanket of white. But before you go into hibernation, just remember, along with the soon-to-be heaps of snow, comes heaps of festivities and fun. This year, Toronto is playing host to a plethora of Christmas Markets – there seems to be one every which way you look – and there are a ton of festive and holiday-themed events. Whether you’re searching to satisfy your stomach or drink and party to your heart’s content, these events will further instill the cheerful mood. Take a look at the top things to do this month in the GTA:
Feed Your Stomach, Senses, and Soul at FRANK and the AGO
Now until January 29
The perfect date night activity? Dinner and stroll through Mystical Landscapes! From now until January 29th, visit the AGO to browse magical works by 37 artists, from 14 countries including Monet, Van Gogh, Emily Carr, Georgia O’Keeffe, and more. After you’ve worked up an appetite, stroll down to FRANK Restaurant and try their Mystical Landscapes prix fixe dinner, which surprisingly, won’t cost you an arm and a leg. During lunch, a 3-course meal is $35 and for dinner, a 3-course meal is just $45. The menu includes delicious options like French onion soup, beef bourguignon, trout meunière, and a berry custard tart. We suggest grabbing a Mystical Landscapes-inspired cocktail like Monet’s Garden, an artful concoction of Hendrick’s gin, Creme Yvette, chamomille-infused rum, lemon juice, wildflower honey syrup, lavender bitters and orange blossom water.
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Magical Winterland Nights at Casa Loma
Every Wednesday, December 7 – January 4
Explore the magic of Casa Loma at night! The castle will be transformed into a dazzling display of lights featuring festive decor and ten stunning trees along with live performances by carollers, wood carvers, famed illusionist Professor Wick and circus performers Soli and Rob. Once you’ve had your fill of entertainment, grab some s’mores and hot cocoa and explore the winter wonderland some more! Admission for adults is $27, for children is $17.
12 Beers of Christmas
December 9
The Gladstone Hotel has made a list and is checking it twice – of 12 local breweries naughty and nice. Throw on your ugliest Christmas sweater and join them December 9th for the 12 Beers of Christmas aka an all-you-can-taste beer drinking extravaganza. Notable breweries include Steamwistle, Amsterdam, Mill St., Creemore and Junction Craft. For a full list of breweries and to purchase tickets head here (admission is $25-45).
5th Annual Human Rights Film Festival
December 9-11
With all the Holiday parties occurring around the city, it’s easy to lose track of what the festive season is really about. Get down to the core value of the holidays at the 5th Annual Human Rights Film Festival by JAYU and witness human rights stories from across the globe. Screenings will be taking place at Hot Docs Cinema between December 9th to 11th. See the full schedule and purchase tickets here.
Toronto Green Market Holiday Edition
December 11
If you’re looking to be greener during the holidays, then the Toronto Green Market Holiday Edition is definitely one event to check out. Shop a collection of 50 of Toronto’s finest local, handcrafted, sustainable, eco-friendly and wellness goods vendors on December 11th at The Great Hall Toronto. There will also be a selection of local eats including Steambox Dumplings and Happy Juice Company + more to be announced soon. Best of all, admission is free!
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SCHOOL Restaurant’s 12 Days of Christmas
December 12-27
ATTN foodies! SCHOOL Restaurant will be hosting a spectacular Christmas themed brunch from December 12th to 23rd. Dubbed SCHOOL’s 12 Days of Christmas, the menu will feature tastefully crafted dishes from a scrumptious seasonal menu. If you’ve never brunched at SCHOOL restaurant before, you’ll soon find out why there’s usually a line-up going out the door – it’s that good!
iYellow Wine: Holiday WINE JAM 2016
December 14
The Holidays aren’t complete without endless glasses of wine (#amiright?). If you agree, then head out to iYellow Wine Club’s Holiday WINE JAM 2016 on December 14. Hang out with fellow winos at the Great Hall Toronto and enjoy live music, yummy snacks and of course lots and lots of wine. Tickets cost $69.99.
Toronto PATH Food Tour
Starts December 16
Whoever tells you there’s nothing to see or do during the cold winter months is wrong! Join TasteCapade on a food journey through Toronto’s underground city, better known as the Toronto PATH. The tour is the first of its kind and will begin in the Financial District, heading to destinations like City Hall and Nathan Phillips. Learn about the history of Toronto’s underground city while you taste up to six dishes from top vendors along the way! Grab tickets here.
Toronto International Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker
December 17
The Nutcracker remains to be a classic during the Holiday season and for good reason. Witness the charm and pageantry of the Toronto International Ballet as they perform the age old story at the Sony Centre on December 17th. The timeless tale never fails to captivate and promises to be even more exciting this year as world renowned stars from Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet, Anastasia Stashkevich, and Ruslan Skvortsov join the stage. You can purchase tickets starting at $50 here.
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AZURE Restaurant and Bar Christmas Dinner
December 24
Don’t feel like cooking Christmas dinner or doing dishes this year? That’s cool – we’re not ones to judge and we’re pretty sure a lot of other people feel the same way. Luckily for you, AZURE Restaurant and Bar is here to save the day with their Christmas Dinner. Indulge in a three-course prix fixe menu, including appetizers and a choice of cocktail for $80 per person. Book your reservation here.
ROM New Year’s Eve
December 31
Ring in the new year with the ROM at their first-ever New Year’s Eve Party, #ROMNYE. Dance and eat the night away to live music by St. Royals, DJ Sweet Touch Foundations and DJ Fathom. The night will also include exclusive access to the CHIHULY exhibit. For more event details and ticket prices read our blog post on #ROMNYE.
RELATED LINK: New Toronto Restaurants: December 2016
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Want to see your event in our listings? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
