toronto events november 2016 — Butter Sculptures at the Royal Winter Fair (Image: RoyalFair.org)

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.

It’s safe to say that the Holiday season is officially here and along with the copious amounts of forecasted snow (sorry), comes an avalanche of festivities and events! Halloween decor is replaced with twinkling lights, blanket scarves come out in full force and everyone seems to be in a more giving mood. Whether you’re looking to spend quality time with friends over drinks and food or start your long list of Christmas shopping, these Toronto events will definitely get you in the holiday spirit! Take a look at the top 10 November events below:

Take a look at the top 10 November events below:

The Royal Winter Fair
November 4-13
It’s that time of year again! Your fall experience isn’t complete without a trip The Royal Winter Fair – the largest indoor agricultural and equestrian competition in the world! Never been? Don’t worry, it isn’t all about horses and cows… there are a ton of award-winning food vendors on site, including craft beer, cider, wine, honey, cheese and more! General admission starts at $16 (tickets for horse shows sold separately).

Amy Schumer in Toronto
November 9
This one needs no introduction! Amy Schumer is coming to Toronto… and perhaps never leaving (she threatened to move to Canada if Trump wins presidency). While we’re uncertain whether or not she’ll actually live up to her words, one thing’s for sure, the show is guaranteed to be an absolute riot. Hurry though! Tickets are almost all sold out – grab them here starting at $75.

Whisky 101: Whisky/Whiskey World Tour
November 10
Want to learn more about whisky? Boxcar Social has a new whisky director and he wants to take you on a Whisky/Whiskey World Tour! For starters, whisky can be spelt with or without an “e” depending on the region. The night will offer more fun facts and better yet, tastings of 6 different whiskeys, along with cheese, charcuterie, and crostinis from Boxcar Social Harbourfront’s kitchen! Purchase your tickets for $60 here and get ready to be schooled in whisky.

Taste of Iceland Festival
November 10-13
If you’ve been dying to go to Iceland, you may not have to travel as far as you think! Get a dose of of Icelandic culture at the Taste of Iceland Festival. While it may not include all the glaciers and natural beauty, attendees will have chance to experience some other amazing things like Icelandic cuisine at Jump, a free Reykjavik Calling concert at Horseshoe tavern and more. Plus you could win a round trip for two to Iceland! See the full events listing here.

Taste of Iceland (Image: Instagram/@icelandnatural)

The Chase x the Edible Story Dinner
November 13
Spend your Sunday night, right where you should be – at The Chase. They’ve teamed up with Toronto’s The Edible Story for a five-course dinner and cocktail pairing to celebrate Canadian apple season. Tickets to the dinner are $147.50 per person but if you’re a fan of fine dining, you know that’s a steal!

Bartender Atlas Toronto Tour
November 13-16
Get ready to wet your whistle! The first-ever Bartender Atlas Tour is coming to Toronto. Along with a cocktail competition and bar hop to some of Toronto’s best watering holes, a secret crew of top bartenders will be flying in to craft some of the best alcoholic creations for your drinking pleasure. Top restaurants include Bar Raval, The Shameful Tiki Room, Parts & Labour and more. For a full list of bar stops and tickets head here.

Cafe Boulud: Festive Rotisserie Menu
November 14 – 30
Make room in your stomachs! Cafe Boulud is hosting a Festive Rotisserie Menu featuring a four-course prix fixe meal. Available from November 14th to 30th, indulge in lobster, bacon-wrapped trout and more all cooked to perfection in Cafe Boulud’s Rotisal rotisserie – the largest of its kind in downtown Toronto. Eaters can enjoy the feast for $95 per person.

Gourmet Food and Wine Expo
November 17-20
ATTN wine-o’s! The 22nd annual Gourmet Wine and Food Expo is back in Toronto for another round of delicious sipping and tasting. With over 1,500 wines, beers, spirits and gourmet foods to choose from, chef demos and more, it’s definitely the ultimate foodie destination this November. See a full list of vendors here and purchase tickets starting at $25 here.

iYellow Presents FRESH FRiDAYS
November 18
Looking for a more intimate wine experience? Then don’t miss iYellow’s FRESH FRIDAYS on November 18th. Sip on 6 new FRESH VQA wines with delicious cheese pairings and enjoy free shipping on FRESH wine purchases. Tickets are sold in pairs for $60 so why not treat bae to something nice or bring a fellow wine-loving friend along for a #bffl outing?

The Toronto Christmas Market
November 18 – December 21
Every year, the Distillery District is transformed into a charming European Christmas Market and this year will be no exception. All the pretty lights and festivities will put even the biggest of scrooges in a festive spirit, not to mention there will be hundreds of unique and local handcrafted products, along with heated wine/beer gardens and more. Admission to the street market is free from Tuesday to Thursday or $6 over weekends starting Fridays at 5pm. If you hate lineups, this year, the Toronto Christmas Market is selling t$20 fast pass tickets for those looking to bypass entry lineups into the festival.

One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale
November 24 – December 4
Still haven’t started your holiday shopping? Get on it! The One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale is the perfect place to find the unique gifts and stocking stuffers you’ve been searching for. From November 24th to December 4th, shop the best in Canadian handmade goods ranging from body care to clothing to home decor and more. See a full list of vendors here and check out ticket prices and group rates here.

Macaron Making Class at St. Lawrence Market
November 27
There’s no denying, macarons are delicious but they are not the easiest to make! This month, skip the bakery-bought variety and test your skills by making your own. Eat. Live. Travel. Write. is hosting a class at the St. Lawrence Market that will cover all the secrets and techniques you need to make mouth-water flavored macarons with a variety of ganache and fillings. The class runs from 2-4pm, tickets are $80 and you’ll leave with skills you never knew you had and a box of self-made macarons. Get tickets here.

Discover Syria at the Aga Khan Museum
Now to February 26, 2017
Today, we know Syria as a place of conflict however, there is so much more to the country than what we see in the media. Syria: A Living History is the Aga Khan museum’s latest exhibit and it showcases a Syria different than what is portrayed in the news. Learn about the country’s rich history through artworks, artifacts, and literature. We also suggest treating your taste buds and stopping by the museum’s in-house restaurant Diwan for their Syrian-inspired menu, consisting of delicious dishes like Kebab Karaz (lamb meatballs braised with sour cherries), Tarator-style salmon (walnut crusted), and more. Tickets that allow access to the entire museum are $20 or free on Wednesdays between 4pm and 8pm.