Prepare for a surge of festive cheer in the city! There are so many things to do in Toronto this week that will get you right into the holiday spirit.
But, if that’s not your jam, fear not because there is so much more going on than just tree lightings and festive pop-ups.
It’s shaping up to be an incredible week, Toronto, so get ready.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Toronto this week to get you excited for the days ahead.
Distillery Winter Village Grand Opening
The Distillery Winter Village returns this week and they’re unveiling something extra special this season.
At 6 PM on November 16th, Santa Claus himself will flip the switch, lighting up the majestic Christmas tree that will sparkle every evening during the festival.
But, this isn’t just a regular-sized tree — this year’s Silver Fir will tower at 56 feet, making it the tallest tree ever on display at the Winter Village.
When: November 16th, 2023 at 6 PM
Where: 1 Trinity Street, Distillery Historic District, Toronto
Cost: $15-$30 per person
Reel Asian Film Festival
Canada’s largest Asian film festival is happening in Toronto this week.
The 27th annual Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is a “unique showcase of contemporary Asian cinema and work from the Asian diaspora,” according to the description.
Festival-goers will get to see films and videos made by Asian-identifying artists in Canada, the U.S., Asia and all over the world.
When: Until November 19th, 2023
Where: See all venues
Cost: $15+ per ticket
Sponsored Pick: Sample Sale Toronto’s Designer Winter Sale
This event is basically a treasure hunt. You can shop a variety of clothing items of all sizes from top brands like Desigual, Esprit, Astrid, Molly Bracken, Sanctuary & more, all with huge discounts. Ready to level up your fashion game this fall & winter?
When: Wednesday, November 15th, (10 AM – 5 PM), Thursday, November 16th (10 AM – 8 PM), Friday, November 17th (10 AM – 5 PM), and Saturday, November 18th (11 AM – 2 PM)
Where: 107 Tycos Drive, Unit #1, Toronto, Ontario, M4L1x8
Cost: Free entrance
AGO Friday Nights
It’s time to party it up at the beloved evening soiree at the AGO this Friday night!
The one-night-only all-ages opening party for the Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody exhibit will be headlined by legendary New York DJ Lina Bradford.
Entrance to the bash is free with your general admission ticket and the party will take place from 6 PM to 9 PM.
When: November 17th, 2023, 6 PM to 9 PM
Where: Walker Court, Art Gallery of Ontario
Cost: $30 per adult
Holiday Hills
Toronto’s annual winter festival, Holiday Hills is back this week!
It will feature brand-new immersive installations, along with local businesses for holiday shopping, festive food and drink offerings, community-led events, workshops and so much more.
Starting November 17th and running until December 31st, expect a fun-filled, festive festival for all to enjoy.
When: November 17th to December 31st, 2023
Where: stackt market, 28 Bathurst Street
Cost: FREE
Sponsored Pick: Fashion Art Toronto Runway Show
Toronto’s biggest fashion event is back, and this year, it has a few extra bells and whistles. Fashion Art Toronto is a multi-art fashion event with runway shows, style-inspired art installations, a huge Fashion & Beauty Boutique, and a boutique pop-up featuring a curated shop spotlighting black-owned brands. Stop by between Thursday and Sunday, November 16 to 19, for a day of fashion inspo, or come by on Friday for Club Catwalk, the event’s first-ever fashion-inspired rave where partygoers get to dance on the runway! Get your day or weekend passes online.
When: Thursday, November 16 to Sunday, November 19
Where: Black Creek Assembly, 131 McCormack St. York
Cost: Show, day and weekend passes available
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Winter Lights Festival
A winter lights festival is coming to Brampton this week, set to kick off the festive season with two days of activities around the city.
And it’s bringing stunning holiday displays, amusement rides, food vendors, and even a holiday market.
Though the event runs until 10 PM, you’ll want to be there early as the official tree lighting ceremony takes place at Ken Whillans Square.
When: November 17th and 18th, 2023
Where: Main St. South, Wellington St., Gage Park, Brampton
Cost: FREE
Miracle Toronto
Nothing says holiday season in the city like a festive cocktail bar, rather Toronto’s iconic Miracle pop-up bar.
And lucky for us, it’s back this holiday season for another round of festive cocktails and kitschy decor.
Miracle has been a holiday tradition in Toronto since 2018, and it’ll be bringing its over-the-top Christmas cheer to the west end starting on November 17th.
Where: 875 Bloor Street West
When: November 17th to December 30th, 2023
Cost: Drink prices vary
Duende Flamenco Festival
Escape from the cold weather into the spicy and vibrant flamenco universe.
“Celebrate the fiery world of flamenco with film screenings, music, and live performances by prolific artists from all over the world, including acclaimed flamenco artists Eduardo Guerrero and El Yiyo,” says the description.
You’ll get to experience the “multi-disciplinary nature of flamenco and its continually evolving modes of expression.”
When: November 16th to 19th, 2023
Where: Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Drive
Cost: $60+ per person
Christmas Book Sale
Just in time for the start of the holiday season, it’s the Christmas Book Sale!
The sale event at the Toronto Reference Library will have art, cookbooks, fiction, non-fiction, children’s, used magazines, DVDs, CDs, and classical CD sets, all in good condition.
Remember to bring cash and your own bag to hold your treasures in!
When: November 16th to 18th, 2023
Where: Beeton Hall, Toronto Reference Library
Cost: $2 (only on November 16th)
