December is full of festive events, but not everything is all holly and jingle bells. Don't forget about the motorcycle show, the celebration of anime and more that will take place this December in Toronto.
Saturday November 21st - Thursday December 31st, 2009
Christmas Remembered
Visit Black Creek Pioneer Village during the holidays to experience Victorian-style Christmas cheer. There's special programming each weekend during Christmas Remembered (Black Creek is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day).
Thursday November 26th - Sunday December 6th, 2009
One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale
Visit the Direct Energy Centre to browse a huge selection of unique gift and decorating ideas created by Canadian artists and craftspeople.
• See other Christmas Craft Shows in Toronto
Friday November 27th, 2009 - Sunday January 3rd, 2010
Trail of Lights at Downsview Park
Take an evening stroll along a three-kilometer trail decorated with a variety of large LED light displays.
Saturday November 28th - Thursday December 31st, 2009
Toronto's Cavalcade of Lights
Enjoy fireworks and lighting displays at neighbourhoods throughout the city.
Thursday December 3rd, 2009
SpeakEasy Annual Holiday Sale
At the Gladstone Hotel.
• See other Christmas Craft Shows in Toronto
Saturday December 5th, 2009
Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade
Santa visits South Etobicoke (Mimico, New Toronto & Long Branch) in a parade that begins at Dwight Avenue at 10am and heads west along Lakeshore, nearly to Browns Line.
Saturdays December 5th, 12th & 19th, 2009
Christmas by Lamplight
For three evenings Black Creek Pioneer Village will be lit by oil lamps, candles and gas lighting as they offer up Victorian Christmas treats, caroling, storytelling and lessons on how to make old-fashioned Christmas decorations. You can also opt for a ticket package that includes a traditional Christmas dinner.
Sunday December 6th, 2009
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
A day to remember the 1989 gender-based killings in Montreal, and to rally against further violence. See:
• The YWCA Rose Campaign
• The December 6 Fund (YWCA loan program for women escaping violence)
• The White Ribbon Campaign (Men against violence against women)
Sundays December 6th, 13th & 20th, 2009
Christmas Dinner at Black Creek Pioneer Village
With seatings at noon, 2:30pm and 5pm, Black Creek Pioneer Village is holding this series of Sunday afternoon meals as part of their extensive Christmas programming.
Thursday December 10th, 2009
International Human Rights Day
Amnesty International's Toronto Office will be having an open house, and you can of course participate in Amnesty International Canada's annual "Write for Rights" letter writeathon.
Friday December 11th - Sunday December 13th, 2009
Toronto Motorcycle Show
See new models and vintage bikes, improve your skills, see a precision riding stunt show and more, all in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Building.
Sunday December 13th, 2009
Toronto AnimeCON
Special guest Sam Vincent will be on hand (voices, Death Note, Mobile Suit Gundam).
Saturday December 26th, 2009
The Toronto Zoo's 34th Annual Christmas Treats Walk
Enjoy half-price admission* to the zoo to see many of the animals enjoy Christmas treats. The official walk begins at 10am and ends at the Tundra Trek exhibit where there will also be a seasonal treat for you - free hot chocolate. (*Please bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank).
• Learn more about visiting the Toronto Zoo
Thursday December 31st
Toronto Zoo's 7th Annual New Year's Eve Family Countdown
Party with animals and enjoy family entertainment at the Toronto Zoo on New Year's Eve. With the doors opening at 5:30pm, the fun runs from 6pm to 9pm and wraps up with a Kids' Countdown. The New Year's Eve Family Countdown is a separately ticketed outdoor event with limited space, so order your tickets in advance.
• Learn more about visiting the Toronto Zoo
Thursday December 31st
CityTV's New Years Bash
At Nathan Phillips Square
Thursday December 31st
More Options for New Year's Eve
There are events for families, comedy shows and other performances to choose from. Have a look at the Guide to New Year's Eve in Toronto.
• Also check out Things to Do on New Year's Day
Weekend Event Highlights
A round-up of weekend events is posted on the About.com: Toronto blog every Thursday. Sign up for the newsletter to get a weekly reminder in your inbox.
