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 in Toronto in December 2011.
November 19th - December 23rd, 2011
Christmas at Black Creek
Get tickets to a lunch with Santa, enjoy a festive Sunday dinner or just enjoy the daily Christmas programming available throughout the season.
Thursday November 24th - Sunday December 4th, 2011
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
Thursday December 1st, 2011
SpeakEasy Annual Holiday Sale
At the Gladstone Hotel.
• See other Christmas Craft Shows in Toronto
Friday December 2nd - Sunday December 18th, 2011
Lowe's Toronto Christmas Market
Visit the Distillery District between for family-friendly entertainment, lighting displays, local handcrafted products, and more.
Saturday December 3rd, 2011
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.
Tuesday December 6th, 2011
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)
Friday December 9th - Sunday December 11th, 2011
Toronto Motorcycle Show
See new models and vintage bikes, improve your skills and more at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Saturday December 10th, 2011
International Human Rights Day
Visit the website of Amnesty International's Toronto Office for information on events and learn how you can participate in Amnesty International Canada's annual "Write for Rights" letter writeathon.
Sunday December 11th, 2011
Toronto AnimeCON
Join other anime fans at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for an afternoon with vendors, contests, and special guests.
December 10th, 17th & 18th, 2011
Christmas by Lamplight
For three evenings you can "Step into a Dickens Christmas" as Black Creek Pioneer Village is transformed into the world from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Dinner option available.
Monday December 26th, 2011
The Toronto Zoo's Annual Christmas Treats Walk
Visit the zoo for a morning walk to see many of the animals enjoy Christmas treats. Half-price admission all day, but please bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank.
• Learn more about visiting the Toronto Zoo
Saturday December 31st, 2011
Toronto Zoo's Annual New Year's Eve Family Countdown
Family-friendly fun includes a performers and animal visitors. This is a separately ticketed early evening event; get your tickets in advance online.
• Learn more about visiting the Toronto Zoo
Saturday December 31st, 2011
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
2011 details TBA
Skate Culture at Harbourfront
Harbourfront Centre offers Learn to Skate clinics and DJ Skate Saturday Nights at their outdoor Natrel rink.
2011 details TBA
HarbourKIDS: SK8
This two-day festival for kids at Harbourfront Centre will offer family entertainment, outdoor ice skating, an indoor skateboard park designed for kids and beginners, art installations, winter-themed crafts and more.
2011 details TBA
Winterfest on Toronto's Waterfront
Enjoy free skating and dog shows or get tickets to join Santa and his elves on a Winter Wonderland Cruise.
2011 details TBA
Kensington Market Winter Solstice
Formerly known as the Kensington Market Festival of Lights, this participatory lantern parade is preceded by lantern-making workshops for those who are interested. (May be subject to weather - check event website for updated information).
On hold until 2012
Trail of Lights at Downsview Park
Due to construction, the Trail of Lights will not be set-up in Downsview Park for the 2011 holiday season. Hopefully the event will return in 2012!
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.
