By Jenn Reid
Last Updated November 29, 2017
December in Toronto always goes by so fast! There’s the mad dash of Christmas shopping and holiday events, followed by New Year’s celebrations. But don’t let it go by too quickly! Make some time throughout your busy month to check out these must-see events happening in December, whether you’re looking to maximize your Christmas cheer or take a break from the holiday madness. [Photo of Jurassic Park courtesy of the Sony Centre]
Grease: The Musical
If you need a break from all the Kris Kringle shenanigans try letting loose at Grease: The Musical! The theatrical experience takes you back into the world of 1950s greasers and pink ladies, with the songs from the movie re-imagined and choreographed for the stage. Janel Parrish (Pretty Little Liars) stars.
Home Alone in Concert
Home Alone is required holiday viewing, and seeing it with live music just makes it even more special. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra will perform John Williams’ score live with the film, and the choir from Etobicoke School of the Arts Junior Chorus will provide the vocals.
Toronto Christmas Market
If you don’t go to the Christmas Market each winter, are you even a Torontonian? The massively popular event is back for 2017 with holiday light displays, a beautiful tree, musical performances, and all the delicious food and mulled wine you could ever want. Happy holidays!
Holiday Fair
Nathan Phillips Square is getting in on the holiday market tradition with the Holiday Fair! Shop artisan crafts, art works, unique gifts and more. You can also enjoy the skating rink and pick up some festive snacks.
Evergreen Winter Village
Evergreen Brick Works is a beautiful slice of green space in the city, and in the winter, it gets even more magical. The Winter Village is a chance to take part in winter activities like curling, take a bike ride through the snow, warm up with s’mores over the campfire, shop a farmers’ market and more. Dress warm!
Krampus Ball
Santa is out, Krampus is in. The Krampus Ball celebrates the German Christmas demon with costumes, music and more. A parade of Krampus supporters, with costumes encouraged but not required, will march along Queen East before settling in for a night of music and burlesque at the Opera House. Long live Krampus!
iHeartRadio Jingle Ball
iHeart Radio’s Jingle Ball is a massive concert with some of the top pop musicians all performing together. This year’s show is headlined by the Backstreet Boys, with Kelly Clarkson, Fifth Harmony, Post Malone, Fergie, Cardi B and more.
Winter Wanderer
While some just want to stay inside through the winter, the Toronto Botanical Gardens wants you to head outside! The event is a chance to check out Toronto’s winter wildlife, hang bird feeders, make and eat maple candy and more.
Hot Docs Holiday Classics
Hot Docs Cinema is putting the documentaries on pause for the holidays and instead focusing on all our favourite Christmas films. Check out free screenings of movies like romcom The Holiday, family flick Elf, comedy National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and more. Tickets are free, but donations to The Stop are encouraged.
Disney on Ice: Reach for the Stars
All your favourite Disney characters will be skating their hearts out at Disney on Ice! The annual holiday show will feature the stars of Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Tangled and more, plus Mickey, Minnie and Donald.
What’s in the Box
There’s not much nightlife going on that week between Christmas and New Year’s, so it’s the perfect time to check out some new music at the Drake. The annual What’s in the Box showcase features a lineup of local bands playing every night of the week for only $5 cover. Bargain!
Jurassic Park in Concert
Is there a movie score more instantly recognizable than Jurassic Park’s? The Motion Picture Symphony Orchestra will bring the music to life as the film plays, creating an immersive experience. Before the show, film critic Richard Crouse and conductor Evan Mitchell will discuss the film’s lasting success and how the show is created.
New Year’s Eve at Nathan Phillips Square
What better way to say goodbye to 2017? The annual New Year’s event at Nathan Phillips Square is also a final send-off to our Canada 150 celebrations and will feature live music, on-site installations, a DJ skate party and, of course, a massive fireworks display at midnight. Bring on 2018!
