Festivals and Events

Enjoy a small pastry (while quantities last) during a one hour performance by an artist or band from the Ligue d'improvisation musicale de Québec. Saturday November 14 and Sunday November 29, 2026 at 10:30 AM. Free drop in, for all ages.

Festive monthly matches of short dance improvisations where three teams of professional level dancers jump in with only a theme and live music as cues, with the Maison pour la danse. Fridays at 7 PM on November 27, 2026, and January 29, February 26, March 26 and April 30, 2027 (grand finale). Free; reservation required.

A festive evening open house at 401 Richmond, a historic factory turned arts building with 18 galleries, two shops, a café and an underground cinema. It is free to wander, browse the galleries and shop for art, books, jewellery and gifts. Thursday, November 26, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m.

A once a year holiday market inside historic Montgomery's Inn, with a curated selection of local craft and artisan vendors and locally made treats. Entry is free; goods are for purchase. Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 2 to 7 p.m.

Scarborough's signature two day winter celebration, which fills Albert Campbell Square at the Scarborough Civic Centre with performers, vendors and seasonal fun that highlights the area's cultural diversity. Free and family friendly. December 19 and 20, 2026, from noon (until 9 p.m. on Saturday).

An annual holiday EcoMarket at the Toronto Botanical Garden with more than 100 local, planet friendly vendors, nature inspired gifts and seasonal activities. Entry is free; bring a reusable bag or travel mug. Two weekends: Nov 20 to 22 and Dec 18 to 20, 2026, Fridays from 2 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m.

Yorkville's official holiday lighting ceremony in the Village of Yorkville Park, with a live concert by Canadian jazz singer Molly Johnson and the Rosedale Day School Choir. The neighbourhood's holiday lights are switched on during the evening. Free to attend, and it supports The Common Table. Saturday, November 21, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m.

A downtown holiday fair in Sankofa Square, the former Yonge-Dundas Square, with twinkling lights, a market of local artisans, cozy firepits, photos with Santa and a Giving Tree. Entry is free; food, drinks and market items are for purchase, and the event supports Epilepsy Toronto. Dec 10 to 20, 2026, starting at 4 p.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends.

A festive, family friendly fair inside the walls of historic Fort York, with dazzling holiday lights, local artisans, food, drinks and music celebrating the city's diversity. Entry is free and there are free guided tours of the fort. Dec 4, 2026 from 4 to 10 p.m., then Dec 5 and 6 from noon.

Each weekend through the holiday season, Scarborough Museum hosts free family activities: winter crafts, a fire to gather around, and warm drinks and treats baked on the historic cast iron stove. There is also a holiday food and storytelling circle where you can share your own traditions. Weekends, Nov 8, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On weekends from November to early January, Todmorden Mills lights up the Don Valley with seasonal lights, hands on crafts in the Brewery Building and festively decorated historic houses. It is free, with free tours at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov 7, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An informal talk between writer Derek McCormack and artist Micah Lexier about where art and literature meet, including their joint projects City of Letters and I Am The Coin. It is hosted by the Ottawa Public Library at the NAC. Wednesday Nov 25, 2026, 7 pm (about 90 minutes) in the Azrieli Studio. Free, with registration on the NAC page.