Festivals and Events

A puppet show by Applefun Puppetry in which a penguin waddles into the show and wants to stay. It is a free Toronto Public Library family program at Cliffcrest Library on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. No registration is listed, so you can simply drop in.

Storyteller Dan Yashinsky tells folktales, riddles, wisdom stories and yarns about his troublemaking Romanian Jewish grandpa, full of suspense, surprises and humour. It is a free Toronto Public Library program at Forest Hill Library on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, for all ages. No registration is listed, so you can simply drop in.

A monthly Saturday afternoon of live music hosted by local poets and musicians, warm and supportive. It is a free Toronto Public Library program at Barbara Frum Library on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, open to the public. No registration is listed, so you can simply drop in.

Important: free, but you need to register online for free first. Story Planet presents a collection of picture books written and illustrated by young authors, celebrated at a special book launch. It is a free Toronto Public Library program at Morningside Library on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and all ages are welcome.

The City of Vaughan's Chanukah Celebration on Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 4 PM to 6 PM at the Garnet A. Williams Community Centre, with free refreshments, entertainment and activities. No admission fee or registration is listed. The City also holds a Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Vaughan City Hall on Monday, December 7, at 3:30 PM.

The City of Pickering's Winter Wonderland on the waterfront at Millennium Square and the Nautical Village, on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 3 PM. Expect live ice carving, festive music and buskers, roaming characters, s'mores stations, holiday markets, photo stations and arts and crafts. It is a public outdoor event with no admission listed.

The City of Pickering's Winter Wonderland on the waterfront at Millennium Square and the Nautical Village, on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 3 PM. Expect live ice carving, festive music and buskers, roaming characters, s'mores stations, holiday markets, photo stations and arts and crafts. It is a public outdoor event with no admission listed. It runs again on Saturday, December 12.

The City of Markham's festive evening at the Markham Civic Centre skating rink on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 6 PM to 8 PM, with the tree lighting at 7 PM, live holiday entertainment and family activities such as colouring. Free hot chocolate is offered while supplies last. No admission fee is listed.

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville's Santa Claus Parade, a holiday procession of lights, floats and bands along historic Main Street from Ninth Line to Park Drive, on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 6 PM. It ends with Santa greeting spectators, and children can drop off letters for Santa with the elves along the route. It is a public street parade with no admission listed.

The City of Vaughan's annual Santafest Parade on Sunday, November 29, 2026, at 1:30 PM. Check the City's page for the route closer to the date. It is a public street parade with no admission listed.

Kerr Village's Christmas tree lighting and holiday market at Westwood Park on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 1 PM to 6 PM, with the tree lighting at 5:40 PM. Kerr Village has held a Christmas tree lighting for over 30 years. It is a public outdoor event with no admission listed.

A market of handmade gifts by Harbourfront Centre's Craft and Design artists in residence, with textiles, glass, ceramics and jewellery, plus a chance to tour the studios and meet the artists. Friday, November 20, 3 PM to 9 PM, and Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2026, 12 PM to 6 PM, in the Craft and Design Studio, East Hallway of the Main Building. Free admission, no tickets required.