Last year’s holiday season was eerily quiet. To see the city erupt with festive events is truly joyous.

From family fun to the return of beloved traditions, like the One Of A Kind Show and The Nutcracker, there’s lots to pick and choose from to fill the calendar over the next six weeks.  Here are some ideas to help you have a lively and sparkling holiday season. 

Home Alone with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Watching Home Alone while listening to the TSO perform the magnificent score by renowned composer John Williams, adds a truly enchanting dimension to this holiday classic.

Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). Also starring Catherine O’Hara and John Candy, and nominated for Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (“Somewhere in My Memory”), Home Alone is hilarious and heart-warming fun for the entire family. We think this is an incredible way to introduce kids to the magic of the TSO, and exploring the grand stairwells and different layers of Roy Thomson Hall is also a memorable experience in and of itself. Reserve your tickets now. 

The National Ballet’s Performance of The Nutcracker Returns to The Four Seasons

Nothing can compare to watching ballet dancers float across the stage to Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Flowers” or “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” The city felt incomplete last year when the National Ballet, and all the young talented dancers from the National Ballet School, were unable to perform to a live audience. To see the return of age-old favourite makes our heart sing, and even more so to imagine the Four Seasons Centre full of bright-eyed children, dressed up and excited for the special occasion. Don’t miss out on the magic. 

Snow Magic at Ontario Place 

Drive Thru Fun Co. invites Torontonians to experience Snow Magic, an immersive and wonder filled adventure inspired by fire, ice and light. Experience illuminated art projections created by acclaimed Canadian artists, state of the art fire effects, and light tunnels across 1.7 kilometres and 30 minutes of awe-inspiring terrain, all from the warmth of your car. This delightful winter wonderland will be brimming with larger-than-life mythical creatures, crystal caverns, and a forest of light that only dreams are made of. Make some hot chocolate, and enjoy a sparkling evening along the waterfront. Book your tickets now.

Immersive Nutcracker

Presented by the producers of the North American-wide hit Immersive Van Gogh, The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle, is a new way to enjoy the beloved holiday classic. Be wowed by breathtaking immersive projections, magical special effects, and meet a life-size Nutcracker! The experience begins with a starry sky, a breathtaking snowstorm, and a giant fir tree beyond all imagining. This event is easy to push strollers through, and the ideal Nutcracker experience for energetic little ones that may not suit a seated performance. Looks positively dreamy. 

Regent Park Film Festival Family Day Outdoor Screening 

On November 27th, join the folks of Regent Park Film Festival for an evening of family friendly short films and video profiles of Regent Park by the Toronto Ward Museum. Drop in any time from 5-8 pm at the Daniels Spectrum courtyard (585 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2B7) for some hot chocolate, pick up some art kits, and watch a few films. We love this festival, and this free event sounds illuminating, cool, and cozy. Get more info here.

One Of A Kind Show 

We’ve missed strolling the rows at One Of A Kind. Getting to meet artists and makers, and see their creations, always fills us with wonder, excitement, and inspiration. This year’s event brings together 400 artisans, including 50 new exhibitors with the theme of “Crafting Joy.” We can’t wait to explore all that awaits, and find unique treasures for our loved ones. Support Canadian design and shop small this holiday season. 

Holiday Hills Outdoor Market at Stackt Market 

Holiday Hills is a five-week holiday festival equipped with 3 weekend vendor markets and 26 resident stores for holiday shopping, live music showcases featuring Adria Kain + Naja Wilson, local art, holiday-themed workshops + DIYs, drag + comedy shows, and unique dining experiences – all wrapped up in a bright and festive holiday environment. Holiday Hills will also mark the return of Crokicurl, a hybrid game of crokinole and curling played on a massive outdoor rink, as well as stackt’s first-ever rooftop patio, GoldInn.

Running from November 23 – December 31, Holiday Hills will be a full takeover of stackt market, open from Tuesday – Sunday for the duration of the festival. Partners include The Bay, Baileys, St-Rémy, For The Love of Markets, Dooley Entertainment, Ration Food Lab, Joybird, Cry Baby Gallery, and more. A walk to stackt market also offers wonderful views of the city, especially at night. Make a plan to check it out. 

Skating at Harbourfront Scheduled to Start November 19

Get outside and embrace winter. An afternoon or evening skating outdoors always proves to be fun and memorable. We’re not sure if DJ Skate Nights will return to Harbourfront Centre this year, but we’re crossing our fingers. In the meantime, the rink is scheduled to open as soon as November 19th. Lace up and laugh! Skate rentals, rules, and more here. 

It’s Movie Season! 

There are so many great new releases playing in theatres right now, and several highly-anticipated titles releasing soon. After a gazillion consecutive months of not being able to enjoy the big screen, seeing audiences return to the cinema has been emotional and exhilarating. Treat your loved ones to a wonderful film! For the little ones, we’ve only heard good things about Clifford the Big Red Dog. See movies, showtimes, and ticket info here.