Here are our top picks for Toronto events during this first week of December, with plenty of festive fun, captivating performances, compelling film screenings and holiday markets to choose from.  

Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas To All

The Christmas Queen herself is in Toronto! Mariah Carey will be in the city for two nights this week, performing all her classic holiday hits to spread some cheer. The energy in Scotiabank Arena is sure to be magical, right from those first few notes of All I Want for Christmas is You. There are still tickets available for both December 9 and 11. Don’t miss this iconic holiday concert!

The Nutcracker

This holiday season, The National Ballet of Canada will once again be performing the famous ballet with Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score. It might look a little different this year— choreographer James Kudelka’s adaptation of The Nutcracker will shift the focus onto siblings Marie and Misha, with their challenging journey as a metaphor for growing up. See the magic unfold from December 10-31.

Harry & Meghan Docu-Series Premiere

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s highly-anticipated tell-all documentary series premieres this week on Netflix, with the first three episodes dropping on December 8. The series explores the clandestine days of Harry and Meghan’s early courtship and the challenges that led to them stepping back from their full-time roles in the Royal family. This doc is going to rock the world. Tune in this week.

Regent Park Film Festival 

The 20th annual Regent Park Film Festival is running this week! This free community festival will be screening 45 films from December 7-10 at Daniels Spectrum, including Summer of Soul, Riceboy Sleeps and Brother, as well as many shorts from local filmmakers. RPFF has a long history of bridging communities in the Regent Park neighbourhood through free and accessible films and other programming. See the 2022 festival schedule. 

‘da Kink in My Hair

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the hit production that inspired the sitcom ‘da Kink in My Hair is back on stage at Soulpepper Theatre! Set in a Toronto hair salon, the story follows a group of women who share their highs and lows in Novelette’s hairdresser’s chair through monologues and an original live score. Trey Anthony’s ‘da Kink in My Hair is running from December 6-23.

Framing Agnes Screening and Q&A

Screening in Toronto this week, the genre-blurring and award-winning documentary Framing Agnes  is a powerful portrait of 1950s and 60s trans history. The film stars Zackary Drucker as Agnes, a trans woman seeking gender-affirming care, and other trans actors as participants of a ULCA study researching gender health. Check out the screening on December 9 at TIFF Bell Lightbox, followed by a Q&A with Toronto director Chase Joynt, moderated by Sort Of star Bilal Baig. 

Canadian Modern Exhibit at the ROM 

A new exhibit showcasing contemporary Canadian design is now open at the ROM. Canadian Modern celebrates innovations in the world of Canadian design, and honours legendary designers like John Fluevog, Karin Jones, Michael Fortune, and Daphne Odjig. Visitors to the Canadian Modern exhibit can expect to see over 100 innovative creations including furniture, fashion, jewellery, glassware, ceramics, textile design, graphic design, and electronics. Plan your visit.

A Christmas Carol at Campbell House

See this classic Christmas story as an immersive production at the historic Campbell House Museum from December 9-23. This award-winning theatrical experience invites audience members to follow Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey of redemption, retelling Charles Dickens’ holiday tale with an original twist. Tickets are available here.

Entrances And Exits: Home For The Holidays

This live, theatre-meets-comedy performance features eight of Canada’s top comedians. The cast will improvise a unique theatrical experience with holiday-themed humour. Get in the holiday spirit with this special created by Ruth Goodwin and Elizabeth Johnston, and look forward to a special guest appearance from Whose Line is It Anyway?’s Colin Mochrie. Entrances and Exits is running at the Tarragon Theatre from December 7-18. 

Festive Florals at Bloor-Yorkville 

Bloor-Yorkville goes all out for the holidays. From Dec. 7-11, you can spot stunning floral pop-ups at Fleurs de Villes NOËL. More than 30 floral installations and mannequins from Toronto’s favourite florists will line the streets of Bloor-Yorkville. If you’re feeling inspired to make your own festive bouquet, shop from the featured florists at pop-up flower markets. 

Doggos Howliday Market 

Dog owners, this one is for you! With more than 50 vendors to explore, treat your pup to something special from one of the latest trending pet brands. As the biggest holiday experience for dog owners in Canada, there’s lots of opportunities for mingling and more festive activities you and your dog can enjoy. The Doggos Howliday Market will be taking over Exhibition Place on December 10 and 11— get your tickets. 

Toronto Made Market

This Sunday’s Toronto Made Market at Daniels Spectrum boasts 80+ vendors.  Meet the humans behind Toronto’s favourite local brands and find something special and unique for everyone on your list. Browse accessories, arts and crafts, apparel, health and beauty, home essentials, sweet treats & more. Warm up at the hot chocolate bar, snap a pic at the holiday themed photo-op station, and take in a concert at 2PM by Toronto’s Amadeus Choir. Admission is free.