Welcome to yoyomama’s weekend guide! Your go-to list of family friendly fun things to do with kids in Toronto and the GTA.
It’s another weekend of family, holiday-inspired fun in the city! From concerts and musicals, to candy and ornament making workshops, to lighting ceremonies, to Santa sightings, to holiday-themed treats and dinners, it’s a great time to bundle up the kids and enjoy all T.O. has to offer. And for ongoing holiday fun, check out our Toronto holiday guide. Hope you’re enjoying the season!
A Christmas Special!
Saturday, December 10th, 2 pm – 4:30 pm, Jane Mallet Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre, 27 Front Street East, Toronto
A musical Christmas show, reminiscent of the Swing Era, fills the theatre with classic songs for the season. Now a glittering Yuletide tradition, this Big Band Christmas event is great for any music-loving family: www.stlc.com
Make Your Own Needle Felted Holiday Ornaments!
Saturday, December 10th, 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm, The Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
This one-day workshop with Sarah Rosensweet is the perfect opportunity to add something heartfelt to holiday traditions, while also learning a new skill! Participants learn about the basic skills and materials required for needle felting. Using templates provided or your own creativity, you’ll complete a series of ornaments to take home: www.harbourfrontcentre.com
Bach Children’s Chorus – While Snowflakes Fall
Saturday, December 10th, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Toronto Centre For The Arts, 5040 Yonge Street, Toronto
This year the Bach Children’s Chorus celebrates 25 years of music making! Get into the spirit of the season with the four award-winning choirs of the Bach Children’s Chorus. Repertoire for this concert has been selected to carry you to a carefree enjoyment of the pleasures of the season: www.bachorus.org
Candy Making For Families
Saturday, December 10th, 10 am – Noon, The Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Participants create a variety of no-bake sweets and treats that can easily be recreated anywhere! This one-day workshop is suitable for children, ages 5+, accompanied by a parent or caregiver (materials included): www.harbourfrontcentre.com
Marbling
Saturday, December 10th, 1 pm, Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
Create wonderful and multi-coloured marbled artwork! All creations are unique and the kids get to take them home. Ages 3 – 8: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
Small Press Of Toronto Winter Book Fair
Saturday, December 10th, 11 am – 5 pm, The Hart House, 7 Hart House Circle, Toronto
The Small Press of Toronto’s mission is to support reading, encourage publishing and writing, and to increase an awareness of the literary community in Toronto and the GTA. Come to Hart House for the Fair and meet local emerging and established authors, find new literary gems, and stock up on holiday gifts: www.smallpressoftoronto.wordpress.com
Desserts By Lamplight, Scarborough Museum
Saturday, December 10th, 6:30 pm – 9 pm, Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Road, Scarborough
Enjoy a magical evening of lamp-lit rooms, decadent desserts, and carolers! Pre-registration is required. Contact by email (shm@toronto.ca) or phone (416.338.8807) to book your tickets: www.toronto.ca
Cavalcade Of Lights
Saturday, December 10th, 7 pm – 8 pm, Albion Islington Square (south-east corner of Albion Road and Islington Avenue), Toronto
Celebrate the first lighting of the year! Come by and see the display and lights, and enjoy some free snacks as well. There will also be a “Holiday Toy Drive” for Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter, so please bring an unwrapped toy and put a smile on a child’s face this holiday season: www.albionislingtonsquare.com
Get $mart! Be An Informed Energy Consumer
Saturday, December 10th, 2 pm – 4 pm, Lillian H. Smith Library, 239 College Street, Toronto
Are you having trouble reading your gas and/or electricity bills? Are you a residential consumer and considering an energy contract? As a home energy consumer, you have certain rights: a way to file complaints, voice your concerns, and other consumer protections. Learn more at this informative session. Pre-register at 416.393.7746/647.404.8857: www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
Holiday Multiples Fair
Saturday, December 10th, Noon – 5 pm, O’Born Contemporary, 131 Ossington Avenue, Toronto
Everyone always says that handmade gifts are the best kind! Support local artists this holiday season at O’Born Contemporary’s first Holiday Multiples Fair, featuring local artists’ books and multiples under $200: www.oborncontemporary.com
Holiday Stroll On The Eglinton Way
Saturday, December 10th, 11 am – 3 pm, Presented by the Eglinton Way BIA, Eglinton & Avenue, Toronto
Come join the Eglinton Way BIA’s annual Holiday Stroll event, in support of Raising the Roof! Elmsthorpe Avenue will be closed (from the south side of Eglinton Avenue West) for the Kid’s Zone, featuring family fun, clowns, magic, music and more! Meet Officer Somers and take a tour of his police cruiser, and enjoy entertainment from Dave Pooley. All visitors will enjoy free roasted chestnuts, plus gourmet food truck fare catered by El Gastronomo Vagabondo, Tiny Toms Donuts and The Toasted Tangerine. Spend a perfect day on The Eglinton Way: www.theeglintonway.com
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Saturday, December 10th – Sunday, December 11th, Performances begin at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm, and run for one hour, Solar Stage Children’s Theatre, 100 Upper Madison Avenue, North York
Join the Nearly-World-Famous DuffleBag Theatre for a holiday story and interactive fun, performed the way only DuffleBag can! A laugh-filled and perfect holiday season show the whole family will love. Book early to avoid missing out. Ages 4 – 8: www.solarstage.on.ca
The 6th Annual Santa Cruise
Saturday, December 10th & Sunday, December 11th, Cruises: 10:30 am & 1:30 pm, Mariposa Cruises, Northern Spirit – Foot of York Street (by Queen’s Quay Terminal), Toronto
During Winterfest on Toronto’s Waterfront, families are invited to join Santa and his elves for the 6th Annual Santa Cruise presented by Mariposa Cruises aboard the Northern Spirit. Tickets sell out quickly for this magical one-hour cruise, so don’t delay – purchase tickets online or by phone. Complimentary refreshments are served on board and afterward, download your free photo with Santa by visiting www.waterfrontbia.com : www.mariposacruises.com
Runaway Puppet Theatre’s Rock Thru The Ages
Saturday & Sunday, December 10th – December 11th, and December 17th – December 18th, 1 pm & 4 pm, South Atrium, Queen’s Quay Terminal, Toronto
Rock Thru The Ages is an upbeat musical extravaganza that contains music that spans four decades, and ranges from the sultry sound of Peggy Lee’s Fever, to the rock and roll beat of the old time favourite Splish Splash. This family-oriented performance will entrance the young and spark memories for those that are young at heart. Over 75 bright and colourful hand and rod puppets make this production a real showstopper: www.qqterminal.com
Santa And Elves Walk Along St. Clair
Saturday, December 10th & Saturday, December 17th, Noon – 3:30 pm, St. Clair Avenue from Christie to Bathurst, Toronto
Come to see Santa and his elves as they walk along St. Clair West, greeting shoppers as they go. Candy canes and other treats will be handed out, and on December 17th the Hillcrest Community Choir will join Santa. Event takes place in multiple locations, so please contact event organizers for more details . Email marion9603@rogers.com, or call 416-846-9603.
Christmas By Lamplight
Saturday, December 10th, Saturday, December 17th & Sunday, December 18th, 6 pm – 9 pm, Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto
Bathed in the glow of lamplight and dressed in its finest Holiday decor, Black Creek Pioneer Village welcomes you to enjoy live music, food and activities. Performances include The Playford Players (guitar and hammer dulcimer), Debra Hale (storyteller), and the The York Highlands Chorus (December 10th), plus many more: www.blackcreek.ca
Breakfast With Santa
Saturday, December 10th & Saturday, December 17th, 9 am – 11 am, 1060 Don Mills Road, Toronto
Join Santa and his helper and celebrate the holiday season with a delicious breakfast at Jack Astors. Each child will get a memento of their visit and will be able to enter Shops at Don Mills’ colouring contest. Santa will be available for pictures. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis for $15 per person (cash only) and will be available from Guest Services. In addition, if you are able to, please bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the North York Harvest Food Bank for the Christmas food drive: www.shopsatdonmills.ca
Pet Photos With Santa
Saturday & Sunday, December 10th – December 11th, and December 17th – December 18th, Noon – 4 pm, PawsWay, 245 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Capture that special moment between Santa and your pet and help support a guide dog. A donation of $2 from each photo will go to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides: www.pawsway.ca
Toronto Animecon
Sunday, December 11th, 11 am – 5 pm, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front Street West, Toronto
A fun afternoon of all things Anime! Shopping, game shows, costumes, and free autographs from Dragon Ball’s, Sean Schemmel: www.hobbystar.com
A Messiah Sing-Along
Sunday, December 11th, 2 pm – 4 pm, Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Boulevard, Toronto
All singers of any ability are invited to join the Etobicoke Centennial Choir to sing the magnificent choruses of Handel’s Messiah. Bring your own score or one can be provided. Spend a few hours singing glorious music and experience the joy of the season: www.etobicokecentennialchoir.ca
Science On The Go
Sunday, December 11th, 1 pm, Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
Get your brains in motion this fall! Join for “Science On The Go” – a series of fun, hands-on activities being offered throughout KidSpark. Topics vary daily, so whether science experiments, cool art projects, or a live-animal encounter, it’s always exciting science fun: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
Christmas Dinner At Black Creek Pioneer Village
Sunday, December 11th, 2 pm & 4:30 pm, Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto
Celebrate the traditions of Christmas with a meal at Black Creek Pioneer Village and tour the Village. Reservations are required for this holiday-inspired meal: www.blackcreek.ca
Farther Afield:
Brookside Public School Bonanza
Saturday, December 10th, 10 am – 1 pm, Brookside Public School, 75 Oasis Boulevard, Markham
Brookside Parent Council is holding a fund raising event that is sure to be a great opportunity to complete all your holiday shopping! Vendors will be selling products from jewelry, to baseball caps, to baked goods. And don’t miss the draw for plenty of prizes: www.brooksideparentcouncil.blogspot.com
The Harmony Singers Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 11th, 3 pm – 5 pm, Martingrove United Church, 75 Pergola Road, Etobicoke
This traditional holiday season concert has been charming audiences with their vocal talent for the past 46 years. Proceeds from the concert contribute to the annual scholarship given to The Etobicoke School of the Arts: www.harmonysingers.ca
Do you have an event you would like to see in our weekend guide? Then send us your details and we’ll help you get the word out. Looking for a feature listing? Contact Erin, our Director of Sales and Marketing, for more information.
And we wanted to remind you to always call or visit the website for event info before you head out just in case any changes have been made since we posted it. And of course, have fun!