November brings some refreshing indoor activities across Toronto to dodge winter’s cold.
From arts and cultural celebrations to holiday markets, here’s how to make the most of the city despite winter’s cold.
Here are eight events to check out in Toronto this November.
International African Arts, Crafts and Culture Fair (IAACCF)
Date: Nov. 6-8
Location: Mount Dennis
Admission: Starting at $4
Celebrate African creativity, culture and entrepreneurship at the International African Arts, Crafts and Culture Fair, an immersive event. Embrace the richness and diversity of African arts by discovering a whole new range of artists, designers and cultural practitioners from across Canada and around the world.
Expect an exhibition and marketplace filled with artworks and handmade crafts, a fashion show, cultural performances, networking opportunities, as well as workshops. Tickets start at $4.
Run Terry Run
Date: Nov. 7 & Nov. 14
Location: Hot Docs Theatre
Admission: $15 general admission
Everyone who has grown up in Canada has probably heard of Terry Fox, but the newly released film, also showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Run Terry Run, gives an intimate and inspiring portrait of Terry, drawing upon never-before-seen footage.
In April 1980, 21-year-old Terrance Stanley Fox set out from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to raise awareness and funding for cancer research after his right leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma. Despite having a poorly fitted artificial limb, Fox ran a full marathon a day for 143 days, more than 5,000 kilometres, before the cancer had spread to his lungs and forced him to stop at Thunder Bay.
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A Christmas Carol
Date: Nov. 12-Dec. 23
Location: The Fleck at Harbourfront Centre
Admission: Starting at $50
Halloween’s over, so it’s time to take out your Christmas decorations and get into the festive mood. Grab your friends and family to view a performance of A Christmas Carol, the timeless holiday story about someone who discovers it’s never too late in life to choose kindness and human connection.
Now, attendees can watch a fresh adaptation by Tim Carroll that brings Charles Dickens’ world to life through inventive puppetry, towering ghosts that fill the stage, traditional carols and spirited sing-alongs.
Emergence/Silent Screen – The National Ballet of Canada
Date: Nov. 13-20
Location: Four Seasons Centre of Performing Arts
Admission: Starting at $57
Ballet lovers, admire the beautiful art form as two acclaimed works return to the National Ballet of Canada in a double bill celebrating the company’s innovation and influence. Combining Crystal Pite’s award-winning Emergence: redefining the relationship between classical and contemporary traditions, with Silent Screen, the storied partnership of Sol León and Paul Lightfoot, The National Ballet of Canada introduces Emergence/Silent Screen.
The dynamic bill lasts for one hour and 40 minutes, with one intermission.
Antiques at St. Lawrence Market
Date: Nov. 1, 8 and 15
Location: St. Lawrence Market North Building
Admission: Free entry
Spend your Sunday checking out antiques at the St. Lawrence Market. Browse a curated selection of antiques, art, estate jewelry, silver, decorative arts, ceramics, vintage treasures, books, ephemera, collectibles and one-of-a-kind finds. Whether you’re just stepping into the collection scene or you’re a serious collector, check out this market for a new addition to your home.
Dog Days – Canadian Premiere Opera
Date: Nov. 18-29
Location: Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre
Admission: Starting at $15
Everyone has long days, or “Dog Days,” but this Canadian Premiere Opera performance, Dog Days, dives into a rural working-class family attempting to survive amidst military collapse and severe food shortages. Take a look into this psychological drama, exploring human resilience, desperation and moral breakdown when social structures disintegrate.
Toronto Firefighters Battle of the Bands in support of Movember
Date: Nov. 20
Location: The Opera House
Admission: $40
In honour of Movember, a focus on men’s mental health for the month of November, the Toronto Firefighters are hosting a 19+ Battle of the Bands. Expect eight bands competing against each other in rock, indie, country and other genres at the historic Opera House.
Help Toronto firefighters support treatment and research for Prostate cancer, Testicular cancer, mental health and PTSD. The last four years have sold out and collectively raised $80,000 for men’s health, so join in on contributing to a good cause for this fifth edition.
Riverside Holiday Market
Date: Nov. 29
Location: Ralph Thornton Community Centre
Admission: Free
Spend your Sunday checking out a holiday market with your friends and family ahead of Christmas. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., bring holiday cheer and enjoy a multitude of free activities, courtesy of the Riverside BIA, including a meet and greet with Santa, live music, hot chocolate, kids crafts and treats.
In addition to the free activities, those interested in bringing some goodies home can see what the 30 plus local vendors have to offer.
For more events, check out our events calendar powered by Destination Toronto.
