What to know
- Catch immersive art, Cuban dancing, and a late-night sauna rave on Friday.
- Explore cozy pop-ups, holiday street parties, and a full chocolate festival on Saturday.
- Shop local at festive markets at the Zoo and STACKT all weekend long.
- Cap it off with drag, cabaret, and circus acts at the Toronto Burlesque Festival.
It’s another weekend in Toronto, and the weather may be cold, but the city is still buzzing with events that will bring the vibes and the temperatures up.
From sauna raves to dance nights to holiday markets, there is something for everyone to enjoy this weekend.
Friday, Nov. 14
Enlightenment at Toronto
Enlightenment, the acclaimed European sound-and-light production, is making its Toronto debut inside the historic venue at the legendary Knox Presbyterian Church. The 30-minute presentation reinterprets Vivaldi’s Four Seasons through synchronized projections and spatial audio, guiding visitors through shifting scenes of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The show pairs the composer’s familiar score with contemporary digital visuals, turning the space into an evolving canvas that invites audiences to experience the work from a new perspective.
This event is happening at the Knox Presbyterian Church at 630 Spadina Ave., with varying times between 5:30–8:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $26 at the Feverup website.
Cuban Friday in Toronto
This Cuban event promises to be the ultimate night out in the city, including a three-course dinner, followed by a lively dancing experience. From 7–8 p.m., guests can enjoy a three-course dinner and tropical cocktails to get ready for a dance lesson at 9 p.m., which will prepare dancers to groove to some hot Latin rhythms. After that, dance the night away to a world-famous live salsa orchestra with two sets at 10 p.m. and midnight.
This party is happening at the Lula Lounge at 1585 Dundas St. W., with tickets starting at $18 and available at Eventbrite.
Heat Wave: A Sauna Rave
Vibes are definitely hot at this exciting event, where you can enjoy an electric party and get your sauna session in at the same time. Filled with electric beats and lots of dancing, this is a night party like no other, where you are encouraged to switch up your party gowns for swimsuits, and enjoy a sauna journey and ice plunges while partying away.
This party is happening at Othership Yorkville at 110 Bloor St. W. from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., and more information and tickets are available at the Daybreaker website for $79.
Saturday, Nov. 15
Care Corner by Milk
Yorkdale Mall is getting its own dairy delight this weekend, as The Care Corner by Milk takes over with a cozy and nostalgic experience that celebrates all things milk. Try out family recipes made with local milk, from ice cream sundaes to delicious lattes, get a milk-inspired sample, or take a fun quiz to find out which treat fits your personality.
This pop-up event is happening at the Yorkdale Mall at 3401 Dufferin St. in North York on Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit the Yorkdale Mall website.
The 19th Annual Leslieville Wanderlust
To celebrate the jolliest season of the year, Leslieville is turning into a festive winter wonderland for a day of family-friendly activities, community connections, delicious flavours, and live DJ sets. To celebrate the holiday season, the event’s signature Santa’s Village will bring a tree lighting ceremony to Leslie Grove Park, accompanied by a visit from Santa, kids train rides, hot chocolate and marshmallows, and much more. The party also extends after dark, with specialty cocktails available at some favourite Leslieville bistros.
This winter celebration is happening from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Queen St. E., from Jimmie Simpson Park to Vancouver Ave. For more information, check out the Leslieville BIA website.
CHOCOLA-TO: The Toronto Chocolate Event
Any chocolate lovers out there? There’s no better season to celebrate one of the world’s beloved sweet treats than winter, and this event turns this celebration into a whole delicious experience. Explore an international map of chocolatiers and all chocolate-related products, while you can taste products, discover new chocolatey flavours, warm up with a hot chocolate, and even try out some chocolatey cocktails.
This event is happening at 1352 Lakeshore Rd. E. between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets go from $16. For more information, check out the CHOCOLA-TO website.
Sunday, Nov. 16
Toronto Zoo Holiday Marketplace
The Toronto Zoo is already in the holiday mood, hosting a two-day indoor and outdoor market to celebrate the jolly season. Zoo guests can celebrate this magical time with festive decor, photo opportunities, delicious food and beverages and products from local talented artisans and producers.
This event is happening at the Toronto Zoo’s Special Events Centre at 2000 Meadowvale Rd., on Nov. 16 and 17 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, visit the Toronto Zoo website.
BARKADA HOLIDAY MARKET
There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the holiday season in Toronto. STACKT Market’s annual BARKADA HOLIDAY MARKET is back this weekend, bringing handmade gifts, Asian-owned businesses and artisans, art, accessories, home decor, and much more. You can also treat your tastebuds to a delicious Asian-inspired bite or sip while doing your holiday shopping. Plus, the first 20 shoppers to arrive at the market will also receive a bag packed with goodies!
This event is taking place at STACKT Market at 28 Bathurst St., on Nov. 15 and 16 between noon and 6 p.m. For more information, visit the STACKT Market’s website.
The Toronto Burlesque Festival
Prepare your dancing shoes and rhinestones and get ready for The Toronto Burlesque Festival, where things get hot and a bit scary. Blending drag, dance, cabaret and circus arts, featuring fantastic creatures, femme features and daring burlesque. Filled with a lineup of local and international performers, this party offers something for everyone, from first-time attendees to burlesque aficionados.
This party is taking place the entire weekend, available in-person at the Buddies in Bad Times Theatre at 12 Alexander St., and online via livestream. Tickets are available at the Showpass website, with varying show times.
