Weekend Guide Sponsored by TO Live
It’s the last weekend before Christmas!! Whether that statement causes excitement or panic, or a bit of both, it’s a good time to relax this weekend, maybe do some baking (or just eating) and appreciate your family with last-minute free holiday events, seasonal concerts, santa breakfasts, light display festivals… and don’t miss out on seeing the festive and fantastical acrobatics at TO Live‘s presentation of Cirque du Soleil’s “Twas The Night Before”! Take a bite of our Guide to the Best Family-Friendly Events in Toronto and the GTA This Weekend, December 20-22…
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Want even more ideas for Family-Friendly Events in Toronto This Weekend? For a complete listing of all the best events around Toronto, click on our Calendar. Plus, stay tuned to all the best local family events through both our Facebook and Instagram pages. In addition, weâre also now on TikTok and Threads!
Family-Friendly Events in Toronto and the GTA This Weekend
1. TO Live: ââTwas the Night BeforeâŠâ by Cirque du Soleil
Celebrate the holidays with TO Live as they present ââTwas the Night BeforeâŠâ by Cirque du Soleil, based on the classic poem âA Visit from Saint Nicolasâ by Clement Clarke Moore. This show marks the first-ever holiday show by Cirque du Soleil, celebrated for their jaw-dropping visuals and acrobatic prowess.
2. The Bentway Skate Trail
Embrace winter at the Bentway when its Skate Trail opens for the 2024-25 season, with their opening day just before Christmas and going all the way until Family Day!
3. Kensington Market Solstice Festival
Kensington Market Winter Solstice Festival returns this year to celebrate the longest night of the year, featuring live music, warming stations, roaming ensembles of tall puppets, and fire arts, all within the market.
4. Harbourfront Centre: DJ Skate Nights and Opening Night
Glide down to Harbourfront Centre for the opening night celebration of this season’s free DJ Skate Nights, featuring a different guest DJ every Saturday night to skate under the stars and along the shores of Lake Ontario.Â
5. Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah
Jean-SĂ©bastien VallĂ©e leads your Toronto Symphony Orchestra, along with soloists and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, in exultant arias and joyous refrains, including the iconic âHallelujahâ Chorus.
6. YZD: Hangar Skate
Hangar Skate returns to YZD, with a free pop-up skating rink at the vibrant 370-acre neighbourhood at the former Downsview Airport lands, featuring complimentary indoor arts programming, Friday DJ Skate Nights, affordable skate rentals, free lessons, and more.
7. TIFF Bell Lightbox: Sing Along The Greatest Showman
Grab your top hat for an afternoon of dancing, singing, and wonder as TIFF invites one and all to Sing Along: The Greatest Showman, a participatory singalong event of the hit musical, starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and Zendaya.Â
8. Toronto Botanical Garden: Winter Blooms Circus at the Garden
Toronto Botanical Garden presents Winter Blooms Circus at the Garden, an immersive winter, high-flying dance, circus and garden experience, complete with aerial silks, straps, trapeze, dance, and acrobatics.
9. Toronto International Ballet Theatre: âThe Nutcrackerâ
The Toronto International Ballet Theatre presents the classic ballet âThe Nutcrackerâ, twirling into the holiday season with an unforgettable performance of dance, music, and enchantment.Â
10. Choir!Choir!Choir!: “Un-Silent Night” An EPIC Holiday Sing-Along
Bring the whole family to Massey Hall for a joy-filled sing-along of fun holiday classics, hits and revivals. There’s an evening performance and also an afternoon family matinĂ©e.
Family-Friendly Events in Toronto This Weekend â Event Guides
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Guide to the Best Spots to go Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding in the GTAÂ
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Guide to the Best Skating Events in Toronto
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Guide to the Best Christmas Markets and Craft Shows in Toronto and the GTA
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Guide to Holiday Concerts and Shows in Toronto
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Guide to Santa Breakfasts in Toronto and the GTA
Combining a holiday visit with Santa with the deliciousness of breakfast foods is the stuff Christmas dreams are made of, but hurry to get tickets to these popular events! So, get jolly with our Guide to Santa Breakfasts in Toronto and the GTA.
What *really* happened before Santa arrived? Find out when TO Live presents “âTwas the Night Before⊔ by Cirque du Soleil, a flurry of love and festive cheer! Based on the classic poem âA Visit from Saint Nicolasâ by Clement Clarke Moore, this is the first-ever holiday show performed by Cirque du Soleil, celebrated worldwide for their jaw-dropping visuals and acrobatic prowess.
Celebrate the holiday as family to discover this exhilarating spin on a beloved Christmas tale! Inspired by the poem’s memorable lines, they have created a new story about a jaded young girl named Isabelle who is brought into another world. There, she meets characters from the famous poem, helping her reconnect with the magic of the holidays.
Conceived and directed by Cirque du Soleil senior artistic director James Hadley, this show is an exciting reimagining of a beloved Christmas tale. Gather together this holiday season to experience the true essence of Christmas in this whimsical production that the whole family can enjoy. This vibrant acrobatic spectacle will surely spark long-lasting memories in the hearts of both kids and adults. In fact, audiences are bound to be mesmerized when this family-favourite story comes to life on stage!
Specially created for families, the show features lovable characters, thrilling acrobatics and a soundtrack that reinvents holiday song standards. The show includes numerous circus acts developing out the story, including aerials, juggling, acrobatic tricks, roller skating and playful energy.
Go on a festive journey into the world of Cirque du Soleil as they take on a Christmas classic. Youâve never seen this holiday favourite performed quite so magically than by this world-renowned circus troupe. Expect the unexpected!
Walk through a Winter Wonderland with more Holiday Events here!Â
