It’s getting chilly in the city, and with November fast approaching, we’re ready for some cozy pre-winter activities, be it perusing art exhibitions or holiday festivals.
However, just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean there isn’t still tons to do, and there’s so many fun and exciting events and activities going on next month from the annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to the return of the Distillery Winter Village.
Here are 28 cozy things to do this November in Toronto:
1. Get in the holiday spirit at The Distillery Winter Village
Toronto’s iconic Winter Village at the Distillery District returns this November, previously being ranked as one of the best Christmas markets in the world. Warm up with mulled wine or a hot chocolate before snapping a photo with the 15m tall White Spruce Christmas tree at the market’s centre, catch live performances, and shop at one of the many vendors for gifts or souvenirs.
When: Opens November 13, 2024
Where: Distillery District – 55 Mill St, Toronto
2. Experience a magical Candlelight Concert
Snuggle up to your friends or loved ones at an intimate Candlelight Concert this month, and catch a brilliant string quartet play tribute to some of your favourite artists! From Coldplay & Imagine Dragons to Fleetwood Mac, you’ll be treated to a magical evening surrounded by the soft flicker of candles set within an iconic Toronto building, like The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. Grab your tickets here!
When:Various dates
Where: Various venues
3. Wander through the Cavalcade of Lights
Kick off the holiday season later this November with Toronto’s famous light display and live performances in Nathan Phillips Square, the Cavalcade of Lights! Returning as of November 30, 2024, the glittering winter festival opens for the season with a tree lighting ceremony of Toronto’s official Christmas tree, live performances, nightly ice skating, and festive light installations to check out.
When: Begins November 30, 2024
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St W, Toronto
4. Enter a fantastical world at Bubble Planet
Explore the Bubble Planet Experience in Toronto this November before it’s gone! Awaken your inner child or take the kids to see 11 captivating bubble-themed rooms, from a mirrored Infinity Room and underwater world to a giant “bubble bath”! The fantastical landscapes will appeal to all five of your senses, and it’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before! Tickets start at $26.90 for adults and $20.90 for children.
When: Various dates
Where: 30 Hanover Road, Toronto
5. Meet larger-than-life dinosaurs at this immersive exhibit
Come face to face with life-sized moving replicas of dinosaurs this November at Dinos Alive! With over 80 specimens such as T-rex, Stegosaurus and Ankylosaurus, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to when the majestic creatures roamed the earth. The immersive experience starts October 25. Tickets are now live. Join the waitlist here for exclusive access.
When: Launches October 25, 2024
Where: Downsview Airport Lands – 30 Hanover Rd, Toronto
6. View breathtaking photographs at National Geographic’s Spectacle Exhibition
Embark on a stunning journey through remarkable images captured by some of the world’s top photographers at National Geographic’s new Spectacle: Rare and Astonishing Photographs exhibition, which opens at CF Sherway Gardens on November 15, 2024. Celebrating the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet, wander through 60 photos spanning the themes of Chaos, Surprise, Beauty, and Awe. Tickets have just been released, and you can grab yours here!
When: Opens November 15, 2024
Where: CF Sherway Gardens – 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke
7. Celebrate the Eras Tour in Toronto at these Taylor Swift-themed events
Swifties – Are You Ready For It? Global pop phenomenon finally arrives in Toronto for her Eras Tour this month, and the city is jam packed with Swift-themed events and activities. From a huge “Taylgate” to hotel with Taylor-themed floors to explore, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to check out ahead of and during her Toronto stint.
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
8. Bring your furry friend to The Kimpton Saint George Hotel’s annual Holiday Market Sip ‘N’ Shop
Back for its third year, beloved boutique hotel The Kimpton Saint George is hosting their annual Holiday Market Sip ‘N’ Shop on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The pet-friendly event is free to attend and the perfect place to get a head start on holiday shopping, showcasing a curated selection of some of Toronto’s finest local luxury brands. There will also be wine and light bites to keep you satiated while you peruse! If you have your furry friend in attendance, don’t miss the Santa Paws photo-op with Santa Claus from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
When: November 16, 2024
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Kimpton Saint George – 280 Bloor St W, Toronto
9. Witness the enchanting tree lighting ceremony at the Fairmont Royal York
Toronto’s iconic landmark hotel, the Fairmont Royal York, will be celebrating 95 years of holiday magic this season, beginning on November 20 with their annual tree lighting ceremony and Front Street window reveal. In partnership with Make-A-Wish® Canada: Give a Best Day Ever!, the lobby’s glamorous tree will be decorated in green, silver, and gold touches, shining even brighter once illuminated during the celebration at 5 p.m. Just before, the Front Street window display will be revealed at 4:30 p.m., complete with guest appearances from Santa, the Candy Cane Carolers, and award-winning jazz vocalist Matt Dusk. Also brand new this year is the Fairmont’s House of York, a cozy holiday-inspired pop-up bar and retreat that evokes a sense of nostalgia and Canadian winter spirit. Stop by for a nightcap or try one of their festive cocktail offerings surrounded by a rustic setting!
When: November 20, 2024
Begins at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Fairmont Royal York – 100 Front St W, Toronto
10. Attend the Toronto Santa Claus Parade
Santa Claus is coming to town! Since 1905, the Toronto Santa Claus Parade has kicked off the Christmas season in the city with colourful floats, marching bands, and of course, Kris Kringle himself. This year’s parade happens on Sunday, November 24.
When: November 24, 2024
Where: Starts at Bloor and Christie, ends at St. Lawrence Market
11. Welcome the return of Bloor-Yorkville’s Holiday Magic with a free concert
Every November, Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood transforms into a magical community full of twinkling lights, festive music, and so much more during Holiday Magic. To kick off this year’s holiday season, they’ll be celebrating with a free outdoor concert and lighting ceremony taking place on Cumberland Street and the Village of Yorkville Park on Saturday, November 23 from 5 – 7 p.m. Catch an exciting live performance by JUNO Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Rêve, along with special guest Karolina. The event is free to attend in support of Second Harvest.
When: November 23, 2024
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Village of Yorkville Park – (Cumberland St. and Bellair St.), Toronto
12. Catch a Toronto Maple Leafs Game
The boys in blue are back on the ice, and there’s nothing like the excitement of a hockey game in the city! Cheer them on at Scotiabank Arena this November. Check out the NHL website for their full schedule of upcoming games.
When: Various dates throughout November
Where: Scotiabank Arena – 40 Bay St., Toronto
13. Get one final scare at Casa Loma’s Legends of Horror
For those not quite ready to say goodbye to Halloween, Casa Loma’s annual spooky Legends of Horror event runs until November 2. Get your thrills in on their haunted 2 km trail, which leads you through the lower gardens before winding its way through the castle’s tunnels and darkest spaces complete with horrifying character actors.
When: October 3 – November 2, 2024
Where: Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
14. Celebrate the best of agriculture at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Experience the largest indoor agricultural fair this November at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, often referred to simply as “The Royal”. Running from November 1 – 10, 2024, catch horse shows, farm animals, and local food, along with 300,000 other attendees. Tickets are priced at $32.50 for adults and $20 for youth ages 4 – 17.
When: November 1–10, 2024
Where: Exhibition Place – 100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
15. Cheer on the Toronto Raptors
NBA season is back, as is the rush of cheering on the 2019 NBA Finals champions at Scotiabank Arena. Visit the NBA website to see their upcoming schedule of games and to get your tickets!
When: Various dates through November
Where: Scotiabank Arena – 40 Bay St., Toronto
16. Stroll through Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights Tour
Toronto’s iconic castle wastes no time transitioning from spooky season to Christmas, and pretty soon, the grounds will be transformed into a winter wonderland. The self-guided walk leads you through stunning decorations, outdoor lighting displays, and live performances. Santa will also be in his castle workshop for the kids to visit!
When: December 5, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Where: Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
17. Shop the Toronto Art Crawl’s Christmas Market
Returning for its 10th year, the Toronto Art Crawl is bringing back their annual free Christmas Market to the Bentway! Happening Saturday November 2, you can shop for everything from art and photography to fashion, home decor, and so much more. There will also be food vendors to keep you satiated as well as DJ Kid Artik to keep the good vibes going!
When: November 2, 2024
Where: The Bentway – 250 Fort York Blvd
18. Broaden your mind at a museum
When it’s just too chilly outside, bring things indoors and expand your knowledge at one of the city’s many fantastic museums. You could spend days exploring the ROM’s 13 million artworks and artifacts, or stop by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCa) to see everything from enthralling installations of large-scale sculptural works to politically-charged murals. Check out our list of Toronto’s most magnificent museums to visit this fall and winter.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations
19. Dine at a cozy restaurant
Heat up over a good meal by candlelight at one of the city’s many cozy, romantic restaurants. Complete with mood lighting, sultry ambiance, and of course, amazing food, we’ve rounded up ten amazing spots to do exactly so here.
20. Go to Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt one last time
Wonderland’s Halloween Haunt event extends a few days into November if you didn’t get the opportunity to go yet, complete with five hair-raising scare zones filled with hundreds of monsters, terrifying live entertainment, haunted mazes, and thrilling theme park night rides. The experience ends November 2.
When: Select nights from September 27 – November 2, 2024
Where: Canada’s Wonderland – 9580 Jane St, Vaughan
21. Treat yourself at a relaxing spa
Amidst the hectic rush of holiday season, take some time for much-needed rest and relaxation at one of Toronto’s fantastic spas. From Turkish baths to honey-infused facials, we’ve rounded up eight of the best spas in Toronto to pamper yourself at.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations
22. Add your Jack-O’-Lantern to Sorauren Park’s Pumpkin Parade
Extend Halloween with one last hurrah at Sorauren Park’s annual Pumpkin Parade, which always falls on November 1. The community displays festive jack-o-lanterns carved by local residents, often with over 1,500 to check out. If you’d like to show off your own creation, all you have to do is bring it and place it along the inside edge of the path around the park. See more details on their website here!
When: November 1, 2024, 7:00 PM
Where: Sorauren Park – 289 Sorauren Ave, Toronto
23. Sing along to the Live Mirvish Production of The Lion King
Award-winning musical The Lion King returns to Toronto this November with its unforgettable music and spectacular production. Sing along to all of your favourite songs at the Princess of Wales Theatre, kicking off this November and running through April 2025.
When: Starting November 2, 2024
Where: Princess of Wales Theatre – 300 King St W, Toronto
24. Peruse the Holiday Market at the Toronto Botanical Garden
Browse unique holiday gifts, enjoy outdoor campfires, and listen to live music at this festive market. Focusing on eco-minded and nature-inspired products, the annual Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market is completely free to attend! The market takes place over two weekends this year: November 22 – 24, and December 13 – 15.
When: November 22–24, 2024, and December 13–15, 2024
Where: Toronto Botanical Garden – 777 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto
25. Celebrate The Day of The Dead at Casa Madera
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Casa Madera’s Noche De Los Muertos event, which runs from October 30 – November 2. In celebration of the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos and the vibrant spirit of Halloween, guests can enjoy the decorated environment full of candlelight and marigolds while savouring exclusive tequila cocktails and culinary offerings.
When: October 30 – November 2, 2024
Where: 550 Wellington St W, Toronto
26. Experience High Park in the Fall
Take in the beauty of the remaining fall foliage on scenic trails through Toronto’s largest park. Due to the warmer than usual weather, it’s taken longer for fall colours to peak in the city, so we might just get to experience the brilliant shades of red and orange hues through early November.
When: Throughout November 2024
Where: High Park – 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto
27. Get started on Christmas shopping at the One Of A Kind Show
Shop for unique handmade crafts, jewelry, and art by local artisans at the One Of A Kind Show, taking over the Enercare Centre from November 21 through December 1. As the largest craft show in North America, it’s the perfect time to get a head start on your Christmas shopping.
When: November 21–December 1, 2024
Where: Enercare Centre – Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
28. Escape the city with a romantic getaway
We love Toronto, but it’s always nice to take a little getaway from the hustle and bustle. Check out these eight romantic Ontario escapes, from countryside spa resorts to a boutique hotel with your own private in-room spa retreat.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations