11 free things to do in Toronto this weekend
Toronto gears up for the holiday season

We've combed through Toronto's Festivals & Events calendar to present a handpicked selection of events that kick-start the city's holiday cheer. From the dazzling Cavalcade of Lights in Little Italy to the unique finds at the Momiji Holiday Market, there's a delightful experience for everyone.

Beach Guild of Fine Arts Show and Sale
Location: Beach United Church - Front entrance, 140 Wineva Ave
Date(s): Friday, November 17 - Sunday, November 19
Organizer description: “Colourful opportunity to view and purchase a variety of paintings and hand crafted items.”
Click here for more info.

Ceramic Exhibition: No Fixed Address, Homelessness Unmasked
Location: Arcadia Art Gallery, 680 Queens Quay W
Date(s): Friday, November 17 - Saturday, November 25
Organizer description: “By attending this ceramic art exhibition, you not only become part of a journey that fosters empathy and understanding, but you also support a great cause. This exhibition will contribute to the important work of Raising the Roof Canada, an organization dedicated to offering long-term solutions to homelessness in our community. But there's more! For every $10 donation you make you'll have the chance to participate in a raffle to take home a piece of art from this exhibition, a lasting reminder of the impact you've made.”
Click here for more info.

11th Annual Water Docs Film Festival
Location: Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) auditorium, 252 Bloor St W
Date(s): Friday, November 17 - Sunday, November 19
Organizer description: “The 11th Annual Water Docs Film Festival serves up free, water-themed documentaries, informing, educating, and activating audiences to take action to protect water and take climate action now. Join us for three days of live screenings of feature and shorts. Take a deep dive into our roster of informative discussions with filmmakers, newsmakers, experts and advocates.”
Click here for more info.

Cavalcade of Lights - Little Italy BIA
Location: Piazza Johnny Lombardi, Grace - College Parkette
Date(s): Friday, November 17
Organizer description: “The annual Cavalcade of Lights Festival is making a dazzling return this year, and we’re decking the halls with a sleigh-load of festive fun! So, bundle up and join us for: *Meet and greet with Santa, his merry elves, and a few more surprise guests for the little ones *Limited quantities of free seasonal treats, courtesy of Café Diplomatico, Kiss My Pans, Sicilian Sidewalk Cafe, Giovanni’s, The Big Chill, Gorilla Store, Tim Hortons, IC Savings, Spirit Leaf, and Riviera Bakery. *Send your heartfelt letters to Santa *Non-stop entertainment all night long *Festive decor and beautiful lighting for picture-perfect memories Get ready to jingle all the way through the evening!”
Click here for more info.

Momiji Holiday Market
Location: The Frank H. Hori Community Centre (Momiji Centre), 3555 Kingston Rd
Date(s): Saturday, November 18
Organizer description: “Get a head start on your holiday shopping with Japanese giftware, crafts, food and more! Sales support local businesses and Momiji's Seniors.”

Scarborough Arts Annual Juried Exhibition: Metakinesis
Location: Cedar Ridge Creative Centre, 225 Confederation Dr
Date(s): Saturday, November 18 - Thursday, December 7
Organizer description: “Scarborough Arts presents its Annual Juried Exhibition, with work by local artists working in a variety of media. This year’s theme invites artists to explore the idea of movement in every sense of the word and how it translates into their life experiences. This is Metakinesis (meta·ki·ne·sis: movement, in transit, to come apart).”
Click here for more info.

Lots of Light: Family Drop-in at Todmorden Mills
Location: Todmorden Mills Heritage Site, 67 Pottery Rd
Date(s): Saturday, November 18 - Sunday, January 7
Organizer description: “Enjoy a holiday-themed tour of Todmorden Mills' two historic homes and learn about food and festivities from many traditions, finding the common threads that connect us all. Sample treats and gather with friends and family over crafts and games throughout the day. Guided tours at 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Drop-in treats, crafts and games available 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.”
Click here for more info.

2nd Annual Snowflake Kisses & Warm Wishes
Location: Evergreen Brick Works, Centre for Green Cities
Date(s): Saturday, November 18
Organizer description: “Join us for a pop up vendor market of over 60 local businesses. This event is free for everyone and will include a giveaway, selfie station and much, much more.”
Click here for more info.

Holly Sale
Location: Christie Gardens, 600 Melita Crescent
Date(s): Saturday, November 18
Organizer description: “'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread the holiday cheer than by joining us at our Holly Sale. This festive event is the perfect opportunity to find unique, handcrafted gifts for your loved ones while supporting programmes and activities for the elder community at Christie Gardens. Whether looking for the perfect holiday present or getting into some holiday spirit, this event has something for everyone.”
Click here for more info.

People, Places, Things: A Group Exhibition
Location: Stephen Bulger Gallery, 1356 Dundas St W
Date(s): November 18 - December 23
Organizer description: “Our exhibition will contain highlights of work made by the artists and photographers the gallery represents, as well as a selection of secondary market items owned by the gallery, and the many consignors who entrust us with finding new homes for the photographs that have enriched their lives. The collection of photographs spanning over 150 years includes works covering a variety of genres, processes, and intent. Acknowledging photography’s ability to provide masterworks at many levels of quality, photographs will be priced to fit a variety of budgets.”
Click here for more info.

Toronto International Dance Festival - TIDF 2023
Location: Chinese Cultural Center of Greater Toronto, 5183 Sheppard Ave E
Date(s): November 19 - November 26
Organizer description: “On November 19, the festival will showcase a vibrant array of cultural dances, hip-hop performances, and social dances. The program on November 26 will spotlight classical, contemporary, ballet, and modern dance styles. Join us as we celebrate a decade of cultural diversity and artistic expression at the Toronto International Dance Festival. Don't miss this extraordinary event where the world's cultures unite through the power of dance. We look forward to welcoming you to this unforgettable celebration!”
Click here for more info.
©Torontoverse, 2023