This week, Toronto is gearing up for the holiday season, and we’re ready to join in on the festivities! A host of seasonal events, performances, and celebrations kick off this week and continue right through to the end of the year. Toronto also has plenty of other festivals and events to explore, including the 30th anniversary of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, the Toronto Burlesque Festival, Toronto’s Own Fashion Week, and so much more.
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Toronto Reel Asian International Festival
Returning for its 30th anniversary, Toronto Reel Asian International Festival is Canada’s largest pan-Asian film festival. This milestone edition is celebrating the Asian and Asian diasporic storytellers in Canada – past and present. View a wonderful lineup of over 60 pan-Asian features, anniversary screenings, shorts programmes, industry events, exhibitions, and more! Enjoy the Opening Night Gala screening of this year’s September Artist of the Month, Ashley Duong’s Ba’s Book, the Centerpiece feature Sunburn, which was awarded TIFF’s Best Canadian Feature, and many other incredible stories that explore identity, migration, community, and culture. More info.
When: November 11-21
Where: Various locations
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Menopause: Coming in Hot
Menopause: Coming in Hot is a whirlwind journey through the physical, emotional, and societal aspects of menopause. Kate Green, the director, goes on a mission to find out more about menopause, one of the most overlooked and misunderstood phases of a woman’s life, and ends up on a quest that makes her relearn everything she thought she knew about aging. Joining the post-screening panel discussion are Green, Carinne Chambers-Saini, the CEO and founder of DIVA, and Dr. Ariane Oullett-Decoste, Medical Director at Coral, a virtual women’s health clinic specializing in menopause care. More info.
When: November 12
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
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Toronto Burlesque Festival
Four nights of tease talent, glamour, and glorious representation – the Toronto Burlesque Festival is back! Enjoy jaw-dropping shows, classes, markets, and parties each night celebrating the beauty, power, and unapologetic brilliance of Burlesque. Plus, come dressed in theme according to the night! With neon and animal print on Thursday, western/steampunk/Victorian on Friday, metallics and creative black tie on Saturday, and high tea/garden party on Sunday, the Toronto Burlesque Festival is a celebration of all things glamour and beauty. More info.
When: November 12-15
Where: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
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How to Defend Yourself
In How to Defend Yourself, seven college students gather for a DIY self-defence workshop after a sorority sister is assaulted at a neighbouring frat. They practice using their bodies as weapons. They learn to fend off attackers. They learn “not to be a victim.” Self-defence becomes a channel for their rage, anxiety, confusion, trauma and desire. This invigorating story explores the complexities of consent, campus sexual assault, trauma, and body autonomy through stylized movement, sharp dialouge, and emotional authenticity. Tackling difficult yet important themes, this play is sure to stay with you even after you leave the theatre. More info.
When: November 12-28
Where: The Theatre Centre
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A Christmas Carol
The timeless holiday story of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol comes to the stage with a fresh new adaptation—bringing the familiar tale to life through inventive puppetry. Marvel at the towering ghosts that fill the stage, enjoy traditional carols and join in with spirited sing-alongs! For centuries, this iconic story has endured as audiences still recognize themselves in Ebenezer Scrooge: someone who discovers that it’s never too late in life to choose kindness and human connection. This production of A Christmas Carol is sure to win the hearts of many, no matter how young or old. More info.
When: November 12-December 23
Where: The Fleck at Harbourfront Centre Theatre
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The Distillery Winter Village
Feel the magic of the holiday season at The Distillery Winter Village, where the cobblestone streets once again transform into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, market cabins, festive food and drinks, and so much more. This year, The Distillery Winter Village brings us a new attraction– The Immersive Nutcracker! Enjoy The Nutcracker story projected across a 360-degree, floor-to-ceiling digital scape, crafting tables, a Santa letter-writing station and more. This week, the festivities kick off with a tree lighting ceremony. More info.
When: November 12-January 3
Where: The Distillery District
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Seasons Christmas Show
Get into the holiday spirit at the Seasons Christmas Show, the ultimate destination for festive inspiration, unique gifts, and holiday magic! Explore a curated marketplace featuring hundreds of vendors, artisans, and independent Canadian makers offering everything from beautiful holiday home décor and gourmet treats to one-of-a-kind gifts and stocking stuffers. Find inspiration for your own festive celebrations with live demonstrations featuring talented guest artists, chefs, and stylists. The holiday magic continues at the Alpine Village, where you can enjoy festive drinks, snap photos with Santa, and soak up the sights and sounds of the season. More info.
When: November 13-15
Where: International Centre
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Emergence/Silent Screen
Two acclaimed works return to The National Ballet of Canada for its 75th anniversary season in this dynamic double bill. Crystal Pite’s award-winning Emergence was a breakout success that redefined the relationship between classical and contemporary traditions, while Silent Screen introduced the storied partnership of Sol León and Paul Lightfoot to Toronto audiences through one of their most admired creations. Together, these mesmerizing works embody the ambition and artistic excellence that define the National Ballet today. More info.
When: November 13-20
Where: The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
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Holiday Hills
Holiday Hills returns to STACKT Market, bringing you nostalgia, magic, and plenty more to create a fun-filled holiday memory! Enjoy dazzlingly bright installations and festive carnival games, shop locally for cute gifts and comfort foods at the holiday market, and try some delicious drinks at their cozy speakeasy. This year, don’t miss the new 13,000-square-foot sleigh ground! More info.
When: November 13-January 3
Where: STACKT Market
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Toronto’s Own Fashion Show
Step inside Old City Hall for Toronto’s Own Fashion Week. With two floors of independent fashion, explore the exhibition on the first floor, then see collections come to life on the runway on the second floor. Enjoy drop-dead looks from Alexander Nicholson, Maison Maya Ali, Redux, Sahra Davaran and Udopi, and see a diverse display of looks up close, where you can appreciate every stitch, texture, and detail. Discover the designers shaping this season in one of Toronto’s most historic venues. More info.
When: November 14-15
Where: Old City Hall
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