With friends and family coming together to celebrate, the holidays are the perfect occasion to plan group activities and try something new. Whether it’s skating in your skivvies or catching a festive comedy show at a local bar, our Toronto Best Bets for the next two weeks are filled with exciting events to check out. End the year with a fun outing or start 2026 in good company with the recommendations below.
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Holiday Events
It’s the holiday season, meaning that ice skating rinks are finally opening to the public and holiday-themed music performances are taking place throughout the city. From improvised holiday musicals to Christmas markets to immersive light installations, our event guide has more than 18 event options to keep you in high spirits. More info.
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The Planetarium Experience
Arcadia Earth opened their immersive Planetarium Experience over the summer, featuring a 360° journey deep into the heart of our planet’s story. Months later, this Toronto-exclusive is returning for the holidays, with a 20-minute film called A Vision for Tomorrow. Get inspired to become more environmentally conscious through this cinematic experience with immersive visuals and powerful storytelling. Also uncover what you can do to actively build a more sustainable future. More info.
When: December 20-January 4
Where: Arcadia Earth
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Snow Place Like Home
With the holidays in full swing, there are a few comedy shows to check out that effectively capture the jolly spirit. Snow Place Like Home is one of them, and it’s focused on the arrival of an unexpected visitor, whose surprise appearance disrupts the town’s festive plans. This fully improvised musical spoof will keep audiences entertained, as they wonder if the holidays can be saved before the time runs out. Keep the festive joy going with this show happening on Boxing Day. More info.
When: December 26
Where: Comedy Bar
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Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity
The Cannes Lions Awards honour some of the most inventive ads from across the globe. Every year since 1954, creative commercials are awarded for their excellence, putting a spotlight on the best that the advertising and communications industry has to offer. This year’s ceremony took place in June, and now, audiences can head to Hot Docs to watch some of the groundbreaking campaigns that were recognized at Cannes. This is an opportunity to see a selection of commercials that won bronze, silver, gold, and the prestigious Grand Prix. More info.
When: December 26, 28
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
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Light Up the Dark
This dazzling celebration of art and light is ideal for those looking for a fun outing at the end of the year. Light Up the Dark will decorate Aga Khan’s front façade with stunning projections by students and graduates from OCAD University’s Experimental Animation program. The artwork that will be displayed in the museum’s exterior is directly inspired by the collection and exhibitions that are available inside. Much as the event name suggests, these projections will brighten up the night, transforming it into a vibrant canvas of colour. More info.
When: December 27-29
Where: Aga Khan Park
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Polar Bear Skate
The Bentway is organizing a gathering that will appease those who are brave enough to face Toronto’s winter chill without layers. The Polar Bear Skate has become an annual ritual for locals who want to ring in the new year with a cheeky skating adventure. Participants are invited to strip down to their skivvies and take a fearless lap around the trail to bid farewell to 2025. The event takes approximately 5-10 minutes, allowing for skaters to enjoy the cool breeze without risking frostbite. Those who aren’t eager to join in for the lap can still come and cheer, as well as donate new or gently used shoes to the New Circles Community Services. More info.
When: December 28
Where: The Bentway
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The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Christmas Musical
Come for the charm and stay for the chaos at The Royal Theatre’s hilarious Christmas musical. With a story that seems straight out of a Hallmark film, audiences will be in for a treat in a show where every holiday trope is a setup for a punchline and every tune will make you want to sing along. The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Christmas Musical was made to remind people of why Christmastime is so cherished, providing a newfound appreciation for the seasonal clichés and festive traditions. More info.
When: On until January 4
Where: The Royal Theatre
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A Fairytale for Joyce
The Joyce Wieland exhibit has been on for quite some time now at the AGO (check out our tour above), and Canadian theatre luminaries Tanja Jacobs and Kristen Thomson are keeping things fresh by crafting a performance inspired by the renowned artist. In Fairytale for Joyce, the duo explore what it would look like to have Wieland see her own work displayed at the gallery, imagining her relationship with her legacy and her life story. Filled with improvisations and references to Wieland’s art pieces, this is a captivating way to experience the exhibit. More info.
When: January 4
Where: Art Gallery of Ontario
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