It’s beginning to feel a lot like – Okay, we won’t finish that line quite yet. However, Toronto in November has a number of Christmas-themed events, some of which we’ve included below. But we’ve also included plenty of ways to entertain your family that have nothing to do with the holidays (we still have December to get through, after all). In total, we’ve collected plenty of events and attractions happening in and around Toronto that will help you fill your family’s weekends and maybe even some weekdays.
And don’t forget that there’s professional development day on Friday, November 18, for both Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board so make sure to plan for that!
Fun Family Things to Do in and Around Toronto in November:
Activate
Unit 2; 1980 Eglinton Ave. E., Toronto
Now Open
Looking for a fun way for the kids to burn off some energy? Then check out Activate, an indoor “active gaming facility” where you’ll jump, dodge, and climb your way through life-size arcade-style games. Best for somewhat older kids (think ages eight and up, depending on your kid’s coordination skills), Activate features 10 distinct game rooms that feature such challenges as laser tag, rock climbing and what’s essentially a high-tech version of The Floor is Lava. Note that games are designed to be played in groups of three to five (though technically you play in pairs, it’s just more challenging) and that an adult must be present in any game room where kids under the age of 10 are playing. Admission is $25 per person, which give you 75 minutes of gameplay and full access to all Activate’s games.
Illumi
7174 Derrycrest Dr., Mississauga
On Now
One benefit of the sun setting earlier in Toronto in November is that Illumi, the largest light, sound, and multimedia show in the world, is a bit more accessible to families who like to have their kids in bed on the early side. Featuring 13 unique “universes” that take roughly 75 minutes in total to explore, this massive show will leave your family with lasting memories due its stunning collections of lights, music, and video. Time slots as early as 5pm are available starting in November. Tickets are free for kids two and under and start at around $15 for the next age group.
Wake Up Brother Bear!
Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wynchwood Ave., Toronto
Now Until November 27; weekends only
Young children, including toddlers, and live theatre generally don’t mix but this special show, designed specifically for kids ages one through five, is an exception. Described as an “intimate, immersive theatrical experience,” Wake Up Brother Bear! tells the interactive story of Brother Bear, Sister Bear and their exploration of the forest and the seasons. The runtime is just 35 minutes, making this perfect for short attention spans and its 10am start means it’s not going to interfere with an afternoon nap. Seats are around $25 per person and yes, your little one needs a ticket.
Cinderella: The Family Musical Panto
Wychwood Theatre, #176 601 Christie St., Toronto
Friday, November 4 – Sunday, November 6 & Friday, November 11 – Sunday, November 13
See the classic tale of Cinderella with a refreshing, and comedic, spin. Promising stepsisters unlike any you’ve seen before, as well as singing, dancing and lots of laughter, this theatrical outing is something your whole family will enjoy. The show has a runtime of 90 minute, with a 10-minute-long intermission and offers a few different show times, to better cater to your schedule. Except for the front row, all seating is unassigned, and everyone needs a ticket, which starts at around $34.
Royal Winter Fair
Exhibition Place, 100 Prince’s Blvd., Toronto
Friday, November 4 – Sunday, November 13
Known as a taste of the country in the city, this classic Toronto in November event is celebrating a big birthday: It’s turning one hundred! Expect to see all kinds of farm animals (including some you can touch and feed), tractors, an artisans’ market, and lots of tasty food. Oh, and let’s not forget the butter sculptures. General admission tickets start at $20, with kids ages three and under being free. While many of the animal shows, including the Super Dogs, are included with a GA ticket, note that some of the horse shows require an additional ticket.
SKINNAMARINK! A Sharon, Lois & Bram Celebration
Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre, 189 Yonge St., Toronto
Saturday, November 5
Classic children’s performers Sharon and Bram take to the stage to perform their many famous songs, including of course “Skinnamarink.” Will Elephant make an appearance? We’re not sure but fingers-crossed he will! Tickets start at just over $50 a seat but a variety of VIP tickets are available, including some that let you meet Sharon and Bram.
FOLD Kids Book Fest
Brampton Civic Centre, 150 Central Park Dr., Brampton
Tuesday, November 8 – Saturday, November 12
FOLD, which stands for the Festival for Literary Diversity, is a unique event that, “exclusively celebrates underrepresented children’s authors, illustrators, and storytellers.” This year’s edition features over 20 events designed primary designed for readers ages zero to 18 and includes interactive readings and discussions with writers and illustrators. There’s even a session that will guide your child through the process of writing a poem. While in-person events are based in Brampton, this festival also features several virtual events. All in-person events are free while $20 gets you a pass for the virtual events that will grant your family access to those recordings until December 12.
Hyundai Hockey Hall of Fame Legends Classic
Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St., Toronto
Sunday, November 13
It’s Team Sundin versus Team Lindros at this year’s Hockey Hall Legends Classic. Each player leads a team of retired greats in a fun but competitive game. Before the puck hits the ice, watch the class of 2022 HHOF inductees receive their official Honoured Member Blazers at centre ice. With tickets starting at around $40 this game is a great way to experience some professional hockey without the hefty price of a Maple Leafs game.
The Distillery Winter Village
The Distillery District
Thursday, November 17 – Saturday, December 31; festival closed on Mondays
Toronto in November can be kinda gloomy but here is where it shines. Formerly known as The Toronto Christmas Market, the Distillery Winter Village brings the holidays to one of the prettiest corners of the city. The celebrations start with a tree lighting ceremony on November 17 and continue with a jam-packed schedule of live entertainment, festive décor and photo opportunities and of course shopping. While an $11-per-person ticket is required to access the Village on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4pm, the rest of the time this attraction is free to check out.
WinterFest at Wonderland
Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Dr., Vaughan
Friday, November 18 – Saturday, December 31
Canada’s Wonderland transforms itself into “an immersive holiday experience for the whole family” with over a dozen live shows, millions of dazzling lights, and hundreds of trees, including two impressive 50-footers. There will also be a skating rink. Some rides, mostly in the kiddie sections, will be open but note that WinterFest is more about decor and festive entertainment than thrills. All tickets must be pre-purchased online and cost around $30 each, with kids under three being free.
Santa Claus Parade
Downtown Toronto
Sunday, November 20
Following two years of a modified format, the original Santa Claus Parade is returning to the streets of Toronto. Plan on seeing larger-than-life floats, marching bands, dancers, and of course the Big Man himself. The exact parade route hasn’t been shared yet but expect to find it winding through downtown Toronto. Also expect the route to be busy and to have to get out there well ahead of the to-be-announced start time to secure a clear spot where your family can watch the parade. The parade is of course free to watch.
Twinkle After Dark
Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremaine Rd., Milton
Thursday, November 24 – Saturday, December 24
Twinkle After Dark is a bit of a drive outside of the city, but it looks like it could well be worth the trip. The experience is built around a one kilometre long, walk-through trail and features “larger-than-life displays, tunnels and immersive scenes” all set to holiday music. There will also be a variety of hot drinks and sweet treats including beavertails. Tickets start at around $18, with kids under two being free. There’s also a $70 family-pack available.
Holiday Nights of Lights & Mistletoe Market
80 Interchange Way, Vaughan
Thursday, November 24 – Saturday, January 7
Bundle the kids up and head over to Vaughan for this sparkling walk-through experience that features 1.5 million LED lights set to synchronized holiday music. Expect to see bigger and brighter light displays this year as well as some familiar concepts, such as the animated light tunnels. Once your family has finished admiring the lights, make your way into the Mistletoe Market. There you’ll find a vendor’s market, carnival rides, hot food and drinks and more, including, yes, the chance to meet Santa Claus. Tickets to the start at $15, with kids under two being free, and note that access to the Mistletoe Market is also free, though the carnival rides do require paid tickets.
Cavalcade of Lights
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W., Toronto
Saturday, November 26
While details on this annual Toronto in November event haven’t been fully released, based on past years, your family can expect live performances, tons of pretty lights and one giant Christmas tree. The skating rink should also be open and ready for you and your kids to take a few laps around. There’s no cost to attend this event and access to the rink is free but we suggest coming prepared to purchase some fries or other snacks from Nathan Phillips Square’s food trucks.
CP Holiday Train
CP Yard Office, 750 Runnymede Rd., Toronto
Tuesday, November 29
Kids (and adults) who love trains, and pretty lights, will enjoy this festive event, which involves a multi-car train lit up with eye-catching, holiday-themed lights. The train is scheduled to arrive around 8:15pm and will provide a great backdrop for photos. Then at 8:30pm, the audience will be treated to a couple live music performances. This event is free to attend however, it is designed to be a fundraiser for local food banks so try to bring a donation of cash or a non-perishable food item.
Tagged under: things to do in toronto,november in toronto,toronto in november
Category: events,attractions
