weekend events toronto

Weekend events in Toronto December 11-13 2015

Weekend events in Toronto will have you visiting markets, movie theatres and music halls. A couple of the month's top concerts are happening this weekend, including Born Ruffians and Alvvays. If that's not your thing, you can hit up one of the many holiday markets that have popped up around town.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section.

MUSIC

Born Ruffians (Dec. 10-12)
The masses sure do love the good ol' boy indie rock vibes of Born Ruffians, especially in this city. So much so that the band is offering up a triple play here at the end of their current tour for fifth LP RUFF; a night at the Silver Dollar, then Lee's Palace, then the Opera House.

3rd Annual Creative Minds Collective (Dec. 11)
Head to The Tennessee for an evening of music, art, spoken word, and shopping. The lineup includes Shannon Roszell, When We Was Young, and Darryl Webster. There's no cover, but all donations made at the event will go toward Lifeline Syria.

Alvvays (Dec. 11-12)
We crowned Alvvays' jangle-pop debut as one of the best of 2014, which seems like a smart call; it's a full year later, and they're still getting massive traction out of it. They'll cap off the latest tour with a pair of homecoming shows at Danforth Music Hall.

Long Winter (Dec. 12)
Long winter is a jack-of-all-trades event for the arts community. It features a visual art exhibition, musical performances, dance shows and more. For those who are more tech-inclined, there will also be an arcade.

ART

Maylee Todd's Virtual Womb (Dec. 11)
A multi medium/media exhibition is coming to The Great Hall on Friday. Maylee Todd's Virtual Womb will showcase her new album, Acts Of Love, and feature projections on the ceiling created by video artists.

HOLIDAY SHOWS

Krampus Ball (Dec. 11)
Krampus is jolly old St. Nicholas's evil twin and according to CBC Arts, he's becoming quite popular in Canada. Not only is he the star of a new darkly comedic movie, but he's also being celebrated in Toronto at Squid Lid's annual Krampus Ball.

That Choir Carols with special guest Jim Mezon (Dec. 13)
That Choir will be performing classic festive songs like Ave Maria by Franz Biebll as well as contemporary holiday and winter music. The show will also feature special guest Jim Mezon and a reading of "A Child's Christmas in Wales" by Dylan Thomas.

MOVIES

Human Rights Film Festival (Dec. 10 - 13)
If you want to see some truly inspiring cinematic works, grab tickets for the Human Rights Film Festival. The movies screened at this event focus on human rights issues around the globe, spotlighting people that have made a difference in the struggle against oppression. You can check out the full schedule here.

Rainbow Rewind Film Classics (Dec. 12)
Don't want to dust off your old VHS tapes and DVDs to get into the holiday spirit? Head to Rainbow Cinemas Market Square to catch some festive flicks this Saturday instead. Elf (which has free admission) and Santa Claus are being screened.

FOOD & DRINK

12 Beers of Xmas (Dec. 12)
The annual holiday beer event at The Gladstone Hotel will pair delicious suds from a dozen craft breweries with good cheer and a whole bunch of ugly sweaters on Saturday, December 12. Tickets are already sold out, but for lucky attendees, the $25 price tag includes all-you-can-taste plus live performances by local DJs and bands followed by Shameless Karaoke!

Foodie Holiday Pop-Up (Dec. 12)
Looking for the perfect presents for your foodie friends? This one-day-only market will feature eats, treats and tools from some of the city's top vendors, including Nadege Patisserie, The Rolling Pin and Roselle. If you don't find anything there, you can always consult our food lovers' gift guide.

A Taste of Holland (Dec.13)
Get your fill of Dutch eats at Hitch on Sunday. The Leslieville bar is serving up traditional comfort food accompanied by plenty of alcohol.

ENTERTAINMENT

HoHoTO Benefit Party (Dec. 11)
Join tech-inclined Torontonians as they come together for a digital community benefit party on Friday. You'll get the chance to mix and mingle with local leaders in digital marketing, design, technology. Proceeds from the event go to YWCA Toronto's Girl's Centre, so you'll also be doing some good.

Seinfeld Trivia (Dec. 13)
Know your Costanza from your Kramer jokes? Head to Kitch this Sunday to show your stuff. Grab your drink of choice from the bar and get ready to flaunt your knowledge of all things Seinfeld.

SHOPPING

Pink Xmas Launch Party (Dec. 11)
If you can't decide between partying and shopping, why not do both? The Pink Xmas Launch Party offers a stress-free environment that will help you get some gift-buying out of the way. Twenty vendors will be on the scene, including Dark Side Studio, Earth Mamas, Ecofinery and more. Attendees can also catch a performance by Boylesque T.O.

Union Station Holiday Market (Nov. 30 - Dec. 20)
The Union Station Holiday Market has filled John A. MacDonald Square with some of the city's favourite local designers for the better part of December. You'll find everything from Tuck Shop Co. hats to Mad Mexican salsa. If you're looking for gifts that can't be found in big name stores, it's worth visiting.

City of Craft (Dec. 11 - 13)
If you like craft shows, this one blows most others out of the water. On the second weekend of December, 30 craft vendors will take over The Theatre Centre, selling all the things you never knew you needed. There will also be craft-based installations and free workshops, if you need a break from spending.

It's a Bellwoods Holiday Market (Dec. 12)
Do a little window shopping this Saturday at the holiday edition of the Bellwoods Flea. If you can't resist spending while checking out the goods, opt to play a retro video game or catch a screening of a Christmas movie (they'll be playing all day). And, if you're not feeling overly stingy, you can purchase food and drinks for under 10 bucks.

Vendor Queens (Dec. 12-13)
Vendor Queens is much more than your average market. The event, taking place at the Markham House City Building Lab features live music all day, art and more, making shopping only a part of the experience. Even if you leave empty handed, you'll probably have a blast.

Winter Folk Fair 2015 (Dec. 13)
The Winter Folk Fair will bring artisans, vendors, musicians and singers to the St. Vladimir Institute on Sunday. Expect to find singing workshops, local food and hundreds of visitors.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section. Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit it for free using this form.

With contributions by Shazia Khan, Liora Ipsum and Amy Grief.

Photo of the Union Station Holiday Market.


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