by Jenn Reid
November’s a month with an identity crisis: Halloween is over and Christmas is a month away, but holiday events start to crop up mid-month, and there’s still some spooky fun going on. There are film festivals, new exhibitions and plenty of fun events — mostly moving indoors for the winter! Check out the must-see events happening this November in Toronto. [Photo by Ben Radvanyi, courtesy of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair]
Toronto Chocolate Festival
Yes, you read that right: there’s a whole festival dedicated to chocolate. The Toronto Chocolate Festival is a chocoholic’s dream, with an entire month’s worth of events. You can head over to the Luxury Chocolate Show and sample some of the city’s boutique chocolatiers, or get into the holiday spirit a little early with the Christmas Chocolate and Pastry Fair. Bring your appetite!
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
For almost 100 years, Toronto has been home to the largest indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian show in the world. It’s a little bit of farm life right here in the city! The fair has horse riding and jumping competitions, petting zoos, tons of food and a chance to shop for clothes, early Christmas gifts and farm fresh produce.
Black Star
This fall, TIFF will host the Black Star program that celebrates black film stars throughout history, including Eddie Murphy, Louise Beavers, Denzel Washington and more. The series was originally presented by the British Film Institute, but TIFF’s curated version will include Canadian films Jean of the Joneses, Short Hymn, Silent War and Rude.
Vikings: The Exhibition
The ROM’s new exhibit for fall is all about the myths and legends surrounding vikings. The exhibit looks at the daily lives, religion and lifestyles of real people living in the viking age, plus their influence throughout history, including in Canada, when they visited Newfoundland in the year 1000.
Day of the Dead
November 2 is Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, and the Harbourfront Centre is ready to celebrate the Mexican holiday! There are dance and musical performances from Mexican artists, plus crafts, food and a marketplace. Kids can also paint their own sugar skulls and create shadow boxes, both of which can be taken home afterwards.
Remembrance Day Ceremonies
If you’re looking to observe Remembrance Day on November 11, there are plenty of ways to do it. Many civic sites across Toronto will be holding Remembrance Day ceremonies, including Old City Hall and Fort York. The ceremonies include a moment of silence, reading of poetry and different speakers who will honour the veterans in attendance. The week leading up to Remembrance Day will also have ceremonies and different sites.
Evil Dead the Musical
Halloween may be over, but Evil Dead is good all year-round. The popular musical hits the Toronto stage once again for a short run at the Randolph Theatre. While a musical based on a horror movie might sound weird, it’s a blast! Just make sure to grab a poncho if you’re sitting in the splatter zone — you will get bloody.
European Union Film Festival
Toronto has plenty of film festivals, but not many free film festivals! The EU Film Fest is a chance to check out some of the best films in European cinema, all for free. Comedies, dramas and award-winners from across Europe will screen, including Denmark, Latvia, Malta, Ireland, Belgium and the U.K. (while they’re still part of the EU, at least!)
Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Weekend
The Hockey Hall of Fame is ready to induct new members, and that means a weekend of celebrating hockey heroes. There’s a Q&A and fan forum with this year’s inductees — Andreychuk, Goyette, Kariya, Recchi and Selanne — followed by the actual ceremony itself, which fans can purchase tickets for. There’s also the Legends Classic, a match between two all-star teams lead by Mark Messier and Jari Kurri.
The Winter’s Tale
The National Ballet’s fall season kicks off with The Winter’s Tale, a ballet version of Shakespeare’s play. Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon translates the story of love, jealousy and redemption into dance, with a beautiful stage design and costuming to match.
Toronto Christmas Market
Is there anything Torontonians love more during the holiday season than the Toronto Christmas Market? The annual event is a must-see, as the Distillery Historic District transforms into a European-style holiday market. There’s twinkling lights, a giant tree, a beer garden, carollers, food from around the blogs and artisanal goods to pick up for all your holiday shopping needs. Careful if you’re planning to go on a Saturday as it gets jam-packed!
Gourmet Food & Wine Expo
Food festivals get a little more upscale in the fall, thanks to the Gourmet Food & Wine Festival. There are more than 1500 wines and spirits from around the world to sample or purchased, plus gourmet meals and dishes prepared by some of the best chefs and restauranteurs in the city. There’s also live demonstrations and talks from different chefs and live musical performances.
Santa Claus Parade
It’s the unofficial start to the holiday season in the city! The Toronto Santa Claus Parade starts at Christie Pits before heading along Bloor, then down Avenue to Front Street where it ends at St. Lawrence Market. Make sure to get there early to snag a good spot, and dress for the weather! Plenty of floats and marching bands will make their way down the route, clearing the way for Santa himself at the end.
Everything to Do With Sex Show
Leave the kids at home for this one! The Everything to Do With Sex Show has all you could need in the world of romance and sex: new products, educational seminars and even live performances from exotic dancers. If you’re looking to spice things up, or try something new, this is the place to find out how.
Ross Petty’s A Christmas Carol
While Ross Petty may not be taking the stage anymore, his annual holiday parody show continues! This year, they’re taking on A Christmas Carol and making a story entirely their own: Scrooge will be visited by ghosts, but also a pair of lovebirds, a girl gang and a group of ‘Ghostdusters’ all on Christmas Eve in London, Ontario. The family-friendly musical show is always a popular choice during the holidays!
