30 things to do in Toronto this weekend

Things to do in Toronto this weekend are ready to go on a futuristic adventure as the Zoo opens its magical night walk through the grounds. All-things Star Wars is on at a new pop-up and you can check out Christmas movies for free. Skating, Mac 'n' cheese and more is on, too.

Events you might want to check out:

The Nutcracker (December 12 - January 4 @ Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts)
It wouldn't be the holidays without The Nutcracker and this annual show is back with a magical season of dancing, costumes and music.
Long Winter (December 13 @ Harbourfront Centre)
Long Winter is back to and teaming up with the Festival of Cool for a night of ice-cold beats by some of the city's best underground DJs and artists.
Star Wars Pop-Up (December 13-21 @ 277 Queen Street W)
Just in time fro the premiere of The Rise of Skywalker, this pop-up lets you into the Star Wars universe with a series of interactive rooms.
Terra Lumina (December 13 - April 13 @ Toronto Zoo)
Humans and nature come together for this new futuristic illuminated night walk experience through the grounds of the Toronto Zoo.
I Heart Beer + Mac & Cheese Festival (December 14 @ Exhibition Place)
Nothing pairs better than Mac 'n' cheese and beer and this festival has plenty of both, plus music, dancing, games and an ugly sweater competition.
Black Owned Holiday Market (December 14 @ The International Centre)
A big selection of goods are on at this annual holiday market featuring Black-owned businesses, artists, makers and designers.
Hot Docs for the Holidays (December 14-21 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
A big lineup of Christmas movies is screening for free or with a donation of a non-perishable food item during this annual holiday film series.
DJ Skate Nights (December 14 - February 15 @ Harbourfront Centre)
Things are getting hot in the cold with a season of skating parties set to the tune of local DJs bringing the beats to this waterfront rink.
Porchmas (December 12-21 @ The Porch)
The Porch is getting festival with their first holiday party series that includes Igloos, fire pits, Santa's workshop, winter games and more.
2001: A Space Odyssey (December 13 @ Paradise)
The iconic Stanley Kubrick sci-fi epic is screening at the newly reopened Paradise Theatre and accompanied by RØISEN performing a live score.
Biblical Boogie (December 14 @ 209 Geary Ave)
Throw it back to year one with this get down of Biblical portions, including an appearance by The Ark Car, deep house DJs and dancing into the morning.
Cheeky Santa Speedo Run (December 14 @ Hemmingway's)
The cheeks are indeed getting red at this annual run where folks running through the cold in their brightest red skinnies in the name of charity.
Hollerado (December 13 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
Put on your dancing shoes as the boys from Ottawa take the stage for some indie rock fun with their quirky and upbeat tunes.
Born Ruffians (December 14 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
The boys for Midland are back in town for one night of rip roarin' indie rock as they take the stage at the Danforth.
Cartel Madras (December 14 @ The Drake Hotel)
Calgary has produced one of the hardest hip-hop duos in the game right now with Cartel Madras and their OG bars you don't want to sleep on.
FRIGS (December 14 @ Velvet Underground)
It's Garbage meets the Sex Pistols meets Sonic Youth with Toronto's own punk rockers and their deep, psychedelic sounds.
Said the Whale (December 14 @ Phoenix Concert Theatre)
Indie rock with an edge, Vancouver's Said the Whale will get your feet moving with their infectious sound and hard-wrought rips.
T-Pain (December 14 @ Rebel)
The man who defined the sound of the 2000s is handling the tunes at Rebel this weekend for a night of hot hits and dranks from the bartender.
Stark Naked & The Fleshtones (December 14 @ Bovine Sex Club)
The Bovine is celebrating the holidays with a rip roaring night of tunes from some of the city's best punk rockers to mosh to.
Toronto R&B Sounds (December 15 @ The Baby G)
Things are getting festive at this edition of R&B sound with some of the city's up-and-coming singers dropping by for a night of dreamy tunes.
Herschel Sample Sale (December 12-15 @ I'M Mac Sales Agency)
Herschel gear of all kinds, including bags, wallets, luggage, apparel and hats, is all on sale for up to 60 per cent off.
Mary Young Pop-Up (December 13-15 @ 263 Adelaide Street West)
Ethically-made, stylish and comedy panties, bras and garments are on at this pop-up from Toronto-based women's wear brand Mary Young.
Caribbean Christmas Market (December 14 @ Ralph Thornton Community Centre)
The Islands are coming to Canada just in time for Christmas during this pop-up that features Caribbean arts, crafts, gifts, food and fashion.
The Queen V Collective (December 14 @ MAKE GOOD Studios Coworking Space)
Back again is this all-vegan market with cruelty-free goodies and speciality products with vendors from all over the country.
Akin's Holiday Market and Party (December 14 @ Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada)
Art of all kinds is on at this holiday sale featuring locally-made works from the artists market, plus a festive party inside the MOCA.
Leslieville Christmas Pop-Up Market (December 14-15 @ 240 Logan Ave)
Everyone is welcome at this local makers market with a day of shopping and festivities, including a hot chocolate bar, soup, Santa and music.
OCAD Holiday Artist Alley (December 15 @ OCAD University)
The young artists of tomorrow are selling their illustrations, pins, cards, jewellery, bags, t-shirts, zines, photographs and more at this big art sale.
Trinity Bellwoods Flea (December 15 @ The Great Hall)
Shop from more than 100 vendors during this huge holiday market with artists, makers and designers selling locally-made goods of all kinds.
Wonder Holiday Markit (December 15 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Find one of a kind, locally made holiday must haves & essentials under one roof. Admission is FREE and first 50 visitors receive a complimentary swag bag.
Festival of Cool (December 10-15 @ Harbourfront Centre)
It's the last weekend to experience the art and culture of the Arctic at this free festival that includes music, film, exhibitions and talks.

by Lisa Power via blogTO