Boxing Day Weekend events in Toronto 2014

Boxing Day weekend events in Toronto will give you a reason to something other than shop after the unbridled consumerism of the past few days. Can't resist deal hunting? Well, at least there's something to do after the malls close and you've played around with all the new toys you bought at a fraction below regular retail.

Here are my picks for the top events happening in Toronto December 26-28, 2014.

What's in the Box (Boxing Day Week, The Drake)

This annual party series at the Drake gives a warm home to those who haven't flown east or west to gorge themselves on homestyle cooking. The lineup for this year's multi day fest includes Egyptrixx, Pet Sun, Bruce Trail, Ain't No Love, The Meligrove Band, Stacey, and way more. Expect dancing and way less drama than Auntie Anne's.

FILM

Restored! (December 25 - January 1, TIFF Bell Lightbox)

TIFF are launching a new regular series, called "Restored!", devoted to beautiful facelifts via new restorations. They're featuring a wide variety of films, including a restored version of 1920's The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (a hugely influential silent classic), or the gorgeous cinematography in a whole series of James Dean restorations: East of Eden, Giant, and, duh, Rebel Without a Cause. AH

The Apple (December 28, Clinton's)

What better way to spend a sleepy holiday Sunday than with Bad Movie Night's screening of sci-fi musical The Apple. "What the Genesis story really needs is disco" -someone, somewhere, at some point. Movie's at 8pm.

FOOD

King Catering Caribbean Holiday Pop-Up Taster (December 27, Ballet)

Looking for tropical vibes? If you didn't get cruise tickets under the tree, again, at least we have seasonings. Get to Ballet on Ossington for music and five courses of Caribbean fare: Callaloo Soup, Tropical Bruschetta, Braised Jerk Pork Ravioli, Deep Fried Breadfruit with Spicy Trini Meatball, and Coconut Sorrel Mousse. The dinner starts at 7:30pm.

Psychic Brunch (December 28, Flying Beaver)

The last Sunday in November brings us Psychic Brunch, where meals are paired with spiritual consultations in Cabbagetown, but you already knew that because you have the gift - or you read our review.

ART

Art Spiegelman Retrospective (December 20, 2014 - March 15, 2015, AGO)

Pulitzer winner and one of the Time's 100 Most Influential People, the Maus cartoonist's work is a thrill to see in person. The brilliant AGO exhibit is on until March 15, and includes original drawings and rarely seen works from Spiegelman's career. Read our review here.

PARTY & MUSIC

Solaris Winter Music Fest (December 26, Direct Energy Centre)

On Boxing Day, EDM fans can get a head start on NYE and dance off their sins with Skrillex, Kaskade, Boys Noize, Adventure Club, Tchami, and 3LAU and more. This is one of those all ages dance parties City Hall isn't fond of, so enjoy the glowsticks while you can, little elves.

Cover me Impressed (December 27, Lee's Palace)

Bring a non perishable food item (or more - or $5) to Lee's to hear cover songs performed live by some corner pegs of TO's indie crew including July Talk, Steven Stanley, Spencer Burton, Brendan Canning, Catl, Taylor Knox, Ferraro, Whitney Rose, with host Sam Cash.

THEATRE

Holidazed and Confused (November 17 - January 1, Second City)

Holidays are a weird and awkward time of year. Whether it's spending time with family members you don't see for eleven months or battling strangers for the perfect piece of consumerism, the clever Second City troupe hopes to capture and examine holiday rituals in this revue about the trials and tribulations of the holiday season.

With contributions by Alexander Huls

Photo by Visualbass Photography via Solaris Festival on Faceook.

by Aubrey Jax via blogTO