Weekend events in Toronto November 25-27 2016

Weekend events in Toronto will keep you warm even though you might be outside. Case in point is the ongoing Toronto Christmas Market. You'll feel like you're walking on the set of a holiday film, complete with fire pits and hot drinks, like mulled wine, around every corner. Or huddle up in Nathan Phillips Square for the annual Cavalcade of Lights festivities.

Here are my picks for the top events in Toronto this weekend.

BIG EVENTS

Toronto Christmas Market (Until Dec. 22, Distillery District)
We've already showed you what the Christmas market looks like this year, and it doesn't disappoint. And that's a good thing, since you now have to pay to get in (except during most weekdays). There's live entertainment, vendors, fire pits, food and hot drinks to keep you warm for your entire visit.

Regent Park Film Fest (Until Nov. 26, Daniels Spectrum)
This film festival is completely free and unlike any other fest in the city. It features, "local and international independent works relevant to people from all walks of life, with a focus on low income and public housing communities." Check out the official lineup and programming schedule to see a film.

Cavalcade of Lights (Nov. 26, City Hall)
Not only will there be a massive fireworks show at City Hall as part of this holiday ceremony, they'll also light up a 60-foot Christmas tree, throw a skating party with DJs and feature live entertainment. And that's just one of the big lighting shows this weekend; Riverside and the Beaches are also launching their light shows.

One of a Kind Show (Until Dec. 4, Enercare Centre)
Over 800 vendors and artisans welcome you to this massive shopping event featuring clothes, visual art, food and all kinds of other unique gift ideas all in one spot. It saves you a lot of time and keeps you indoors while getting all that shopping done.

More Toronto events

• The Art of Craft Beer (Nov. 25, Super Wonder Gallery)
• 2017 Firefighter Calendar Launch (Nov. 25, Cube)
• NXT City's Public Space Party (Nov. 25, District 28)
• Beaver and Bacon Comedy Festival (Nov. 25, Regent Theatre)
• FNL ROM (Nov. 25, ROM)
• Drone Fair (Nov. 26, University of Ontario Institute of Technology)
• Hear Here (Nov, 26, The Bunker)
• Martin Lawrence (Nov. 27, Sony Centre)
• Screen Queens: Mars Attacks (Nov. 27, Royal Cinema)
• Cycle Toronto Advocacy Forum (Nov. 27, Metro Hall)

SHOPPING

Pixel & Bristle Winter Edition (Nov. 26, Drake Underground)
Toronto's best design and typography market brings together local designers, illustrators, typographers and makers showing and selling their finest prints, cards, gifts, signage, coasters, wall art, mobiles, bags, banners, textiles, mugs, enamel pins, patches, buttons, stickers and more. Admission is free.

More shopping in Toronto

• Jenny Bird Sample Sale (Nov. 25, Jenny Bird)
• Midnight Mrkt (Nov. 25, 2nd Floor Events)
• Corktown Winter Market (Nov. 27, Linen Grove)

SPORTS

Official You Can Play Greycup Party (Nov. 25, Striker)
It's the Grey Cup Festival in Toronto this weekend and although that's not really that exciting since the Argos aren't playing, there is this LGBTQ-friendly sports party at Toronto's first ever gay sports bar. This is the first time a professional sports league has officially sanctioned a LGTBQ event during its championship weekend.

Glow in the dark Nerf battle (Nov. 25, Battle Sports Inc.)
$20 gets you into this glow-in-the-dark Nerf battle and pyjama party. It's a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society and also features a dance party inside the Battle Sports venue.

MUSIC

Tanya Tagaq (Nov. 25, Trinity St. Paul's Church)
Don't miss your chance to see the Polaris Prize-winning, throat singing diva perform in this beautiful, intimate venue. Tanya Tagaq can blow the roof off of any venue, but this concert is going to be very special. Michelle Nox will open the show.

More music in Toronto

• Brendan Canning (Nov. 25, The Garrison)
• Children of Bodom (Nov. 25, The Phoenix)
• Croatia Squad (Nov. 25, Nest)
• A Hairy Night of Music (Nov. 25, Opera House)
• Aaron Pritchett Grey Cup Concert (Nov. 25, Steamwhistle)
• The Jezebels (Nov. 25, Lee's Palace)
• Wavelength (Nov. 26, Bike Pirates)
• Gordon Lightfoot (Nov. 26, Massey Hall)
• Basia Bulat (Nov. 26, Danforth Music Hall)
• A$AP Ferg (Nov. 27, The Phoenix)

DANCING

Footprints 14 year Anniversary (Nov. 26, Rivoli)
We're big fans of Toronto's most famous dance party, which is why this 14th anniversary party is a big, big deal! As always, General Eclectic Jason Sanders and Jason Palma play the goods.

More dance parties in Toronto

• No Sleep 'Til Fridays (Nov. 25, Brooklynn)
• Feministry (Nov. 25, Round)
• Essence Brown (Nov. 25, The Steady)
• Fun Nooddle (Nov. 25, The Beaver)
• Balls Deep Disco (Nov. 25, The Black Eagle)
• Goddess Party (Nov. 25, The Gladstone Hotel)
• Rude (Nov. 25, Geary Lane)
• Worst Behaviour (Nov. 26, Clinton's)
• Fit (Nov. 26, The Beaver)
• Pleasurekraft (Nov. 26, Coda)
• Mile High (Nov. 27, Westin Harbour Castle top floor)
• It's not Sunday with A$AP Ferg (Nov. 27, Uniun Nightclub)
• Sunday Afternoon Social with Box of Kittens (Nov. 27, Loft404)

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section and have a great weekend!

Photo of the Toronto Christmas Market by Hector Vasquez.

by Phil Villeneuve via blogTO