The top 5 free events in Toronto this week

Free things to do in Toronto this week, which leads into Christmas weekend, range from cute and cozy to big, bright and joyous. The Kensington Market Winter Solstice is the perfect way to get into the spirit and welcome winter the right way. A lantern parade, live shows and dancing in the streets - all for free.

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

Events you might want to check out:

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (December 19 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
The Hot Docs Holiday Classics series continues with this 80s holiday classic. It's an absolutely free screening, and a perfect way to hang with friends inside a cozy theatre and laugh your stockings off. The show starts at 8:45 p.m. and they're accepting non-perishable food donations.
Indie Night (December 20 @ The Piston)
Discover some great new music inside one of the best sounding venues in the city. Carlos Alonzo, Ezra Jordan and Ferragamo Chvcks all perform at the Piston's Indie Night starting at 9 p.m.
Bunz Flea: Holiday Edition (December 20 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Do all your Christmas shopping without dropping a dime! This market will feature more vendors than ever before and you can offload some gifts you never used at the same time.
Kensington Market Winter Solstice Parade (December 21 @ Kensington Market)
This is the only way to properly usher in winter; with a big light parade and an outdoor party. Red Pepper Spectacle Arts celebrates the 27th annual Kensington Market Winter Solstice on the longest, darkest night of the year with a lantern-lit procession through the market and shows from Samba Squad, Shadowland Youth Theatre, Richard Underhill & the Kensington and so much more.
Egg Nog at Art Met (December 21 @ Art Metropole)
Art Metropole likes to celebrate the holidays with egg nog. Like, they really like egg nog. It's basically the art institute's holiday party that doubles as a reception for Wish Lists by Artists - their holiday window display. Local, national and international artists will show you want they really want for Christmas.

by Phil Villeneuve via blogTO