We’re only at the beginning of November, but with Thanksgiving and now Halloween behind us, we’re officially on the countdown to Christmas! The Harbourfront Centre is getting in on the festive feelies with a month-long magical holiday makeover, complete with free train rides, outdoor skating, a bunch of family-friendly activities and, of course, thousands of twinkling lights (bonus: most of the festivities are completely free).
The annual HarbourFrost winter festival runs from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20 along the city’s waterfront, with celebrations kicking off opening day as a massive 33-foot Christmas tree lights up Community Square! Head over in the early evening, and you’ll find festive characters, fire pits and a performance by the InKloosiv Voices Choir.
From there, hop aboard the Redpath Express, a festive little train that winds through the waterfront wonderland, past sparkling lights and holiday decorations. It’s one of a few holiday train experiences happening across Ontario this year, but this one won’t cost you a cent! No tickets are needed, and the train operates on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the festival.
The festival’s Illuminair: Frost & Fire performances will light up the waterfront with dazzling fire choreography, while roaming performers from Hala Circus Arts will bring magical winter characters to life with roaming performers, hoops, dance and stilt-walking!
And then there’s the skating: the Jumpstart Community Rink will reopen Nov. 20, weather permitting. Skating is free, so bring your own skates or rent a pair on-site (rentals are free on Saturdays, while supplies last).
To get a head start on your Christmas shopping, Frostbite Lane will feature seasonal vendors and holiday finds throughout the festival, while the HarbourFrost Makers Market (Nov. 20 to 22) will offer handmade gifts, ceramics, jewellery and other unique creations by local artists. And there are tons of free live performances featuring gospel, soul, jazz and Caribbean-inspired holiday music, so you can soak up the festive atmosphere while you shop.
Guys, there’s even a holiday-themed sheep choir.
The festive magic even extends indoors! The Shaw Festival will make its Toronto debut with a production of A Christmas Carol at Harbourfront Centre’s Fleck Theatre, running from Nov. 12 to Dec. 23. The production puts a fresh spin on Charles Dickens’s holiday classic, so look out for puppetry and traditional carols.
HarbourFrost runs on weekends from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20, with festivities taking place Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 9 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m., at Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West.
Admission is free, although some performances and activities require paid tickets. Find the full schedule on Harbourfront Centre’s website.