5 things to do this weekend: Dec. 21-23

Dec. 21-23, 2012

For families: Whip out your best fine art skills at a cookie decorating workshop at Colborne Lodge. Try out gingerbread recipes from the 1830s and tour the Victorian-style building. This event is geared for children ages 8-12. 11 Colborne Lodge Drive. Sunday. 9:30 a.m. $22.50. toronto.ca/festevents

For visitors: Mark the Winter Solstice – the longest night of the year – at series of events around the city. Bring a lantern to Kensington Market for a parade filled with costumes and puppets, or head to Emmanuel-Howard Park United Church for walk through a labyrinth followed by a service filled with music. Both Friday night events are free. Kensington: Meet at Oxford Avenue and Augusta Street at 6:30 p.m. redpepperspectacle.wordpress.com United Church: 214 Wright Ave. (at Roncesvalles). 6 p.m. ehpunitedchurch.ca/news-events

For singles: The crisp night air, starlight, the possibility of “tripping” and being romantically, heroically saved – all the trappings of Hollywood romcom are on offer at the DJ Skate Night at Harbourfrount Ice Rink. The ice-skating event is held every Saturday night until Feb. 23 (except Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve). 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. Free. harbourfrontcentre.com/djskatenights

For charity: Decorate a cookie for a great cause: supporting seniors. Visit the Gingerbread Cookie Factory – otherwise known as Sherway Gardens – to decorate and make a donation to Trillium Health Centre. Sherway Gardens. Until Dec. 23.  Mall hours. $4/cookie or 3 for $10. sherwaygardens.ca

 For kicks: Ever wanted to participate in a flash mob? Now’s your chance and this one’s for a good cause. Organizers are expecting over 1,000 people at the flash mob for Syria and Gaza. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W. Sunday. 12:30 p.m. Free. facebook.com/events/375948219158951