Weekend need-to-know: Celebrate holiday cheer just before Christmas

There will be lots of events to celebrate the holidays this weekend ahead of Christmas Day on Monday, including festivals, performances and lots of last-minute chances to talk to Santa before his big night.

There are no TTC or GO Train closures over the weekend, and if you want full details of what’s open and closed over the holidays, click here.

Here are some of the events you can enjoy.

Christmas at the Castle

Celebrate Christmas at Casa Loma with Christmas at the Castle with a wide range of activities and “thrilling performances.” There will be holiday magic throughout the castle with decorations, including a 40-foot-tall tree in the Great Hall and eight other trees decorated by talented Canadian designers.

Kids will also have the chance to visit the centre and participate in festive arts and crafts. It’s happening on Dec. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets are available on their website and children three and under are free.

Distillery District Winter Village

While the Distillery District’s Winter Village has been going on for several weeks now, what better time to visit than the weekend before Christmas? Santa will also be at the Village from 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Check out the tree and meet Santa, as vendors will be dishing out holiday drinks, and musicians will be putting on a show.

Tickets are required after 4 p.m. but before that, entry is free. For all the details and the schedule, you can find it on the website.

Toronto International Ballet presents The Nutcracker

For one night only this weekend, the Toronto International Ballet Theatre will be putting on its version of the Nutcracker, featuring two dancers from the American Ballet.

The two performances are happening on Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Meridian Hall and tickets are still available.

Cavalcade of Lights

This free event at Nathan Phillips Square transforms City Hall and its surroundings into a dazzling wonderland, inspired by international lantern, fire and light festivals and winter solstice celebrations.

High Park Animal Display

Toronto’s oldest animal display is open daily over the long weekend between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Visitors heading to High Park are reminded that roads in the park will be closed to vehicular traffic for all three days of the long weekend.

Riverdale Farm

Riverdale Farm – a working farm in the city’s centre – is open daily all weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.

Roller Express Rink
The Union Station indoor Roller Express Rink will be open to the public throughout the holidays, except from December 24 to December 26.

Centennial Park Conservatory

Explore the Winter Flower Show at the City’s Centennial Park Conservatory which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the holiday season.

TTC/GO closures

No TTC or GO closures.

Road closures

Ongoing city closures