Events that deliver those festive vibes

With December just around the corner, holiday festivities are intensifying. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the largest winter festival in town or just start some holiday shopping, Ethan Rotberg has some ideas

One of a Kind Show

Looking to buy something unique and handcrafted? The One of a Kind Show is one of the largest craft shows in North America, gathering some of the most talented artisans in the country. From Nov. 25 to Dec. 5 at the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place, the flagship event — with 400 exhibitors and more than 30 product categories — will help you scratch a few names off your gift list.

Gordon Lightfoot at Massey Hall

Closed for three years for renovations, the historic Massey Hall is finally reopening to a slate of highprofile performances. Canadian folk legend Gordon Lightfoot has the honour of launching the newest wave of concerts at the Hall, which first opened in 1894. His three-night run begins Nov. 25. For tickets, visit masseyhall.com.

Polar Winter Festival

Billed as the biggest winter festival in the GTA, Polar Winter Festival is an outdoor walk-through experience in Toronto’s Bandshell Park. It includes enormous decorations, a holiday market, rides, food trucks and, of course, pictures with Santa. The festival runs from Nov. 25 until Boxing Day. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit polarwinterfestival.com.

An Evening with Dan Mangan

The day fans have been waiting for since the early days of the pandemic has finally arrived. Originally scheduled for March 2020, the two-time Juno award-winning musician will be performing in concert at Danforth Music Hall on Nov. 22, with support from Torontobased singer-songwriter Georgia Harmer. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.

Holiday Light Tour at Casa Loma

Already a beloved destination, Casa Loma is all dressed up for the season with the Holiday Light Tour. It’s designed as a self-guided walk, so guests can stroll through a lighting display in gardens and tunnels while enjoying amazing decorations and live performances. Visit from Nov. 25 to Dec. 30, from 5 to 10 p.m.

Immersive Nutcracker

It’s not the holiday season without at least one Nutcracker mention. But you’ve never seen the Nutcracker like this before. Using state-ofthe-art technology, the action unfolds all around you in three-dimensional splendour. From the producers of Immersive Van Gogh and Immersive Klimt, Immersive Nutcracker runs Nov. 20 to Dec. 4 at the Toronto Star Building, 1 Yonge St.