Your guide to the virtual and socially distanced events happening in Toronto this December

By: Samreen Maqsood

Due to COVID-19, many celebrations and events have either been cancelled or modified. It has become increasingly difficult to keep track of what is happening in the city. To help you, CanCulture has created a guide to navigating the remaining events of 2020

Live entertainment

If you are the person missing live shows like concerts and theatre performances, you were likely also looking forward to seeing your favourite celebrities in-person and on the big screen this year.

While several live events have faced cancellation, like the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), others have adapted to virtual formats like the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s new shows at Roy Thomson Hall. 

Here are some modified live events you might enjoy this December.

DriveInTO 

DriveInTO is an entertainment plan designed to bring concerts, films and movie screenings closer to you. The city works with film curators like TIFF to provide screenings of concerts, movies, and other festivals either virtually or to their four drive-in locations. Some of the locations offer free entertainment, while others charge a starting price of $10.  

Long Winter 

This pay-what-you-can inter-art series showcases the performance arts, theatre and dance. It is hosted throughout the winter months and sees more than 5,000 people attend annually. Long Winter is switching to a digital format with videographers and directors’ help for their ninth season.

Art exhibitions and shows

For the artists missing exhibitions, museums and art shows, we know that you are itching to get your creative juices flowing to pick up inspiration for your next piece. Many art festivals have adapted to online formats this year, including Nuit Blanche and Art Toronto.

The Social Distancing Festival: 

The Social Distancing Festival’s online art community is showcasing artists all over the world. The online platform features art, music, theatre and more – all that you can browse for free. Their website focuses on art pieces that did not get showcased due to COVID-19 and features new and developing pieces.

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit: 

The Van Gogh exhibition features 600,000 cubic feet of projections of Gogh’s famous paintings, from the Starry Night to his infamous Sunflowers painting, and is a must-see for all art lovers. While the walk-in experience is closed during the lockdown, the drive-in remains open. Read our review of the exhibit and book your tickets now!

Art Tour Collective:

This organization of Toronto artists sells their artwork annually. They recently announced their first online exhibition, running from Nov. 21 to Dec. 6. They will also offer an online show with over 30 artists displaying their work for purchase.  

Hobbies and sight-seeing

For those binge-watching Netflix like there is no tomorrow, we are sad to say that Netflix Canada has paused all of its productions since the start of the pandemic. If lockdown has left you with time on your hands and you are looking for a new hobby, here are some activities that you might enjoy instead.

Eventbrite Classes:

 If you have more free time during the pandemic, there is no better time to learn a new hobby or brush up on your skills. Eventbrite offers various classes to choose from, including knitting and crocheting for beginners, laser printing and even salsa dancing. There is an option for everyone! 

Take a tour of your city virtually: 

For those hesitant about going out due to COVID-19, the Richmond Hill Public Library offers a virtual tour of Toronto’s museums, zoos and theme parks. Set to start in January, registration opens on Nov. 30, and it is free to register!

Digital Doors Open Toronto: 

Doors Open Toronto also allows you to virtually tour Toronto without leaving the comfort of your home. You can take a tour of the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre, the last operating double-decker theatre facility in the world, or even the Toronto Zoo who is offering various online activities. The tours run until the end of December. 

Food and beverage

We know that the foodies were affected by The Taste of Danforth, the CNE and Salsa on St. Clair all being cancelled – but don’t be disheartened! Here are some alternatives

Sweaters n’ Snowflakes: 

Originally a festive outdoor area and an innovative pop-up patio, Sweaters n’ Snowflakes is now a to-go market offering holiday food and drinks like candy cane hot chocolate, holiday dinner poutine and caramel-filled candy cane hot churros! The market runs from Dec. 10-27.

Toronto Miracle

Toronto Miracle is encouraging all 140 Toronto neighbourhoods to participate in a socially-distanced food drive on Dec. 5. Participants are requested to leave non-perishable food on their doorsteps so volunteers can pick up the donations while adhering to COVID-19 guidelines. 

Holiday festivals 

With the holidays around the corner, many holiday festivals and events have been cancelled, including the Toronto Christmas Market, The Cavalcade of Lights and the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Nathan Phillips Square. Luckily, there are still some virtual or socially distanced events happening.

The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights: 

The Winter Festival of Lights is a drive-thru holiday light show transforming Niagara Falls, Ont. into a magical wonderland with eight kilometres of illuminated trails, 15 Canadian wildlife displays and more than 50 lit-up trees. The show runs from Nov. 14 to Jan. 10.

Holiday Heroes: 

Holiday Heroes is a non-profit charity based in Toronto that will be donating gifts on Christmas morning to over 50,000 homeless people at Nathan Phillips Square. Their current wishlist includes toys, instruments and gift cards, amongst many other items. To help, you can purchase tickets for $25, with 100 per cent of donations going towards Canadian youth in need. After you buy your tickets, you can buy three gifts from their wishlist.

Santa Claus Parade:

 The 115th Santa Claus Parade has shifted to an online format. While it is different than previous years, Mayor John Tory said it was important for kids to know that Christmas is not cancelled. You can stream the Original Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. on CTV and CTV2.

Journey to Save Christmas: 

Journey to Save Christmas’s drive-thru escape game features fun Christmas-themed rooms, an immersive sleigh ride and interactive games, all from the ease and safety of your car! The game involves a mission around Square One Shopping Centre’s parking lot to find all of Santa’s missing things. Booking starts on Dec. 3, with tickets ranging from $59.95 to $79.01.