Looking for ways to get into the holiday spirit? Toronto has a great lineup of events in December — you can skate, shop and sip your way through this magical month all the way to Christmas!

Toronto Christmas Market

December is the most magical time of the year in Toronto’s Distillery District. The pedestrian-only area, named for the historic Gooderham and Worts Distillery, is home to a traditional European-style Christmas Market from November 14^th to December 22^nd. Thousands of handmade and artisan gifts, live entertainment and mulled wine make this a top local attraction that brings in huge crowds, year after year. Make sure you take the time to visit the whole neighbourhood, which sparkles with twinkling lights and whimsical Christmas decorations all month long. The Distillery’s cafés and restaurants add to the festivities with seasonal delicacies — don’t miss Cluny’s fondue platters and mulled apple cider from Arvo.

Toy Drive Live

Global News is partnering with Toronto Firefighters for this long-running community event on Dec. 5^th at CF Shops at Don Mills. Global TV personalities will join guests including Peppa Pig and George, PJ Masks, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to help ensure kids in need have a great Christmas. Bring a new, unwrapped toy and join in the family fun — meet and mingle with Santa, try on firefighter gear and enjoy tasty treats and hot drinks in the name of giving.

Holiday Fair in the Square

Toronto’s new favourite holiday tradition is back at Nathan Phillips Square from December 7^th to 23^rd. Part Christmas market, part winter carnival, the fair is where you can enjoy an afternoon of skating on the city’s most popular rink, along with rides, games and seasonal treats. Find all your stocking stuffers in one place. Local vendors and artisans will be displaying their best Christmas wares – look for Gulabo Teas, Kinsip House of Fine Spirits and SixSox. And if you get thirsty, you can stop in for drinks at the Polar Point pop-up bar!

The National Ballet’s Nutcracker

Tchaikovsky’s classic Christmas tale is performed by ballet companies all over the world during the holiday season, and the Toronto-based National Ballet of Canada puts on a truly exceptional show. Magnificent sets and costumes by Santo Loquasto create an otherworldly experience that’s heightened with rollerblading bears, spinning snowflakes, and a horse so lifelike you won’t believe when it executes a perfect pirouette. The two-act play premiered in Russia in 1892 and has captured the imaginations of audiences of all ages every year since. The biggest and most spectacular show in the National Ballet’s repertoire, The Nutcracker features 233 performers including 65 musicians and 20 singers.

Home Alone in Concert

The classic holiday film soundtrack will be performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra along with the Resonance Youth Choir on December 6^th and 7^th at Roy Thomson Hall. It’s a whole new way to experience the hit 1990 American comedy and is guaranteed to bring back some great memories.

The Christmas season is a great time in Toronto and the whole city is celebrating!