It’s been five days of scraping frost off your car’s windshield or huddling with strangers for warmth in a TTC bus shelter. The good news? It's almost the weekend, and we suggest some holiday-appropriate events, such as taking to the streets disguised as Santa, a spot to build your winter reading list, and a sausage party (not the kind you’re thinking).
4×4: The Biggest Little Art Show in the City
When: Dec. 12 – Dec. 23, 7:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: #Hashtag Gallery, 801 Dundas St. W.
Details: Looking for a compact (and unique) gift for the art lover on your list? Check out the 4×4 Art Show, which brings together (you guessed it) 4" by 4" pieces of art from around the world. Art is priced at $40, meaning that your loved ones can add to their burgeoning art collection without setting aside too much wall space, and you don't need to break the bank.
Santacon Toronto
When: Dec. 14, beginning at noon
Where: Dundas Square
Details: When your co-workers ask what you did on the weekend, this will be an epic conversation starter. Step one: Dress up as Santa. Step two: Sing carols. Step three: Drink at the Imperial Pub. Santas should gather at noon and bring with them two non-perishable food donations for the Daily Bread Food Bank.
Toronto Indie Arts Market
When: Dec. 14, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W
Details: 'Tis the season for curling up with something good to read, and if you're longing to branch out from the bestsellers list, the Toronto Indie Arts Market features 70 vendors offering a serious selection of books, magazines, zines, and paper goods. Admission is just $5 (with proceeds benefitting Parkdale Project Read).
Toronto Etsy Street Team 1st Annual Christmas Marketplace
When: Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Church of Saint Stephen-In-The-Fields, 103 Bellevue Ave.
Details: Nothing says “I put thought into this gift” better than something handmade—unless you don't have that crafty touch. Along with a great selection of one of a kind jewelry, art, fashion, toys, and body care products, this event also has free workshops, live music, and a bake sale.
Candy Factory Lofts Holiday Pop-up Shop
When: Dec. 15, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 993 Queen St. W.
Details: Candy Factory is a bit of a misnomer: there is no actual candy. But what they will have is the handiwork of some of the city’s best designers. Vendors include RAC Boutique, The Narwhal, Global Warming Tees, Heitman Cosmetics, MRS Bridal Boutique, HIM Promotions, and Cuffwear Inc.
2 Bite Sausage Cookout at Junction Craft Brewery
When: Dec. 14, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Junction Craft Brewery, 90 Cawthra Ave. Unit 101
Details: Beer and sausage go together like, well, beer and sausage. Join Two Bite Saloon and Junction Craft Brewing as they join forces in the name of collective deliciousness. Twenty bucks buys you two 10 oz Junction Craft beers and a plate of gourmet sausages with all the fixings.
Venus in Furs
When: Dec. 13 to Dec. 29, various times
Where: Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St.
Details: As we reported back in November, Canadian Stage is remounting Venus in Furs beginning this weekend, and relocating it to the Berkeley Street Theatre. The production is raunchy and (most likely) a welcome respite from the season's flood of Christmas carols and crowded holiday shopping excursions.
