The East End is buzzing this week, and the holiday magic is rolling in. Stroll the Distillery Winter Village, catch the Riverside Window Wonderland, or explore festive markets from St. Lawrence Market to Beach United Church. Santa’s popping up all over too, with tree lightings, photo-ops, and neighbourhood celebrations.

Peek at the full calendar for times, details, and everything happening this week.

EAST END MOM FRIENDS: HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES

Shop local for your baby’s gifts

Local Gift Ideas For Babies

A round up of gift recommendations from East End stores that will help you feel less overwhelmed while supporting local businesses during this crucial time. For many items, prices are comparable with Amazon!

SEE GIFT IDEAS FOR BABIES

Updated with more options: Kids Secondhand and Consignment Shops in Toronto’s East End

Playgroup waitlists open this week

Your EEMF admin team is busy planning the January-February playgroup session and waitlists will open on the website this week!

Why join a waitlist?

1. Be the first to know when registration opens for your group.

2. Demand changes every session along with everyone’s babies. Help us understand where we may need to add or remove groups in certain neighbourhoods!

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

🎄 Distillery Winter Village | Distillery DistrictUntil Jan 4 | Tickets req’d Fri-Sun after 4pm

❄️ Riverside Window Wonderland
Until Dec 10 | Queen St E btwn Davies and DeGrassi

🎁 Winter Market | St. Lawrence Market
Wed-Sun until Dec 22

🍽️ Community Dinner | 1470 Gerrard St E
Mon Nov 24 | 5-6pm

🍿 Movies for Mommies | Beaches CineplexThurs Nov 27 | 12-3pm

🎀 Holiday Shopping Event | August Kinn
Thurs Nov 27 | 6-9pm

🎁 Beach United Christmas Market | Beach United Church
Sat Nov 29 | 10am-3pm

🎅 Santa's Coming to Birchcliff | Artiful Gallery
Sat Nov 29 | 11am-1pm

🎄 Cliffcrest Artists Christmas Market | Birchcliff Bluffs United Church
Sat Nov 29 | 11am-1pm

🎅 Santa in the Beach & Tree Lighting Ceremony | Kew Gardens
Sat Nov 29 | 1-6pm

🎅 Santa Photos | 2234 Queen St E
Sun Nov 30 | 12-2pm

Farmers markets 🥕

Evergreen’s Saturday Farmers Market | Sat 8am-1pm
Allen Gardens Farmers’ Market | Sat 10am-2pm
Leslieville Farmers’ Market | Sun 9am-2pm (now indoors)

Line-Art Portrait Giveaway

Enter to win a Christmas Tree Ornament Family Line-Art Portrait or a Black Framed Line-Art Portrait from To You Jewelry!

Enter now on Instagram

*Closes Sun Nov 30, 2025 at 7pm

EARLYON CHILD & FAMILY CENTRES (0-6y)

Beyond circle time highlights

📚 Librarian Circle Time | Parent ResourcesMon Nov 24 | 11am

💡 Surrey Place Visit | West ScarboroughMon Nov 24 | 1-3pm

👨🏽‍🍼 Dad's Drop-In | Family ResourcesMon Nov 24 | 1:30-3pm

📚 Family Literacy Drop-in | EYET CosburnTuesdays | 1-4pm | Free book!

🧘🏽 Yoga for Moms | Access AllianceTues Nov 25 | 1:30-2:30pm

🐹 Pawsitively Pets | ApplegroveWeds Nov 26 | 10:15-11am

🤟🏼 Baby Sign Language Circle Time | Parent ResourcesWeds Nov 26 | 11-11:30am

🏳️‍🌈 Glitterbug: 2SLGBTQ+ EarlyON Mobile Program | EYET DanforthWeds Nov 26 | 3:30-5:30pm

📚 Reading Club | Parent ResourcesWednesdays | 3:30-4:30pm | 3y+

🏳️‍🌈 Rainbow Family Time | Birchmount
Thursdays | 9am-12pm

🌊 Swimming | West ScarboroughThursdays | 10-11am

🧸 Saturday Drop-In| AbionaSat Nov 29 | 9am-12pm

🧸 Play & Learn Drop-In| Family ResourcesSat Nov 29 | 9am-1pm

🧸 Drop-in | EastviewSun Nov 30 | 9:30am-1pm

You can find many more EarlyON activities on our full calendar.

CITY OF TORONTO RECREATION

Winter 2026 registration

You can now browse and favourite Winter 2026 Recreation programs in the online registration and booking portal.

For more information, check out our parents’ guide: How to Register for Free and Low-Cost Recreation Programs in Toronto

Registration dates:

Toronto East York: Tues Dec 2 | 7am
North York & Scarborough: Wed Dec 3 | 7am

Virtual preparation sessions:

Mon Nov 24 | 7-8:30pm
Mon Dec 1 | 7-8:30pm

City of Toronto staff will show how to use the online system to create a wish list, register, pay with or without a credit card and manage the Welcome Policy. Staff will also answer questions you have about using the system.

TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY