TheBulletin.ca Journal of Downtown Toronto
Ilena Aldini-Messina —
The City of Toronto Historic Sites present several events in the fall that provide enriching entertainment for all ages while connecting visitors to Toronto’s rich history. Visit www.toronto.ca/museum-events for more information.
COLBORNE LODGE South end of High Park on Colborne Lodge Drive
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Limited free parking clodge@toronto.ca 416-392-6916
Christmas at Colborne Lodge
From Saturday, November 22 to January 4
Tuesdays to Sundays: Noon to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays, Dec 25, 26 and Jan 1
Warm up by the hearth at Colborne Lodge and take in the sights and smells of a Victorian Christmas, when decorations were made from natural greenery. Toast the season with a glass of hot mulled cider by the wood stove and nibble on special holiday treats. The Lodge is nestled at the south end of High Park. Holiday admission prices apply: Adults $7.08, Seniors/Youths/Children $4.42 (plus tax)
Christmas Wreath-Making Workshops (for Adults)
Saturday, November 22 & Sunday, November 23 at 2 p.m.
Start your Christmas preparations by creating your very own Christmas wreath using nature’s bounty. This two hour workshop is a popular pre-Christmas get-together activity for groups of friends and families. Set in picturesque High Park, the house offers a cozy historic ambience for this seasonal craft. A tour of the decorated rooms and light refreshments are included. Pre-registration required. $32.50 plus tax
Adult and Youth Wreath-Making Workshop
Saturday, November 22 at 10 a.m.
Adults and youths 10 to 15 years make their own Christmas wreaths. This two hour workshop is a unique opportunity to start the season doing a special activity together in the cosy historic ambience of Colborne Lodge’s 19th-century kitchen. A tour of the decorated rooms and light refreshments are included. Pre-registration required. Youths must be accompanied by an adult, maximum of 2 youths per adult. $55 plus tax for one adult and one youth, $22.50 plus tax for an additional youth.
GIBSON HOUSE MUSEUM 5172 Yonge Street. For access details/ directions during the adjacent construction, please visit our webpage www.toronto.ca/gibsonhouse
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Regular admission: Adults $5.48, Seniors/Youth $3.10, Children $2.62 (plus tax)
Limited free parking gibsonhouse@toronto.ca 416-395-7432
Bygone Theatre presents “The Rope”
Fridays and Saturdays, November 21, 22, 28 & 29, Shows at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Bygone Theatre presents The Rope at Gibson House Museum. Inspired by true events, Patrick Hamilton’s 1929 play is an edge-of-your-seat thriller about two young men who murder a classmate in cold blood, just for the sheer “thrill of it.” The story unfolds in real-time, watching as the young men host a party with the deceased still in their apartment. Director Emily Dix has updated this text and adapted the story for a Canadian audience in the beautiful site-specific setting of the historic Gibson House Museum. In-keeping with Bygone Theatre’s mandate and style, the show will be a beautiful period piece with authentic-styled props and costumes.
Ticket Info: Tickets are $20 and are available online at TO Tix or at the TO Tix box office. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door; cash only.
Victorian Tea
Sunday, November 30, Two seatings: 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
Enjoy an authentic Victorian tea, finger sandwiches and sweets in Mrs. Gibson’s parlour. Costumed interpreters host an afternoon tea in the setting of a mid-19th century home. Guests may tour the museum at their leisure. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Seating is limited. $20 plus tax.
Please call 416-395-7432 to book.
MACKENZIE HOUSE 82 Bond Street
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Regular Admission: Adults $6.19, Seniors/Youth $3.54, Children: $2.65 (plus tax)
Children (4 and under): Free.
Holiday Admission: Adults: $7.08, Seniors/Youth/Children:$4.42
machouse@toronto.ca 416-392-6915
A Victorian Christmas
Tuesday, November 25, until Sunday, January 4, 2015
Tuesday to Friday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This festive season take a step back in time to Victorian Toronto and experience the magic of a traditional Christmas in an 1859 row-house. Escape from the hustle and bustle while you enjoy a sample of mulled cider and a biscuit in the warmth of the historic kitchen. Discover the story of how families celebrated Christmas in 19th century Toronto as you tour the Mackenzie home which is dressed in greenery for the holidays.
During the Victorian Christmas program, until December 24, children are invited to write a letter to Santa Claus during their visit. Children love writing to Santa Claus to tell him about their Christmas wish lists. Select a card that has been printed on our 1845 printing press, and write a personal message. Drop the wish card into our magic post box and it will go to Santa! Included with admission. Adults: $7.08; Seniors /Youth/Children: $4.42 (plus tax)
MONTGOMERY’S INN 4709 Dundas Street West at Islington Avenue
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 1 to 5 p.m., Closed Mondays & Holidays.
Tearoom Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.
Regular Admission: Adults $5.71, Seniors/Youth $2.86, Children $1.90 (plus tax)
Free parking montinn@toronto.ca 416-394-8113
Montgomery’s Inn Farmers Market
Every Wednesday from, 2 to 6 pm.
Buy direct from local farmers and food artisans. Organic fruit and vegetables, organic wine, cheese, bread and prepared foods as well as ethically raised meat, honey and more! Free.
Toussaint: Traditions of the Dark Months
Friday, November 21, 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Featuring renowned performers Anne Lederman on fiddle and storyteller
Bruce Carmody.
Please note: we advise that some of the stories may not be suitable for children under 12 years of age.
A bewitching evening of storytelling and music from the Celtic tradition of Breton folklore, in which all gathered by the fire in the “Black Months” of November and December to hear the bleak and eerie tales of northern coastal France. With roots reaching far into ages past, this oral tradition stretches from pagan times through the Middle Ages (including tales of Merlin, Morgan le Faye and the ancient forest of Broceliande) and even later. Our evening will take you beyond King Arthur into the lesser-known realms of these rich and haunting tales. Tickets $20 plus tax for adults, $15 including tax for youth, students and seniors. Pre-registration is strongly recommended.
Details at http://danceweavers.ca/toussaint or call 416-578-1031.
Solfeggio Music Series at Montgomery’s Inn
Saturday November 22, and Sunday November 23 2 – 4 p.m.
Join us for classical music in the Community Room in partnership with Neapolitan Connection. Tours of the museum and refreshments are included in the ticket price. Adults $25 plus HST, children under 12 $12.50 plus HST. Tickets available at http://www.neapolitanconnection.com/.
Christmas Cookie Decorating
Saturday, November 22 or Sunday, November 23, 2 to 4 p.m.
Master Baker Monika Paradi will prepare you for Christmas with this hands-on workshop. Kids ages 6 – 12, along with their parents, learn to decorate seasonal cookies like a pro and leave the workshop with a half dozen decorated goodies, recipes and the inspiration to create your own edible Christmas treats! Pre-registration only $25 plus tax.
Stir Up Sunday
Sunday, November 23, 1 to 5 p.m.
Witness a working 19th century commercial kitchen when the Inn’s team of Historic Cooks present an afternoon of cooking demonstrations. Samples while supplies last! Included with regular admission.
Thirsty Thursdays
Thursday, November 27, 7 to 10 p.m.
The last Thursday of every month is Thirsty Thursday Tavern night at the Inn. Enjoy a glass of beer, wine, or a Thomas Montgomery specialty in our restored 1847 barroom! Montgomery’s Inn. Irish stew, fresh baked bread and live traditional music. Admission is free! Cash bar, $5.00 for a bowl of stew, while supplies last.
Solfeggio Music Series at Montgomery’s Inn
Saturday, November 29, 2 to 4 p.m.
Join us for classical music in the Community Room in partnership with Neapolitan Connection. Tours of the museum and refreshments are included in the ticket price. Adults $25 plus HST, children under 12 $12.50 plus HST. Tickets available at http://www.neapolitanconnection.com/.
Gingerbread House Workshop
Saturday, November 29 or Sunday, November 30, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. or 3 p.m.
Decorate your family’s dream house all together. All the supplies you need to create a classic gingerbread house will be provided. $30 per house plus tax, pre-registration only.
SCARBOROUGH MUSEUM 1007 Brimley Road, just north of Lawrence in Thomson Memorial Park
Hours: Wednesday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission is pay-what-you-can. shm@toronto.ca 416-338-8807
Movember Weekends – 12 to 4 p.m.
Things are getting hairy at Scarborough Museum! Make your own moustache or bake one and sample it with some freshly made potato soup. Admission is Pay What You Can.
SPADINA MUSEUM 285 Spadina Road
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 12 to 4 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m.
Holiday Admission: Adults $8.85,Seniors/Youth (13-18 yrs.) $7.08, Children (6-12 yrs.) $5.75 (plus tax), Children (5 and under) Free.
Paid parking next door at Casa Loma
416-392-6910 spadina@toronto.ca
A Roaring Twenties Christmas
November 25 to January 4
Tuesday to Friday: 12 to 4 p.m., Saturday & Sunday: 12 to 5 p.m.
Experience a 1920s Christmas on a guided tour of Spadina. Holly wreaths, garlands of evergreens and mistletoe adorn the house based on the memories of the Austin family grandchildren. In the kitchen, visitors will enjoy holiday treats made from original recipes and sip mulled cider warmed on the art deco gas range. Holiday admission applies.
TODMORDEN MILLS HERITAGE SITE
Bottom of Pottery Road, East of Bayview Avenue, West of Broadview Avenue
Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 12 to 4:30 p.m.
Regular Admission: Adults $5.31, Seniors/Youth $2.65, Children 6 to12 $1.77 (plus tax)
Children 5 and under free. Free parking todmorden@toronto.ca 416-396-2819
Holiday Greeting Cards – A Workshop for Families (6 yrs. & up)
Saturday November 29, 1 to 4 p.m.
From pop-ups to collage! Learn about the origins of holiday greeting cards while you create a set of personalized cards to send to loved ones. Adults: $15; Children: $8 (plus tax). Advanced ticket purchase required.
In the Papermill Gallery:
November 5 to 16 – Toronto Watercolour Society
November 19 to 30 – Don Valley Art Club Art Show and Sale
In the Papermill Theatre:
Amicus Productions present Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand
November 13 to 22
Cyrano has it all in 1600’s Paris! He’s brimming with brains, talent and vigour. But he has a grotesquely long nose that prevents him from courting his secret love, the beguiling Roxane, so he enlists the help of his friend, Christian, to woo Roxane in his place. Enjoy a ribald evening of wits, wordplay and swordplay that will answer the burning question—who will Roxane fall for: Christian or Cyrano? Tickets available at http://amicusproductions.wordpress.com or 416-860-6176.
Alexander Showcase Theatre presents Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
November 27 to December 7
This unique production is a play of a group of radio actors in the late 1940’s putting on an adaptation of Dickens’ beloved tale. Sit back and watch the voice actors at radio station WAPR give life to Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and little Tiny Tim. Rediscover the Golden Age of radio as “A Christmas Carol” is presented in its entirety as a fully staged 1940’s radio play. Please call 416-324-1259 or visit www.alexandershowcasetheatre.com for tickets.
