‘This is our house’: MLS Cup among weekend highlights in Toronto

Christmas Day is just over two weeks away and the city is buzzing with activity and excitement. Santa is back in town this weekend and this time he will be at Ripley’s Aquarium.

But the city is not just bustling with holiday merriment. Sports fans in Toronto will be cheering on The Reds who are on the cusp of capturing the the coveted MLS Cup.

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Toronto FC MLS Cup
Soccer fans will be flocking to BMO Field on Saturday for the 2016 MLS Cup. The Eastern Conference Champion, Toronto FC, will host the Western Conference Champion, Seattle Sounders. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.

 

The teams have only met once this season, playing to a 1-1 draw during a match at BMO Field on July 2. The Reds all-time record against the Sounders is 2-7-2.

Tickets for the one-game, winner-take-all match, sold out in minutes on Monday afternoon, but there are still re-sale tickets available.

The Nutcracker
The holiday tradition returns to Toronto starting Saturday. The E.T.A. Hoffmann classic children’s story, set in 19th century Russia, comes to life at the Four Seasons Centre, choreographed by James Kudelka and set to the score of Tchaikovsky.

One of the highlights of the story is the arrival of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and her ballet routine will leave you and your children with visions of sugar-plums dancing in your heads.

Ahead of the show, an education session will be held at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre to help your child get a better understanding of the programme. The Nutcracker runs until Dec. 31.

The Christmas Story
With all the shopping hype and hectic pace of the holiday season, the story of Christmas can get lost in all the noise.

The Nativity story based on the King James Bible will be told at the Church of the Holy Trinity. It will include narrated scenes and choir music. The role of baby Jesus will be played by several babies taking turns to play the starring role. Around 100 volunteers will be performing in one of two casts. The performances are being held from Dec. 9 to Christmas Eve.

 

The tickets are pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $20 for adults and $5 for children 17 and under. The church, which is wheelchair accessible, is located on the west side of the Eaton Centre at 19 Trinity Square.

Evergreen Brick Works Winter Village
Celebrate the holiday season with the Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works. Festivities kick off this Saturday and run until the end of February.

Guests can enjoy a variety of winter activities, including the Makers Market, which offers handmade gifts and unique items; the Evergreen Garden Market, for local gifts and sustainable Christmas trees; and the Farmers Market.

If you like the outdoors, you can check out the Children’s Garden, go for a hike, or brave the “fat bike” ride through the Don River Valley Park. The bikes used have wide, knobby (fat) tires. The new Street Food Market also opens this Saturday and features over 15 vendors serving internationally-inspired foods.

Holiday Fair in the Square
There’s no place like home for the holidays. Nathan Phillips Square is already decked out for the festive season with its illuminating Christmas tree, so it is the perfect place for a European-inspired holiday market and winter carnival.

 

Vendors will be selling hand-crafted items, warm drinks and tasty treats. You can also cozy up at the licensed ice bar as you sip on mulled wine or spirits. Children can marvel at the Holly Jolly Midway adorned with lights and tea cups, skate at the rink, write a letter to Santa and deliver it to him in-person, and learn how to make a stuffed toy,

The fair, which supports Epilepsy Toronto, starts Thursday and runs until Dec. 23. The midway is open weekdays from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Charity Holiday Concert
‘Tis the season for spreading hope and joy. Listen to the music inspired by the holiday season as you help support children’s mental health. The concert, which is being held at the Toronto Centre for the Arts on Sunday, raises money for the York Centre for Children, Youth and Families.

Juno-nominated artist Mark Masri and Juno- and Grammy-winning artist Liberty Silver will perform, and so will two choirs: the University of Toronto Gospel Choir and the Young Singers Children’s Choir. The concert is from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 and premium seating is $50.

Ripley’s Aquarium Breakfast with Santa
Join Santa Claus for breakfast under the sea this weekend at Ripley’s Aquarium.

The mouth-watering breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. this weekend and on Dec. 18. The breakfast costs $40 per person. Tickets include complimentary coat check, a family photo with St. Nick and a gift for children to take home at the end of the event. Call 843-916-0888 to reserve a spot.

Toronto Reptile Expo
Head to the Downsview Park Merchants Market this Sunday for the annual Toronto Reptile Expo.

The event is Canada’s longest-running reptile show and sale. It’s geared toward the snake, lizard, arachnid, and amphibian lover. The family event includes tons of vendors, reptile products, feeders and supplies, knowledgeable reptile keepers, and activities.

Free parking is available. Adult admission is $10, while children (aged 7-14) and seniors pay only $5. The Reptile Expo runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.