December 18


CHRISTMAS IN OUR RESTAURANTS


Cranberries

Cranberries is again making its three-course Christmas dinner. They’re very popular.  Start with butternut squash soup or mixed green salad, then a roast turkey plate with all the trimmings and apple pie with ice cream for dessert.  There'll be three seatings - 2 pm, 5 pm and 7:30 pm.  $50. Places are filling up already so call now for your reservation - (416) 925-6330. 601 Parliament.


Blake House

They’re offering a special dinner featuring roast turkey and the trimmings and caramel walnut cheesecake for dessert.  Monday to Saturday, $37.  449 Jarvis


Stout Irish Pub

Open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Erin has brunch from 11 am to 3 pm and a special dinner with turkey and all the trimmings for $30 each day. 221 Carlton.


House on Parliament

If you want a drink with your friends on Christmas Day, the HoP has it for you.  Open from noon to 5 pm for bar service only.  Open again on Boxing Day from 11 am for brunch and regular service. 454 Parliament


Bisou

Enjoy a special holiday menu - click here. Come for brunch on Fridays and Saturdays and for happy hour from 4 to 7 pm. 350 Berkeley  


Cocktail classes at Zero

On Friday at 7 pm, learn about seasonal non-alcoholic cocktails at Zero Cocktail Bar (225 Carlton). For a full list of Zero’s events, click here.


Bluet Bakery

Yeva and James have opened their new bakery (245 Gerrard) and they’re ready to take Christmas orders.  Check out their cookies and cakes online here.  


LOCAL NEWS


A new mural

Street Art has approved the mural project for the wall in the lane beside the Cabbagetown Youth Centre.  It’s a big mural.  It is, in part, a tribute to our great friend, Michael Cavanaugh.  It’s also a way to connect the neighbourhood with the CYC and it’ll clean up that part of the lane.  The organizers at Community Matters Toronto are planning a series of events to inspire neighbours’ suggestions for the wall including art classes starting in January, a walking tour of the local Bell Boxes, a historical walk of Cabbagetown and an Art Show and a Film Event. More news and contacts will come in the New Year.


Float your ideas

Waterfront Toronto is searching for professional artists and teams to bid on an opportunity to create a floating artwork for Harbour Square Park Basin.  They’ve published a description of the project, its deadlines and its terms. 


Strawpoll 

Which Cabbagetown home has the best lights?  The Cabbagetown Residents Association is running its annual poll to learn who has created the best lighting display.  Click here to see the choices and click on a photo to enlarge it.  The poll ends on Boxing Day.  One vote per IP address.


David Allan March

David is showing his art every weekend in the Tasting Gallery at Daniel et Daniel (250 Carlton) until January 25.  You can see his work on Instagram.


Allan Gardens display

The Conservatory has been decorated for the holidays.


Distillery Winter Village

Tickets are required for entry into the Distillery after 4 pm until  December 31.  Entry is free between 10 am and 4 pm.  The program at the Winter Village is now in full swing. On Thursday, the Myriad Ensemble will sing from 7 to 9 pm.  Crane Creations Theatre Company puppets will perform every Sunday from 1 to 6 pm. The McGregor Carollers will stroll through the Village regularly. For more info on all of these events and about special vendors, click here.


Cabbagetown lights

Residents on Wellesley Avenue have really taken the Christmas season seriously.  The small street makes a big impact.


Lighting up the park

Every year, this home is decorated with cheery Christmas decorations. 


COMING EVENTS


Movies at Stout 

Weekly free movie nights at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). The lineup features family movies - bring your kids. On December 21, it’s “A Christmas Story” and on December 28. “Elf”. .   There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. Please contact Erin to save your spot - (647) 344-7676 and erin@stoutirishpub.ca 


Allan Gardens Farmers Market

The Farmers Market (19 Horticultural Ave) returns from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday. This is the final market for 2025.  It’ll be back in early January.


FOR YOUR BODY


Glow in the dark

On Sunday December 21 at 5 pm, Sequins (552 Parliament) presents a Winter Solstice ceremony. “On the longest night of the year, come gently settle into Winter with a clear breath and warm hands. Afton will lead you through a 90 minute solstice workshop: part movement, part craft, and wholly luminous. A gentle ritual for winter, and a reminder that light returns.” $21 with discounts for members. Click here to register.


Cycle Solutions’ winter sale

Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) has a great winter sale - in time for your Christmas shopping.  Sale items range from bikes to accessories.  And while you’re there, check out the winter storage options. Click here.


Outdoor skating rinks

Four nearby rinks are open on Thursday December 18  - Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne),  Regent Park (480 Shuter), Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne) and Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview). Check the City’s website for specifics about each rink - local conditions and the weather will affect rink openings.


Get your flu shot

Vaccines are now available for flu and covid protection.  Check your favourite neighbourhood pharmacy. Click here to see a list of local pharmacies offering these vaccines. 


WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS 

Here’s your list, day by day, of events and specials in our clubs and pubs for the next ten days. For contact info, see the list at the bottom of this page. 


THURSDAY DECEMBER 18 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 28


THURSDAY DECEMBER 18


Johnny Gs

8 pm, Jazz Night with Third Hand Band


Lisbon Hotel

7 pm, Grapes & Grooves - funky disco and half price wine.


Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess


Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, open mic with City Love


Super Bargain

8 pm, All vinyl night with DJ Stevie Kicks


FRIDAY DECEMBER 19


Alice’s Place 

Karaoke night. 


Bisou

4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony


Johnny Gs

8 pm, Jazz Night with Sean Stanley Trio


Old Flame

7 pm, live entertainment with Freddy on guitar


Zero Cocktail Bar 

7  pm, cocktail class


SATURDAY DECEMBER 20


Bisou

4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony


Decoy

10 pm, DJ Mas Aya with Latin, dub and traditional music


Johnny Gs

8 pm, Jazz Night with Levi & Dave


Mill Street Brewpub

Noon to 4 pm, live music and DJ with brunch


Old Flame Brewery

2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Sarah


SUNDAY DECEMBER 21


Old Flame Brewery 

2 pm, live entertainment with Dan Young


Stout Irish Pub 

5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - A Christmas Story


MONDAY DECEMBER 22


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 


TUESDAY DECEMBER 23


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia 


WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 24


F’Amelia

5 pm, Wine Wednesday with half priced bottles


Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, Trivia night 


Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Euchre night


THURSDAY DECEMBER 25


See the story (above) for listings about Christmas Day events.


FRIDAY DECEMBER 26


Alice’s Place 

Karaoke night. 


Bisou

4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony


Johnny Gs

8 pm, Jazz Night


Old Flame

7 pm, live entertainment with Boathouse Blues


SATURDAY DECEMBER 27


Bisou

4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony


Johnny Gs

8 pm, Jazz Night


Old Flame Brewery

1 pm, live music with Mark Villamore


SUNDAY DECEMBER 28


Old Flame Brewery 

2 pm, live music with Bianca Rollo


Stout Irish Pub

5:30, Sunday movie night - Elf 


CONTACT INFO

Alphabetical lists for restaurants in Cabbagetown, Canary District, Corktown, Distillery and Regent Park.


Cabbagetown

Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament, (647) 931-9088

Bisou - 350 Berkeley (at Gerrard), (437) 971-7150

Blondies - 419 Parliament, (437) 341-1555

Butter Chicken Factory - 560 Parliament, (416) 964-7583

Chew Chew’s Diner - 186 Carlton, (416) 323-0068

China Gourmet - 235 Carlton, (416) 515-0088

Church’s Texas Chicken - 537 Parliament, (416) 519-3846

Desi Bit3S - 568 Parliament, (416) 928-9731

Epos Coffee - 290 Gerrard E

Falcha Fusion  - upstairs, 568 Parliament, (416) 926-9141

F’Amelia - 12 Amelia, (416) 323-0666

Gushi - 296 Gerrard E (at Parliament), (437) 241-1710

Hakka Bistro - 398 Parliament, (416) 944-3033

Hakka & Jerk - 296A Gerrard E, (647) 643-5405

House on Parliament - 454 Parliament, (416) 925-4074

Jet Fuel - 519 Parliament, (416) 968-9982

Johnny G’s - 478 Parliament, (647) 368-3877

Ju Sushi Bar - 383 Dundas E, (416) 594-0383

Kibo - 533 Parliament, (647) 352-3788

Kingyo Fisherman’s Market - 51B Winchester, (647) 748-2121

L’Avenue - 583 Parliament, (647) 368-8008

La Gloria Mexican Coffee - 453 Parliament, (647) 806-6383

Luis H - 556 Parliament, (416) 964-1000

Madras Curry - 178 Carlton, (416) 323-0000

Maya Bay - 252 Carlton, (416) 924-8989

Mikaku Udon Bar - 229 Carlton, (416) 323-0033

Momo Ghar - 568 Parliament, (416) 920-8224

My Pandan Cake - 246 Gerrard E, , (416) 276-6698

New Retro - 193 Carlton, (416) 519-8511

New Town - 413 Parliament, (437) 777-8260

Noushe - 200 Carlton, (416) 466-9595

Pastor Tacos - 245 Gerrard E, (647) 687-1175

Phosome - 482 Parliament, (416) 551-6395

Pisac Peruvian Bistro - 195 Carlton, (416) 515-0989

Playground Cafe - 492 Parliament, (437) 799-5248

Poopathi Mess - 585 Parliament, (416) 923-4243

Rayah - 505 Parliament, 

Red Cranberries - 601 Parliament, (416) 925-6330

Saigon Pai - 446 Parliament, (416) 920-8424

Salt & Tobacco - 521 Parliament, (647) 348-2993 

Shalom Ethiopian - 587 Parliament, (416) 964-7271

Souvlaki Express - 484 Parliament, (416) 637-6777

Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton, (647) 344-7676

Super Bargain - 441 Parliament, (416) 266-6471

Tasso - 540 Parliament

Tender Trap - 580 Parliament, (416) 920-5147

Thai Room - 243 Carlton, (647) 352-8424

The Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament, (416) 392-1039

The Vibrational Apothecary - 243 Gerrard E

Urban Thai - 415 Parliament, (416) 513-1020

Wing House - 420 Parliament, (416) 968-0294

Wing Machine - 443 Parliament, (416) 961-1000

Zakkushi on Carlton - 193 Carlton, (647) 352-9455

Zero Cocktail Bar - 223 Carlton, (416) 920-9376


Canary District

barBurrito - 464 Front E,  (416) 601-1777

Cherry Street BBQ - 275 Cherry, (416) 461-5111

Fuel+ - 469 Front E, (416) 306-6480

Keating Channel - 2 Villiers, (416) 572-0030

Region - 475 Front E, (416) 864-0800

Souk Tabule - 494 Front E, (416) 583-5914

SukhoTHAI - 460 Front, (416) 777-2092


Corktown

Banknote Bar - 474 Adelaide E, (416) 367-7327

Berkeley Cafe - 262 The Esplanade, (416) 825-0504

Decoy Bar - 370 Queen E

East Coast Donair - 314 Parliament 

Figs - 344 Queen E, (416) 913-7205

Fusilli - 531 Queen E, (416) 214-5148

Gusto 501 - 501 King E, (416) 477-5647

Impact Kitchen - 573 King E, (416) 306-1986

King Solomon & Queen of Sheba Ethiopian - 360 Queen E, (416) 368-9002

Ladybug Wine Bar - 514 King E, (437) 222-0142

Lisbon Hotel - 19 Lawren Harris Square

Mengrai Thai - 82 Ontario, (416) 840-2754

Signature Bar - 320 Queen E, (416) 996-6004

Reyna - 354 King E, (416) 546-3155

Sumach Espresso - 118 Sumach, (647) 351-3833

The Rosebud - 498 Queen E, (647) 531-1388

Wood 900 Grill+ Bar - 372 Queen E, (416) 363-1571


Distillery

Arena Coffee Bar - 15 Tank House Lane

Arvo - 17 Grist Mill Lane, (647) 352-2786

Balzac - 1 Trinity St,  (416) 207-1709

Boku Japanese - 42 Gristmill Lane, (416) 368-8686

Brick Street Bakery - 27 Trinity St, 

Cluny - 35 Tank House Lane, (416) 203-2632

Eataly - 21 Trinity

El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, (416) 203-2121

Jardin Kitchen & Juice Bar - 28 Gristmill Lane,  (416) 203-2363

Madrina - 2 Trinity St, (416) 548-8055

Mill Street Brew Pub - 21 Tank House Lane, (416) 681-0338

Old Flame Brewery- 45 Tank House Lane, (416) 360-1209

Pure Spirits - 17 Tank House Lane, (416) 361-5859

Scooped by Demetres - 46 Gristmill Lane,(416) 988-2482

SpiritHouse Toronto - 16 Trinity St, (416) 948-9926

Young Centre Cafe - 50 Tank House Lane, (416) 866-8666


Regent Park

Cafe Zuzu - 555 Dundas E, (416) 815-2660

Liberty Pizza - 657 Dundas E