The 13 most awesome, munchkin-friendly, relatively painless activities happening in the city this month.
Events selected by Bunchland
1. Jordan Crane, indie-comics legend and illustrator (see: James and the Giant Peach), reads from his new picture book, Keep Our Secrets.
Dec. 1. Free. Little Island Comics, 742 Bathurst St., 416-901-7489. 5 p.m.
2. Kid Icarus Handmade Holiday Arts and Crafts Show is a day-long showcase of local paper products, poster art, soft toys, kids’ clothes and more.
Dec. 3. Kids under 12 free, adults $2. St. Stephen-in-the-Fields, 103 Bellevue Ave. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
3. Decorate a gingerbread house at this Habitat for Humanity fundraiser. Or order a kit online and decorate wherever you like.
Dec. 3 and 4. $50. 155 Bermondsey Rd., 416-755-7353. 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
4. NFB Mediatheque’s e-card workshops teach techie tots how to animate their own.
Dec. 3–4, 10–11, 17–18. $5. 150 John St., 416-973-3012.
5. Sinterklaas, wooden-clog painting and baked goods: Dutch Christmas rocks!
Dec. 4. $15 for kids, $12 for adults. Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., 416-979-7799. 1:30 p.m.
6. The Shoestring Magic Flute is filled with dragons, dark forests and damsels in distress, making this kid-friendly show an action-packed introduction to Mozart.
Dec. 4. $14. Solar Stage Children’s Theatre, 100 Upper Madison Ave., 416-368-8031. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
7. Forget the sleigh. St. Nicholas arrives to his story-telling session at the Distillery District’s Christmas Market on horseback.
Dec. 5. Free. 55 Mill St., 416 364-1177. 6 p.m.
8. In The Nutty Nutcracker, students of the School of Performing Arts for the Community of East York put their twist on the classic, complete with epic battles and a land of sweets.
Dec. 9. Free. St. Columba and All Hallows Anglican Church, 2723 St. Clair Ave. E., 416-850-1677. 6:30 p.m.
9. Nativity play The Story is told at sites around the Evergreen Brick Works, with the audience walking from scene to scene. Wear your winter woolies and boots.
Dec. 13–30. Kids $10, adults $25. 550 Bayview Ave., 416-504-0019. Times vary.
10. Kids learn how to make a paper lantern to carry in the winter solstice parade.
Dec. 12. $10 suggested donation. Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil St., 416-598-3729. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
11. Formerly known as the Festival of Lights, the Kensington Market Winter Solstice celebrates the longest night of the year with a lantern parade, drums, costumes and puppets.
Dec. 21. Free. Oxford and Augusta. 6:30 p.m.
12. Dr. Seuss’s classic tales set to music, Seussical follows the escapades of Horton the Elephant when he discovers Whoville.
Until Dec. 30. $15–$20. Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front St. E., 416-862-2222. Times vary.
13. Outdoor free skating + DJ = an awesome night at Harbourfront. Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. Free. The Natrel Rink. 8–11 p.m.
