TORONTO: December 12, 2019 – GreekTown on the Danforth BIA, with programming support from East
End Arts, presents the first annual Winter in GreekTown – a free series of performances, workshops and
events designed to light up the winter nights during the darkest days of the year throughout December.
The Festival features two signature events, workshops, a pop-up storefront and activities for families.
Local musicians will bring a touch of nostalgia with a performance of the Vince Guaraldi Charlie Brown
Christmas album in its entirety, performed in Alexander the Great Parkette (Danforth & Logan) amongst
the gorgeous holiday lights! Local musician Alan Zemaitis takes the lead on piano, Chris Kettlewell on
contra bass & Kyle Sullivan laying down the jazzy festive beats on Tuesday December 17th from 6-7pm.
On the eve of the Winter Solstice, neighbours are invited to join in a Lantern Parade on the Danforth
with fire-spinners from Axiom Circus, street performers and more! Residents and guests are invited to
bring their lanterns, lights and noise makers to help scare away the darkness on the darkest day of the
year, on Friday December 20th, by gathering at Alexander the Great Parkette at 6pm.
“Through our annual Taste of the Danforth Festival and vibrant patio culture we have branded
GreekTown as the go-to place in the summer for food and fun. Now it’s time to extend that status into
the shoulder season as well. We’re so excited to show Toronto that GreekTown is the place to go, no
matter what the season. There is literally something for everyone,” says Mary Fragedakis, Executive
Director, GreekTown on the Danforth BIA.
There is also a host of events for families and children in the Alexander the Great Parkette and our
special Winter in GreekTown pop-up space at 519 Danforth Ave These include Lantern Making
Workshops with artist Savenaz Rayati on December 14th and 15th so people can prepare for the Lantern
Parade, Santa on the Square (including Paws & Claus hours!) and Magic Wand Making Workshops,
with artists from the Unicorn Festival.
A full schedule of events and times can be found at https://greektowntoronto.com/winter/
While the Danforth is best known for Canada’s largest outdoor street party, Taste of the Danforth,
Winter in GreekTown invites residents and visitors to see the Danforth in a whole new light, and is the
perfect antidote to the darkness of winter. Events and surprises continue to be added so we encourage
you to keep checking the website.
Presented By GreekTown on the Danforth BIA with support from the City of Toronto BIA Innovation
Fund and East End Arts
- Lantern Making Workshops
Dates: Saturday December 14th and Sunday December 15th
Location: 519 Danforth Avenue
Time: 12-4pm - Santa on the Square
Dates: Saturday December 14th and Sunday December 15th
Location: Alexander the Great Parkette
Time: 12-3pm - Paws & Claus
Dates: Saturday December 14th and Sunday December 15th
Location: Alexander the Great Parkette
Time: 3-4pm - Charlie Brown Christmas Album Performance
Enjoy the Vince Guaraldi “Charlie Brown Christmas” album in its entirety.
Date: Tuesday December 17th
Location: Alexander the Great Parkette
Time: 6-7pm - Lantern Parade on Danforth with Axiom Circus
Date: Friday December 20th
Location: Danforth Avenue – meet at Alexander the Great Parkette
Time: 6-7pm - Magic Wand-Making Workshops with Unicorn Festival
Dates: Saturday December 21st and Sunday December 22nd
Location: 519 Danforth Avenue
Time: 12-4pm - Family Christmas Carols
Date: Tuesday December 24th
Location: 511 Danforth Avenue
Time: 7-8pm - Sam Dickinson Trio
Dates: Friday December 27th and Saturday December 28th
Location: Alexander the Great Parkette
Time: 6-8pm
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Further information, photos, and interviews are available upon request.
Contact: GreekTown on the Danforth BIA: bia@greektowntoronto.com | 416-469-5634