Free cinema series presenting first ever winter outdoor programming in Toronto

A free movie screening series known for their summer outdoor picture shows presented at parks across Toronto is now teaming up with one of the city’s most historic farmers’ markets to present winter outdoor programming for the first time ever.

Toronto Outdoor Picture Show has been popular for years in Toronto, drawing large crowds with their annual summer tradition of screening movies outdoors. Now, for the first time, they’re bringing that movie magic outside during the colder months of the year in the wintertime.

They’ll be screening movies this weekend at St. Lawrence Market, which is possibly one of the most magical and whimsical winter locations in the entire city of Toronto, and is also currently hosting their cheery seasonal winter market. The blend of historic vibes at the twinkly market and cozy movies should be enough to melt the heart of even the grumpiest of Grinches.

Toronto Outdoor Picture Show will be screening winter holiday classics outside on Market St. between The Esplanade and Wilton St., just outside of the big white tent at St. Lawrence Market.

They’ll be screening three winter classic holiday movies over the course of three evenings, each more cozy and cheery than the last.

On Dec. 5, they’ll be screening You’ve Got Mail from 1998, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan and oozing with holiday cheer, featuring lots of snowy scenes of New York City and a mushy romance plot.

They’ll be screening a collection of holiday short films on Dec. 6, running the gamut from the 1960s to the 2000s. The shorts that will be screened that night are How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Christmas Cracker, The Visit, Lights for Gita,Shaun the Sheep: The Flight before Christmas, Christmas at Moose Factory, It’s Snow, and Shrek the Halls.

On Dec. 7, they’ll be wrapping up the outdoor winter screening series with Tim Burton’s 1992 film Batman Returns, which similarly to You’ve Got Mail also has a reputation as an unconventional holiday season movie.

All movies start at 5 p.m. and chairs will be provided, but seating is first come, first served. Concessions will be available though outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted, and of course, be sure to bundle up and bring all your fluffiest blankets to snuggle up and stay warm during the movies.

While the outdoor movie screening series at St. Lawrence Market may only be running for one weekend, their Winter Market is ongoing throughout the holiday season.