Australian Culture

🎄✨ Christmas Encore: The Boxing Day Edition ✨🎄 Toronto Babel | Language Exchange & Social Night @ Madison Ave Pub We’re back at Madison Ave Pub on Friday, December 26 . 🎁🎅 Come join us for Christmas Encore: The Boxing Day Edition — a cozy, high-energy night of conversation, culture, and global connections 🌍✨ Whether you’re keeping the festive spirit alive or just looking for the perfect Friday night out, this is your sign. Come practice a language, meet new faces from around the world, and enjoy that post-Christmas, no-pressure, good-vibes-only atmosphere 🍻🎄 ✨ What to Expect: ✅ Language Exchange & Social Mingling 🗣️ ✅ Make New Friends 💬 ✅ New Arts & Crafts Table 🎨✨ ✅ Fun Board Games ♟️ ✅ Live acoustic band ✅ DJ Keiko Ojima 🇯🇵 spinning in the new Babylon Room 🎶🔥 📍 Madison Ave Pub — 14 Madison Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 2S1 🕖 Doors Open: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Pull up solo or bring a friend — either way, you’ll leave with new connections, good laughs, and that warm holiday-afterglow feeling 🫶🎄✨ 💵 Entry Options: • $5 or FREE entry when you bring a small gift (under $10) 🎁 — gifts will go toward our Kris Kringle / Secret Santa exchange 🎅✨ Your support helps cover meetup costs, name tags, games, stickers, and all the little details that keep the magic going 💫 📲 E-transfer available: tmg8@wealthsimple.me 📩 Contact: Terry (Organizer) Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/TorontoBabel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/torontobabel WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EYMdUw8XaxE5irFSNg5bt7 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t.o.babel 📅 Check our calendar to RSVP & see upcoming events: http://www.meetup.com/TorontoBabel/#calendar #TorontoBabel #BoxingDayToronto ##KrisKringle #LanguageExchange #TorontoEvents #MadisonPub #todotoronto #torontolife 🎄🎁✨

🎬 Let’s Go to the Movies (and Actually Talk… or Not) Whether you're a film nerd, popcorn enthusiast, or just looking for a chill night out with interesting people — this one's for you. We’re heading out to see a movie together, then grabbing food or drinks after. If the film's great (or terrible), we’ll probably talk about it forever. If it’s just okay, we’ll talk about it for 10 minutes and move on to everything else — books, dating apps, weird dreams, how Toronto keeps getting more expensive, etc. The vibe is relaxed, friendly, and not too serious. No film degree needed. No icebreakers. No pressure to “perform.” Just come enjoy the film, connect with some thoughtful people, and see where the night goes 🎞️ **Movie Title + Trailer:** [[Click here to watch the trailer!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az8M5Mai0X4)] 📖 **📖 Plot Summary:** Doug (Jack Black) and Griff (Paul Rudd) have been best friends since they were kids, and have always dreamed of remaking their all-time favorite movie: the cinematic "classic" Anaconda. When a midlife crisis pushes them to finally go for it, they head deep into the Amazon to start filming. But things get real when an actual giant anaconda appears, turning their comically chaotic movie set into a deadly situation. The movie they’re dying to make? It might just get them killed. *** ### 🗓️ **Event Details** 📍 **Meetup Time:** 6:30pm....I will only wait 5mins 🎬 **Movie Start Time:** 6:50pm ⏱️ **Runtime:** 1hr39mins 📌 **Meetup Spot:** I will be at the top of the escalators on the 4th floor and I will be wearing my Moose Hat. 🎟️ **Cost:** * **$11.50** for *CineClub* members * **$16.00** regular admission 👉 You are responsible for buying your own ticket. **🪑 Reserved Seating:** You must buy your ticket *before* signing up. You'll be asked where you're sitting so we can all sit together! 🎫 Buy your ticket here: [https://www.cineplex.com](https://www.cineplex.com) 📍🪑 **Where I will be sitting:** I will be in ROW "G" SEAT "13" 🍿 **After the Movie:** Yes, we’re heading out after! It’s not just a movie night — it’s a social night. Let's talk, laugh, and dissect every plot twist. *** ### ✅ **Before You Sign Up** * Please **buy your ticket first** — seating is limited! * When signing up, let us know your **seat number** so we can try to group everyone together. * You can still sign up or just **show up on the day** if you’re not sure you can make it — we’re flexible! 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:** [Click here to join](#) 🎟️ **Join Cineplex’s CineClub for discounts**: [https://www.cineplex.com/cineclub](https://www.cineplex.com/cineclub) 🎁 **Get your SCENE Card** for free movies and points: [https://www.scene.ca](https://www.scene.ca) *** ### 🎥 **A Quick Word About Movie Etiquette** We love a great film experience. Please: * Turn off your phone * Don’t talk during the movie * Be respectful of others Repeat offenders will be removed from the group — we take our cinema seriously (but with snacks). *** ### 👥 **About the Group** This event is open to everyone — single, not single, shy, social, new in town or a long-time local. We're a group for people who love movies *and* making real connections. We also do walks, hikes, restaurants, arts & culture — come be part of it! 🎬 **Organized by:** Mathew 📧 Questions? Reach out: **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**

Avoid the Boxing Day shopping crowds and come hike with TBTC ‘s Hiking Director and club President instead. The Toronto Islands are very peaceful in the Winter Season. We will catch the 2:15 or 2:45 pm ferry to be back in the city by 3:00 pm. Bring a lunch, snacks, water, a hot beverage, and icers. Dress in warm layers appropriate to the weather. Heated washrooms available. Dropout anytime by walking back to the Ward's Island Ferry Dock. We will hike towards Hanlan's Point and return to Ward's Island (the only ferry destination served in the Winter) - approximately 5-6 km each way. RSVP Does not complete your registration. Please register on the hike schedule at the link below: [https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/urban-walk-annual-tbtc-boxing-day-hike-4/2025-12-26/](https://hikes.brucetrail.org/event/urban-walk-annual-tbtc-boxing-day-hike-4/2025-12-26/)

\# ❄️🥾Mount Pleasant Cemetery Winter Walk ### **Toronto’s Most Peaceful Winter Walk** Join me for a gentle 90-minute winter stroll through one of Toronto’s most beautiful hidden gems — **Mount Pleasant Cemetery.** This isn’t just a cemetery — it’s like walking through a living museum and botanical garden, full of winding paths, tall evergreens, and peaceful charm. It’s also one of the best places in the city to meet friendly people, share good conversation, and soak in the quiet magic of winter. 💫 **Did you know?** When Mount Pleasant first opened in 1876, it was a *Victorian-day destination*! Torontonians would dress up, hop on a streetcar, and spend the day here picnicking and strolling before heading back downtown. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🕚 Meetup Details **Meetup Time:** 11:00am (I’ll wait 5 minutes) **Meetup Spot:** Inside the main gates of Mount Pleasant Cemetery at the **Yonge Street entrance** (the one with the big stone archway). Look for me — I’ll be wearing my *famous Moose Hat!* 🦌 **End Spot:** Right back where we started. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🍗 Lunch After After the walk, join us for a cozy lunch at **Swiss Chalet!** Great food, friendly prices, and warm vibes — the perfect way to wrap up a winter morning. \*\*\* \#\#\# 💲 Meetup Fee **$5 cash in person** or **E-transfer** to: 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) (This small fee helps support the group and future events!) \*\*\* \#\#\# 🧣 What to Bring * Warm boots and layers * Hat and gloves * A drink to keep you cozy ☕ * A small snack if you like ☃️ **Weather:** This walk happens in *any kind of weather* (we’ll only cancel if it’s -20°C or colder). Remember — *there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing!* 😉 \*\*\* \#\#\# 💬 Final Notes * You can **just show up** — no need to commit early! * Please keep an eye out for updates in case of cancellation. * 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) \*\*\* ✨ This is one of the best, calmest, and friendliest ways to spend a winter morning in Toronto — good company, good conversation, and a peaceful setting that feels miles away from the city. **Organizer:** Mathew 📩 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](http://torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com/)

# ❄️🥾Mount Pleasant Cemetery Winter Walk ### **Toronto’s Most Peaceful Winter Walk** Join me for a gentle 90-minute winter stroll through one of Toronto’s most beautiful hidden gems — **Mount Pleasant Cemetery.** This isn’t just a cemetery — it’s like walking through a living museum and botanical garden, full of winding paths, tall evergreens, and peaceful charm. It’s also one of the best places in the city to meet friendly people, share good conversation, and soak in the quiet magic of winter. 💫 **Did you know?** When Mount Pleasant first opened in 1876, it was a *Victorian-day destination*! Torontonians would dress up, hop on a streetcar, and spend the day here picnicking and strolling before heading back downtown. *** ### 🕚 Meetup Details **Meetup Time:** 11:00am (I’ll wait 5 minutes) **Meetup Spot:** Inside the main gates of Mount Pleasant Cemetery at the **Yonge Street entrance** (the one with the big stone archway). Look for me — I’ll be wearing my *famous Moose Hat!* 🦌 **End Spot:** Right back where we started. *** ### 🍗 Lunch After After the walk, join us for a cozy lunch at **Swiss Chalet!** Great food, friendly prices, and warm vibes — the perfect way to wrap up a winter morning. *** ### 💲 Meetup Fee **$5 cash in person** or **E-transfer** to: 📧 **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** (This small fee helps support the group and future events!) *** ### 🧣 What to Bring * Warm boots and layers * Hat and gloves * A drink to keep you cozy ☕ * A small snack if you like ☃️ **Weather:** This walk happens in *any kind of weather* (we’ll only cancel if it’s -20°C or colder). Remember — *there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing!* 😉 *** ### 💬 Final Notes * You can **just show up** — no need to commit early! * Please keep an eye out for updates in case of cancellation. * 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) *** ✨ This is one of the best, calmest, and friendliest ways to spend a winter morning in Toronto — good company, good conversation, and a peaceful setting that feels miles away from the city. **Organizer:** Mathew 📩 torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com

***Join us for THE MID-CENTURY MODERNES Matinee at The Duke, 2–5 PM! They'll be receiving your donations of coats, any type of clothing, housewares, or gift cards to support those in need. Sponsored by Abuse Hurts.*** ***There is also a cover charge of just $10 for the band. We've enjoyed the Mid-Century Modernes in the past and they're well worth it.*** ***I (Alex) won't be hosting like I have in the past. Instead I'll be hanging out with everyone.*** ***Hoping to see some old friends as well as new ones. For those who don't know me I'll be wearing a bright orange Giants jersey. Just seek me out!*** ***Come out and dance and enjoy great live classic rock while donating to a great cause!!*** ***Please make your own reservations closer to the 27th.*** ***We will have individual cheques.*** ***HOPING TO SEE YOU ALL DECEMBER 27TH @ THE DUKE!!***

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $15 and $45 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (for Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. **Program is also offered in private and online classes**. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as oral as these ones. We guarantee it! Group classes are hosted at **600 Bay Street** every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Call (647)904-5285 upon arrival if no one is there to let you in, and someone will come down to let you in. Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

Should you be around over the December holidays--we can fit in ONE last outing! A 60th anniversary screening of this documentary. Ticket link is below. $10-$15 per ticket This Genie Award–winning documentary follows a **30-year-old Leonard Cohen on a visit to his hometown of Montreal**. Before he was the celebrated musician, Cohen was a poet and a novelist. This NFB documentary casually observes Cohen in his daily routine: he bathes, he gets a haircut, he delivers a reading before an audience. As he goes about his day, a portrait emerges of a thoughtful, perceptive and soulful man. (This documentary is 45 mins) *Screening with:* **Poen \|** D: Josef Reeve \| Canada \| 1967 \| 4 min Leonard Cohen delivers four different readings of a poem from his book *Beautiful Losers*. Each time it is a little different, and each time the accompanying visuals evoke new responses. **Poets on Film No. 1** \| D: Bozenna Heczko\, Elizabeth Lewis\, Gayle Thomas & Janet Perlman \| Canada \| 1977 \| 8 min This short film brings together animated interpretations of four poems by Canadian writers: *Riverdale Lion* by John Robert Colombo, *A Kite Is a Victim* by Leonard Cohen, *Klaxon* by James Reaney and George Johnston’s *The Bulge*. **Ticket link here:** (tickets have just gone on-sale) Don't sit so close--say row G and behind.. https://hotdocs.ca/whats-on/films/mr-leonard-cohen A nice way to end the year... Hot Docs in Toronto with Leonard Cohen in Montreal

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $18 and $36 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

Hey Toronto! This is your weekly escape into global cultures. [Click this WhatsApp Groupchat Link to join ](https://l.gourl.es/l/4ed7dff035771e7de7cc448f4403465c1b8d1f99?u=7709345) Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people in their 20s and 30s gather for a mix of language practice, travel stories, and community. Whether you’re new in town or born here, this is where world citizens connect. No judgment, no pressure — just pure, human interaction.

Join us for a fun and dynamic Cultural Exchange & Language Meetup where you can practice both Japanese and English with native speakers and language enthusiasts. This event is perfect for International and Exchange Students looking to enhance their language skills and make new friends. Whether you're a beginner or fluent speaker, everyone is welcome to engage in conversations, language games, and cultural activities. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture, connect with diverse individuals from around the world, and broaden your perspective through meaningful interactions. Expand your language proficiency, forge international friendships, and create unforgettable memories at our welcoming and inclusive meetup. Don't miss this opportunity to exchange languages, share experiences, and foster a global community right in the heart of our vibrant city.

Hello everyone, I'd like to invite you out for a fantastic Sunday afternoon with **Name That Tune.** A great way to make lots of new friends, share some laughs and enjoy all the best music that we love. \*We will be joining my other social groups too, so we can look forward to a great turn out and great afternoon **Date:** Sunday November December 28th **Time** 4:00-6:30 pm **La Carnita - (Main Floor)** **Address:** 130 Eglinton Ave. Toronto, ON M4P 2X9 Free Parking on Eglinton on Sundays on North side of street :) See below for event details: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer & DJ) Event Details: **NAME THAT TUNE** **(Music, Treats and Memories) (Sunday December 28th)** -Everyone can play, all ages welcome! -Teams will be formed in groups of 4-6 people -New teams for each round will be formed so that we can all meet lots of new people -Treats handed out to winning teams -Lots of fun and laughter in store for all who come out (Songs will include the various decades, past and present so everyone will have a chance to contribute and have a great time) **Event Fee:** 10 dollars (Cash only please at the door) (HST is included) or e transfer in advance to steveflemming11@gmail.com \-\-\-\- **Friendly Reminders:** -Please arrive between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. \*Name That Tune will start shortly after that (Invite your friends out too if you l \*Plan to have dinner here if you like as the food is great! \*Dinner Party after event at no extra charge as well :) \-\-\- **Dinner & Beverage Menu available too** \*Includes reserved seating for the group \*Beverage and/or appetizer minimum to support the staff and venue \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Parking Available:** \*Plenty of free street parking on Eglinton and (Residential area south/east of venue for free) **Close to Subway Station:** \*Also just a three minute walk east from the Yonge/Eglinton subway station \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

**Caller: Gaye Fifer** **Band: Hot Coffee Breakdown** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

Come and join our lively Japanese language meetup, where Japanese language learners and native speakers come together to learn, play, and connect. We’ll practice through fun games and interactive conversation in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re just starting out, more advanced, or a native speaker who enjoys helping others, everyone is encouraged to join and participate. After the library we'll take a leisurely walk together to get food/drinks. There are many options around including North Market Bridge Park. It's a perfect opportunity to continue our conversations and enjoy each other's company over a meal.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [5 Bean Coffee](https://5beancoffee.com/)!

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

Join us as we celebrate **National Spaghetti Day** with this hearty dish! Though the origins of spaghetti are disputed—whether it was Marco Polo bringing back culinary invention from the East or a home-grown Sicilian treat dating back to the 12th Century—we can all agree that a cold day with a big bowl of noodle-y, saucy goodness is balm for the soul. # Carfagnas Spaghetti and Sauce *Everybody's favorite!* Our handmade egg spaghetti topped with our homemade marinara and served with two of our famous meatballs. There are other classic spaghetti dishes on the menu, too. **Where:** We'll have tables in their beautiful upscale bar at Carfagna's Ristorante; and you need to check out everything Italian this place has to offer under one roof!! (shopping, pastry) ***Reservation for 12 under Michele Z starts at 2pm***. *Members Only. Space is limited so no guests, please.* I hope you'll join me at Carfagna's AMAZING complex on Gemini/Polaris. -Michele