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Last Hurrah for 2025: Pre-New Year Events in Riverside

Can you believe we’re almost at the end of the year already? It felt like it was just yesterday when we had the pilot launch of Riverside Local Love in January; and just recently, we had the 14th Riverside Antler Breakfast. Where did time go?!

The Riverside BIA’s community programming may be done for the year but many of our BIA members still have exciting events coming up to close out 2025 with a bang! Check out these pre-New Year events happening in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood:

Photo credit: Oma Chiropractic & Wellness

Threshold of Light: A Solstice Ceremony Guided by Spirit & Soul

Date & Time: Sunday, December 21st | 2pm-6pm

Location: Oma Chiropractic & Wellness (1 Munro St)

Oma invites you to join Threshold of Light, a Winter Solstice ceremony for a small circle of women on December 21st. The evening begins with a guided meditation and gentle shamanic trance, and then the ritual unfolds in two movements. Book your slot HERE.

Photo credit: Chez Nous

DJ Night at Chez Nous

Date & Time: Sunday, December 21st | 8pm-midnight

Location: Chez Nous (798 Queen St E)

Chez Nous invites you to a soiree to remember, featuring DJs Ashley and Dan! Enjoy live DJ sets and half-price bottles on December 21st. While you’re there, don’t forget to try their seasonal mulled wine, which they’re only serving until Christmas!

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Company

Smarty Pints Trivia

Date & Time: Tuesday, December 30th | 6:30pm-9:30pm

Location: Eastbound Brewing Company (700 Queen St E, Toronto)

Trivia night is closing out the year in full force at Eastbound! Mark your calendars for December 30th, grab your crew, enjoy some great beer and Tex-Mex eats, and put your knowledge to the test. Reserve a table for your group HERE.

Photo credit: The Broadview Hotel

Broadview After Dark: NYE Celebration

Date & Time: Wednesday, December 31st | 10pm-late

Location: The Broadview Hotel (106 Broadview Ave)

Celebrate the New Year high above the city at The Rooftop of The Broadview Hotel with a night of music, dancing, and a special burlesque performance set against skyline views. Your ticket includes midnight bubbly and late-night bites. Get your tickets HERE.

Photo credit: The Opera House

Prism Presents: NYE – Arrival

Date & Time: Wednesday, December 31st | 10pm-5am
Location: The Opera House (735 Queen St E)

Usher in the new year and party the night away at the iconic Opera House in Riverside. Check out the full list of upcoming shows at The Opera House HERE.

Check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog for regular updates on exciting happenings in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood!

More Than Just a Meal: 14th Annual Riverside Antler Breakfast Highlights

With bellies filled AND hearts full, it’s officially a wrap on the Riverside BIA’s annual year-end fundraiser, the Riverside Antler Breakfast, which took place on Friday, December 12th at Ralph Thornton Community Centre!

For the 14th Riverside Antler Breakfast, we raised funds for Fontbonne Ministries’ Food Program at their Mustard Seed location in Riverside AND Ralph Thornton Community Centre’s community programming.

This year, we managed to raise $20,000+ thanks to all of  our incredible sponsors, as well as all of you who bought tickets to the fundraiser and bid on the silent auction. We hope you enjoyed the delicious holiday spread and the items you got to go home with! 

With that said, check out some of the many highlights from this year’s Riverside Antler Breakfast:

It’s not called the Riverside *Antler* Breakfast for nothing! 

Freshly baked treats, including mini croissants courtesy of Johnson Family Bakery

Oh, deer! Check out the festive tablescape for this year’s fundraiser

This Riverside BIA merch pack was just one of 30+ items up for auction

Shoutout to all the generous sponsors of the 2025 Riverside Antler Breakfast!

From blueberry & chocolate chip pancakes to salmon croquettes, the chefs at Fontbonne went all out on the breakfast buffet

A life-sized dose of JOY thanks to Pop Marquee

Riverside BIA Executive Director Jennifer Lay welcomed everyone with introductory remarks

Accordionist Jack Lay serenaded guests with classic holiday tunes throughout the program

Everybody was all smiles at the Riverside Antler Breakfast

Santa checking in on who’s been naughty or nice this year

In attendance was Councillor Paula Fletcher who shared a few words with guests

Took a trip down memory lane and looked back on the Riverside Antler Breakfast over the years

Guests were eager to place their bids on many amazing items from the silent auction

$20,000+ raised  — y’all are amazing!!!

We’d like to give a shoutout to all the generous sponsors of the 2025 Riverside Antler Breakfast. This year’s fundraiser would not have been possible without your unwavering support! On behalf of this year’s beneficiaries, THANK YOU!

If you missed this year’s fundraiser, you can still show your support for Fontbonne Ministries at Mustard Seed and the Ralph Thornton Community Centre through the donation pages hyperlinked. They’re open year-round too so you can access the links anytime!

Check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog for regular updates on exciting happenings in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood!

Make a List and Check it Twice: Holiday Shopping in Riverside

Whether you’re planning on treating yourself to a little retail therapy or you’re still working on that shopping list for your loved ones, Riverside in Toronto’s East End is the place to be.

From cool vintage finds to delicious baked goods, here’s a list of places where you can shop gifts for yourself, family and friends this holiday season (+ support local!):

Photo credit: The Vintage Hall

The Vintage Hall (@thevintagehallto)

Address: 754 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Probably the East End’s hottest shopping destination as of late, The Vintage Hall is a massive treasure trove of all things vintage — three levels, to be exact! Follow them on Instagram and watch the styling videos they’re doing for the holiday season for a little sartorial inspo!

Photo credit: Naz Treasures

Naz Treasures (@naztreasures)

Address: 717 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

One of the more recent additions to the Riverside community, Naz Treasures carries apparel, accessories and even jewelry. From cozy sweaters to furry hats to plush scarves, Naz Treasures has your winter fashion essentials covered.

Photo credit: Bonjour Brioche

Bonjour Brioche (@bonjour_brioche)

Address: 812 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H7

Riverside has something for the foodies too, of course! This holiday season, Bonjour Brioche has a limited edition bundle perfect for gifting, which includes granola, cookies, dark roast coffee beans and their signature salad dressing. They also have gift cards!

Photo credit: Arts Market

Arts Market (@artsmarket)

Address: 790 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Looking for little knick-knacks for Secret Santa or white elephant? Arts Market has a wide range of products from small local entrepreneurs. For a sneak peek of some of the holiday-themed items they have in store, check out the shopping haul video we did HERE. They have gift cards too.

Photo credit: Amavi Atelier

Amavi Atelier (@atelier_amavi)

Address: 634 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G3

Another new member of the Riverside BIA, Amavi Atelier is a mecca for antique home decor. They specialize in sourcing unique, antique home goods from around the world. If you’re looking to splurge on a beautiful piece or two for your home (or a loved one’s), head over to Amavi!

To stay updated on exciting promotions from businesses in Riverside, make sure to check @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog regularly!

The Gift of Giving Back: Holiday Donation Initiatives by Businesses in Riverside

Aside from getting a much needed break and spending time with our loved ones, the holiday season also presents an opportunity to spread kindness in the community.

If you’re looking for ways on how to give back, here are some donation drives happening in Riverside, organized by or in partnership with members of our BIA: 

Winter Clothing Drive for the Waterfront Centre Clothing Bank

Location: Common Sort (760 Queen St E) 

Common Sort – gathering donations for the Waterfront Centre Clothing Bank. Suggested items include winter coats, gloves, boots, mittens, hand warmers, large/XL sweaters & pants, socks, sweatpants, hoodies, bras and leggings. Drop off items during business hours. Donations will be accepted throughout the winter season at the Riverside Common Sort location.

Wish List for Nellie’s Shelter Families

Location: Oma Chiropractic & Wellness (1 Munro St)

This season, Oma Chiropractic is partnering with Nellie’s Shelter again to support Nellie’s families. There are two simple ways to give: 1) Choose a tag from their Gift Giving Tree at Oma clinic and bring in the listed item OR 2) Drop a small donation in their collection jar during your visit. All contributions go directly toward helping women and children at Nellie’s feel supported and cared for this holiday season. 

Warm Up the Community, Get a Discounted Beer

Location: Eastbound Brewing Co. (700 Queen St E)

Bring new or gently used winter clothing — coats, hats, gloves, sweaters, anything that can help someone through the cold — to Eastbound and they’ll thank you with $1 off a beer during your visit. Every cozy layer donated makes a real impact, and Eastbound is grateful to share a pint with you while supporting our neighbours. Cheers to helping out this season!

Before we wrap up the blog, we’d like to give a shoutout to all the generous sponsors of the 2025 Riverside Antler Breakfast. This year’s fundraiser would not be possible without your overwhelming support!

Speaking of Riverside Antler Breakfast… If you were not able to make it, you can still show your support for Fontbonne Ministries at Mustard Seed and the Ralph Thornton Community Centre through the donation pages hyperlinked. They’re open year-round too so you can access the links anytime!

To stay updated on what’s new and happening in Riverside, make sure to check @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog regularly!

What’s New in Riverside? (Fall 2025 Edition)

If you live in the area or frequently visit it, you’d know that Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood is home to many businesses that have stood the test of time. But change is also always in the air and we get new additions in the community on the regular. In case you haven’t been to the neighbourhood in a little while, here’s what’s new in Riverside:

Photo credit: Happy Burger

Happy Burger (@happyburgerto)

Address: 689 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G6

Happy Burger brings its beloved smash burgers, waffle fries and hot dogs to Riverside — all made with care and bold flavours. Download the Happy Burger mobile app for easy in-store pickup and delivery!

Photo credit: Broadview Hot Yoga

Broadview Hot Yoga (@bhytoronto)

Address: 635 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G4

bhy’s second location (original is Beaches Hot Yoga!), Broadview Hot Yoga is a space for growth, transformation and connection. The studio has two hot rooms, four cold plunges, male, female and gender-neutral change rooms, and so much more. See the schedule HERE.

Photo credit: Welcome The New Era

Welcome The New Era (@wwelcometheneweraa)

Address: 724 Queen St E (2nd Floor), Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

Welcome The New Era by Marielle is a boutique studio for regenerative skin and wellness treatments. With Marielle’s expertise, she creates results that enhance your natural features while preserving what makes you authentically you. Book an appointment HERE.

Photo credit: Royal Baithak The Indian Room

Royal Baithak The Indian Room (@royalbaithak_11)

Address: 755 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

From mouth-watering curries to delectable biryanis and indulgent sweets, Royal Baithak’s menu is a delicious celebration of Indian cuisine, putting rich flavours and aromatic spices to the forefront.

Photo credit: Dolled by Doll

Dolled by Doll (@dolledby.doll)

Address: 717 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Skilled in hair artistry, Dolled by Doll specializes in braids, quick weaves and ponytails. Book an appointment HERE.

Photo credit: Queen Riverside Barbershop

Queen Riverside Barbershop (@queen_riverside_barbershop)

Address: 724 1/2 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

From classic fades to cool shaved designs, you can count on Queen Riverside Barbershop for a clean, sharp cut. They do men’s, women’s and children’s haircuts, on all kinds of hair.

Photo credit: Amavi Atelier

Amavi Atelier (@atelier_amavi)

Address: 634 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G3

Amavi Atelier specializes in sourcing antique vessels and home décor from around the world. With a passion for pieces that carry unique histories, they curate a constantly evolving collection of one-of-a-kind finds, from hand-crafted ceramics to vintage home goods.

Photo credit: The Vintage Hall

The Vintage Hall (@thevintagehallto)

Address: 754 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

The Vintage Hall is a multi-vendor market. They offer vintage clothing, home goods, furniture and more. Not only is The Vintage Hall the new home of Second Voyage Vintage, many other vintage purveyors can be found here as well.

Photo credit: Kiss The Paws

Kiss The Paws (@kiss.the.paws)

Address: 717 Queen St E Unit# 100A, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

From classic grooming services to luxurious spa treatments, Kiss The Paws by Yasemin is a pet grooming studio ready to pamper your pups with love, care and serious style. Book an appointment for your fur baby HERE.

Photo credit: Naz Treasures

Naz Treasures (@naztreasures)

Address: 717 Queen St E., Suite 100, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Naz Treasures offers unique clothing, stylish fashion jewelry, chic accessories and thoughtful gift ideas — all carefully selected to bring affordable elegance and charm to your everyday style.

To stay updated on what’s new and happening in Riverside, make sure to check @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog regularly!