Leslieville Wanderlust returns Nov. 22-23: What you need to know

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Wanderlust

Wanderlust

A neighbourhood tradition for 13 years, Wanderlust is returning once again to celebrate all things Leslieville. 

Leslieville Wanderlust kicks off the holiday season over two days — Friday, Nov. 22 and Saturday, Nov. 23 — with free admission for everyone. Get out and meet your neighbours, embrace Leslieville’s vibe, cross off your holiday shopping and taste the local food and drink. Here’s what you need to know:

TREE LIGHTING & HOLIDAY MARKET

Friday evening will kick off Wanderlust with a holiday market at Leslie Grove Park, including a visit from Santa and the annual lighting of the Leslieville Christmas tree. Sip hot chocolate, hang out in the fireside lounge and enjoy live entertainment. Many shops along Queen East from Booth St. to Vancouver St. will stay open for late-night holiday shopping.

CHOCK-A-BLOCK

Whether you’re hungry for a bite, on a mission for a perfect gift or just want to amble aimlessly, 11 blocks of Queen East will be dedicated to Wanderlust on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. The neighbourhood's marquee festival will feature local businesses — the shops, restaurants, galleries and other merchants who call Leslieville home — in an event designed to showcase the best the east end has to offer. 

TASTE THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

One of the biggest draws of the festival will be two tasting tours on Nov, 23rd at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. From take-out joints to upscale eateries, taste the food and drink and meet the people who’ve helped turn Leslieville into a foodie destination. Tours to include, but are not limited to, The Burren, Brooklyn Tavern, Eds Real Scoop, Mexicados, Completo, Hooked, Rowe Farms, Mira Mira, Shish and Bespoke Craft Butchers.

FUN FOR ALL AGES

With the eclectic nature of the neighbourhood put on display, Leslieville Wanderlust really has a little something for everyone. If you like to shop, there are sales and specials. For kids, there’s a Santa scavenger hunt, carolling and live music. If you're a foodie, there are tours of the neighbourhood known throughout the city for its culinary scene. For art lovers, there’s a tour of local galleries.

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

At its core, Wanderlust is about customer appreciation and nowhere will that be more visible than in the shops and boutiques of the neighbourhood. Leslieville retailers will feature in-store specials, discounts and giveaways.

For more information on Wanderlust, visit leslievillebia.com and keep up to speed on all things Wanderlust by following Leslieville BIA’s social channels including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.