With over 20 million twinkling LEDs, illumi – A Dazzling World of Lights (7174 Derrycrest Drive, Mississauga) is the hub for holiday magic with your loved ones this season. And you can even bring your pets too!

There’s a bright side to the darkness falling sooner due to daylight savings: illumi opens an hour earlier and shines its 20 million lights to brighten up the gloomier months.

Families, couples and friends of all ages are sure to bundle up and come to illumi for a massive dose of holiday cheer. Guests will embark on an adventure through a 600,000 square foot site loaded with thousands of light structures and some classic holiday tunes that are sure to give guests that warm fuzzy feeling that is so synonymous with the holidays.

Guests can grab a delicious cup of hot chocolate at one of illumi’s food counters and take it on their magical journey. Upon entering the site they’ll immediately walk into the thematic universe where they’ll wander amongst snowmen, candy canes, reindeer, and giant snowflakes, all before even stepping under the ILLUMI TREE OF LIGHTS.

GTA residents can be as proud as New Yorkers visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, now that the tallest tree of light in the world has found a home in Mississauga. Standing at 47m, almost twice the size of the Rockefeller tree, the ILLUMI TREE OF LIGHTS is a must-see for the holidays and a perfect backdrop to refresh your holiday family portrait.

Amongs the 14 universes that illumi has to offer is THE LAND OF FROST. In this winter world visitors will step through thousands of dangling lights that look like gently falling snow and straight into one of their favourite Christmas storybooks.

Visitors will see it’s lit with glowing snowflakes and shining stars. On the ground, gigantic glowing crystals form an icy world, a sparkling ice block castle takes adults back to their childhood heart and creates memories lasting a lifetime for kids.

Another can’t miss scene for the holiday season is THE INFINITE POLES. In this icy world where borders blur guests can duck into twinkling igloos of many sizes, come face to face with hundreds of playful penguins and stand in awe of glowing polar bears, whales, and moose that all coexist in an endless forest of stalagmites.

Visitors will also be able to stop inside one of the warm-up areas to take a moment to soak in the beauty of the scene before continuing the dazzling journey.

illumi will fill your heart with light and happiness in this somewhat gray and cold season, it’s guaranteed!

Get your tickets here. On now till January 7, 2024.

Follow ILLUMITORONTO.

After an exceptional 2022 Disney+ debut with BTS: PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE – LA, 21st century pop icons BTS are returning to the home of award-winning Korean content with BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star – a new eight-part docuseries coming December 20, 2023 exclusively to Disney+.

Featuring never-before-seen interviews, performances and behind-the-scenes moments with RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook, BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star will take audiences on an in-depth journey across the band’s 10-year career, highlighting their highs and lows for the first time ever in a captivating docuseries format.

Also featuring appearances from HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk, and BEYOND THE STORY: 10-YEAR RECORD OF BTS author Kang Myeongseok, BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star looks back on the band’s key moments over the years, showing how the band came to be, what it was like preparing for their debut, what it was like winning best new artist at the 2013 Melon music awards, highlighting their struggles during the “Danger” period, discussing their first concerts, their debut at the American Music Awards and the Billboard Music Awards, what it was like becoming stars in America, speaking at the UN, performing at the Rose Bowl Stadium, the excitement of performing at London’s Wembley Stadium and more.

The upcoming docuseries also shines a spotlight on highly personal moments from their past, including how they felt about meeting each other for the first time; their initial contract renewal process; the difficulties of isolating during COVID; as well as other more lighthearted moments including j-hope’s surprise birthday party and Jung Kook’s high school graduation ceremony.

Disney+ also announced the titles of each of the docuseries’ eight parts, giving fans a hint at what they can expect from each episode:

Episode 1 – The Beginning

Episode 2 – Adolescence

Episode 3 – Pursuit of Happiness

Episode 4 – Disconnected

Episode 5 – Welcome!

Episode 6 – Begin and Again

Episode 7 – Still Purple

Episode 8 – Promise For Tomorrow

Slated for a two-episode premiere on December 20, with two new episodes released every Wednesday, BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star will join a whole host of unmissable BTS content available on Disney+, including: BTS: PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE – LA, an exclusive cinematic 4K concert film featuring BTS’ live performance at Los Angeles’ Sofi Stadium in November 2021; SUGA: Road to D-DAY, an insightful documentary following BTS member SUGA as he travels around the world from Seoul to Tokyo, Las Vegas and beyond in search of musical inspiration for his latest album D-DAY; j-hope IN THE BOX, a behind the scenes documentary showcasing the creation of j-hope’s first solo album, Jack In The Box; and IN THE SOOP : Friendcation – an original travel reality show with a star-studded cast including V of BTS, Itaewon Class’ Park Seojun, Parasite star Choi Wooshik, Soundtrack #1’s Park Hyungsik, and Peakboy, as the five friends venture off on a surprise trip and enjoy a variety of fun activities together.

BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star will also join a rapidly-growing collection of award-winning Korean content now available on Disney+, including Moving, about a group of South Korean special agents working to protect their super powered children from harm and exploitation at the hands of malicious government agencies; Big Bet a series about the rise of Cha Moosik (Choi Minsik) a masterful manipulator with an insatiable hunger for power who sinks deeper into the criminal underworld to achieve his goals; and The Zone: Survival Mission, a laugh-out-loud variety show starring Yu Jaeseok, Lee Kwangsoo, and Kwon Yuri.

Stream the first two episodes of BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star from December 20, exclusively on Disney+.

From November 21, 2023 to January 2, 2024 Wonka’s Sweet Escape will give visitors the opportunity to step into a world of pure imagination with Willy Wonka’s storefront, straight from the big screen! The pop-up activation located at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, near entrance A (by Birks) is an eye-catching, fantastical escape into the world of Wonka, giving fans a reason to be excited for this upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release, out December 15, 2023 in theatres.

Included at the activation are tons of cool photo ops, including:

-A 30ft tall Wonka chocolate-candy cherry blossom tree
-Lifesize Wonka chocolate bar
-Themed holiday card photo booth
-Visual content displays and replica props
-Exclusive prizes and giveaways including Wonka chocolate, promo items, and a $500 Yorkdale shopping spree

Don’t forget to grab a limited edition Wonka Kinder Surprise too while you’re there! Only while supplies last!

To qualify for the shopping spree all you have to do is share your post from the experience on Instagram, using the hashtag #WonkaMovie, while tagging @YorkdaleStyle and #WarnerBrosCA!

A reel of highlights:

You must check this out before it’s gone!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Today, Prime Video, Curio Pictures, and Screen Australia announced the start of production, on the new Australian Original series The Narrow Road to the Deep North, which is based on Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name. A story of an unforgettable love set against the darkness of war, Jacob Elordi (Euphoria, Saltburn, Priscilla) leads an incredible Australian and international all-star cast, alongside Ciarán Hinds (Belfast), with Odessa Young (Mothering Sunday, Shirley), Olivia DeJonge (Elvis), Heather Mitchell (Love Me, Upright), Thomas Weatherall (Heartbreak High), Show Kasamatsu, and Simon Baker (Limbo, Breath).

The new five-part drama series, adapted by writer Shaun Grant and directed by Justin Kurzel, will launch on Prime Video in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The series will be distributed internationally by Sony Pictures Television. Principal production funding is provided by Screen Australia, with assistance from the NSW Government through Screen NSW’s Made in NSW and PDV Funds. Jacob Elordi will return home to Australia to play the lead role of the younger Dorrigo Evans (1940s). Other cast members include Odessa Young (Amy Mulvaney), Olivia DeJonge (younger Ella), and Simon Baker (Keith). Fast-forward to the 1980s, the series will feature Ciarán Hinds who will play the older Dorrigo, with Heather Mitchell (older Ella). Thomas Weatherall (Frank Gardiner), Show Kasamatsu (Major Nakamura), and Charles An (The Goanna) will also join the cast.

Set against the shadows of World War II, the series tells the epic story of Lieutenant Dorrigo Evans, and how his all-too-brief love affair with Amy Mulvaney shaped his life. The story is told over multiple time periods, as we journey from Evans’ childhood to his experience as a prisoner-of-war on the Thailand-Burma Railway as a young man, and later in life, as a respected surgeon and Australian war hero. The Narrow Road to the Deep North is a love story to sustain audiences through the darkest of times, an intimate character study illustrating the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and an investigation into a marriage and an unforgettable love affair.

“With talents like Jacob Elordi, Ciarán Hinds and Odessa Young at the helm, The Narrow Road to the Deep North promises to be a cinematic, visceral, and undeniable contemporary love story, which explores the power of mateship and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity,” said Sarah Christie, senior development executive at Amazon MGM Studios. “We just know that this series is going to resonate with customers in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, and are proud to be partnering with Curio Pictures’ Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner, who will bring this incredible story to life alongside the award-winning director and executive producer Justin Kurzel, and award-winning writer and executive producer Shaun Grant.”

“Curio is incredibly proud to be producing The Narrow Road to the Deep North. The power of the storytelling, which began with Richard Flanagan’s seminal novel; the brilliance of the creative team, led by Shaun Grant and Justin Kurzel; and our breathtakingly accomplished cast will make this a landmark production for Australian television and a sweeping story to be embraced by audiences around the world,” said Curio Pictures’ Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North is produced by Curio Pictures in Australia. Working with Curio Pictures’ executive producers Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner, the series is adapted by writer Shaun Grant and directed by Justin Kurzel, who both serve as executive producers, with Alexandra Taussig producing.

Screen Australia Head of Content Grainne Brunsdon, “Shaun Grant and Justin Kurzel have created an epic war drama from Richard Flanagan’s novel, steeped in love and transformational power. Full of grandeur and richness, this series brings to life the horror and realities of war and imprisonment – and is destined to engage audiences worldwide as a result.”

Head of Screen NSW, Kyas Hepworth said, “Screen NSW is excited to support Curio Pictures in their adaptation of the Booker-Prize winning novel, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, and secure this production for the state through our Made in NSW and PDV funds. The Narrow Road to the Deep North is led by a strong cast and crew, and I look forward to seeing the series hit our screens on Prime Video in the near future.”

As a holiday gift to Canadians, Hollywood Suite’s annual FREE PREVIEW will be available nationally from December 1 to January 5 through participating TV Service Providers, giving viewers unlimited access to all four of Hollywood Suite’s TV channels and Hollywood Suite On Demand (where available). 

From the first season of the British horror-comedy series Wreck, to crowd-pleasers such as John Wick (2014) and The Addams Family (1991), Hollywood Suite’s Free Preview slate includes over 500 titles, dozens of which are network premieres. And don’t miss your chance to cozy up with their Festive Favourites lineup, which showcases beloved holiday classics spanning from the 1940s through to today. 

• Holiday Affair (1949)
• Scrooge (1970)
• Black Christmas (1974)
• Cold Steel (1987)
• Grumpy Old Men (1993)
• Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
• Bridget Jones’s Diary (2011)
• Serendipity (2001)
• Love Actually (2003)
• The Holiday (2006)
• Carol (2015)
• The Night Before (2015)
• Into The Dark: Pooka! (2019)
• Into The Dark: Pooka Lives! (2019)
• Into The Dark: A Nasty Piece of Work (2019)
• ‘Tis The Season: Holidays on Screen (2022)
• Vandits (2022)

Hollywood Suite’s programming team has also been working hard to curate their signature Naughty and Nice Lists. Is your name on the Nice List this year? Get ready to stuff your stocking full of classics such as: 

• The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T (1953)
• Snoopy Come Home (1972)
• Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)
• Godspell (1973)
• For Pete’s Sake (1974)
• Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown (1977)
• The Wiz (1978)
• Annie (1982)
• The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984)
• The NeverEnding Story (1984)
• Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
• The Goonies (1985)
• Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
• The Land Before Time (1988)
• Earth Girls Are Easy (1989)
• Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
• Steel Magnolias (1989)
• The Addams Family (1991)
• Wayne’s World (1992)
• Race The Sun (1996)
• Space Jam (1996)
• Bean (1997)
• Patch Adams (1998)
• Spy Kids (2001)
• Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams (2002)
• Paddington (2014)
• Early Man (2018)

Maybe the past year hasn’t won you any congeniality awards? Don’t worry, we get it… it’s been a rough one. We have equally fun fare for those who have landed on this year’s Naughty List!

• The Sugarland Express (1974)
• Slap Shot (1977)
• Hardcore (1979)
• 48 Hrs. (1982)
• Scarface (1983)
• The Untouchables (1987)
• Heathers (1988)
• King of New York (1990)
• Pacific Heights (1990)
• Indecent Proposal (1993)
• Pulp Fiction (1994)
• Clear and Present Danger (1994)
• Casino (1995)
• Gridlock’d (1997)
• Double Jeopardy (1999)
• The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
• The Pledge (2001)
• The Bourne Identity (2002)
• The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
• Sin City (2005)
• 300 (2006)
• The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
• Alpha Dog (2007)
• The Bourne Legacy (2012)
• The Watch (2012)
• White House Down (2013)
• The Purge (2013)
• Mud (2013)
• John Wick (2014)
• Split (2017)
• Get Out (2017)
• John Wick 2 (2017)
• Logan Lucky (2017)
• Wreck (2022)

Viewers can see what else will be playing and find out how they can check out Hollywood Suite’s Free Preview by visiting hollywoodsuite.ca.

American Rock legends Green Day graced us with their presence at the Grey Cup this past weekend in Hamilton with CFL stars vying for glory and the Montreal Alouettes edging-out the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28-26. Playing a medley of their most iconic hits the halftime show, the five-time Grammy-winning trio of Billie Joe Armstong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool, gave Canada something they’ll never forget!

See the Halftime Show here:

They sounded amazing!

So lucky to have met Frontman Armstrong and Bassist Dirnt as they were passing through. Both so amazingly nice to stop for a couple snaps! Will never forget this!

(Photo/video credit: CFL/The Canadian Press/Mr. Will Wong)

Alan Tudyk not only is a captivating presence on-screen, he also is a brilliant Voice Actor having voiced characters in Zootopia, Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen, Big Hero 6, Encanto and now, WISH which sees a release as part of Disney‘s 100th annivesary celebrations.

Tudyk made a surprise appearance at a special screening of WISH, walking the Blue Carpet with wide Charissa Barton. TV Personality Patricia Jaggernauth hosted. Tudyk plays Valentino, a goat who gets his wish of being able to speak. In crafting this character, he tried a few different things before ultimately landing on his low voice. He stars alongside Oscar winner Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine in this U.S. Thanksgiving release, expected to pull in big numbers. It centers on a teen girl named Asha (DeBose) who senses a darkness none other can and makes a wish upon a star, getting way more than what she bargained for!

More on Tudyk‘s appearance:

One highlight is that Tudyk was presented with a sizzle reel of some of the outstanding work he’s done over the years voicing characters for Disney, Pixar and more!

Disney‘s WISH arrives in theatres November 22, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: George Pimentel/Walt Disney Studios Canada/Mr. Will Wong)

This past decade has seen the meteoric rise of internet sensation Liza Koshy who has amassed 3 billion+ views online. The hilarious and energetic Creator has parlayed her success into a successful career in Media and as an Actress where she continues to gain recognition in films like Work It, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and next year she will be seen alongside Zac Efron, Joey King and Nicole Kidman in A Family Affair.

Koshy filmed Work It in Toronto back in 2019, and returned to the City to speak at Humber College‘s Ignite Real Talk series, fielding questions from students on her celebrated career thus far. Some students even won meet and greets! She had prior had the amazing experience of partying at the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix with the likes of Kelsea Ballerini, Kylie Minogue, Lupita Nyong’o, Simone Ashley and more.

She was so lovely to stop for a quick snap. Huge fan of her Koshy and it’s been a thrill ride seeing her star continue to rise!

(Photo/video credit: Netflix/Mr. Will Wong)

THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES has a respectable debut this weekend with $44 million from 3,776 theatres for Lionsgate/Cineplex Pictures. This Prequel, made for $100 million, gets 60% on the Tomatometer and while far off the Franchise best with 2013’s Catching Fire openining with $158 million, times are very different right as Hollywood is navigating its way out of the SAG-AFTRA strike.

TROLLS BAND TOGETHER debuts in second spot with $30.6 million from 3,870 theatres for Universal Pictures, garnering 59% on the Tomatometer. Best opening in the Franchise still goes to 2016’s TROLLS with $46 million.

THE MARVELS lands in third in its second weekend with $10.2 million from 4,030 theatres for Disney, a two week domestic total of $67 million.

Toronto-made THANKSGIVING debuts with $10 million from 3,204 theatres for Sony Pictures, nabbing an impressive 86% on the Tomatometer for Director Eli Roth.

FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S rounds out the Top Five with $3.5 million, a total $132 million grossed over four weekends for Universal Pictures.

THE CURSE centers on Whitney and Asher Siegel (Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder), a newlywed couple struggling to bring their vision for eco-conscious housing to the small community of Española, New Mexico. But, their efforts are complicated when an eccentrically flawed reality TV producer, Dougie, sees opportunity in their story. As the series unfolds, the couple find themselves caught in a mysterious web of ethical and moral gray zones – all while trying to keep their relationship afloat. THE CURSE stars Oscar® winner Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie. THE CURSE streams now on Paramount+.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount+)