A BIG NIGHT — Many turned out last year for the lighting of a Christmas tree at the corner of North Fourth and Clark streets during the first Christmas light-up festival held by Inspire Toronto. The event will return on Nov. 29 with the Toronto Christmas Art Festival held by the Focus in Toronto group. -- Warren Scott

TORONTO — Two local groups will team this week to help Toronto residents and visitors to ring in the holiday season with three special events.

Held by Inspire Toronto, formerly the Toronto Coalition for Revitalization, the first is Night of Remembrance, which will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Gazebo Commons at North Third and Market streets.

It’s a time when people gather to remember loved ones they have lost with the lighting of candles.

It’s a solemn and joyful time, with Christmas music and the lighting of a Christmas tree within the gazebo, which is decorated each year for the holidays by volunteers in the Toronto Beautification Committee.

The owners of Clarke Funeral Home and J.E. Foster Funeral Home read the names of people whose final arrangements they have handled through the past year and also provide candles for each of them.

Other candles are purchased in advance by residents and others in memory of a deceased family member or friend.

Local vocalist Rich Coburn will provide music for this year’s event.

Last year, Inspire Toronto introduced a new Christmas event, a street fair centered around the lighting of a tall Christmas tree near the corner of North Fourth and Clark streets.

Despite very cold temperatures, the event drew hundreds of people of all ages.

And it will return this year from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 29 with a new name, Miracle on Toronto’s Fourth Street, and the incorporation of the Toronto Christmas Art Festival.

The art festival was held previously at the Karaffa Recreation Center by Focus in Toronto, the volunteer group behind the Toronto Art Festival held each Labor Day weekend and, more recently, the trunk-or-treat and Halloween parade held near Toronto High School’s Red Knight Stadium.

Led by Brenda Cich, Focus in Toronto has booked about two dozen vendors, who will sell assorted hand-made items, sweet treats, items for pets and other goods on North Fourth Street and inside Straka Hall, the rental hall adjacent to Baby-Boyz BBQ.

Abby LeMasters, who leads Inspire Toronto with Lish Troski and Toni Moreland, said of the new partnership, “We needed the help and they had done the art festival at Karaffa and we figured that would be a perfect fit.”

LeMasters said visitors to North Fourth Street that evening will find Magic Jamie performing astounding sleight of hand, hear Christmas tunes performed by local musicians assuming the guise of Ebenezer and the Humbugs for this special occasion, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus and inflatables and other activities for children.

The Christmas tree will be lit at 6 p.m., following a welcome from Mayor John Parker.

LeMasters noted a key goal for Inspire Toronto’s is to attract visitors to its businesses, and a number on North Fourth Street are involved with the event.

Tay Montgomery, owner of the Eastern Ohio Speed and Agility Academy, has made the large workout area of his business available for “reindeer games” for children to play, while a portable ice skating rink will be set up on the rear patio of Tri-B’s Coffee Shop.

There will be music from disc jockey Dave Ott, owner of Last Resort Riverfront Bar & Grill, and a miniature train ride departing from the lot by Paul’s Pizza.

Members of Hike Toronto, a group working to establish recreational trails in the city, will be at the pizza shop selling a 1920s-style Toronto Athletic Club jersey. The shirts will be available in medium, large and extra-large and sold for $25 each on a first-come, first-served basis.

LeMasters said businesses on North Fourth Street have been encouraged to extend their hours for the event, and she suggested visitors try out the eateries found on the street.

She added there will be a tent with space heaters if attendees need to warm up for a while.

LeMasters said in addition to the involvement of businesses on North Fourth Street, the event has received support from about 40 businesses, groups and individuals who have stepped forward as sponsors.

Organizers behind the two events will be supporting local causes, with a portion of proceeds going to the Helping Hands Food Pantry, Crossroads North River Church’s Toys for Toronto program and the Toronto Police Department’s Christmas with a Cop effort.