Toronto comes alive during the winter holidays with all sorts of activities, sparkling decorations and markets. The city glows and becomes a hub for celebration to make the festive season even more special. That’s why many people choose to spend their Christmas holidays in this lively city. By focusing on the very best on offer in and around Toronto, you can make the most of your holiday season. So, if you’re planning to visit Hogtown this season, here’s a list of activities and events to have a memorable Christmas.
How to Make the Most of Your Winter Holidays in Toronto
Are you ready to make your holiday season bright in Toronto style? Here are the top things to do in the city.
1) Visit the Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery District
What would Christmas be like without buying presents for your loved ones? Kickstart the celebration by visiting the Distillery District’s annual holiday street market, a place that embraces almost every festive theme. Inspired by the European Christkindlmarkt, which originated in Germany in the 1400s, this is one of the city’s favourite holiday traditions and a festive browser’s delight. This five-week-long extravaganza features sparkling Christmas lights, dancers, traditional music (including carols), and other family-friendly attractions like a life-sized gingerbread house. European street food is also a must-have for foodies.
Admission is free from Tuesday to Friday; a $12.00 admission fee ($6 in advance) is applicable on Friday evening after 6 pm, and Saturday and Sunday starting at noon. Closed on Mondays. This year, this spectacular market is open until December 22, so hurry up!
2) Skate at Harbourfront’s Natrel Rink
Want to enjoy your Christmas holidays unconventionally? How about a little outdoor skating fun with hundreds of people while Toronto’s top DJs spin tunes? Harbourfront Centre’s Natrel Rink is set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Ontario. Admission to the rink is free, skates and helmets are available to rent, and there’s a heated indoor change room with lockers and washrooms. You can also eat delicious food at the rink-side Boxcar Social restaurant. Simply put, this is a great place to spend Christmas Eve in a not-so-traditional way. Just make sure you brush up on your skating skills for an exciting evening.
3) Take a Trip to Holiday Fair in Nathan Phillips Square
Get ready to set your festive spirits high by visiting the holiday fair at Nathan Phillips Square. Located in front of City Hall, it combines the charm and elegance of a Christmas market with the excitement and allure of a thriving winter carnival. This holiday fair includes an open-air artisan village, tasty food trucks, fireside lounge, visits with Santa, the Polar Point Bar, live entertainment and more. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift or taking the family out, this holiday fair has something for everyone to enjoy the festive season with zeal. This year, the fair runs to December 23.
4) Experience the Majestic Aurora Winter Festival
Want to witness holiday magic come alive? Then the Aurora Winter Festival should be on your list. For this event Ontario Place is transformed into a winter wonderland with a beautiful skating rink, frozen pond, Christmas Market, amusement rides, a tube park, food gardens and massive light displays. If you have kids, you can be sure they’ll have the best holiday celebration as they meet Santa and other mystical characters while playing in the whimsical forest. The festival ends January 5, 2020. Buy tickets here.
5) Enjoy a Nutcracker Christmas at Casa Loma
For a truly unique and memorable Christmas experience, be part of the holiday magic at Casa Loma. A Nutcracker Christmas at the Castle is filled with thrilling performances and new shows by famed illusionist Professor Wick and ice-skating artists Glisse on Ice. Explore the beauty of Casa Loma while surrounded by holiday magic throughout the castle which will be resplendent with holiday décor; that includes a 40-foot-tall tree in the Great Hall. Shows happen daily (9:30 am to 5 pm) until January 5, 2019 and at night (5 pm to 9 pm) from December 16 to 30. Click here to buy tickets.
6) Attend the Ward Cabaret
If you’re craving lively performances to fill your Christmas celebration with excitement, ‘The Ward Cabaret’ is your thing. Presented by the Small World Music Society and Harbourfront Centre, ‘The Ward Cabaret’ is a musical by David Buchbinder and Marjorie Chan about Toronto’s first immigrant neighbourhood. The musical storytelling journey of Toronto’s past and captivating performances will leave you spellbound. The show runs from December 12 to 22. For tickets and more, click here.
If you’re planning to visit Toronto this holiday season, make sure you don’t miss out on these events. Plan your trip, book tickets, hire an airport limousine service to get you there in style and get accommodations so you can make the most of your Christmas holidays in Toronto.