Whether you celebrate a particular tradition or you just get in the holiday spirit, the City of Toronto transforms into a winter wonderland, that can make anyone in a festive mood! Toronto fully embraces the seasonal spirit with a wide array of holiday events, decorations, and markets to celebrate the season. If you’re wondering which ones to add to your list, I have made it easy for you!
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1) Fairmont Royal York
You do not need to stay there, to partake in the holiday decor, although I do highly recommend it. This year the culinary team, made a life-size ginger bread house, it was all I could do to not take a bite of it. The lobby has been transformed to a festive oasis, complete with a large tree and ginger bread house mentioned above. Also for the first year ever check out the new addition, take part in the yuletide extravaganza at the Thirsty Elf, You’ll be able to live out your booziest, most merry dreams at this holiday paradise, only on during the holiday season.
2) Toronto Christmas Market
Glowing Christmas lights, shopping and a huge tree are all part of The Toronto Christmas Market’s Old World charm. One of the most festive spots in Toronto during the holiday season has to be the Toronto Christmas Market running November 15 to December 23, 2018. The entire Distillery District turns into a European-inspired Christmas market that has been ranked among the world’s best. So many people attended in past years that the 2018 market has been extended by one week and there will now be a $5 fee to enter on weekends, but the market remains free during the week. The 28-day festival includes Christmas tree lightings, music, holiday activities, food, beer gardens with mulled wine and hot toddies, craft vendors, distillery walking tours, and more.
3) Canadas Wonderland Winterfest
Canada’s Wonderland will be magically transformed into a winter Wonderland full of enchantment and holiday cheer! Become immersed in the season’s spirit with spectacular holiday lights and world class entertainment. Don’t let the cold scare you, grab yourself a delicious cup of hot cocoa, while you stroll around.
4) Queen Street West Pastry Tour
Put on the elastic waste band pants, and prepare yourself to eat your way through what has been labeled one of this hippest neighborhoods by Vogue. The Queen Street West pastry tour will take you on foot to some of the best and most unique bakeries in the area, many baking up delicacies specifically for the holidays. My favorite was some of the Noel collection from Nugateau.
5) Visit A Castle – Casa Loma
Not only can you walk through this historical landmark, many of the rooms, have been transformed with holiday decor, and each housing there own individual performance, complete with aerial dancers and even a figure skating performance. There are 10 lavishly designer-decorated trees, and light sculptures in the garden.
6) Miracle Bar
Put on that ugly Christmas sweater, and drink boozy egg nog in a sleigh! All at the Miracle pop up bar. Complete with a giant hugging teddy bear, and waiters/waitresses in reindeer ears, and elf shoes. Best part is part of the proceeds, go to a womens charity. Now thats a reason to drink.
7) Window Shop at Hudson Bay
Turning Canada’s most iconic department store windows into a display of interactive holiday entertainment and decor. Make sure to wear gloves and a hat when visiting, cause baby its cold taking your time outside to view it all.
8) Put on Your Skates
Head to Nathans Phillip Square, and take in the downtown sites, as well as the iconic Toronto Sign, all while ice skating under the iconic arches adorned with Christmas decor. Also although it was not open when I visited, there is a Christmas market around the perimeter. Arrive early to avoid crowds, it does get very busy.
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