From cute holiday date ideas to fun family outings, we’ve got you covered
Tasnim Choudhury CONTRIBUTOR
Photo: (BLOGTO)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season’s right around the corner, and there are plenty of festive events going on around the city to celebrate this magical holiday. Here are some of the must-sees for this winter break. Get your cameras ready!
Toronto Christmas Market
Toronto’s newest and most picturesque tradition, the Toronto Christmas Market, takes the streets again by storm this year. Stroll around the Distillery District and experience glowing Christmas lights, cultural performances, and a selection of handmade ornaments, woodcarvings, and crafts. Spoil yourself with a well-deserved Christmas treat by enjoying a cup of hot chocolate in the cold, or a waffle if you are feeling playful. The Christmas Market will be open every day except Mondays until Sunday, December 23, 2018. It is the perfect all-age venue to get into the holiday spirit.
The Nutcracker at the Toronto International Ballet Theatre
The Toronto International Ballet Theatre will be showing one of the most iconic Christmas stories of all time, The Nutcracker, featuring the stars of Bolshoi Ballet. The Nutcracker will be playing twice at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on December 22, 2018. Purchase your tickets now for a wholesome experience of drama, ballet, and unique choreography. Also, take advantage of this chance to see Anastasia Stashkevich and Vyacheslav Lopatin, some of the Bolshoi Ballet’s biggest stars, personify grace and beauty with elegant costumes and mesmerizing technique.
Mumford & Sons Concert
Holidays aren’t only for giving your tummy a treat, but also for treating your other senses. Make holiday concerts part of your Christmas tradition with Mumford & Sons. Listen to their new album Delta at the Scotiabank Arena on Monday, December 17, and Tuesday, December 18. Between their delightful take on modern folk rock and the ongoing joy of Christmas festivities, even the most Grinch-like audience members will be singing. Give your ears the treat they deserve this holiday! After all, cuddling up with your loved ones and listening to great music against a backdrop of softly falling snowflakes is the epitome of Christmas.
Aurora Winter Festival
This winter season, visit the magnificent Aurora Winter Festival at Toronto’s Ontario Place, open until December 30. Indulge your inner child by trying out the choo-choo train, Ferris wheel, and carousel. Enjoy the skating rink, tube park, and massive outdoor winter light exhibition. From there, explore Santa’s workshop — be sure to take pictures with Santa and his elves and make crafty Christmas gifts with the pros.
Miracle on Queen Street
December is synonymous with festive spirits, and what better opportunity to get into a festive mood than spending an evening at a Christmas-themed bar? Miracle on Queen Street, open for the first time in Toronto, is decked out with thousands of Christmas lights, baubles, and Santa mannequins. Don your fancy Christmas pajama suit and enjoy some Christmas-themed cocktails like the Run Run Rudolph — an iced hot chocolate with coffee liqueur, Blanco Tequila, and Mexican spices. After all, it’s about time to gear up for Christmas, so start sipping some good old Christmas-themed drinks.
Casa Loma
For Torontonians, the most-awaited transformation of the holiday season is that of its iconic historic site, Casa Loma, into a visual winter wonderland. While Casa Loma’s rich history spans decades, the modern twists in its decorations are welcome and refreshing. Enjoy the seasonal ambience, created by colourful lights in the castle’s winter garden and 10 designer Christmas trees inside the castle, alongside live carols, a magic show, and photo sessions with Santa.
Museum of Illusion
This holiday season is all about getting a unique experience — immerse yourself in Canada’s first Museum of Illusions in downtown Toronto. Entertain your mind, question the reliability of your senses, and even create your own fascinating illusions. The best part is if you didn’t manage to snag a ticket for Yayoi Kusama’s highly anticipated Infinity Mirrors exhibit earlier this year, this is the perfect substitute for that experience.
