MY MEDALLION
Toronto is a magical blend of city culture and holiday cheer during the season, with a wide range of activities to do, and places to visit. With no end to holiday fun, it is the perfect city to spend the holidays enjoying time with family and friends. Here are the top 5 places to visit in Toronto this holiday season.
Tour the Displays
For years, the City of Toronto has been delighting visitors, old and young, with their famous window displays around the holiday season. The iconic displays featured at the corner of Queen and Yonge Street downtown Toronto have been a holiday tradition for over 90 years. The displays feature a mixture of holiday themes with moving figurines and modern fashion displays with bold and unique styles. They are put on every year in both the windows of Hudson’s Bay, and Saks fifth avenue, and are a free activity for people of all ages.
Evergreen Winter Village
Evergreen Brickworks is conveniently located at 550 Bayview Avenue, close to the Don Valley Parkway. This unique location offers a Christmas market every year, featuring local vendors, delicious food and snacks, and activities for the whole family. In the winter, a public skating rink offers families the opportunity to put on a pair of skates and enjoy the beauty while getting some exercise. The fire filled heaters offer a perfect place to warm up after skating while sipping a hot chocolate or hot apple cider from one of the local vendors. The Brick Works Winter Village is open from December 2, and it is one of Toronto’s hidden gems around the holiday season.
Christmas at Casa Loma
Originally built by Sir Henry Pellatt, Casa Loma is a small piece of the rich history rooted in the southern parts of Ontario. This majestic building, although originally built for his family, is now a tourist attraction in the city of Toronto, and a magnificent display of lights, magic, and holiday spirit for the month of December. Enjoy strolling through the winter wonderland on the grounds, then enter the building and warm yourself up with hot cocoa and sweet treats inside the magnificently decorated interior. Visitors will also be treated to visits with Santa, holiday mascots, and live carolling. This is a Toronto holiday event you won’t want to miss.
The Toronto Christmas Market
Hidden deep in the centre of the city lies a magical display of lights, local crafts, and deliciously sweet treats that can only be found at the Toronto Christmas Market. Located in the Distillery District, the market is a traditional European-style market that is sure to spread holiday cheer to your entire family.
Winter Lights at the Rock
As part of Ontario’s 150th celebrations, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Toronto is putting on an exhibit this year called “Winter Lights at the Rock.” Stroll through the gorgeous display of lights and winter scenes while enjoying the natural beauty of winter in the gardens. When your stroll is complete, take a ride on the Botanical Express, then participate in the festive tradition of visiting Santa Claus. Once you have confirmed with Santa that you have been well behaved,curl up with a hot chocolate, and enjoy listening to Mrs. Claus tell stories. This festive tradition is fun for the whole family, and is one of the many festive things to do in the Toronto area.
The holiday season in the Greater Toronto area offers many family friendly activities that are a perfect way to get into the spirit, and boost your festive cheer. Regardless of what activity your family chooses, the Greater Toronto Area is the perfect location for festive activities. FOr more information on festive activities in Toronto, visit the Medallion Blog.
