‘Tis the Season in Toronto…

‘Tis the Season in Toronto…

27/11/2019 Off By Cait Martin

Have Yourself a Merry Canadian Christmas…

Perry Como sang “there’s no place like home for the holidays” but the festive period in modern and multi-cultural Toronto will have you anything but “driving home for Christmas”. From fairy lights and ice rinks to European style markets, who wouldn’t want their festive fix in Toronto, ‘eh’?

With plenty to see, here is tripsology’s guide to the top 6 festive happenings in ‘the six’.

Toronto Christmas Markets

A picture of Toronto Christmas markets as you enter. You can see the iconic 'Gooderham and Worts' sign and a variety of Victorian industrial architecture.
The Toronto Christmas Markets are heavily influenced by the European ‘Christkindlmarkt’ which originated in Germany in the 1400s.

Well known all over the world due to the juxtaposing old-style rustic aesthetic with modern innovations; the Toronto Christmas Markets are a must-see. Nestled in the Victorian-era cobblestone Distillery District, the market plays host to a fusion of the past and present. Fairy lights adorn the industrial property, transforming this National Historic Site into a magical, festive wonderland.

Picture of a teenage girl in a hat looking a variety of crafts in a stall. There are festive fairy lights and Christmas trees in the background.
The Market offers a truly festive experience, bringing together local craftspeople and artisanal food-makers as well as a wide array of light displays.

The market has a variety of family-friendly activities such as lighting displays, walking tours, visits with Santa (*cue Buddy from ELF*) and concerts. For those looking for a hot toddy, there are a variety of pop-up bars serving everything from mulled wine to hot chocolate. Remember to try the poutine for a truly authentic Canadian Christmas experience!

Check out these iconic Christmas markets here.

A photograph of two men looking at a stall showcasing handmade Russian Dolls. There are fairy lights and fir tinsel surrounding the hut.
At Toronto Christmas Markets, Christmas is celebrated in a Chivalric manner, with people celebrating the past with the present. A must see!
A picture of a massive 'Countdown to Christmas' sign written in lights.
With a huge countdown to the big day who wouldn’t get into the most festive of spirits?

Christmas at Black Creek Pioneer Village

Picture of woman and man in Victorian dress looking in a shop window. There is fir and pine cones around the window.
Photo From: blackcreek.ca
Black Creek Pioneer is an integrative museum and entertainment attraction. It is well known for its historical reenactments portraying early Toronto life!

If the picturesque, Victorian setting for Toronto’s Christmas markets didn’t quite satisfy that historic craving, Black Creek Pioneer Village allows you to step back in time and experience a Victorian Christmas!

A picture of a Christmas dinner scene in an old kitchen. Quintessentially Victorian.
Photo From: blackcreek.com
Visit the ghost of Christmas Past and experience a slice of times gone by.

Located a few miles north of downtown Toronto, the Black Creek Pioneer village go all out for Christmas, offering traditional Christmas dinners every Sunday during December. Additionally, the village hosts a ‘Christmas by lamplight’ walk as well as ‘Storytime with Santa’.

To check out the festivities at Black Creek, click here.

A picture of Santa Claus sat in a huge armchair next to a Christmas tree.
Photo From: blackcreek.com
With the ‘Storytime with Santa’ event, children can have festive fun whilst also learn about Toronto’s history!

Lakeshore Santa Parade

A picture of people dressed up as playing cards. They are all wearing yellow stripey trousers and blue checked shirts.
Playing cards and other classic Christmas gifts come to life in this magical parade!

In Toronto, Santa Claus really does come to town… The Lakeshore Santa Parade, a tradition since 1991, is one of the biggest community parades in Canada. Showcasing a variety of talent, from bands to acrobats all dressed as toys before the big man himself makes an appearance at the end, it’s a Toronto must-see!

To check out when and where Santa is coming to T-Town, click here.

Ice Skating in Nathan Phillips Square

A picture of an ice rink nestled in between modern-looking buildings.
This rink will guarantee an ‘ice time!

There are a variety of ice-rinks dotted around Toronto, but the magical icy wonderland in Nathan Phillips Square is a personal favourite. As one of the city’s most celebrated attractions, it has been a ‘quintessential Toronto experience for generations’.

Free with your own skates or the option to borrow affordable rentals, this winter activity is an affordable option to get in the festive spirit; as well as give you a taste of Canadian culture!

To check out skating in Nathan Phillips Square, click here.

Another picture of the rink at Nathan Phillips Square. You have a better view of the modern buildings and there is a massive light up 'Toronto' sign.
Don’t get ‘cold feet’ and miss out on this festive ‘must-do’.

Aurora Winter Festival

A picture of two people going down a slide in inflatable doughnuts. There are festive lights in the background.
Photo From: todotoronto.com
Slide into the festive season at Aurora’s Winter Festival!

Located in Ontario Place, this festival offers enchanting light displays, magical Christmas characters and amusement rides! With stunning decorations, this little corner of Toronto has been transformed into a mystical North Pole village straight from a storybook…

An arch of fairylights.
Photo From: aurorawinterfestival.com
‘Yule’ be guaranteed to have a festive time!

To check out the Aurora Winter Festival, click here.

A picture of a girl looking up to some
Photo From: curiocity.com
Perfect opportunity to make that Instagram feed ‘Sleigh’.

Christmas at Casa Loma

A picture of a gothic castle with a huge Christmas tree outside and adorned with fairy lights.
Photo From: blogto.com
Toronto’s Casa Loma is transformed into a winter wonderland, as Clara and the Nutcracker dance around the castle corridors.

For a unique and memorable Canadian Christmas experience, a trip to Toronto’s Casa Loma (North America’s only castle) is a must. Built by Sir Henry Pallat in 1911, the Gothic architecture looks spectacular adorned with festive lights.

This year, Casa Loma is hosting ‘A Nutcracker Christmas at the Castle’. Featuring illuminist entertainment and ice skating performances, this rendition of Hoffman’s tale and Tchaikovsky’s classical music should not be missed!

To check out Casa Loma click here.

To check out A Nutcracker Christmas at the Castle, click here.

Merry Christmas! Enjoy the festivities!

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