BY KELLY TABANGI
Tis the season to be jolly , and oh what a season it is ( minus the cold weather , of course )! Every year , the city lights up and holiday joy takes over the GTA ! No matter who you are , the holiday season offers something for all ages , genders and interests . Here at fredi , we took the liberty of compiling all the exciting events and activities taking place that you may not even have thought of . Here are our top 10 things to do over the holidays !
1 The Nutcracker Ballet
The Nutcracker is a ballet unlike any other . Known for its stunning score by Tchaikovsky and a heartwarming story centered on brother and sister duo , Misha and Marie , The Nutcracker draws the masses every year . Premiering in Toronto in 1995 , The Nutcracker Ballet has become a part of the city ’ s holiday tradition . If you ’ ve never watched The Nutcracker , this is a must-see for the holiday season , and if you already have , there ’ s no harm in going again ! Don ’ t miss it , live at The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts , from December 11th and 31st .
2 Toronto Christmas Market
This is one of my personal favourites on the list ! Shopping , food and a breathtaking display of Christmas lights at the deeply adored Distillery District – what more could you ask for at this time of year ? One of the largest holiday festivals in North America , the Toronto Christmas Market is back to spread warmth , wonder and holiday spirit , hosting over 30 vendors until December 22 . On top of all this , admission is FREE on weekdays and only $ 6 on the weekend ! Whether you are looking for a fun family day or a romantic date night , the Toronto Christmas Market checks all of the boxes !
FREDI ’ S TIP / Visit the Toronto Christmas Market during the evening to experience the beautiful
3 Skiing
display of glistening lights !
If you ’ re dreaming of a white holiday season , this is perfect for you . If there ’ s one place you ’ re sure to always find snow , it ’ s the slopes ! We recommend treating yourself to a weekend getaway this winter season at Blue Mountain Village . Here , beginners , experts and everyone in between will have a chance to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year . Follow up skiing with a trip to the spa , one of the many delicious restaurants at the Village or just relaxing and enjoying your well-deserved break !
4 Shopping
So this may be my favourite thing to do at just about any time of the year , but the holiday season definitely gives me a great excuse ! Shopping is a must-do during every holiday season and where better to go than Vaughan ’ s very own , Vaughan Mills . One of the largest shopping centres in Canada , find over 240 stores including H & M , Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth , hr2 and so many others . You ’ ll be guaranteed to find something for everyone while admiring the stunning festive decorations at Vaughan Mills !
5 The Magical Winterland at Casa Loma
Could there be a more perfect setting for a winter wonderland than Casa Loma ? I think not ! On Wednesday nights throughout the month of December , Casa Loma will become The Magical Winterland where you will be able to visit Santa at his workshop , sing with spectacular carolers , devour delicious treats and hot cocoa , explore the castle for a scavenger hunt and so much more ! Bring your family and loved ones to Casa Loma to experience the castle like you never have before !
6 Skating
While admittedly , I don ’ t know how to skate myself , everyone else around me can ’ t possibly imagine a holiday season without it . And I have to admit , the beautiful outdoor ice rinks around the GTA really leave me wishing I could be a part of it ! Just one lap around Gage Park ’ s skating trail in Brampton is all it takes to feel the holiday spirit . Not to mention the transformation of Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto into one of the city ’ s most celebrated attractions . Here , you can skate with friends and family against a distinctive backdrop of sparkling lights and an enormous decorated holiday tree !
7 Time Travel
Okay maybe not literally time travel , but this is the closest thing . At Black Creek Pioneer Village , you can celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas all December long ! Every weekend , experience a holiday themed village and enjoy old and new beloved traditions such as visiting Santa Claus , taking a ride on a horse drawn carriage , making your own Christmas tree decorations and so much more . You can also enjoy lamplight dinners on select evenings with special activities and live music throughout the night .
8 Make A Donation
A major part of the holiday season is giving , so why not give to those who need it most . There ’ s no shortage of charities to donate to , but a great choice is the incredible CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish , the largest distributor of toys to children in need in the GTA . 2016 marks the 50 th annual Christmas Wish and until December 24 you can make a financial donation or toy donation to help hundreds of thousands of children . Brighten up someone else ’ s holiday season this year one toy at a time !
9 Board Games
There ’ s nothing better than getting together with friends or family , pulling out your favourite childhood board game and getting just a tad bit too competitive about it , especially during the coziest months of the year . There ’ s no wrong way to do it , whether you curl up by the fireplace at your house or try something new and hit one of Toronto ’ s most innovative cafes , Snakes and Lattes , where you ’ ll find a full menu of food and drinks alongside an extensive collection of games . You ’ re sure to be brought back to your earliest memories of the loved winter season !
10 Ugly Holiday Sweater Party
Who doesn ’ t love a good party ? Whether you ’ re the perfect host or the fun-loving guest , there ’ s no better time or reason to celebrate than the holidays ! Bring together all your friends and family for the party of the season , the Ugly Holiday Sweater Party ! Serve seasonal food and drinks ( eggnog seems to be a crowd pleaser , although I have no idea why ), celebrate with your favourite holiday tunes and most importantly , don ’ t let anyone in if they ’ re not wearing the most festive , ugly sweater they could find !
fredi winter 2016 • 43