There are some big benefits to living in Toronto – like all the incredible activities the city offers over the holiday season. Here’s a quick list of some of our favourite things to do in TO this month to get you into the spirit of the season (or just have some winter fun with family and friends).
Take in the lights. Nothing says holiday season like a little sparkle. Take a stroll around your neighbourhood to check out the holiday decor, or treat yourself to Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights or the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips’ Square.
2. Go for a hike. Who says you can only hike when it’s warm out? If you’re anything like us, you got REALLY into winter hiking over the pandemic. Toronto is full of great trails, from the Humber River Trail to the Leslie Street Spit to the Lower Don, there are lots of walks that’ll have you immersed in nature without having to leave the city. So bundle up and hit the trails! (Bonus: it’s 100% free!)
Want to live near great urban hiking trails? Check out listings in Mount Dennis, along the Humber River.
3. Hit the rink. Head to your favourite local skating rink for a fun, totally wholesome good time. Want to try something that’s a little different than your neighbourhood rink? Hit the ice at Nathan Phillip’s Square (you can rent skates there if you don’t have your own), cruise The Bentway's figure-eight skate trail, or skate through the forest at Colonel Sam Smith Park in Long Branch.
Check out current listings in Long Branch.
4. Go green at Evergreen’s Holiday Market. Head down to the Evergreen Brickworks on December 18 for sustainable shopping, great food, skating, dance classes, hiking more. There’s a shuttle from Broadview Station if you don’t want to drive.
The lovely Mount Pleasant West neighbourhood is close by – check out properties for sale in the area.
Image credit: Daily Hive
5. Have fun at Stackt Holiday Hills. This cool 6-week event has something for everyone, from vendor markets to live music to spots where you can make your own gifts. Try your hand at curling on a huge rink that everyone can enjoy. Looking for a date night that’s a little different? Check out Vinyl Painting at Sunset.
6. Celebrate the season at Wonderland’s WinterFest. Skate on Snowflake lake, take in live shows, hit the rides, check out zillions of lights and trees and eat, drink and be (very, very) merry!
Like the idea of living near Wonderland? Check out some of the local listings.
7. Welcome the light back in Kensington Market. Mark 6-9:30 on December 21st on your calendar, because that’s the Winter Solstice Festival, a neighbourhood-wide celebration you won’t want to miss. The streets of the market will be closed to traffic and filled with performers, music and good vibes as they celebrate the return of longer days.
There’s no neighbourhood quite like Kensington...check out area info and properties for sale.
Image credit: indie88.com
8. Gather with friends around a fire. Whether it’s at a public fire pit (you can book them through the City or at Ontario Place) or on a restaurant patio (we love El Catrin for their awesome fire pits).
9. Head to the Distillery’s Winter Village. Take in the giant Dior tree and Insta-worthy light sculptures, snap some festive selfies, and treat yourself to some yummy seasonal snacks. If you get chilled, pop into Balzac’s for their latest decadent drink: an iced peppermint latte.
Love the Distillery? Check out listings and neighbourhood info.
Looking for inspo for some last-minute holiday shopping? Check out this list of great gifts for the new homeowner on your list.