You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy Christmas
The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it the annual list of jolly activities.
While it can be tempting to hibernate inside as the cold descends, resist the urge and check out some of these events and activities around the city, as recommended by Michael Bertuzzi, city of Toronto tourism manager. They are proof that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the season. Skate. Rink admission is typically free, with skate and helmet rentals ranging from $5/$6 for children to $10/$11 for adults. A Toronto Christmas classic, chilly but beautiful, and there are about 50 outdoor rinks across the city. The most well-known are the rink at Nathan Phillips Square and Harbourfront Centre’s Natrel Rink.
Bertuzzi’s top pick? The Evergreen Brick Works rink is great for families with young kids who tend to “flop around” on the ice. Hit a Christmas market. Cost: admission to the Christmas Market at the Distillery Historic District is free Tuesdays to Fridays, and $5 on weekends. The market has been ranked one of the best in the world by publications such as Fodor’s Travel. It runs until Dec. 20.
You can also check out the Union Station Holiday Market, which is free throughout the entire week, or pick from dozens of smaller neighbourhood farmers markets around the city. Sing. There are many “Cavalcade of Lights” events at the beginning of the season, including Old Town Toronto’s event on Saturday, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in St. James’ Park. The event is free, and includes a performance from St. James Cathedral carol singers, as well as complimentary hot chocolate and cider. Visit Santa’s cabin. Cost: $10 a child, with all money donated to Autism Speaks Canada, Covenant House and Women’s College Hospital Foundation. Visiting St. Nick at the Eaton Centre is a holiday favourite. Book ahead online to guarantee a visit with the jolly man in red before he heads back to the North Pole. Have a shy child? Both classic and sensitive Santa options are available. Go to a concert. Cost: free. If you’re looking for an event on Christmas Eve, head to the Rotunda of Toronto City Hall at 100 Queen St. W. for a free choral concert, starting at 11:30 a.m. Bertuzzi plans on taking his kids to the popular show.
“If you’re working on Christmas Eve it’s a nice way to transition out of it,” he says. Enjoy the twinkle: Cost: free, add hot chocolate or cider for less than $5. Nothing says holiday season like light displays, and Toronto does not disappoint in this department.
Grab a hot drink, bundle up, and spend the evening under some of the city’s amazing light displays. Check out Nathan Phillips Square, the Distillery District, Yorkville or YongeDundas Square for some truly magical displays.