What's Happening in Toronto: Christmas 2017
Christmas is coming! Looking for something to do in & around Toronto this Holiday season?
Here are a few things you can add to your list:
1) Toronto Christmas Market (Distillery District -'til December 23rd). This annual market features artisan stalls, warm drinks, cosy lights, tasty treats, Christmas cheer, live entertainment and much more!
3) If you don’t mind travelling a bit, visit Niagara festival of lights (Niagara falls; November, 18 - January, 31). It is the 35th season of the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights. The Opening Ceremonies include two shows on a stage in the centre of the park, both of the shows end with fireworks over the Niagara Falls. The stunning display includes many favourites like Noah’s Ark and the Zimmerman Fountain and some new displays with an expanded 8km long illumination route that goes along the Niagara Parkway past the Falls, into Dufferin Islands and surrounding tourist districts. Enjoy millions of sparkling lights!
Although winter is coming, with the right layers, you can still be warm enough to enjoy the outdoors.
Here are a few more ideas:
1) Catch the sunset at Polson Pier. Polson Pier is right by the lake so it’s a gorgeous spot to take in the sunset. So grab your warm drink and sandwiches, bundle up and enjoy a breathtaking view!
2) Skate at the Harbour Front Centre or Nathan Philipps Square for FREE.
3) Hiking trails:
Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Ave #300, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8).
Evergreen Brick Works is an eco- and family-friendly hub, located in the heart of Toronto’s Don Valley. Evergreen Brick Works is a great place for everyone: farmers and garden markets, a children’s garden and, stunning hiking trails. Evergreen operates a free shuttle bus from Broadview Subway every day of the week, which makes an easier access to the trail.
Albion Hills Conservation Area (16500 Regional Road 50, Caledon, ON L7E 5T4).
This place boasts various hiking trails, experience the rolling hills of Caledon and Humber River on Albion Hills Conservation Area. The area has over 40 km of trail to explore. There’s also the option to mountain bike through the woods.
Scarborough Bluffs (61 Under Cliff Dr, Scarborough, ON M1N 3Z5).
The Scarborough Bluffs Trails provide a spectacular view of Lake Ontario. The bluffs stretch out approximately 14km along the lake’s shore and rise 55m above water at their highest point. You may choose a walking trail below the bluffs that lead through the park, or there are also a few trails between the cliffs and the park.
4) Day trips near Toronto:
Cobourg
Cobourg is set on Lake Ontario, it’s an hour East of Toronto. Take a walk along the Cobourg beach, visit the Art Gallery of Northumberland, which began life as an extension of the Cobourg Public Library. Cyclists will want to bring along their bike and tackle one of Canada’s “epic trails” for mountain biking – The Ganaraska Forest Trail. Ride through the forest, with its mix of twists and turns.
Caledon
Caledon has a scenic countryside surrounding it which makes it an ideal (and easy) drive from Toronto with beautiful fall colours along the way. Hike the trails of the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, part of the Niagara Escarpment biosphere. You might also be interested in visiting the historic Alton Mill set on the banks of Shaw’s Creek in the village of Alton. The building has been converted into an arts centre for resident studio artists, as well as a heritage museum and art gallery.
Art events
1) Our Journey: An Art Map of Canadian Identity (Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Rd.; Ends December, 31). This exhibit in Spadina Museum is a brilliant idea if you are looking for something nice and free to do, and with the free admission into the museum until November 30th, you won't have to pay to visit the rest of the museum either!
2) Propeller Gallery offers two free exhibitions: Embers of the Sky by Janet Read and GALLERIES - a public entertainment by Ross Winter (Propeller Gallery, 30 Abell Street).
