Thursday, November 14, 2019 5:00 am During the holiday season, it always seems like there are 1,000 things to do, from shopping to family visits to marathoning Hallmark movies, on top of your regular life. I'm not a big fan of winter (well, specifically, the cold) but I'm a big believer that it's important to soak in the season.
It's always nice to do something different and take in some festive events. Here are my picks for some of the must-attend events to help you make the most of the holiday season.
A Nutcracker Christmas at the Castle
During the month of December, Casa Loma transforms. This event, which is included in general admission, includes illusionist shows, ice skating performances, visits with Santa in his workshop, festive arts and crafts and of course, lush holiday decor, including a 40 foot Christmas tree. For days when you're not up to braving the cold, Glow is the perfect indoor Christmas wonderland. Guests can explore lighted trails and illuminated structures, take in some live music, shop at the vendor market and take a ride on the glow-camotive.I have to give the organizers kudos here because not only do they offer a 20% off promo code (Toronto20 at checkout), they are also offering 1,000 free family passes to families who may not ordinarily be able to afford to attend. Applications for this close November 15. When I read that my heart grew three sizes.
Royal Botanical Gardens Holiday Traditions
RBG goes all out for the holidays. The highlights include winter walks, winter lights in their popular rock garden, holiday train displays (which include a scavenger hunt!), storytime for little ones, and Santa visits. If you plan to visit on a weekday, they still have tickets for their main Christmas attraction, Santa's Signature Experience, which includes a train ride, treats, crafts and a Santa visit. The Signature Experience is a ticketed event and sells out quickly (weekends are already sold out.) For the second time, the Aurora Winter Festival will transform Ontario place into a magical holiday experience, complete with four unique mystical worlds: Arctic Retreat, Candy Land Lane, Luminous Gardens and Whimsical Forest. The event even features its own characters, including an Ice Queen, elves and a Yeti. The event also features a skating rink, tubing, amusement rides, a marketplace and light displays. Niagara is already known for its lights, but in winter it's really something else. In addition to the falls illumination, there is an 8km long light display that trails through the renowned gardens and landscapes. Try to visit during one of the weekly fireworks shows to top of your day, held at 9pm on Fridays.
Chandra