Now that Halloween has come and gone, it’s impossible to miss the overloaded, filled to the rim shelves showcasing Christmas items. Call me a stickler, but I was raised celebrating American Thanksgiving and it was always a treat to give each holiday its dedicated time. I looked forward to seeing the flood of Christmas windows and decorations throughout the city on storefronts and on streetpoles. Perhaps a bit too nostalgic, but happy memories I can look back to. So, as you’ll see from the Top 5 list below, Toronto is in full Christmas gear. Hope you enjoy what the city has to offer and make lasting memories for you and your little ones. Now, although I still have a hard time accepting seeing Christmas so heavily promoted, I am now a Mama to a little Canadian and I say “When in Canada, do as the Canadians do!”. Enjoy the weekend and have FUN getting into the Christmas Cheer!
Buskertainment Friday’s and Saturday’s starting Nov. 15 through Dec. 1 Held at different key locations with the Downtown Yonge BIA
The streets will come to life with dynamic buskers to entertain holiday shoppers. Come see a stilt walker, illusionist, human statue, and more as they perform throughout Downtown Yonge. All of the Buskers’ proceeds will be donated to Raising the Roof, Downtown Yonge BIA’s official charity partner.
Illuminite Saturday, Nov. 16 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Yonge-Dundas Square
Illuminite officially kicks off the holiday season in the Downtown Yonge BIA Neighborhood. This is a spectacular holiday lighting ceremony with breathtaking entertainment – a fusion of technology and artistic performance. This event will feature world-class cast of home-grown and international talents. The evening will end with the lighting of the 52,000 LED tree and other light installations around the Downtown Yonge BIA Neighborhood.
Christmas at Black Creek Pioneer Village Nov. 16 through Dec. 23
Enjoy the Village at it’s best, all dressed for Christmas. Weekends are filled with flaming puddings, Christmas tours, and ballroom dancing. On December weekends, starting December 7th, visit with Santa, and take a ride on a horse drawn wagon!
Santa Experience at Sherway Gardens Nov. 14 through Dec. 22
Everyone’s favourite entertaining and interactive Santa Experience play session with singalongs, dancing and story reading returns to Sherway Gardens, Tuesdays through Sundays from Thursday, November 14 until Sunday, December 22. Tickets are $12 per child (limit of 6 tickets per family) and sold online only at www.sherwaysanta.com
City of Toronto Historic Sites Nov. 1 through Jan. 5
From fun-filled day camps to historic cooking workshops to cookie and gingerbread house decorating and special crafts for kids and families, there’s something for you and your young ones to enjoy.