The holidays are here, and Toronto is a officially a playground for all winter festivities. From skating trails to drag queens under twinkling lights, here’s a how to make the most of the city’s exapansive offerings before the new year.
Skate at Toronto’s newest ice rink
It was a few weeks behind schedule but Toronto’s newest skating rink is finally open in a familiar location. The Harbourfront rink is back where the Natrel Rink used to be and it opened this past weekend with the first of its DJ skate nights and free skate rentals on Saturdays.
Experience Canada’s Wonderland in the cold
This is no ordinary amusement park trip. WinterFest is decked out with millions of lights, festive food stalls, and two massive Christmas trees that’ll make stop and appreciate the holiday spirit. The full lighting extravanganza is open through January 4, with tickets available online starting at $30.
Sip Cocktails at a Christmas-themed bar
As someone who does partake in the sport of holiday drinking, the Miracle Bar has definitely been on my radar. This festive pop-up bar is the kind of place where every corner screams holiday overload.
This is basically the place where you can hold glitter-rimmed cocktails, and pose by a giant inflatable reindeer. The pop-up bar is located on the second floor of 875 Bloor St W.
Watch Celine Dion’s take on what really happened on the Titanic
The Titanic might have sunk back in 1912 but it wasn’t until this month that Titanique the musical arrived on stage in Toronto. This hilarous, no-intermission musical that spoofs the 1997 film is worth the price of admission so run, don’t walk, to the CAA Theatre before it’s gone.
Appreciate The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s iconic Nutcracker is back at the Four Seasons Centre until Dec. 31, and it’s as magical as ever. The Sugar Plum Fairy is a queen, and I aspire to her grace. Tickets are going fast so be sure to snap those up on the official website.
Get in line for the Distillery Winter Village
Cobblestone streets, twinkling lights, and mulled wine —Distillery Winter Village is the special place for those who wait this holiday season. The uber-popular winter event is open until Jan. 5, and tickets currently range from $15 to $35 for those who want to pay a little extra to skip the lines. So what if the food and drinks are overpriced!
Ring in 2025 With Fireworks by the lake
New Years Eve without a grand display of fireworks is like a bird without wings. The city’s synchronized 10-minute display is a tradition that’s impossible to miss at Harbourfront Centre, and there will be a free DJ Skate Night on the rink.
Whether you’re gliding on ice, singing along to holiday classics, or sipping cocktails in a sea of tinsel, Toronto’s festive season is pretty unmatched. My advice? Start with a bunch of friends and some mulled wine, and just let the night go from there.
