It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is here, and with it comes the joy of celebrating with your loved ones, exchanging gifts, and enjoying delicious food. But don’t let the cold weather stop you from having fun. It is also the perfect time to make the most of your winter break from college. You have three weeks of freedom before you have to go back to the grind of lectures and assignments. So why not use this time to try some new and exciting activities? Here are some ideas to inspire you:

1. Go ice skating! 

Nothing says winter like gliding on the ice with your friends or family. You can find many ice rinks in Toronto, such as the 

Nathan Phillips Square: You are ready to go if you have your skates. However, they offer the rental service for two hours.

Evergreen Brick Works: it’s a beautiful natural park with an indoor rink you will enjoy during the wintertime. Don’t forget to check the dates and times the rink will be open.

The Bentway is a cool place under the bridge to skate. Don’t miss your skates but if you don’t have them, there is a rental ready for you. This rink will be open by December 16^th. 

 

 

2. Visit a Christmas market:

If you're a fan of shopping, eating, and drinking, a Christmas market might be the perfect destination for you during the holiday season. You'll get to soak up the festive atmosphere while browsing for unique gifts, local crafts, and tasty treats. Toronto has some amazing Christmas markets to check out, including:

The Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery District: This place is like being in a Christmas movie. However, you have to consider if you want to pay for a ticket (starts from $15) or go there for free so pay attention to the days and times before going there.

The holiday fair on Mel Lastman Square: Located in North York this place looks like Santa’s house, a place to enjoy a bunch of activities. 

The Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works: If you are planning to go skating to Evergreen you can take advantage and have fun in the winter market. But is just for two days the 10^th and the 17^th of December. So safe the date.  

Holiday Street Market: Located below the CN Tower, the market is now open every Friday (5 pm-9 pm), Saturday (12 pm-9 pm) and Sunday (12 pm-7 pm). 

Holiday Market 2023 at Botanical Garden: This is a green and Christmas atmosphere. In this space, you can appreciate the work of local vendors, and enjoy food and live music. Take advantage because this ends on December 17. 

Tranzac Holiday Gift Fair: You should also take advantage of the last days of this gift fair where you can find the perfect gifts for your loved ones, made by artists and artisans. 

 

 

3. See some lights:

Nothing brightens up the dark winter nights like dazzling displays of lights. You can admire the colourful decorations and installations at various locations in Toronto, such as:

The Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square: It is a bonus because if you go skating in Natan Phillips you will also be able to see the lighting available in this square and when it gets cold you can see the decoration of the Eaton Centre a few metres away. 

The Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic at Bloor Street West: It’s the perfect place for taking nice pictures showing the Christmas spirit through lights. For some specific dates and times, you could enjoy the carolers too! 

The Winter Festival of Lights at Niagara Falls: If you have a little more budget, you can make a longer trip to Niagara an all-day plan. On this trip, you will not only be able to see the waterfalls, but you will also enjoy the lighting and the fireworks that are like magic for everyone.

Holiday Nights of Lights: This is a beauty located in Scarborough, admission has a cost, but between December 15 and 17 you can find a discount on tickets. Check your agenda and don't miss it. 

 

 

4. Visit a Museum:

There should always be space for culture, which is why this is a very good option to fill the soul with art and history. Some options are: 

ROM: Visit the museum for free on the third Tuesday of every month. This is an option that has been in effect for a long time, but you can enjoy it on December 19 from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

AGO: If you are under 25 years old you can enjoy free entry to this wonderful museum.

Market Gallery: “Drawing from the City’s extensive collection of fine art, historic artifacts, and archaeological specimens, these exhibits let you experience first-hand the evolution of Toronto’s ever-changing identity.”  

Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Pop-Up: You should take advantage of this unique opportunity on December 16^th  if you like art, food, and music. It's a free entry event, register here.

 

 

5. Other activities:

Take a picture with Santa: This is the opportunity to meet Santa. He will be there until the 17^th of December in St Lawrence Market. Take the picture and take advantage of finding fresh and delicious food.!  

Holiday Hills: The best place to spend time with friends, and enjoy the outdoors next to a campfire while trying exquisite food and good music. 

Annual Allan Gardens Conservatory Winter Flower Show: If you love plants, you will like this activity a lot, the best thing is that admission is free. We invite you to see the exhibition of winter plants in an indoor botanical garden. Check the schedules and days before you go. 

 

6. If you have a little bit more money:

Christmas at the castle: You can plan well to stay the whole day at this place as there are two types of events, one during the day and the other at night. Check the page to plan the day and also to review the admission prices for each event. 

Wonderland Winter Fest: This is the icing on the cake. Since it is quite an adventure for the holidays. There you can enjoy different shows, ice skating, lights, Christmas trees and much more. Check schedules and ticket prices. 

 

 

7. Fireworks closing the 2023 year!

You cannot end this year without seeing the fireworks, a show that is dazzling for everyone regardless of age. The very good news is that for the entire New Year's Eve, the TTC is free. This show will be available on:

“Eastbound on Queens Quay W. from 10 PM on December 31st, 2023, to 1 AM on January 1st, 2024

Bay St. from Lakeshore Blvd. W. to Queens Quay W. from 10 PM on December 31st, 2023, to 1 AM on January 1st, 2024”

 

As you can see, this is a month with many activities to do, most of these activities do not need a lot of money, you just have to calculate transportation and food. But don't worry, you can see which places are nearby or are on the way in the iSchoolWallet application to apply for any of the discounts and thus save more money. Prepare yourself with a good jacket and a comfortable and warm pair of shoes, and finally, download the iSchoolWallet App to make these festivities a memorable moment in 2023.