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Written by Cricia Rinchon, GradLife Ambassador

Skating has been a common leisurely winter activity in Toronto, with our first outdoor commercial rink opening as early as the 1800s. Toronto’s newest synthetic ice skating rink is being housed at Ontario Place, where you can also enjoy 12 illuminated exhibits by 20 local artists and illuminated paths with twinkling fairy lights. Additionally, a longstanding Toronto-tradition is the Harbourfront DJ Skate Nights (every Saturday, 8-11pm). You can also skate at Nathan Phillips Square until March, but note that you can only visit their Holiday Fair until 6 pm on December 23rd.

Another holiday market you can’t miss is the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District, ranked one of the best holiday markets in the world by various magazines where you can pick up locally handcrafted souvenirs, listen to live music, and enjoy free wine samples. Be sure to go on a weekday for free admission, and head over before sunset to avoid long lines! 

A less well known Christmas Market that’s open up until the end of this year is Evergreen’s Winter Village (open from 10 am to 5 pm). There you can join a guided hike on the trails through the Don Valley, grab some hand-made souvenirs from the Holiday Etsy Market, and enjoy local treats with a toasty drink around the cozy campfires. If this has piqued your interest but don’t want to do exploring alone, be sure to sign up for our upcoming Grad Escape: Winter Hike to Evergreen Brickworks in the new year!

Other Grad Escapes to watch out for if you’re more of an indoor-person include the Games Night at Bampot House of Tea, Trivia Night at the Harvest Noon Cafe, an Improv Class at The Second City, and Dodgeball at the Athletic Centre. Be sure to visit the GradEscapes page here to learn more. 

Happy Holidays — hope to see you in the New Year,

Cricia