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By Kat Clark, Gradlife Ambassador

With the Santa Claus parade behind us, and Saturday night’s Cavalcade of Lights a memory blinking brightly out of the recordings on our cell phones, it’s time for the official holiday season to begin! Since this week is the first in December (and that means less than 30 sleeps until Santa!), we thought we’d give you a breakdown of some of the awesome things happening in and around Toronto that you can attend.

Whether you’re a grad student with a family, are spending this year’s holidays with friends, or are simply looking for a budget-friendly festivity, we’ve got you covered. Read on for Gradlife’s “Hopping Holiday Happenings” (the English major in me couldn’t resist the alliteration!):

**click on the underlined titles or pictures to be taken directly to the corresponding website for more info.!)**

1. Toronto Christmas Festival – Dec. 12-Dec. 21 @ Yonge-Dundas Square: live music, food & drinks, pictures with Santa, and a laser show at 10p.m.! The best part? It’s FREE.

 

2. Holiday Magic – Nov. 14-Dec. 31 @ Yorkville (near Bloor & Avenue): beautiful Christmas lights and great atmosphere; grab a coffee or cocoa and take a stroll through the lights. The cost? Your coffee, and your winter mittens.

3. Toronto Christmas Market – Nov. 20-Dec. 20 @ the Distillery District: Christmas crafts, mulled wine, good food, great music. FREE admission Tuesdays-Fridays, $5/person Sat. & Sun (closed on Mondays). Want to check it out? Gradlife is headed there Dec. 9^th, click here to sign up!

 

4. One of a Kind Christmas Show – Nov. 26-Dec.6 @ Enercare Centre (Princes Blvd. & Canada Blvd.): 800 artisans with even more Christmas stuff/gifts to explore and buy (or not!). $13 for adults, $7.50 for seniors/youth, FREE for kids 12 and under. Buy your tickets online to save $2!

5. The Christmas Story – Dec.4-Dec.20 @ Toronto Church of the Holy Trinity (close to the Eaton Centre): If you’re looking to keep it traditional, or really want a cheap play, you can see 100 performers take part in a great production of the nativity story. The entrance fee is by donation, but they do suggest $20 for adults, and $5 for kids.

6. Santa’s Giant Storybook Experience – Nov. 24-Dec.17 @ Sherway Gardens Mall (West End, a bit of a commute but worth the trip for the wee ones): 30 minute show and photo op for kids with Santa, they get to take part in a fun Christmas story to help Santa find his reindeer! $15 entrance fee. If you’re not able to make the trip to the West End, you can always head to the closest mall for a photo op with the big guy in the red suit, too.

7. A Christmas Carol – Dec. 3-Jan3. @ Young Centre for the Performing Arts (Mill St. & Cherry St. in the Distillery District). Not up for the traditional nativity story play? This performance is a wonderful adaptation of a Christmas classic, and is great for individuals, couples, friends, and family alike! Tickets range from $29.50-$89.

 

8. Celebrating Chanukah? Check out blogT.O.s GREAT list of Chanukah parties for friends and family that are happening all around the city. Find things like: fireworks, parties, plays, poolside candle lighting, and more! Dec. 6-14.

 

9. Holiday Cookies! Aka Gingerbread. Tis the season for baked goods in the shape of gingerbread men, Christmas trees, and snowmen. Find some awesome deliciousness at places like Mad Batter Bakers (Liberty Village), and Wanda’s Pie in the Sky (Kensington Market).

10. Spectacle of Lights – Nov.28-Jan. 1 @ Toronto’s Waterfront. Whether you’re looking to do a little shopping and strolling, or simply want to take in a gorgeous view away from campus, you can head to the Waterfront to check out 4 sites draped in magical lights. Plus, it’s FREE (unless you’re shopping, of course!)

While all of these are a great start to checking out the holiday magic as we reach the end of another year, don’t forget that there are other ways to spend your break and feel great. Something as simple as grabbing a few friends for a warm drink, taking a break from studying to window shop, or getting to the gym to fend off the seasonal feast are great ways to enjoy December even if you’re not feeling in a festive mood.

If you’re the type of person who likes to move more away from the commercial side of things, why not consider checking out Volunteer Toronto as well? A lot of places love to have extra volunteers this time of year, and need the added help for Toy Drives, Holiday events, and gathering supplies as the days get shorter and colder.

Whatever your style, Toronto is a big city with lots of opportunities to “get in the spirit”, wherever that might take you!