Spending Christmas in Toronto

Christmas in Toronto

Credit crunch? What credit crunch? With major currencies enjoying a great rate against the Canadian dollar, you can afford all kinds of fun in Canada’s largest city. We’ve rounded up the best events and tips on where to spend your hard earned cash to get the most bang for your Christmas buck.

Find your bed:

Surprisingly, Toronto hostels offer excellent value and location around the holidays. It’s easy to find top notch hostels in Toronto, and hostels in Canada which are both easy in attitude and easier on the pocket – perfect for not dipping into the Christmas savings.

Catch the lights:

From now until 15th January you can enjoy a festival display of holiday cheer at Yonge-Dundas Square. From light wrapped columns to 40 ft. Trees with 52,000 shimmering lights and a three dimensional polar bear trio, it’s sure to bring out the Santa in anyone. Not enough glittering festiveness for you? The Cavalcade of Lights offers a magical weekly roster of concerts, shopping, lighting displays and much more this holiday season.

The festival opens up with a bang on November 29 at 7 p.m. with the official tree lighting, fireworks and free live musical performances by the Canadian Tenors, Serena Ryder, Alex Cuba, and Toya Alexis. For those who are partial to sporting over standing around, DJ Tony Sutherland spins his faves for skaters on the ice rink (until 10 p.m.). Live concerts, fireworks and skating parties continue every Saturday night throughout December starting at 7 p.m. Even the Christmas market has been revamped, and features coffee, tea, chocolates and Christmas decorations from around the world.

Take a day out:

It’d be a crime to come all this way and not go and witness the sheer majesty of nearby Niagara Falls. Via Rail Canada offers two departures a day (one in the morning, and one in the afternoon), and passes through some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery.

Buy your presents:

If you're looking for unique gifts, Toronto's Christmas craft shows are a wonderful place to take your search. During November and December one of a kind creations by local and Canadian artists line the multitude of Christmas craft fairs all around the city, making it a great time to stock up for the holidays (or treat yourself!) Go from Christmas in Toronto to Toronto Travel Tips