8 Things to do in Toronto in December

 

In December, I got the opportunity to travel to Toronto on a three-day work trip. However, I was almost deterred from visiting Toronto in December due of my fear of the weather. Because I've spent so much time in the Caribbean, I naturally favor warmer weather. But Toronto isn't just any city: it's a cultural and social melting pot, a walking maze of skyscrapers, national museums, and a continually developing hotspot of entertainment of all kinds. I was curious as to what was in there for me, and I'm glad I did! If you're planning a trip to Toronto during the winter, don't give up! Here are my top 8 suggestions for things to do in Toronto during the month of December.

If you're planning a trip to Toronto in December, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Canada has a reputation for being a bitterly chilly nation. December activities in Toronto, on the other hand, may be rather entertaining. Just keep the following points in mind:

1. Pack warm clothing — basically, anything you'll need to get through the winter. Even if the weather in December isn't very chilly, it's better to be overprepared than to be freezing cold everywhere you go.
2. Make a budget - I noticed that shopping and meals in Canada were typically more expensive (compared to the USA). With that in mind, make sure you budget for all of your spending in advance. You should also bear in mind that the sales tax is around 13%. As a result, include it in all of your costs.
3. Consider taking the Union-Pearson (UP)Train from the airport to Union Station — When it comes to accessing downtown Toronto from the airport, the UP train is incredibly handy and economical. It costs roughly 12.35 CAD, which is three times less than taking a cab into the downtown. In addition, the UP train will drop you off at Union Station in downtown. You can practically travel everywhere from there.
4. The city is culturally varied and larger than you may assume - its total population is believed to be over 6 million people. Make sure you don't get separated from the group!

The Christmas Market in Toronto (TCM)

The Toronto Christmas Market (TCM) was at the top of my to-do list for December in Toronto. I'd read about it online and seen images of it on various websites, and I was extremely excited to go. The Christmas lights that adorn all of the stalls give the impression of being in a magical location. The beautiful music that plays throughout the distillery keeps your spirits alive. Your heart skips a beat as you stroll past the various stands. You have a strong desire to see more. You want to be able to feel more. You're eager to learn more. And if you start to feel the chill that comes with visiting Toronto in December, you can warm yourself with a cup of tea (or coffee for coffee aficionados) from any of the vendors you see! Don't even get me started on the gourmet fragrances that will attract your sense of smell and stimulate your palate: the winter wind will carry them from every part of the market and direct them toward you. It would be impossible for you to resist, if you're anything like me. So relax, it's the holiday season. Taste the freshly grilled bratwurst hot dogs, cinnamon-spiced pastries, and all the other delightful goodies available in Toronto over the holidays!

Caroling brings a smile on everyone's face!

When visiting the Toronto Christmas Market in December, these are some of my personal recommendations:

• On weekdays, admission is free. The weekend entry fee is CAD $6, and it begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday.
• Beat the crowds and arrive early to catch the market in action during the day!
• Stay until sundown to get the whole experience and appreciate the charm of the Toronto Christmas Market at night!
• Dress as warmly as you can: the evenings grow chilly, and you don't want to miss out on the fun because you're freezing!

The Eaton Center at CF Toronto

Stepping into a retail mall and witnessing everything come alive with Christmas lights is a fantastic experience. If you don't have enough time to visit Toronto in December but still want to get into the holiday mood, stop by the CF Toronto Eaton Center. It's a nice place to relax, snap photographs, and warm up (of course, this is important). It is also called after Eaton, Toronto's largest retail complex.

What exactly does this imply? Simply said, if you're looking to do some light (or heavy) shopping while in Toronto, this is the place to go. They also offer the option of "seeing Santa," as do many other malls throughout Canada. This might be very thrilling for the children.

Who Should Go to the Eaton Center at CF Toronto?

Anyone who wants to capture stunning Christmas photos while keeping warm and indoors while experiencing Toronto's shopping life!

At the CF Toronto Eaton Center, we're feeling joyous, jolly, and all kinds of "Christmas-y."

The St Lawrence Market is a market in New York City.

The St Lawrence Market is said to be the country's largest indoor market. It is undoubtedly one of Toronto's most popular tourist sites, and it is well worth your time. The market is a terrific place to meet local vendors, learn about Victorian handicrafts, and find one-of-a-kind antiques!

When visiting the St Lawrence Market, keep the following in mind:

• If you want to get the most out of your visit, go between Monday and Saturday. On Sundays, just a portion of the market is open.
• Attend one of the market events to learn how to create French pastries, uncover Victorian customs, or master the art of beer brewing!

The CN Tower in Toronto

Outside the skywalk, a view of the CN Tower.

The "Canadian National" Tower is known as the "CN" Tower. It was once envisioned as a communication platform for television and radio. Surprisingly, it has become one of the most popular attractions in Toronto. However, there are various reasons for this. First and foremost, for 32 years, the tower was the world's highest free-standing structure (it was dethroned by the Burj Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates in 2007). Second, everyone who visits the CN Tower may enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Such vistas are not available anywhere else in Toronto. You may also have a delectable supper at the 360 restaurant, which has a spectacular view of Toronto. (Now that would be a dream come true.) Special lunch and dinner menus, as well as cocktail celebrations, are available at the 360 restaurant throughout the holiday season (you can find out more about it here).

When visiting the CN Tower, these are some of my personal recommendations:

• Book your ticket online ahead of time to ensure that you secure a space on the day/time you wish to go!
• You don't have to go inside the tower to appreciate it if you're short on time (or money). Take the skywalk from Toronto Union Station to the CN Tower, and while outdoors, marvel at the grandeur of this incredible structure!
• At night, the CN Tower transforms into a "majestic crimson appearance"!

The Bata Shoe Museum is a museum dedicated to the art of shoemaking.

Until I heard about the Bata Shoe Museum, I had never heard of a "shoe museum." It is North America's only museum dedicated to the history and preservation of footwear from all around the globe. I really like how original this museum's concept is. Sonja Bata, the wife of a wealthy Canadian businessman and owner of the Bata Shoe Company, was the first to establish the museum. Sonja and her husband used to travel the world for business. She was inspired by the broad variety of shoes she saw on these journeys and grew interested in their history.

Sonja originally planned to become an architect, but she changed her mind and founded the Bata Shoe Foundation to focus on the shoe business. The museum opened in 1995 and is one of Toronto's most popular tourist attractions to this day. If you're searching for things to do in Toronto in December, the Bata Shoe Museum is a great place to start.

The Royal Ontario Museum is located in Toronto, Ontario.

The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada's largest (and most visited) museum, with over 6,000,000 artifacts and close to 40 galleries dedicated to international culture, natural history, and architecture. The museum is a fantastic place to come in December if you're a history buff who wants to be in his environment. It's also OK if you want to come back at a later date. The museum hosts exhibitions every year.

My own recommendations for visiting the Royal Ontario Museum are as follows:

• Because the museum is so huge, select one or two galleries that you're interested in and concentrate on them. This will allow you to make the most of your time. It's especially useful if you're just in town for a few days and want to see what else Toronto has to offer.
• Plan your journey around the museum displays if at all possible. They provide variety to your experience and offer you something to anticipate!

Brunch at the Hot House Restaurant is a great way to start the day.

During my visit to Toronto, I was given access to one of the city's best-kept secrets: "Hothouse restaurant is the greatest Sunday brunch spot in town!"

”. And, thankfully for me, I was able to experience it firsthand: the brunch menu is wide, to the point that you are overwhelmed by the variety of alternatives available. Brunch is one of my favorite meals, especially as a gourmet. The buffet breakfast is so popular that they even encourage making a reservation ahead of time (although you might still get a spot if you walk-in, like we did). You can watch all of the culinary things that they provide live in my Instagram highlight (the one where I shared my journey visiting Toronto in December), and you can witness how fantastic it is.

When your gut is full with food and excitement, how hard can you smile?

There was a live jazz band playing when we arrived, and families and coworkers were sitting and dining together, exchanging Christmas gifts. It was a delightful experience. The hot house restaurant brunch buffet is absolutely something I would recommend if you are in Toronto in December and on a Sunday.

Take a peek at my dessert platter after the... third round?

When visiting the Hot House Restaurant (for brunch), here are some of my personal recommendations:

If possible, book a table ahead of time. (We didn't have a reservation) Walk-ins are also welcome.
The brunch meal costs $26.95 (about $30 with VAT). It's worth it for the ambience, the numerous meal selections, and the whole experience.

Nathan Phillips Square is a public space in Nathan Phillips Square,

Whether you're starting or finishing your trip to Toronto, Nathan Phillips Square is a great spot to make unforgettable memories. While it is most known for the "Toronto sign," it also has a plethora of fun things to do in Toronto in December. It's a lively place with lots of things to do all year, but especially around the holidays. The square is open during the day, however going at night is highly recommended. It becomes more illuminated, there are more people there, more food vendors are open, and it is generally more enjoyable! Whether you want to go ice skating or take a photo of the Toronto sign as a keepsake, just do it!

I was eager to see what Toronto has to offer. With the time I had available, I decided to meet Toronto and see what I might learn from her. And I'm happy I did. If you're considering a trip to Toronto in December, don't be put off by the prospect of touring because it's too cold. I had three free afternoons (which turned into a complete day if you think about it in terms of 24 hours), and I had a great time! Try all (or any) of the things I recommended, and you'll realize how fun it can be to visit Toronto in December! And you'll be glad you did it afterwards.

The article "8 Things to do in Toronto in December" was first seen on Travel With Clem

Functional Medicine Toronto Doctor - Toronto Functional Medicine Centre