Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash

By: Sarah Leung and Glenda Tsai

Winter break is around the corner and everyone is looking for something to do and a place to go with family and friends. Here are top 5 places to go in Toronto that guarantee a fun time!

  1. Distillery Winter Village 

Open until December 31, the Distillery is the perfect place for food, shops, and pictures! Admission is free Monday to Thursday, and costs $11 + HST on Friday to Sunday after 4:00 PM, as well as from December 27-31. It opens at 10am, so it’s easy to spend the whole day there! With gorgeous lights all over the village, over 60 local shops, restaurants, and cafes, many photo walls, and live entertainment, the Distillery is one of the most popular places to visit during the wintertime.

  1. Wonderland Winter Fest

At Canada’s wonderland, they have an annual Winterfest, filled with many great activities. Running until December 31, admission costs $29.99 with access to the whole park! If you are willing to spend a bit more money, you can go skating for an additional $10 or decorate cookies with Santa for an additional $26.99. Similar to Distillery District, there are many beautiful lights, many local vendors, and live entertainment. To add to all the fun, some of the rides are even open! 

  1. Holiday Fair in the Square

Running until December 23, visit Nathan Phillips Square for the Holiday fair! With over 70 vendors, you can find all kinds of goodies, from food to the perfect handmade gift for your friends and family. If you are looking for a unique gift, definitely visit the Holiday fair. There is also Santa’s Village, professional performers, games, and even a carousel! The best part? It’s free, and a portion of proceeds are donated to Epilepsy Toronto!

  1. Casa Loma’s Christmas at the Castle

During the month of December, visitors at the Casa Loma will get to feel like they are in a fairy tale winter wonderland. Book your tickets for $45 per person on their website throughout December 2nd to January 2nd. Although this day trip to the castle may be a bit more expensive, it includes a wide range of activities and holiday performances that can be enjoyed with your family and friends. Within and outside of the castle, it is decorated with magical holiday decor for a perfect, festive photoshoot. 

  1. Union Station Ice Skating

One of the most iconic winter holiday activities is going outdoor ice skating with family and friends. This year, from November 28th to January 29th, at Union Station, they are encouraging many people to come visit and skate outdoors in the heart of Toronto. It is meant for all ages and levels of skaters as, along with free admission, they provide free skate rental. They suggest to reserve your 45 minute skating timeslot with the link provided, but walk-ins are welcome as well. Of course, there are plenty of other skating options: Nathan Phillips Square — during their Holiday Fair, at the Markham civic centre, or even try an ice skating trail in Richmond Hill.

These destinations are all great places to reconnect with family and friends and enjoy one another’s company during the holiday season. Even if you aren’t going on vacation, there are plenty of activities nearby that will be sure to keep you busy! Stay safe and keep warm, Titans!