Written by The Strategy
A festive day in Toronto.
A fine layer of snow covers Toronto city streets, salt stains our suede boots, and lights are strung on every tree. The holiday season has settled on the city, and we’re feeling festive.
While we’ve been watching every holiday movie Netflix has put out, and drinking our fair share of egg nog, we don’t want to let our favourite seasonal outfits waste away on days spent in the comfort of our own homes. Instead, we have plans for a festive day in Toronto.
From brunch, to shopping to drinks, we know just how to spend a day in the city to get fully into the holiday season.
Brunch
Arguably the most important meal of the day, especially on weekends, we suggest starting off with brunch. Our favourite city spots fully decorated for holiday contentment include the following:
Reign Holiday Brunch at The Fairmont Royal York – An á la cart brunch that happens every Saturday and Sunday until New Year’s Day.
Brunch at The Drake Hotel is always a good idea, and is even better during the holiday season. Like brunch at The Fairmont, this one is also available from Saturday to Sunday each week.
Shopping
If online holiday shopping isn’t your thing (and even if it is), we suggest a post-brunch/afternoon shopping session. Arm yourself with a Peppermint-something from Starbucks and your chicest salt-proof boots. A shopping session is the perfect way to digest a heavy brunch meal.
Stroll down our favourite West Queen West for unique pieces for loved ones, or stop by Holt Renfrew‘s Toronto flagship location on Bloor St. for a little something for yourself. They’re holiday set-ups are one of our favourites in the city. If you’re looking for a festive get-up for your NYE festivities, we suggest a visit to TNT.
Drinks
If your looking for a holiday-inspired location for drinks, Toronto has no shortage. A personal favourite for 2021 has been Project Giggle Water’s Holiday Pop-up Bar, with gift wrapped walls, presents hanging from the ceilings and an inflatable snowman in the entrance, we felt like we landed in a Hallmark Christmas special. Miracle on Bloor is another great option for a festive cocktail (or two), that serves festive cocktails in A. unique glassware (read: a Santa hat wearing dinosaur) and B. a super festive setting. If you missed the Fairmont Royal York at brunch, make sure to swing by for drinks in the evening at The Thirsty Elf. Ugly Christmas sweaters, kitschy decor and creative cocktails make The Thirsty Elf a must-visit holiday pop-up.
In-Between
To fill in any gaps you may have on the day, we have a few add-ons to enjoy. First up is of course, is taking in a performance of the National Ballet’s The Nutcracker. We loved it when we were 10 and we love it even more now that we’re in our 30s. The Distillery District’s Christmas Market, is a must-do for any Torontonian looking to get into the holiday spirit. Stock up on gifts, chocolate and a boat-load of Instagram content.
Lastly, for when it’s super cold outside and you just can’t work up the courage to expose yourself to snowy winter weather, getting all dressed up for a night in is not a bad way to get into a festive mood. Whip yourself up a cocktail (maybe even one that has a candy cane garnish?), blast N’Sync’s Christmas album, and rock around your Christmas tree.
