December can be very stressful. With exams, work and holiday shopping, many of us forget to take time to enjoy the season. Sure we have to watch our spending, but having a budget doesn’t mean missing out on the holidays. Here are 5 festive activities for the financially savvy.
1. Lace up your Skates: When was the last time you pulled on a pair of skates and took to the ice? The holiday season is the perfect time to tighten those laces and give it another try. Arenas around the city hold drop-in and leisure skating throughout the month of December. Find one that’s close to you! Don’t have a pair of skates? No problem. Many rinks, such as Nathan Phillips Square, offer skate rentals for a small fee so everyone can join in. You’ll feel like a kid again gliding across the ice. Plus, you’ll work off some of those holiday sweets! Price:$10 Skate Rental
2. Festive Films: Sometimes there’s nothing better than curling up with a warm cup of hot chocolate and watching your favourite holiday film. Throughout December, the television is flooded with holiday specials from terrible made for TV movies (I’m looking at you W Network) to Christmas classics. You can hardly change the channel without having to decide between Charlie Brown and Home Alone. Still, it’s nice to celebrate the holidays with others, and movie theatres across the city are airing some of our holiday favourites on the big screen (and for a reasonable price). Every Saturday morning in December, Cineplex is showing “Family Favourite” Christmas movies, including Arthur Christmas, and Polar Express. Not a morning person? Try a holiday classic like Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire’s Holiday Inn, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, or (the ever popular holiday flick) Die Hard.
Bloor Cinema is also getting into the holiday spirit with a line-up of free films on December 23rd. Get your tickets early to secure your spot! Price: Family Favourites -$2.50, Holiday Classics -$6.00, Bloor Cinema December 23rd- Free
3. Let there be Lights: Sometimes just seeing holiday decorations can fill you with Christmas cheer, and there are places in and out of the city that take it to the next level. Bundle up and take a walk through your city. There are light displays on nearly every corner. Whether you head to the elaborate window displays at The Bay Store on Yonge and Queen, or the lights lining the streets of Yorkville, they’re bound to put a smile on your face.
Feel like taking a trek outside the city? Niagara Falls lights up with their annual Winter Festival of Lights (including a winter wonderland and world religion displays). If you find yourself in Caledonia don’t miss out on the Old Mill Light Display. Tune into 88.1 FM for the full effect. Price: Free/Transportation, Winter Festival of Lights – $5/$10 suggested donation
4. Amazing Markets: Toronto is filled with holiday markets and December is the perfect time to find that special, one of a kind gift (Check out our coverage of the One of a Kind Show). Browse the rows handmade crafts and treat yourself to a homemade cookie.
Toronto Etsy Street Team Christmas Market (December 14)– Let the internet come to you as vendors bring their Etsy stores to Kensington Market. From Jewellery to baked goods, these unique shops will show you the best they have to offer and give you tips to starting your own Etsy Account! Price: Free
Outdoor Winter Market (December 15) – Junction Flea’s will host over 60 craft, antique, clothing and jewellery vendors. Attendees will be able to have a drink (including hot chocolate, mulled wine, and beer) while they enjoy festive treats by the fire. Price:$2 entry fee will be donated to Evergreen.
Toronto Christmas Market (until December 15) – Lowe’s Christmas market captures the essence of a traditional European Christmas market, with hundreds of vendors, musicians and carolers, and of course (since this is the Distillery District) wine and beer. Price: Donations accepted
The Artisans’ Gift Fair (Until December 22): This fair showcases unique and high quality gift items from local artists and crafters. Browse for gifts or spend the afternoon enjoying free live music and a drink at the bar. Price: Free
5. Holidays on the Stage: Theatre can be pricey but we’ve found the best productions for the least amount of dough. Make celebrating Toronto’s independent theatre a new holiday tradition!
Berkeley Block Party III: Jingle Ball Rock (Berkeley Street Theatre, Dec. 13) Cheap drinks, food, and tunes that promise to “shake the house down” with holiday cheer. Price: $10
A Christmas Carol (Montgomery’s Inn, Dec. 5-29) – Humber River Shakespeare presents a minimalist version of A Christmas Carol. Five actors present the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge in this Christmas classic. Price: $10-$20
Weather the Weather (Evergreen Brick Works, Dec. 6-30) – Theatre Columbus presents playwright and actress, Haley McGee’s original story, Weather the Weather or how we make it home together, an original fairytale inspired by northern folklore and our compulsion to ensure we’ve made it home for the holidays. Price: $12.50+
‘Twas the Night Before BeerProv (Comedy Bar, Dec. 20) Toted as “A one-of-a-kind comedy experience that serves up plenty of beer and plenty of laughs,” this night of improv games will feature 12 performers and the chance to be crowned Beerprov Champion. The Christmas edition will also feature special guest, Colin Mocheerie. Price: $15
Do your holiday traditions keep your wallet happy? Did we miss anything exciting happening around the city? Let us know in the comments!
