TORONTO: The Ultimate Holiday Destination

Although tropical destinations are the perfect winter treat, getting into the holiday spirit requires a little winter weather. After all, there are no chestnuts roasting on an open fire and no sleigh rides in the Caribbean.

One of the best holiday destinations to get into the spirit of Christmas is Toronto, Canada. With it’s perfect winter weather, and abundance of Christmas festivities, Toronto would even warm the heart of the Grinch, and get Ebenezer Scrooge into the holiday spirit.

The Christmas Market

One of the most joyful parts of the holiday season in European countries are the Christmas markets– something many North American cities fail to do well (or do at all). With cups of cheer in the form of mulled wines and spiked ciders, and beer gardens– a night out at the Christmas Market is sure to please adults. Santa, live music, and plates of poutine will delight children, making this fun for all ages.

The Toronto Christmas Market takes place in the Distillery Historic District, east of downtown. This 13 acre district boasts the largest collection of industrial architecture in from the Victorian-era in all of North America. These ten streets were formally the home to the largest distillery in the world, Gooderham & Worts in the mid 1800’s.

The Toronto Christmas Market is consistently ranked in the Top 10 Christmas Markets in the world, and Fodor’s recently ranked it at No 5.

Expert tip: For free admission, come before 5pm on weekends or during the week nights.

Ice Skating

Every great winter city has an iconic spot to ice-skate, and Toronto happens to have several. The two best spots to skate are Nathan Phillips Square and the Natural Rink on the harbour. The Nathan Phillips rink is the perfect spot for instagram photos with Christmas trees nearby, and a colorful Toronto sign. On Saturday nights throughout the winter, the harborfront rink brings in DJ’s for DJ Skate Nights– a block party on ice!

Eaton Center

There’s nothing like holiday shopping to kick the season into gear, and Eaton Center is the place to do that. With the tallest Christmas tree in all of Canada, and the glistening glass roof, it’s easy to enjoy shopping for everyone on your list!

Window Displays

In major cities, department store displays are one of the creative highlights of the season, and Toronto is no exception. Just across the street from Eaton Center are two of the best holiday window displays in Toronto. Saks Fifth Avenue and Hudson Bay window displays are side by side, dueling over the best holiday windows.

Whiskey Tasting

Warm up on a cold night with a Whiskey tasting at Char No. 5, a Whiskey bar inside the Delta hotel. Tastings are private, by reservation only and are tailored to the guests. Tastings generally range between $65-325 CAN per person, and there are 250 different whiskey, scotch, and bourbon options available to taste. Their in-house Canadian whiskey expert will lead you through the history of Canadian whiskey, as well as educate you on each glass you try. Generally tastings are for parties of 6 or more, however exceptions are made to accommodate smaller groups or couples. Email ray.daniel@deltahotels.com for reservations.

Casa Loma

Casa Loma is the only castle in North America, and during the holidays it’s turned into winter wonderland. Children can participate and enjoy activities such as cookie decorating and aerial performances, while adult visitors can take part in an audio tour of the castle. With a large display of lights, it’s also an excellent spot to visit in the evenings.

Expert tip: The best time to visit is the late afternoon so you can stay for sunset and see the castle both during the day and lit up at night.

Where to Eat

To catch a 360 degree view of Toronto, lunch at the top of the CN tower is a must. The holiday menu runs December 1-December 24, with two courses for $58. The food is decent, but go for the experience more than the meal.

Where to Stay

Delta Toronto Hotel (Marriott Property)

Keeping with the holiday spirit of giving, the Delta Toronto Hotel is in the spirit of giving back to communities year round. Delta properties have recently announced their new partnership with Soapbox for all amenity kits. Soapbox doesn’t just make soap, they donate to charitable organizations such as Sundara Fund, all over the world (including in the US and Canada). These donations bring basic hygienic needs and education to those in need. Each bar of soap sold by Soapbox, and each Delta hotel amenity kit come with a Hope Code printed on the back. This code will allow you to track which organization your purchase or amenity kit helped donate to (Delta’s Soapbox kits will roll out in March). Supporting brands that do good work and contribute to charitable donations is bound to get you on Santa’s Nice List.

In addition to the benefits of giving back, the Delta Toronto Hotel is in the center of the city, with an unbelievable location and a front row view to the CN Tower. The property is also within close proximity to major sporting venues, concerts, Eaton Center, and the harbor.

No matter where you stay or how you decide to spend your time in Toronto, the warm-spirit of the locals, snowy weather, and holiday activities will be sure to get you into the Christmas spirit!