Featuring Christmas Concerts, Theatre, Special Events and Attractions for the Holiday Season 2009 Holiday Issue Holiday Issue 2009 Publisher and Managing Editor Joey Cee From the editor Contributors Annette Stallmach Enzo Iammatteo The Print ‘n Go Research Interns Michael Capelo Holiday Guide Jad Boukayli for Non-Cocooners Photographers Aline Sandler, Tom Sandler, Jody Glaser Weather wise we seem to be off to a late start when it Enzo Iammatteo, George Onuska comes to celebrating winter. However, Christmas seems to come earlier regardless of the weather as some of the Website Design DesignSource big box stores start setting up for the holiday season in Joey Cee, Publisher & Editor mid-summer. I’m not a big fan of that concept. It’s bad Broadcast Media Division Producer enough that it takes me to spring just to get my outside Joey Cee decorations put away. What’s the hurry? Ahhh...but here it is again....and up go the decorations. This is the season that makes you think - of what to be thankful for, what HOToronto Magazine is published on-line four times a year by you should do to take care of your health as the new year approaches, what to do for JCO Communications Inc., the holidays, where to go, what to see ... oh yes, and what gifts to buy. Decisions, 1235 Bay Street, 4th Floor, decisions! The one thing you do not want to be doing this season is cocooning. This Toronto, Ontario. M5R 3K4. is a joyous season. A time to be with family and friends and enjoy the invigorating Tel: (416) 923-HOTO (4686) outdoors - and indoor. Take the time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas (or Fax: 905-820-9512 E-mail: [email protected] whatever name you want this holiday to go by). For me it always was and always will be Christmas. For many of my friends and readers its Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa www.HOToronto.com and Winter Solstice. Whatever your religion or beliefs, we are all one people enjoy- ing this one life - and this is a great time to get out and ENJOY - together! Cold or The information on establishments and special snow always create a great buzz for those who crave outdoor sports and activities. venues listed or mentioned in this publication is It’s also a great backdrop for some fun times indoors by attending a concert, play, compiled from all available, and considered to be reliable sources. The publisher does not assume re- movie, dinner or visit one of the great galleries the city has to offer. sponsibility for omissions, errors or changes printed. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of There is no shortage of festivities going on throughout the GTA. This issue will guide information provided at time of printing. Due to the nature of the venues, information may change after you through the holidays. This is your Print ‘n Go edition - so print it out and get date of publication. ready to go! This publication does not endorse or recommend the establishments listed or advertised. However, most establishments are listed on proven merit and Enjoy this wonderful and joyous season. therefore recommended for publication. You may no- tify the publisher in writing, by fax or by e-mail, of any Holiday Greetings and Best Wishes to all! changes or additions found in this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, duplicated or electronically stored in part or whole without the written permission of the publisher. © Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved. In the Spirit of Christmas This is a time to show compassion for those who are not as fortunate as we are. These are our brothers and sisters on the streets, in the shelters, and those lined up at the food banks. They are people like us, who for one reason or another, are unable to enjoy what we take for granted. Remember to help those less fortunate during this holiday season. The spirit of the season only shines through us. We are the ones who can help lighten up the rest of the world. Throughout the year, we should be their beacons but at this time of year we can be- come the real, Christmas light for many who need us - the shining star on their virtual tree of life. Christmas @ 8:05 pm: Staking Party & caretakers to snap a picture CITYWIDE with DJ Jun while the little ones get a special CASA LOMA moment to share their Christmas EVENTS December 12: 7:00 pm wishes with Santa. November 30, 2009 State of Shock to January 3, 2010 November 27 – January 3, 2010 8:00 pm: Fireworks November 21 – December 19 8:05 pm: Skating Party with HOLIDAY DINNER CRUISE Storybook Magic TRAIL OF LIGHTS Inspired by famous children’s Downsview Park Promise DJs Mariposa Cruises storybooks from around the globe Downsview Park presents the Guests are invited to attend this like Jack and the Bean Stalk, Hansel annual Trail of Lights, a three- December 19: 7:00 pm four-hour cruise around Toronto and Gretel, Aladdin and Pinocchio, kilometre path through the park, Faber Drive harbour. It will feature a winter award winning magician Lawrence elaborately decorated with over 8:00 pm: Fireworks wonderland buffet dinner, profes- LaRouche and Majinx present a daz- 400,000 LED lights. There are 16 8:05 pm: Skating Party with DJ sional DJ and breathtaking views zling world of spectacular illusions theme areas along the route that Misty Rock’ n Roll of the city skyline. that bring these classic stories to life. travels through Canada Forest Showtimes: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 November 14 – January 3 November 21 – December 23 2:00* & 3:00* *These shows do in North York. In addition to the not occur from Monday to Thursday light displays, many of the ex- WINTER MAGIC HOLIDAY SEASON TOUR between Nov. 30 and Dec. 17 hibits are animated. Visitors may Various Locations Around Gibson House also enjoy a selection of holiday Toronto Enjoy a peaceful moment during Storytelling songs, which complement the Winter Magic is a festival that the rush of the holiday season. Attention all Captain Hooks, Tin- visual display. spans the Downtown Yonge Come back to the gentler, quieter kerbells and Lost Boys! Come to district. It’s an opportunity for era of 1851 at historic Gibson the Conservatory to hear an exciting November 28 – December 19 the public to experience the heart House Museum, where visitors retelling of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan- a CAVALCADE OF LIGHTS & of the city in a unique way. This are welcomed by costumed staff mischievous boy who can fly and festival brings holiday excite- for a tour. Children may play in magically refuses to grow up. Chil- SATURDAY NIGHT dren are encouraged to come dressed CONCERTS ment to the area our Discovery Gallery. up as their favourite character. Nathan Phillips Square Storytelling at 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, The festivities kick-off on Sat- November 14 – January 3 2:30* & 3:30* *These shows do urday, November 28 at 7:00pm HOLIDAY LIGHTING not occur from Monday to Thursday with the lighting of Toronto’s Suspended over Yonge Street are between Nov. 30 and Dec. 17 Plus official Christmas tree, fireworks twenty-one dazzling illuminated an Enchanted Hallway and jolly cross-street displays stretching old Saint Nick himself, all within and live musical performances by Steven Page, Matt Dusk, Keisha as far as the eye can see from the walls of a beautifully decorated Queen Street to just north of castle. Chante, and more. The entire city is marking the season with College Street. At the Yonge Begins November 24 December 6, 13, 20 celebrations and lighting displays Street median, just south of Col- A VICTORIAN TORONTO Breakfast with Santa in the following Toronto neigh- lege Street, twenty-two trees will CHRISTMAS Join Santa for Breakfast in a beauti- bourhoods: be illuminated by blue, white Mackenzie House fully decorated castle. Your children Albion Islington Square and golden rope light sticks An This festive season step back will enjoy a served pancake breakfast Bloorcourt Village awe-inspiring forty-foot sculp- in time to Victorian Toronto (2 pancakes, 2 sausages, fruit salad) Bloordale Village tural light tree, brilliantly shining and experience the magic of with orange juice, a visit with Santa, Bloor West Village with 52,000 blue and white a traditional Christmas in an castle admission, self-guided touring, lights, stands at Yonge-Dundas 1859 row house. Escape from and tickets to Storybook Magic. Bloor – Yorkville Chinatown Square. the hustle and bustle while you December 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 Church – Wellesley Village enjoy a sample of mulled cider Elves in the Workshop Corso Italia and a biscuit in the warmth of Bring your little elf to Casa Loma Downsview Park the historic kitchen. Discover the and join the annual seasonal Downtown – Yonge story of how families celebrated workshop-hosted by Marnie Lippa Emery Village Christmas in 19th-century To- from Parties Made Simple. You and GreekTown on the Danforth ronto as you tour the Mackenzie your little elf will enjoy creating a The Kingsway November 16 – December 24 home that is dressed in greenery decorated gingerbread house to hang THE SANTA EXPERIENCE for the holidays. on your family tree. Korea Town Little Italy Sherway Gardens December 22 Rosedale – Main Street Join in at Sherway Square for the November 24 – December 24 Family Archery at Casa Loma St. Clair Gardens award-winning Santa Experi- WRITE A LETTER TO Casa Loma offers a special Holiday- St. Lawrence Market ence. Children will be thrilled SANTA CLAUS themed Family Archery Workshop.