by Jenn Reid
It’s time for Christmas break! The kids are out of school, many adults are off work and everyone needs something fun to do. Lots of major Toronto attractions will be open with special programming and events from the end of December through the New Year, so you won’t have any time to be bored! Check out what’s happening in Toronto during the holiday break 2017. [Photo courtesy of Casa Loma]
ROM for the Holidays
The Royal Ontario Museum is open with lots of things to do for all ages! There are special hands-on activities that relate to each of the ROM’s special exhibits: Vikings, Dior and Wildlife Photographer of the Year. You can re-enact Viking life and learn about Norse myths, create and decorate your own ornaments, get up close with exotic animals and more. All activities are included in regular museum admission, but the special exhibitions are extra.
Winter at Ontario Place
Ontario Place has finally become a fun destination again! This winter, a major light exhibition and skating rink will take over the space. The light exhibition has 12 pieces made by local artists, including a 12-foot tall icicle. There’s also movie screenings at the IMAX Cinesphere, a bonfire and more. The whole festival is open seven days a week and is completely free!
AGO
It’s your last chance to check out the massively popular At Home With Monsters exhibit at the AGO! The exhibit, all about the works and interests of director Guillermo del Toro, closes this January. There’s extended hours for the exhibit from December 28 to January 6, so you have no excuse not to check it out! There’s also plenty to explore in the permanent collections and exhibitions like the AGO Photography Prize.
Ontario Science Centre
Science doesn’t take a day off! The Ontario Science Centre is open 364 days a year, with lots of exhibits to explore and fun activities to enjoy. Check out Strange Matter, the special exhibition open during the holidays, that looks at surprising facts of modern materials like shock absorbers, memory metals and foam.
12 Trees: Let There Be Light
Even when Christmas is done and the presents are unwrapped, you can still enjoy the beautiful sights of a well-decorated tree at the Gardiner Museum. The annual holiday exhibit has 12 Christmas trees, all decorated within a theme. You can also check out the Gardiner’s other exhibitions highlighting Canadian art.
DJ Skate Nights
The Harbourfront Centre’s popular skating event is on during the holidays, with events on December 23 and 30. Local and international DJs provide the tunes for a skate party. The 23rd features 1 LOVE T.O. with Toronto Blue Jays official DJ, DJ DLUX, and the 30th has Luxelife Sound, a female DJ collective specializing in hip-hop and R&B.
Disney on Ice: Reach for the Stars
Disney on Ice is always a favourite holiday tradition for kids! Disney characters like Anna, Elsa, Rapunzel, Ariel, Mickey and Minnie all skate to the music of their films. There’s shows all throughout the holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Ripley’s Aquarium
Santa and his elves are dropping into the Aquarium during the holidays! There are special holiday-themed dive shows happening daily, and then on the 23rd and 24th, they’re upping the action to five dives a day. The Aquarium is open all throughout the holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year’s.
13 Days of Enrichment
The weeks around Christmas and New Year’s are full of special treats for the animals at the Toronto Zoo! 13 Days of Enrichment is a behavior program for the animals, where they’re given different tasks (like solving puzzles) or treats (like special feedings), all to benefit the animals’ growth. Watching all the enrichment activities is including with zoo admission.
Winterland Nights at Casa Loma
Casa Loma’s all decked out for the holidays! The gardens are lit up with holiday lighting displays and the interior of the castle is also decorated with a 40-foot tree. There’s a magic show and Santa’s workshop for kids to visit, plus carolers, hot chocolate and more. The night-time event is open throughout the holidays, except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve and January 6.
Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame has extended hours throughout the holidays! The Hall of Fame has everything a hockey fan could want, from international leagues and local teams to the NHL. Take a look at memorabilia, jerseys, championship rings and, of course, the Stanley Cup itself.
