Looking for a low-key getaway this winter break? Here’s how you can carve out a chill, non-traditional holiday in Toronto.
If your automatic response to hearing “ho, ho, ho”, is thinking “oh no, no, no,” don’t panic: Toronto has you covered!
First of all, it is totally okay not to be into the holidays. But what is not okay, is just staying inside alone waiting for “the most wonderful time of the year” to be over… especially when there are so many ways for even a dedicated Grinch to enjoy Toronto this holiday season.
Here are seven ways to make the most of a winter getaway to the 6ix…no carolling, malls or festivities required.
Put down the eggnog, pick up third-wave coffee
Nothing against eggnog, but if you’re looking to escape your grandparents’ idea of holiday vibes, head to stylish yet cozy cafés like local chains Milky’s Coffee and Bomou Artisanal Bakery.
Both of these cafés focus on quality coffee, artisanal food and an expertly curated atmosphere. It’s the perfect recipe for blocking out some of that holiday noise and unwinding with your own thoughts.
Immerse yourself in out-of-this-world VR experiences
If you’re tired of over-the-top holiday distractions, step into a virtual world (or several), where mall Santas, elves and reindeer do not exist.
Level Up VR may just be the perfect spot for solo travellers, couples and groups to unwind, recharge and have some real fun. With 80+ games and experiences—including Ragnarock (think: heavy metal drumming on a Viking ship) and Arizona Sunshine (a freaky but fun zombie apocalypse adventure)—you’re all but guaranteed to blow off steam.
Pro tip: you can filter for number of players and game style when you book online.
Escape to the spa
Even Santa has that one annoying relative he dreads seeing during the holidays. But a couple’s spa day for you and bae means you control the guest list.
Make it an all-day affair at downtown’s Elmwood Spa. Their six-hour-long Spa Date for Two includes a water therapy circuit, facials, pedicures, side-by-side massages and a three-course lunch at the spa’s Terrace Restaurant, where you can indulge in your spa robe. Baby, it’s cold outside…but it’s soooo cozy here!
Swap heavy holiday feasts for unique global eats
Tired of massive holiday meals that end up making you feel like you have a lump of coal in your tummy? (And that’s before the days of leftovers.)
Then sit down to a globally inflected restaurant that specializes in delicious, perfectly executed small plates or tapas like the Spanish fare at Little Italy’s Bar Raval, fun Japanese Peruvian fusion in the Financial District’s Chotto Matte, or late-night Korean bites at the recently reopened local fave OddSeoul in trendy Ossington Village.
And the vibe? Definitely more foodie than stereotypically festive.
Breathe in creativity, breathe out stress
I know a lot of people want to enjoy the holidays, but just find it to be “too much.” (In one American Psychological Association survey, 41 percent of respondents reported their stress level increased during the holidays.)
Conversely, creative activities like painting have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. So, if this time of year spikes your cortisol, I’ve got something low-key, and chill that you are going to absolutely love.
Take a trip to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada for Paint and Waves, a hands-on class where you’ll be guided through an ocean-themed painting session. This is the perfect way to relax holiday tension and unleash your inner Picasso.
The evening also features drinks (including cocktails and wine), snacks and access to the world-class aquarium.
Create your own (non)holiday playlist
Even the biggest Christmas fan has probably thought, “If I hear that Mariah Carey song one more time…”
So why not create the soundtrack to your own season? Try hitting up a laid-back bar, with private karaoke rooms like Little Portugal’s Bar Mordecai or Dasha Toronto, an edgy King West Chinese fusion restaurant and bar helmed by celeb chef Akira Back.
Singing the music of your choosing coupled with great food and drinks sounds like a much better time than walking around humming songs that are on heavy repeat this time of year.
Skip the mall, and support small
You may not have known it by reading this article, but I personally love the holidays! But the one thing I am not here for is the madness that is known as the mall from mid-November through December.
Screaming kids (and adults!), unending lines, uninspired gift options, and parking paranoia could take Buddy the Elf's holiday spirit out.
So why not hit up one of the city’s many shopping districts, which are home to independent boutiques selling much more memorable gift options… even if you are only buying for yourself?
For the sneakerhead, I suggest strolling Ossington Village and popping into Size? for a fresh pair of kicks.
Fashionistas will feel right at home at spots like Meg, Horses Atelier and Original along Queen West.
And Bloor Street West’s Koreatown is great for those on the hunt for stocking stuffers like K-beauty skincare, trad stationery or hard-to-find Korean snacks.
Wrap up the holidays in Toronto
I hope that my tips for self-proclaimed Scrooges prove that not loving the festive season does not mean that you have to spend your days off living like you are on Santa’s Naughty list.
So put this list in your stocking, book your last-minute Toronto getaway and have a… Happy New Year!
