Admit it – the second the clock hit midnight on November 1, you abandoned your love of pumpkin spice and Halloween and went full fledged into the Christmas spirit. Certainly, you are not alone in your love of the holiday season. After all, who can resist a peppermint hot chocolate, the sparkle of Christmas lights, the cheery tunes and glistening trees in the windows of the quiet homes lining our streets?
And in the spirit of the holidays, we’ve compiled your to-do list this Christmas season from coast to coast.
VANCOUVER
For our west coast friends, Christmas isn’t always represented with snowy laneways and frosty noses, but that doesn’t mean Vancouver doesn’t go all out to bring the holiday spirit alive. That’s why the first thing on your to-do list this season is to stop by the Capilano Bridge.
The bridge and surrounding canyon come alive with the magic of the holidays with close to 500,000 lights and holiday decorations.
From November 19 – January 22, cross the world-famous suspension bridge lined end-to-end with twinkling lights and take in the illuminated valley below.
Then celebrate the holidays in the most quintessential way possible by visiting the German-themed outdoor Vancouver Christmas Market. Find unique holiday gifts, enjoy the lights and entertainment, and indulge in delicious food, authentic German drinks, and top off your time with a sweet treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The market is open from now until Christmas Eve.
CALGARY
For many in the Calgary area, ZOOLIGHTS has become a holiday tradition. For the 26th year, the magical experience is back at the Calgary Zoo. Visit the North Pole, enjoy the many light displays and immersive experiences, including the enchanting Garden of Light, warm your hands by the fire and connect with the animals that love the cold.
On now until January 8, ZOOLIGHTS is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit.
Who doesn’t love a good farmer’s market? Well, the Calgary Farmer’s Market has gotten even better (if that’s possible to believe!) and transformed into the Calgary Christmas Market, where you can find something unique and fun for everyone on your list. Enjoy food, festivities, treats, and thoughtfully crafted goods. You can even visit Santa’s reindeer, say hello to Santa, and snap a pic with the Grinch.
On now until December 23.
TORONTO
Grab your skates, Torontonians, and hit the ice at Nathan Philips Square. Although the rink is open from the end of November through until March, there’s something special about skating here at Christmas, surrounded by the twinkling lights and holiday tunes. When you’re done, grab a hot chocolate and enjoy the holiday decor around the city.
And for a Toronto Christmas favourite that can’t be missed, visit the Distillery Winter Village, formally the Toronto Christmas Markets. With traditional festivities including live entertainment, Santa and his elves, and of course, gorgeous light displays, this is the perfect place to satisfy your need for holiday cheer. Treat yourself to holiday sweets, peruse for the perfect holiday gifts and explore the different vendors below the sparkling lights.
Open now until December 31.
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