Things to do in Toronto When the Weather Turns Cold

When the cold weather first settles on the land I find myself craving more time inside, tucked up away under a cozy blanket with a hot beverage. I have to really make a conscious effort to force myself to leave the house. Winter is far too long to hibernate away especially this early in the season (winter hasn't even officially started!!) and particularly when there are so many great things to do out of doors at this time of year.

I've written a similar post a few years ago about the festive things to do at this time of year, but in this post I'm revisiting this idea with some Toronto-centric places in mind to help us Torontonians get out there more in the last few days of the holiday season.

Historic Distillery District Christmas Market

There are only a few good Christmas markets in the GTA (in my opinion) and fewer still which run longer than a single weekend. The Distillery District Christmas Market is one of them. And although it can't compare to a true Bavarian Christmas Market, I do very much like visiting this market at least once each season, it's magical at night and, well, there aren't too many options here in the City. (Last day of the market is December 23, 2017)

Checking out all the Trees and lights

My favourite thing to as the days grow shorter and shorter is to seek out holiday lights and Christmas trees and I wander the dark streets looking for the glittering colour of the twinkling lights. This means attending tree lighting evenings and going to the Gardener Museum's annual 12 Trees exhibit. (Exhibit ends January 7)

Stride by The Hudson's Bay Windows

As a child, each Christmas we would head down to downtown Toronto and the Eaton's Centre where I'd sit on the knee of the real Santa Claus (or so that's what I was told) and tell him what I truly wanted for Christmas. Then we would head outside to stare into the decorated windows of the Simpson's store (now Hudson's Bay). For as long as I can remember they've always decorated the street windows with whimsy and Christmas magic I looked forward to seeing them each year. Even now, I get a surge of excitement when I catch a glimpse of the crowds gathered around the glass and need to press through them to see for myself.

Skating at Nathan Phillip Square

The last time I went skating was a few years ago at Somerset House, but for as long as I've lived in the Toronto area I've never been skating at Nathan Phillips Square, until this year, that is. And it was fun! Any reason to get out there, right? (Public skating runs until March 19)

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Winter Wishes

Now that the sparkly, shiny days of Christmas are a distant memory, all we have stretched out in front of us is the bleakness and dreary weeks ahead. So in order to cope with the seemingly never ending shortened days I've created a winter wishes list. Just like my autumn wishes and summer wishes, this list is an aide-memoire of the little joys that exist in these cold months.

Grab a hot mug of something, cozy up by the fireside and think warm thoughts as we go through my list of things I'm looking forward to enjoying this winter.

one//listening to snow fall

Do you know what I'm talking about? Next time it's snowing go outside and have a listen. It is the most peaceful moment ever. It never seems as quiet or as still as when it's snowing great, big, fluffy snowflakes that float down to the snow covered ground.

two// walks in snowy scenes

On sunny days it's guaranteed to be bitter cold brisk. But getting out there and getting some of that vitamin D it's life saving and a little exercise keeps away cabin fever. #Bettydog helps with this one the most since dogs don't care about the temperature; if they need to go for a walk, you must take them.

three// scarf love

I

LOVE

SCARVES!

A fashion blogger, I am not. As they bemoan the loss of cute sun dresses and not messing hair under winter caps, I luxuriate in a blanket scarf. Wrap me head to toe in a comfy cozy blanket scarf and I will conquer the world.

four// cozy reading

Moving back indoors, I like to be just as warm wrapped up in a blanket, thick sock, hot tea and a book I can fall into and I'm a happy girl. Make it a snow day and I can read guilt free in my blanket fort.

five// all the winter soups

As soon as a chill hits the air my mum boldly announces ''It's soup season!'' and really can't disagree. Pictured above homemade lentil soup and fish stew--and clearly soup becomes a proper meal when served with carbs.

six// outdoor winter activities 

Hibernating, as much as I wish it to be true, is not a winter activity. At least not a productive one. I must remember that going outside and doing things in the cold is still enjoyable. I used to love skiing, tobogganing, building snow forts, and making snowmen in the winter.

*side note* I came across this last photo of my Nan and Grandpa out enjoying winter with 3 of their 8 children. Isn't it just lovely?

What are your winter wishes?

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SKATE at Somerset House

Back in 2004 I was finishing up my semester abroad in London and my parents had come to visit for December. I took them to all my local haunts and to the most amazing sights and buildings I had come across during my time there. Somerset House was one of these sights and as we looked around we saw the skating rink that had been set up. This amazing building had instantly become magical to me and I often thought back to that first time I saw people skating in the courtyard of Somerset House. 

This year I knew I'd actually be getting my butt out there and do some skating myself (eek! It's been years!). 

There are a handful of locations around London: 

Natural History Museum,

Eyeskate,

Hampton Court Palace,

Tower of London,

Broadgate Exchange Square,

Canary Wharf,

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park.

I was tempted by them all, but for my first skate I had to go back to where the magic started at Somerset House. Generally, you should book your time in advance online so that you aren't disappointed, but we were going early enough in the day and on a weekday that we were able to join the very next session. Be warned though, the price increases as the day goes on.

I was slightly concerned that the hour long skate would be too long, but the time flew by and since I didn't fall on my ass, I had a great time.  Of course we finished our winter day with a festive Starbucks coffee where I inadvertently played the Starbucks game. 

{Deren out and about}

Fun travels!

Icy Winter Wonderland

Have you heard about the ice storm happening in Ontario right now? Some places are still without power. We had power out here one evening and almost a full day, but we made the most of it and had a family game night by candlelight then spent the rest of the next day shoveling ice and clearing fallen branches. I also spent some time walking around the neighbourhood checking out the force of nature and the extent of the destruction in the area.

It's eerily beautiful with the inch thick icy coating on EVERYTHING and the creaking and crashing expectantly of tree branches.

It's good to be home and sometimes it's exciting to have such extreme weather conditions. Canada doesn't do winter half-assed and I love it.

Stay warm and safe this winter, everyone!

Fun travels!