We are all eagerly hoping to say our goodbyes to 2020 and leave the world of uncertainty, fear and sadness behind and start fresh with 2021 right around the corner. And with that we were all looking forward to finding comfort with our families and get in our Christmas spirits, but lockdowns and not being able to see extended family and friends might be taking the energy away from our most treasured holiday.  

“This too shall pass” as the adage goes reminds us that nothing is here to stay forever, and these hard times will pass too, and we must do what we can to keep our festive spirits high and celebrate with what we can with these fun activities for you and your family while staying safe.

1. Visit a Christmas Market near you

Enjoy looking at Christmas lights, grab a warm beverage and take a walk with your family embracing the Canadian cold. Take a lot of pictures and create memories. 2020 might not be the year we expected but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate and capture some beautiful memories. So, find some open Christmas Markets near you and go have a good time!

Here are some ideas

Markham Christmas Tree Market 

When – Nov. 20^th – Dec. 24^th

           Activities: 

• Christmas Trees for Sale
• Midway Rides
• Trackless Train Rides
• Hot Chocolate
• Virtual Christmas Tree Ordering
• Food Trucks
• Christmas Market
• Craft Vendors

Winter Village at the Distillery Historic District

When – Nov. 12^th, 2020 – Mar. 31^st, 2021

Enjoy starlit canopies, a Grand Christmas Tree in Trinity Square, and festive music throughout as part of the charming Winter Village experience. Looking for a safe way to go Christmas shopping with your family? The Distillery District shops might be the place for you. All Distillery District shops, galleries, and restaurants are open, offering a unique blend of specialty gifts, art, cuisine and fashion in our open-air, safe environment of pedestrian-only streets – perfect for your holiday shopping!

2. Want go grand on your Christmas celebrations? Then hit the Ski Hills dressed like Santa

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort

When – Dec. 20^th – Dec. 24^th

Surprise your family! Take them to Whistler Blackcomb’s annual Dress Like Santa Day in BC, Canada. Spend time skiing down a slippery slope, throw some snowballs around and dress like Santa to get a chance to win free lift tickets. Check details below

Event Detail: Skiers and riders of all ages are invited to put on their best Santa or Mrs. Claus ensembles to spread Christmas cheer around Whistler Blackcomb. In return, a free lift ticket will be gifted to the first 100 people to arrive at the Whistler Village Gondola, at the base of Whistler Mountain, in full Santa or Mrs. Claus attire.

3. Christmas Brunch and Santa Pancake challenge

Can’t go on an elaborate ski trip? Sometimes the best pleasures of life lie in the simple things. Get your family together and cook a huge Christmas Brunch with them and don’t forget to get creative! Cook some eggs, and your favourite brunch delicacies. Even better do a Santa pancake competition, challenge your family to see who can make the best Santa pancake.  Have a few jolly laughs at some of the odd-looking Santa pancakes. We bet your kids will love this one!

4. Christmas themed Karaoke

Imagine being in lockdown back in 1950s with no technologies to connect us to our families. Now a Christmas back then would have sucked! Luckily, we live in the age of awesome technologies like Zoom that have made it so easy to connect with our loved ones over long distances and keep them close in Christmas spirit! So, get your family together on Zoom, put your favourite YouTube Karaoke playlist up and sing a few Christmas carols while sipping on some eggnog.

5. Catch the Christmas Magic from the comfort of your car looking at one of the beautiful drive-thru Christmas light festivals near Toronto

Here are a few you might want to check out:

Winter Festival of Lights

When: Saturday, November 14, 2020 - Sunday, January 10, 2021

Where: Niagara Falls, ON

Holiday Nights of Light

When: Friday, November 20 - Thursday, January 7

Where: 7250 Keele St., Vaughan, ON

Polar

When: Friday, November 27, 2020 - Sunday, January 3, 2021

Where: 6145 Viscount Rd., Mississauga, ON

We hope we gave you some ideas to make your Christmas celebrations awesome despite the lockdown. So, stay in or get out there, whatever you prefer but get your Christmas spirit on and end 2020 in a jolly mood while keeping your friends and family safe!