If you’re sitting at home watching Love Actually on repeat, you’re probably the type that’s convinced the holidays are the most magical, romantic season of the year (which they are). With that, comes incredible date nights that surprisingly, don’t have to cost much (and can get the real romance started). Here are our top places to have a holiday date in Toronto.
Skating at Nathan Phillips Square
What’s more romantic than strapping on your skates and showing off your skills on the ice in front of your man, or holding hands and skating under Christmas lights with snowflakes gently falling from the sky? Nothing. And what better place to share the magic than at Nathan Phillips Square, in close proximity to Hudson’s Bay’s inevitably perfect Christmas display. Don’t be fooled and go to Harbourfront for their DJ nights, Nathan Phillips Square is the better Toronto rink to get you in the Christmas spirit and set a perfect scene for your next date.
It wouldn’t be Christmas without Distillery’s Annual Christmas Market. Beat the lines and add for a more romantic evening by visiting on a weeknight, where you’ll score a better table on El Catrin’s perfectly warmed patio or be first in line for your hot mulled cider. With a two story Christmas tree and perfectly decorated cobblestone streets, the Christmas Market screams romantic date night.
While a paint night can be a perfect date any time of the year, there’s something beautifully cozy about getting your creative energy flowing before the most romantic holiday of the year (take that Valentine’s Day). While there’s a few great spots in Toronto, Paint Cabin on Gerrard has a perfect selection of wine, beer and warm bevvies to bring out your inner Warhol.
Andy Kim’s 11th annual Christmas Concert
Even if you don’t know who Andy Kim is, he puts on a damn good holiday Christmas special, featuring artists like Tom Cochrane, Barenaked Ladies and Kardinal Offishal who leave their egos at the door and celebrate everything Christmas, on stage, together. This year he’s throwing his annual concert at The Phoenix and general admission tickets are only $25.
Cutting down your own Christmas tree
Even if you have to go a wee bit out of the city to cut down your own Christmas tree, it’s worth it, right? If you’re like me and will avoid living in a condo just to have your own, real, Christmas tree, then you’ll also think cutting down your own tree is the perfect foundation for the perfect date. Whether you’re picking the tree for your bf’s place or getting your first tree together, it is bound to be a memorable afternoon. Because who has a bad time when choosing your very own Christmas tree?
