Spend Christmas in Toronto

Credit crunch? What credit crunch? With major currencies enjoying a great rate against the Canadian dollar, you can afford all kinds of fun in Canada’s largest city. We’ve rounded up the best events and tips on where to spend your hard earned cash to get the most bang for your Christmas buck.

Find your Hotel

Surprisingly, Toronto hostels offer excellent value and location around the holidays. It’s easy to find top notch hotels in Toronto, and hotels in Canada which are both easy in attitude and easy on the pocket – perfect for not dipping into the Christmas savings.

Catch the Lights

From now until 15th January you can enjoy a festival display of holiday cheer at Yonge-Dundas Square. From light wrapped columns to 40 ft. Trees with 52,000 shimmering lights and a three dimensional polar bear trio, it’s sure to bring out the Santa in anyone. Not enough glittering festiveness for you? The Cavalcade of Lights offers a magical weekly roster of concerts, shopping, lighting displays and much more this holiday season.

The holiday festival opens up with a bang on in late November with fireworks, lighting of the Christmas tree and live music at the event. For those who are partial to sporting over standing around, there is a DJ spinning tunes for skaters on the ice rink until 10 p.m. Live concerts, fireworks and skating parties continue every Saturday night throughout December starting at 7 p.m. Even the Christmas market has been revamped, and features coffee, tea, chocolates and Christmas decorations from around the world.

Take a Day Out

It’d be a crime to come all this way and not go and witness the sheer majesty of nearby Niagara Falls. Via Rail Canada offers two departures a day (one in the morning, and one in the afternoon), and passes through some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery.

Buy your Presents

If you're looking for unique gifts, Toronto's Christmas craft shows are a wonderful place to take your search. During November and December, one-of-a-kind creations by local and Canadian artists line the multitude of Christmas craft fairs all around the city, making it a great time to stock up for the holidays (or treat yourself!)