Toronto is celebrating the holidays with more fabulous free events than we can count.

 One of the city’s finest is Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic on Saturday, November 23rd. Don’t miss the fun!

The annual event in Bloor-Yorkville Village features live musical performances and an official tree-lighting ceremony. This year’s event, hosted by Danielle Graham of CTV’s etalk, promises to be better than ever with musical performances by Canadian singer-songwriters Ruth B. — a Juno winner best known for her hit Lost Boy — and Nefe. Refreshments will be offered with a suggested $2.00 donation to the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research. And, of course, there will be lights! One hundred thirty-eight Christmas trees adorned with thousands of sparkling LEDs will transform the whole neighbourhood into a winter wonderland.

#Holidaymagic19 continues into December with one of Toronto’s best-loved Christmas events on December 14th – the annual Toronto Santa Speedo Run. Departing from Hemingway’s Restaurant at 1:30 PM, participants will take a chilly fun run through the neighbourhood in their (Santa-themed) Speedos and running shoes, along with seasonal gear like reindeer antlers, red noses and Santa hats. All fundraising proceeds go to the Toy and Game fund at the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children. Since its inception in 2005, the fun run has raised over $350,000 toward this worthy cause, warming many hearts and bringing smiles to the faces of every onlooker as the Santas slip and slide through often challenging weather conditions. The rain-or-shine event is all about goodwill, so regardless of your fitness level you can join in the fun by registering here.

The Speedo Run isn’t the neighbourhood’s only Christmas community initiative. Every year, Carry Maternity hosts their Share The Warmth coat drive in support of Jessie’s Centre, a Toronto resource that provides support for pregnant young women and parents. If you have clothes you don’t want to go home with, drop them off at 110 Cumberland Street to show your support.

Bloor-Yorkville is one of Canada’s top shopping destinations, so make it part of your Christmas shopping plans. From luxury boutiques to books, antiques and home décor, you’ll find a perfect gift waiting for every name on your list. The whole neighbourhood will be illuminated with twinkling lights and seasonal window displays throughout the Christmas season, so get into your most fashionable winterwear and hit the streets! In addition to world-class shopping, the area is also a hotspot for fashion, food, wellness and culture. Some of the city’s most popular restaurants and top spas are located here, so you can plan for a day of pampering and self-care.

For accommodation, we’re at Yonge and Charles, just steps from all the action – one of the city’s most stylish and celebrated hotels. Our acclaimed Constantine restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, while Scarlet Door Café is a great option for relaxing and recharging after an evening of shopping and celebrating.

Experience true winter magic in Yorkville this season – you’ll be glad you came!

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