It’s Saturday morning, but that’s no excuse to sleep the day away. Just because it isn’t summer anymore doesn’t mean that the city isn’t bustling away because you can’t kick off that cover. So, kick it off and kick-start this kick ass day date!
Things To Pack
- Tupperware
- Thermos
- Skates (If you have them, if you don’t I suggest investing in some to reinforce your Canadian identity. Also, they make impromptu free fun much easier and cheaper.)
- A Swiss army knife
- 1 canvas shopping bag or backpack
The Toronto Christmas Market has modeled itself on Old World European markets like the one held annually in Prague.
Start your day, and month, off the right way by heading to the Distillery District. The Distillery District is fun most any time, but from December 3 – December 12 there will be a traditional European inspired Christmas market taking place along its cobbled streets. The Toronto Christmas Market will be filled to the brim with sweets, treats, and live music.
Take a ride on the Ferris wheel, browse for Christmas ornaments, or decompress in one of the many beer and mulled wine gardens. Every day of the Christmas Market has a different event schedule. Expect entertainment to range from brass ensembles to folk dancing. Before you leave it’s time to hit the Soma Chocolate Factory. Fill your thermos with spicy Mayan hot chocolate and tuck it away for later.
Depending on whether you’re a Looky Lou or a Purchasing Pamela your spending will vary for this portion of the day. I would estimate that you will spend approximately 10$, but all spending, like time, is relative.
Looking down on the market from the top of the Ferris wheel
Now that you’re ruddy with Christmas spirit it’s time to head westward to the St. Lawrence Market. Don’t waste money on the TTC, it’s only a ten minute walk.
On Saturday’s the St. Lawrence Market is bustling. But, relax into the atmosphere and enjoy yourself, crowds are part of the experience. There are two markets at the St. Lawrence: North and South. The North Market offers a weekly famer’s market that’s open from 5am to approximately 4pm on Saturdays. Go to the North Market for produce, fresh pasta, fresh bread, eggs, and specialty meats. The South Market offers a variety of restaurants in the basement, as well as meat, fish, and cheese on its ground floor. The South Market is open Tuesday through Saturday.
Before buying dinner ingredients it’s time to fulfill your mid-afternoon stomach cravings by grazing on free tidbits. Both the North and South Markets offer shoppers delightful mouthfuls of this and that to entice and seduce their palates. Fill up on everything from wine, to cheese, to strudel that rivals your grandmother’s, and all for free. My favourite complimentary amuse-bouche provider is without a doubt Anton Kozlik’s Canadian Mustard. At Koslik’s enjoy freshly seared peal meal bacon dipped into one of their scrumptious Canadian made mustards. It’s really hard not to walk away with a bottle of this artisan mustard. While 8$ seems steep, this mustard is worth it. It transforms the sandwich experience. Recommended: balsamic + Fig & dates and Italian mustard.
The South market bustles with busy shoppers.
Now that you’ve cased the joint, it’s time to decided on supper. You can gather ingredients for a gourmet salad or sandwich, or hit up the amazing Polish restaurant in the South basement for wallet friendly perogies and cabbage rolls. The total for dinner should be approximately 10$. If you go back to the North Market at around 4pm the farmers are just about giving unsold goodies away. Go there for hyper-reduced bread and baked goods.
It’s time for the final leg of our magical December day date. Again, forget the TTC because the Harbourfront Centre is only a 15 minute walk from the St. Lawrence.
The Natrel Rink isn’t gargantuan, but admission is free, and skate rentals are affordable at 7$ a pair, and the view over Lake Ontario is second to none. Saturday nights are DJ nights, so enjoy some retro classics and boogie down hand in hand, around and around.
The drink of the gods is an excellent and, needless to say, delicious way to close the night.
Now that your ankles are sore and you’ve fallen at least once, it’s time for super. Hobble on over, skates still on, to one of the benches that looks over Lake Ontario and dig into your affordable feast.
It’s time to end this date with some spicy Mayan hot chocolate and maybe a final slow skate for two.
Itinerary:
- 10:00 wakeup, wash, and eat breakfast
- 11:30 time to head out!
- 12:00 Christmas Market opens
- 15:00 Don’t forget the hot chocolate!
- 15:3o St. Lawrence Market Graze-a-thon
- 17:30 Harbourfront Skating
- 19: 00 Dinner time overlooking Lake Ontario
- 19:30 Warm up with hot chocolate
- 20:00 One last skate
- Distillery District: Mill Street & Trinity Street
- St. Lawrence Market: Front Street East & Lower Jarvis Street
- Harbourfront Centre: 235 Queens Quay West
Try some mulled wine or roasted chestnuts, and then stroll down the cobble stone streets until you find a cosy fire pit to warm-up by
andapinch 
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