Celebrate the holidays in Old Town Toronto with flavours, finds, and festive experiences around every corner! From limited-edition treats and seasonal sips to thoughtful gifts, wellness boosts, and joyful outings, our neighbourhood is brimming with ways to savour the season, support local, and make the most of these magical winter weeks.
Secure Your Sufganiyahs At Dipped Donuts
This December, we are rolling out our Raspberry Sufganiyahs made with our own raspberry jelly using fresh raspberries. Our brioche Donuts (raised for 24hrs) are rolled in sugar and filled – they are available for pre-order online and in store in full-size or minis. If you’d like a different flavour, we can make any of our filled donuts.
Please make sure to put your orders in asap as we get full fast!
Dipped Donuts
St Lawrence Market 93 Front St E Lower level, 647-514-5801
www.dippeddonuts.ca
Instagram: @dippeddonutsinc
Give The Gift Of 3 Chamber Music Experiences
Three extraordinary chamber music experiences in a discounted holiday package. No wrapping, no waiting, no clutter. Just world-class performances and memories that last long after the final note.
Featuring:
What Makes It Great? with Rob Kapilow, joined by the Gryphon Trio, violinist Noa Sarid and violist Sharon Wei. Together, they dive into Dvořák’s lush, joy-soaked Piano Quintet in A major — one of chamber music’s most beloved works. Saturday, February 8, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Legendary Canadian pianist Louis Lortie in a captivating solo performance at the intimate Jane Mallett Theatre, with a program of piano ballades… full of drama and emotion! Tuesday, March 17 | 7:30 PM
Celebrated cellist Steven Isserlis and Canadian pianist Connie Shih fire up the spring season with their brilliant interpretations of gems by Kaprálová, Beethoven, Schumann and Kabvalevsky. Thursday, April 23 | 7:30 PM
BEST AVAILABLE SEATS
$148.50/person for all three concerts (taxes and service charges included)
Music Toronto
27 Front St E, 416-366-7723
www.music-toronto.com
Instagram: @music.toronto.concerts
Wellness & Longevity Assessment At Altitude Athletic Training
Our new assessment is designed to give you the most complete picture of your body’s current health and future potential. Using research-grade technology, we measure the markers that truly matter for longevity, resilience, and high performance; the kind of data that empowers you to train smarter, prevent setbacks, and make measurable progress month after month.
What’s Included:
• InBody Body Composition Analysis – Understand how much of your weight is muscle, fat, and water so you can make informed training and nutrition decisions.
• Strength, Balance & Lower-Body Power Assessment (Force Plates) – Identify asymmetries, movement patterns, and power output with lab-level precision.
• VO₂ Max Test (Run, Walk, or Bike) – The gold standard for cardiovascular fitness and longevity, showing how efficiently your body uses oxygen during exertion.
Assessment session Length: ~90 minutes
Price (Non-Members): $350 + HST
To book, please click here.
To learn about our other assessments, please click here.
Altitude Athletic Training
56 Colborne St, 416-366-3838
www.altitudeathletictraining.com
Instagram: @altitudeathletic
Holiday Catering At The Slab Pizza
We now offer catering for corporate events, office lunches, family celebrations, and community gatherings. Enjoy your favourite pizzas, wings, sides, and specialties from The Slab Pizza—prepared fresh and delivered with care. Explore our full catering menu today!
The Slab Pizza
19 Richmond S E, 437-766-5583
www.theslabpizza.com
Instagram: @theslabpizza.richmond
Naughty Elf Hot Chocolate & Other Winter Cocktails At Lima Charlie
To keep yourself cozy this winter, come check out our winter cocktail offerings, plus be sure to try our housemade daily Dex’s famous soup, and our holiday sweets.
Staff Winter Cocktail Recommendation – Naughty Elf Hot Chocolate, A decadent chocolate winter treat, that expertly combines real Belgian chocolate with delicious Baileys Irish cream & peppermint liquors. Topped with whipped cream & crushed candy canes. Served in our super cute Santa mugs. We recommend the naughty elf hot chocolate to warm up this winter!
Need more reasons to come in from the cold? Happy Hours are 2pm-6pm, and 10pm-1am Monday-Saturday, and all day Sundays. Fresh from St Lawrence Market wings are $11.95 Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Lima Charlie
189 King St E, 437-880-8379
www.limacharliepub.com
Instagram: @limacharliepub
Tap Canadian 2Win ends Dec 14
Discover Handcrafted Bonbons At BOMBA
Gio’s Artisan Bonbons have officially made their sparkling return for the holiday season—now available at BOMBA!
Handcrafted in small batches with the finest ingredients, these jewel-like confections come in enchanting flavors such as limoncello & basil, coffee & Kahlúa, chai, and pistachio di Bronte. Each tiny morsel is a celebration of craftsmanship and indulgence, designed to delight both the palate and the eye.
Whether you’re stuffing stockings, thanking hosts, or simply treating yourself, Gio’s Artisan Bonbons are the perfect gift-giving option this festive season. Elegant, unique, and irresistibly delicious—’tis the season to share a little sweetness!
Bomba
St. Lawrence Market, 93 Front St E, South Building Lower Level, Market St. Side
647-348-9894
www.bombagelato.com
Instagram: @bombagelato
Festive Holiday Club Sandwich At Au Pain Doré
Savour our favourite seasonal creation: on our cranberry baguettine, tender pieces of chicken, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, spring mix, and a cranberry sauce.
A festive creation, perfect for a gourmet break or a light and tasty meal. Add a touch of celebration to your meals with this club sandwich!
This item is valid for a limited time in our participating cafés.
Order online available on our Au Pain Doré app
Au Pain Doré
81 Front St E, 416-367-2738
www.atelier.aupaindore.com
Instagram: @aupaindorecafe
Happy Hour At Duke’s Refresher
Come and get happy twice a day from Sunday to Thursday with Happy Hour at Duke’s Refresher! Enjoy $5 beers, wines and mixed rail drinks alongside 2 sliders for $10. It’s the perfect opportunity to try out our collaboration brews with local Toronto breweries! 4pm – 6pm and 10pm until close.
Duke’s Refresher
73 Front St E, 416-603-8826
www.dukesrefresher.ca
Instagram: @dukesrefresherslm
Where Is Barksy? Win $100-$500 In GIft Certificates To Old Town Toronto Businesses
Boxing Week Starts Dec. 19th At The Chesterfield Shop
The Chesterfield Shop LOVES King St. East!
Thriving at King and Sherbourne, our King St. E. store opened on August 5th, 2021 as the 6th location of this iconic Toronto family-owned company (established in 1948), with a curated collection of Canada’s best sofa-beds, sofas, sectionals, chairs, ottomans, recliners, lift chairs and more!
Featured (above) is The Tennyson sectional, with a wide 8” track arm for a cool contemporary look and feel. Choose from more than 30 configurable pieces, and 3 leg options. Crafted from eco-friendly, kiln-dried, sustainable wood, and available in luxurious top-grain leathers and high-performance fabrics. Proudly made in Canada.
BOXING WEEK officially kicks off on December 19th, but please drop in to see early specials (we don’t wait!), with a huge inventory of next-day deliveries, featuring both regular fit and small-scale collections…to make your place a comfortable home!
Best Wishes and Happy Holidays to everyone from The Chesterfield Shop!
The Chesterfield Shop
275 King St E, 416-667-1150
www.thechesterfieldshop.com
Instagram: @thechesterfieldshop
Holiday Savings & A Chance To Relax At Bahn Thai Spa
Celebrate the holidays with us at Bahn Thai Spa!
This month, enjoy 50% off our cozy Fisherman Pants, perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself. And when you book a massage, you’ll be invited to add your name, or someone else’s, to our Christmas Tree of Thanks. At the end of the month, we’ll draw one lucky name to win a free 90-minute massage, the perfect amount of time to truly unwind.
We’re excited to share this warm and joyful season with you!
Bahn Thai Spa
136 Adelaide St E, 416-594-3406
www.bahnthaispa.com
Instagram: @bahnthaispaschool
Holiday Tweed Jacket Guide: Surmesur Toronto
When tailored properly, a custom tweed jacket becomes a long-term companion — the kind of piece he’ll wear for winter dinners, holiday parties, and Sunday coffee runs. It’s modern. It’s classic. It’s him.
Every man over 40 has a tweed story. Maybe he once owned one he loved to death. Maybe he always wanted one but “never got around to buying it.” Maybe he had a vintage one that… well… the decades have not been kind to (or it simply no longer fits because apparently time is undefeated).
At Surmesur Toronto and Surmesur Mississauga, our experts craft the modern tweed blazer he’s always wanted — sharp, comfortable, and built exactly for his lifestyle.
Here’s the best part — you don’t have to guess his measurements or style. Just do the smart thing: Give him a Surmesur Gift Card.
Let him come in, get measured, feel the fabrics, choose the patterns, buttons, & lining, and experience the full Surmesur treatment. And this holiday season? For every $100 in December gift card purchases, receive an additional 15% bonus.
That’s extra holiday magic you can keep… or generously pass along.
Surmesur
33 Yonge St (entrance off Scott St), 416-214-2840
www.surmesur.com
Intagram: @surmesur
ATTIC Canadian Diamond Jewellery Collection
To celebrate ten years of ATTIC, the Toronto-based jewellery studio has partnered with Misfit Diamonds to create a special anniversary collection featuring natural champagne diamonds from Canada’s Gahcho Kué Mine.
For ATTIC x Misfit | Ten, the ATTIC team had the rare privilege of hand-selecting the rough diamonds and choosing each cut. Guided by their enduring love for antique diamonds and an appreciation for historical artistry, they curated a selection of Modern Antique Cuts – stones that balance old-world romance with contemporary precision – alongside distinctive shapes such as the Heart and Carré Cut. In warm champagne tones, these diamonds showcase the natural glow formed over billions of years.
Each piece in the collection was designed to honour the individuality of its diamond, allowing the stone’s character to inform the final design. Crafted in solid 14k gold, the pieces evolve ATTIC’s signature settings with refined proportions, unexpected angles, fluid curves, and bold dimensions. The result is timeless jewellery that feels distinctly ATTIC: simple but never simplistic, refined yet full of character.
The partnership between ATTIC and Misfit Diamonds has grown over the past decade through shared values, mutual respect, and a belief in thoughtful craftsmanship. Creating this mine-to-market collection marks a full-circle moment and a celebration of connection, longevity, and building something that lasts.
The collection invites clients to discover both the jewellery and the remarkable origin of these rare Canadian champagne diamonds.
“We’ve always collaborated with Misfit and incorporated Canadian diamonds into
our work, but this is the first time we’ve been part of the custom diamond-cutting
process,” says co-founder Susan Shaw. “We selected classic yet uncommon shapes
to evoke a soft, vintage feel—each one uniquely suited to our signature ATTIC
aesthetic.”
All ATTIC pieces are handmade in Toronto using natural, conflict-free diamonds. Alongside its anniversary collection, ATTIC continues to welcome clients for bespoke jewellery design, both remotely and in its newly redesigned downtown Toronto studio.
ATTIC
366 Adelaide St E, Suite 110, 416-371-4708
www.atticgold.com
Instagram: @atticgold
The Original Italian Panettone
The panettone from Dacasto Gran Pasticceria is crafted fresh every day here in Toronto using living sourdough and ingredients imported from Italy. Its freshness simply can’t be matched by products made months ago. Authentic tradition, created on the spot with true artisanal care.
Dacasto Gran Pasticceria
37 King St E, 416-214 0986
www.dacasto.com
Instagram: @dacastogranpasticceriacanada
Password Thursdays At CC Lounge & Whisky Bar
Come try one of our featured Festive Cocktails made by head mixologist Naythan Smallwood for half the price. Indulge in a 3oz masterpiece that is for sure to please the palate. Every Thursday in December Naythan has created his personal festive cocktail, DM us on Instagram for the password!
CC Lounge & Whisky Bar
45 Front St E, 416-362-4777
www.cconfront.com
Instagram: @cconfront
Book A Year End Eye Exam At St. Lawrence Eye Care
Make sure to get your eyes checked before the season ends because our eye health changes every year! You can use up your year end benefits towards the eye exam, contact lenses, or new prescription eyewear. It’s important to get your eyes checked every year to track any health changes and provide the best quality of vision!
St. Lawrence Eye Care
12 Church St, 416-504-7532
www.stlawrenceeyecare.com
Instagram: @stlawrenceeyecare
Boxing Month Dry Clean Up To 60% Off
At Vite Cleaners, we believe that fresh, well-cared-for clothing should be effortless — especially during the busy holiday season. That’s why our December Specials are designed to bring you unmatched convenience, quality, and value, all month long. Whether you’re preparing winter coats for the cold weather, refreshing your wardrobe for gatherings, or giving your favourite shoes a second life, we’ve made it easier than ever to look your best.
Start the season with our $2.99 Shirt Cleaning, perfectly pressed and ready for work or winter celebrations. Keep warm in style with Winter Coat Cleaning for just $29.99, an ideal refresh for wool, down, and heavy outerwear. And for a complete head-to-toe clean, don’t miss our Shoe Cleaning for only $24.99, bringing comfort and shine back to your favourite pairs.
Visit us this December and enjoy premium care at special holiday pricing — because looking good should feel easy, festive, and affordable.
Online Services & Smart Locker Drop-off Available
Vite Cleaners
1 Toronto St, 416-285-9998
www.vitecleaners.com
Olympic Cheese Honours Canadian Wins
Toronto’s own Nick Tsioros, Managing Director and Importer at Olympic Cheese in St. Lawrence Market, has returned from the World Cheese Awards in Bern, Switzerland, where he once again served as an international judge at the world’s largest cheese competition.
This year’s event brought together 5,244 cheeses from more than 40 countries, evaluated by a panel of over 260 judges. For more than a decade, Nick has been part of this elite judging community — an honour extended to only a select group of experts worldwide.
Canada delivered an outstanding performance in Bern, earning 26 medals across multiple categories. A highlight was the recognition of Bête-à-Séguin, which captured a prestigious Super Gold, placing it among the top cheeses in the world and shining a spotlight on Canadian craftsmanship.
As we head into the holiday season, many of the award-winning Canadian cheeses celebrated in Bern can be found at Olympic Cheese in Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence Market. It’s a perfect way to elevate festive gatherings and enjoy world-class local flavour right here in Old Town Toronto.
Olympic Cheese
St. Lawrence Market, 93 Front St E, South Building Upper Level
416-363-7602
www.olympiccheese.com
Instagram: @olympic_cheese
Find The Best Priced Seafood Tower In The City At Pearl Diver
Tuesday Seafood Tower for just $75.
A dozen east coast oysters, snow crab legs, shrimp cocktail, seared ahi tuna and pickled mussel.
We also offer daily happy hour from 4:30-6:30pm.
A dozen oysters for just $27 and $8 beer, wine and cocktail.
Pearl Diver
100 Adelaide St E, 416-366-7827
www.pearldiver.to
Instagram: @pearldiverto
Nutcracker Tea & Other Holiday Experiences At The Omni King Edward Hotel
Introducing our Nutcracker Tea: Step into a festive fairytale with a magical seasonal tea inspired by the classic holiday ballet.
November 29, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Friday–Sunday, 12:30 PM to 5 PM (last seating at 4 PM)
$82 per person
Reserve: to-festive@omnihotels.com
Other Holiday Experiences: Discover more around the hotel, including holiday cocktails at The Consort Bar, our Holiday Brunches & Dinner Buffets (multiples dates and seatings available), and spa specials such as the Holiday Glow package starting at $390. Contact us to book your experience now.
Omni King Edward
37 King St E
Hotel Bookings: 416-863-9700
Dining/Consort Bar: 416-945-3323
Spa: 416-863-3131
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward
Instagram:@omnikingedward
Free Salmon Oshi-sushi With Sukiyaki At Nami Japanese Restaurant
Celebrate December with our Sukiyaki special! Order any Sukiyaki and enjoy 4 pieces of salmon oshi-sushi for free. It’s our seasonal thank-you to our guests, adding extra flavour, warmth, and a touch of indulgence to your winter dinning experience at NAMI.
Nami Japanese Restaurant
55 Adelaide St E, 416-362-7373
www.namirestaurant.ca
Instagram: @namirestaurant
Sip A S’Mores Hot Chocolate And Gift A Coffee Trio Box From Balzac’s Coffee Ltd.
Discover the perfect gift with our Coffee Trio Box—choose from our pre-selected blends or customize your own perfect mix. And while you shop, treat yourself to our decadent S’Mores Hot Chocolate, topped with whipped cream, toasted marshmallow, graham crackers, and a rich chocolate drizzle. Because you deserve a little indulgence too.
Balzac’s Coffee Ltd.
10 Market St, 416-368-4949
www.balzacs.com
Instagram: @balzacscoffee
Tahini’s Employee Of The Month: Alina
This holiday season, we are proud to highlight our Employee of the Month, Alina Helen, the senior-most team member and a strong pillar since day one. Known for her dedication, Alina consistently lives up to our values, always serving with a smile and helping create meaningful guest experiences that turn visits into memories.
Through her support in building our brand and fostering teamwork, she reflects the spirit every staff member contributes, guided by our belief that “Happy staff bring happy guests, which brings happy business.” This recognition is a celebration of our shared commitment to service, positivity, and community.
Tahini’s
333 King St E, 647-265-9800
www.tahinis.com
@tahinis333kingeast
Spread Holiday Cheer At Wildlife Thrift Store
December has arrived, and with it comes the season of twinkling lights, warm gatherings, and the joy of giving! At Wildlife Thrift Store, we believe the best gifts don’t need to come with a big price tag, they come from the heart. This month, we’re celebrating meaningful, sustainable, and budget-friendly gift giving that brings joy to everyone!
Looking for something unique? Thrifted gifts are full of character, charm, and often a story of their own. From vintage decor and ornaments to cozy handmade knit sweaters we have it all!
Wildlife Thrift Store
67 Front St E, 416-861-9080
www.wildlifethriftstore.com
Instagram: @wildlifethriftstore
Celebrate The Holidays In Style at Bindia
Make this holiday season unforgettable by hosting your event at Bindia — a modern, elegant venue known for its locally sourced ingredients and elevated dining experience. We’re proud to be featured in the Ontario Culinary / Feast On Holiday Dining Guide, highlighting our commitment to quality and exceptional hospitality.
Whether you’re planning a corporate gathering or a festive group celebration, our team ensures a seamless experience with refined dishes, curated cocktails, and effortless event coordination — all set within our beautifully designed historic space.
Exclusive Group Offer: Groups of 10+ can enjoy a special introductory perk:
10% off your holiday booking when you inquire using the code BINDIAEVENT10.
Holiday Offer Duration: November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Celebrate, dine, and create memorable moments at Bindia this holiday season.
Bindia Indian Bistro
16 Market St, 416-863-0000
www.bindia.ca
@bindiaindianbistro
Fresh And Lauren Toyota Team Up This Winter
Hot for Food’s Lauren Toyota and Fresh Restaurants have teamed up again to create a Winter Feature Menu of classic cozy dishes with a *Fresh* twist.
Creamy Mushroom Udon is Lauren Toyota’s take on a classic alfredo – Freshified with umami packed mushrooms and truffle oil, steamed greens and a hint of spice. The Moonstruck Power shake is dramatic and bold with earthy black sesame. Miso Chili Crisp Brussels pair our classic Miso Gravy with a house-made chili crisp. And you can satisfy that sweet tooth with two new *exclusive to Fresh* cupcake flavours from Bunner’s Bakeshop – Yuzu Vanilla Cream and Strawberry Matcha.
It’s a Feature Menu full of bold flavours and fun twists at Fresh!
Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar
47 Front St E, 416-599-4442
www.freshkitchens.ca
Instagram: @freshrestaurants
New Year, New Hair – The Eco-Friendly Way Is 15% Off At Seen Studio
Start the new year with a fresh look you can feel good about! At Seen Studio Inc, we’re welcoming 2026 with a special offer designed to help new clients experience our eco-friendly approach to beauty.
Whether you’re craving a bold cut, shiny refresh, or a complete style transformation, we use sustainable products and mindful practices that keep your hair healthy and the planet happy.
To celebrate the season of renewal, we’re offering 15% off any service of your choice when you book online. It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing a greener, more thoughtful salon experience.
From personalized consultations to cruelty-free, clean-ingredient products, we’re here to help you step into the new year with confidence—and a style that truly feels like you.
Book online, save 15%, and start your year with a beautiful, eco-conscious glow.
We can’t wait to welcome you! ✨
Seen Studio Inc.
132. Adelaide St E, 416-594-1402
www.seenstudio.ca
Instagram: @seenstudioto
Tinseltown & Holiday Market At Novotel Toronto Centre
Back by merry demand… Welcome to Tinseltown: An Immersive Holiday Pop-Up Bar, the second edition of Novotel Toronto Centre’s festive experience, brought to you in partnership with The Fabulist Theatre. Step into a world of dazzling décor, nostalgic cheer, and playful holiday mischief, where beloved characters like the Grinch, Santa’s elves, and surprise guests come to life. With heartwarming performances and a cozy, magical vibe, this is Christmas with a twist — and definitely not your average seasonal outing.
Included in your admission:
- Welcome Drink
- Themed Dining Experience
- Signature Drinks
- Holiday Activities & Entertainment
Festive attire encouraged! Whether you arrive dressed as your favourite holiday character or rock your ugliest Christmas sweater, we encourage you to show your spirit!
Hours of Operation
Thursday – Saturday from 5:30PM – 11:00PM
Sunday from 1:30PM – 5:00PM
Plus be sure to check out our Holiday Pop-Up Market, running every Friday 4-9:30pm, and Saturday 1-9:30pm until December 13th. Each weekend features a rotating mix of four to eight local vendors.
Novotel Toronto Centre
45 The Esplanade, 416-367-8900
www.all.accor.com
Shrek The Musical At Young People’s Theatre
This holiday season, enjoy the humour, heart, and hijinks of this ogre-sized production — one of YPT’s largest ever! Bursting with catchy tunes and laugh-out-loud moments, Shrek The Musical features a kaleidoscopic crew of fairy tale misfits – a wisecracking donkey, a fierce warrior princess, a pint-sized villain, and even a cookie with an attitude. It’s a fun-filled adventure for the whole family, celebrating friendship and the joy of finding your true self. Based on the smash-hit Oscar-winning film, this charmingly cheeky romp in the swamp reminds us that even in a world divided, we’re all in this together.
TICKETS and show info can be found by clicking here.
Young Peoples Theatre
165 Front St E, 416-862-2222
www.youngpeoplestheatre.org
Instagram: @ypttoronto
What Is Old Town Toronto Business Improvement Area?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is made up of commercial and industrial property owners and their non-residential tenants who join together under a volunteer Board of Management (BIA Board) to carry out improvements and promote economic development within their designated area…(click here to continue reading.)
What Are The Boundaries Of Old Town Toronto?
How To Submit To This Newsletter
Are you an owner/manager/staff member of a local business located in a commercial property within the boundaries of Old Town Toronto Business Improvement Area? If you are not receiving an invitation to submit to this semi-monthly blog post (no charge), please sign up by clicking here or email stephenm@oldtowntoronto.ca and ask to be added. Be sure to provide the business name and address. Click here to check if you are within our boundaries.
