Holiday cheer has arrived in Old Town Toronto. With festive lights in our parks, decadent drink and desserts in our restaurants, and of course gift ideas galore, Old Town Toronto has the magic of the season.
Our members have helped us compile a list below of just some of the current offerings available in Old Town Toronto. The list includes a Drunken Elf Negroni, holiday hairstyles, gift ideas that will have them cooking up a storm, a Sugar Plum Fairy tea service, antique maps, live music and dance performances. Why stop there though? We also have vintage fur coats, a gift delivery discount code, a special hotel rate for your guests from out of town, adorable ottomans, limited edition BT21 cups, greeting cards that give back, gift baskets and gift cards with a bonus just for you, and much, much more! So scroll down and choose to support local this holiday season. Cheers!
TO Live Presents Discover Dance December!
December 12, 12-1 pm and Dec 13, 12-1pm and 3-4pm
Presented by TO Live and Nova Dance, Discover Dance is a free, lunch-hour series that highlights many of Toronto’s incredible dance artists. In a warm and intimate setting, participants can discover diverse dance forms woven into Toronto’s vibrant cultural scene.
The December edition of Discover Dance will feature Ravyn Wngz, the “black widow of burlesque,” who is a Tanzanian, Bermudian, Mohawk, 2Spirit, queer, and transcendent empowerment storyteller. This is event for mature audiences, attendees must be 18+.
Ravyn is an abolitionist and cofounder of ILL NANA/DiverseCity Dance Company. Ravyn is committed to eradicating all forms of anti-Black racism and settler colonialism systems of oppression while nurturing Black and Indigenous healing in communities.
This FREE event will be happening on December 12 and 13 at Meridian Arts Centre, Meridian Hall, and online. Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3yoFY9g
TO Live
1 Front St. E and 5040 Yonge St., 416-368-6161
December 12, 12-1 pm and Dec 13, 12-1pm and 3-4pm
www.tolive.com/discover-dance
Instagram: @tolivegram
Cooking Class Gift Certificate from Cirillo’s Academy
Give the gift of how to cook this year with a gift certificate to Cirillo’s Academy. Our cooking classes are a great night out for partners, family and friends. Heat things up with us and learn some awesome cooking tips to use everyday in your own kitchen.
Cirillo’s Academy
118 The Esplanade, 416-901-3491
Tuesday-Saturday
www.cirillosacademy.com
Instagram: @cirillos.academy
Greeting cards that give back!
TPH Charitable Greeting Cards are an environmentally and socially responsible way to spread holiday cheer. Customize cards with your own image or select from artist card designs. 100% of the net proceeds go to charity.
This year, the proceeds will be donated to Team Rubicon Canada – a veteran-led organization that serves global communities before, during and after disasters and crises. Learn more: www.tph.ca/charitable-greeting-cards/
TPH
26 Wellington St. E. Suite 104, 416-364-9158
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5pm
https://www.tph.ca/postcards/
Instagram: @tphcanada
Find your Holiday Hairstyle at My Salon On Richmond
Come into the My Salon On Richmond where you will be greeted with open arms by both Colin and Kirby who can give you that holiday hairstyle you need for your next social event-whether it is for family, work or simply just to try something new! They’re good at what they do! Don’t believe it? Check out their instagram or read up on their google reviews.
Give your loved ones the gift of great hair as well! They offer gift cards, gift sets and hair services that will surely put a smile on someone’s face. Come explore My Salon On Richmond this holiday season. Give us a call or message us on Instagram!
My Salon On Richmond
474 Richmond St E, 416-573-6193
Wed-Sat: 10am-6pm.
Tues: by appointment only.
www.mysalononrichmond.com
Instagram: @mysalononrichmond @colinmcewen @mister_tangles
Chatime Canada x BT21 Holiday Colab
Get ready to celebrate this festive season with Chatime and BT21! This holiday season just got more exciting with BT21 back in town! Visit Chatime and try the limited time holiday drinks & merch.
Introducing *Peppermint Cookie Star Milk Tea – Our signature milk tea enhanced with a cooling peppermint mix and topped off with chocolate cookie crumble bits* and *Strawberry Cookie Luv Milk Tea – Our signature milk tea combined with a refreshingly sweet strawberry flavour and topped off with chocolate cookie crumble bits*. These drinks are available in store and online.
Also available in store while quantities last – the colour-changing BT21 reusable cup! A purchase of 1 large-size, regular-priced Chatime drink on the menu is required before purchasing 1 PACKAGED colour-changing cup (same transaction only) for $21 + applicable taxes.
Can’t think of Christmas presents to give your loved ones? Don’t worry, we got you! Purchase a $25 Chatime/Bake Code gift card and receive a 50% off coupon for your next drink in-store!
Drinks and merch are available until supplies last! Don’t walk, run to your fave bubble tea store in the neighbourhood and enjoy these holiday-themed drinks!
Chatime
163 King St E, 416-223-9871
Sun-Wed: 11am-11pm
Thurs-Sat: 11am-12midnight
https://chatime.com/store/toronto-jarvis
Instagram:@chatimecanada
‘Tis the season to make memories at Omni King Edward Hotel
The Omni King Edward Hotel captures the spirit of the festive season with a variety of delectable offerings. Cozy up in Victoria Café this winter with a cup of Sugar Plum Fairy tea and indulge in our traditional Nutcracker Tea, inspired by the ballet. Delight in delicate finger sandwiches, decadent pastries and scones while catching up with your loved ones. From late November to New Year’s Day, family and friends can continue time-honoured traditions or create new adventures while enjoying the refined service, elegant touches, and historic architecture at Toronto’s first luxury hotel. We look forward to welcoming you.
Omni King Edward Hotel
37 King St E, 416-945-3323
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward/dining/festive-season
Coupon code for same-day holiday gift delivery
across Toronto from Runner Market
Feeling the stress of the holiday season creepin’ in? Don’t let it. Get your gift shopping done with a few easy clicks this year! Send thoughtful gifts anywhere in Toronto same day with Runner. Gift family, friends, colleagues, and/or clients the perfect bottle of wine, spirits, craft beers, and/or lifestyle goods quickly and easily. Runner is here to gift up your spirits this year!
Not sure what to send? Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry is perfect for adding some holiday cheer to anyone’s day. Find our full curated list of holiday gifts on the Runner site and give Santa the night off by having our Runner Market elves handle the delivery. Use coupon code OLDTOWN and get $5 OFF delivery!
Runner Market
141 Berkeley St, 647-360-8262
Mon-Thurs: 8am-9p.m.
Fri: 8am-10pm. Sat: 9am-10pm.
Sun: 10am-8pm.
www.getrunner.io
Instagram: @runner.market
OTTOMANS! Space-Saving Seating for Holiday Company!
It’s December – a beautiful time for holiday gift-giving, parties, family and friends.
The Chesterfield Shop has a great assortment of ottomans in every shape, size and price-point- in fabric and leathers – and ready to be delivered – extra seating when your company descends. And we have lots of bar stools too!
Merry Christmas to everyone…best of the season…and a healthy and Happy New Year!
The Chesterfield Shop
275 King St E, 416-667-1150
Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm. Sun: 11am-5pm.
www.thechesterfieldshop.com
@thechesterfieldshop
Kir Royal everyday at Le Papillon on Front
No need to wait to be in 2023 to celebrate with bubbles! Le Papillon offers Kir Royal every day, it is a classic French aperitif made of cassis liquor and sparkling wine, we use rosé sparkling to make it more festive. Perfect way to start a perfect evening, to celebrate with friends or simply enjoying the season.
Le Papillon on Front
69 Front St E, 416-367-0303
Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun: 4pm-9pm.
Fri & Sat: 4pm-10pm. Mon: Closed.
www.papillononfront.com
Instagram: @lepapillononfront
NEO Holiday Cake
This Holiday Season we have created a glazed dark chocolate mousse cake layered w/ hoji-cha caramel brûlée, chocolate sponge, and caramelized cocoa nibs & topped w/ fresh strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry for our customers.
To make things easier for our customers this holiday season, we’ve set up an online pre-ordering system for our Holiday Cake! Pre-orders can be made exclusively through our website from December 1 to 29, 2022. Last date for ordering is December 29, 2022, for pick-up on December 31, 2022.
NEO COFFEE BAR
161 Frederick St, 647-348-8811
Mon-Fri: 7am-7pm.
Weekends and Holidays: 8am-7pm
www.neocoffeebar.com
Instagram: @neocoffeebarto
Please Remember New Visions in your Holiday plans!!
NEW VISIONS is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping more than 56 children and young adults with complex physical and developmental disabilities 24/7.
This year’s fundraising is increasingly more critical due to the fluctuations in resources and levels of revenue as well as increasing costs are affecting our ability to continue providing quality care. NV currently receives 80% of the operating costs from the Provincial Government, however, the remaining revenues are generated from fundraising initiatives, individuals, and corporate sponsorship. The needs far exceed the resources and demands for us to grow with over 30,000 people waiting for agencies like New Visions to expand their facilities.
Everyone deserves a manageable quality of life. For many children and adults who have a developmental, emotional or physical disability, opportunity depends on donations.
With your support, the Possibilities are Endless! Please visit our website to learn how to support.
New Visions Toronto
222 The Esplanade, 416-868-1493
Office Hours 8am-5pm
www.newvisionstoronto.ca
Instagram: @newvisionstoronto
Information Session/Tour of Harris Institute
Attend a two hour Information Session and Tour with president John Harris on Wednesday, December 7th at 6:00PM or Thursday, December 15th at 12:30PM. The session includes an overview of the college and its programs, a presentation on the future of the music industry and a tour of the facilities. Register to attend at www.harrisinstitute.com/contact.
Harris Institute
118 Sherbourne St, 416-367-0178
10am-9pm
harrisinstitute.com
Fur coats up to 50% off at Wildlife Thrift Store
Plus a FREE tote bag when you spend $100!
The weather outside is frightful but our prices are so delightful! Come shop with us and stock up on your winter essentials. Whether it be a nice warm winter jacket, holiday gifts for your loved ones, or a nice little treat for yourself, we’ve got it! Our fur coats are marked down up to 50% off, starting at $50! And when you spend $100, you get a tote bag for free.
Wildlife Thrift Store
67 Front St E, 416-861-9080
10am-8pm everyday
Instagram: @wildlifethriftstore
Seasonal Chestnut Hot Chocolate at Third Wave Coffee Inc.
Our 65% Hot chocolate from Calebau is blended with French Chestnut paste to make a lovely ganache that serves as a base for our hot chocolate drink. Upon your preference it could be served with steamed whole milk or oat milk. We also offer additional natural flavours you can explore to match with the rich chocolate taste such as Cardamom, Lavender, Mint and Orange. Enjoy!
Third Wave Coffee Inc.
42 Church St
Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm. Sat-Sun: 9am-6pm.
www.thirdwavecoffeeinc.com
Instagram: @thirdwavetoronto
Now Booking Holiday Parties at Playa Cabana
Playa Cabana Wellington is now open every Wednesday through Saturday! Plan your upcoming holiday event with co-workers, corporate, family, or friends in our main dining area or in a semi-private party room. PLUS — Enjoy a menu uniquely customized for your group featuring our most popular dishes and weekly market specials.
Inquire through email: info@playacabana.ca
HOLIDAY HOUR UPDATES:
Closed December 14th + 15th
Closed December 24th to January 2nd
Playa Cabana
36 Wellington St E, 416-519-4886
Wed-Sat: 5pm-11pm
+ Bar and Snacks until 12am every Fri & Sat
www.playacabana.ca/wellington
Instagram: @playacabana
Give the gift of health and wellness this holiday season!
Give the gift of health and wellness this holiday season with Bahn Thai Spa. We have gift baskets packed with everything needed to fill your cold, winter days with warmth. Pair any of our gift baskets with a gift card and stop by to have a sip of our lemongrass tea for the full Bahn Thai experience!
Bahn Thai Spa
136 Adelaide St E, 416-594-3406
Mon-Fri: 11am-8pm
Sat & Sun: 10am-6pm
www.bahnthaispa.com
Instagram: @bahnthaispa
Kochi Stores has re-opened!
Yes that’s right! We are opening Dec 1st, just in time for the holidays. We are so excited to show you our new look. Lots of new products and tons of amazing deals. Make sure to drop by and say hi! Secret giveaways with every purchase on everyday of the opening weekend.
*while supplies last.
Kochi Stores
83 Front St E, 416-721-6653
Mon-Fri & Sun: 10am-6pm
Sat: 9am-6pm
www.kochistores.com
Instagram: @kochistores
LIVE for December at C’est What?
We’ve got some great shows lined up for the end of 2022!
Dec 3 – The Hot Five Jazzmakers
Dec 3 – 8pm | Jessica Sevier Ft. Paige Rutledge and Justin Maki
Dec 10 – 3-6pm | Kristin Lindell
Dec 10 – 9pm | Cannonball Tree Ft. Hayley Stark
Dec 11 – 7pm | Women in Music Showcase
C’est What?
67 Front St E, 416-867-9499
Sun & Mon: 4pm-12am
Tues & Wed: 12pm-12am
Thurs – Sat: 12pm-1am
www.cestwhat.com
Instagram: @cestwhatto
Purchase a Gift Card this Holiday Season for
Dine In / Cooking Classes at Mengrai Thai!
Looking for the right gift card for your family or friends this Holiday season? Our Gift Cards are the perfect present for that Thai-food-loving-person in your life!
Redeemable for our dine-in restaurant (book your holiday party now!) or our hands-on cooking classes where we teach you how to cook your own favourite Thai dishes. Email hello@mengraithai.ca or call 416-546-0331 to inquire.
Mengrai Thai
82 Ontario St, 416-840-2754
Tues-Thurs: 3:30pm-9:30pm
Fri-Sat: 3pm-10:30pm
Sun: 3pm-10pm
www.mengraithai.ca
Instagram: @mengrai_thai
Festive Verrines at Au Pain Doré
New this year! Festive verrines in individual format. The Tiramisu Verrine with Baileys and raspberries. The Lemon Tart Verrine with crumble and meringue. The Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Verrine. The 3 chocolates Verrine with crunchy pearls.
Available only in our participating Cafés for a limited time.
Au Pain Doré
81 Front St E, 416-367-2738
7am-8pm
www.atelier.aupaindore.com
Instagram: @aupaindore1956
Holidays party trays are available from AAamazing Salad
Are you planning an event or party? We can help you out! We have variety salads, bowls, and wraps options and colourful and healthy Christmas salad bar! They are so perfect for your party! Please contact Eva for details! Or you can message us on our website: www.aaamazingsalad.ca . Talk to you soon!
AAamazing Salad
82 Adelaide St E Unit C, 647-342-6888
Mon-Fri: 11am-4pm. Sat: 12pm-4pm.
www.aaamazingsalad.ca
Instagram: @AAamazing Salad
Limited time lunch service at Amano Trattoria
in Old Town Toronto
For the month of December, Amano Trattoria will be open for lunch Tuesday to Friday. Our exclusive lunch menu will consist of many of your favourites, as well as several of Chef Michael Angeloni’s newest culinary creations..
From holiday get-togethers to corporate lunch functions, we’ve got you covered.
Amano Trattoria
9 Church St, 647-349-7297
Tues-Fri: 12pm-3pm (Lunch)
Tues-Thurs: 5pm-10pm (Dinner)
Fri-Sat: 5pm-10:30pm (Dinner)
www,amano-trattoria.com
Give Antique Maps from D & E LAKE LTD. this Christmas
From antique maps of Toronto neighbourhoods for the history buff to maps of Ontario’s vast cottage country for those missing cottage life! Or maybe a map of your favourite city, region or country to commemorate your travels or favourite parts of the globe or maybe give them the world.
We have antique maps as old as the 17th century AND offer custom framing so that your gift can me ready to hang. Otherwise rest assured, many of our maps are shrink wrapped and matted to foam core and easily wrapped & giftable as purchased.
Visit our family-owned Toronto bookstore for something unique and special this Christmas.
D & E LAKE LTD.
239 King St E, 416-863-9930
Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm. Sun: 11am-2:30pm
www.delakeltd.com
Instagram: @delakeltd
Give yourself a gift when you buy a gift card from
HOTHOUSE Restaurant & Bar
Gift cards are wonderful gift that everyone enjoys. We sell Gift Cards in any denomination and any cards purchased in December for $100 or more will include an extra $10 Gift Card* for you to use in January or February of 2023.
*No cash value, valid from January 2, 2023, to February 28, 2023. Not valid on February 14th.
HOTHOUSE Restaurant & Bar
35 Church St, 416-366-7800
Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-9:30pm.
Fri: 11:30am-10:30pm.
Sat: 10am-10:30pm. Sun: 10am-9:30pm
www.hothouserestaurant.com
Instagram: @hothouserestaurant
Holiday Visitors Have A Place To Stay!
As family and friends finally gather this holiday season, we are extending a special rate of $159/night (standard King bedroom for single/double occupancy) with a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, Wifi and every room has a microwave and fridge. Valid December 5-30, 2022 (subject to guestroom availability). email: anston.mendes@innvesthotels.com directly to book your stay!
Holiday Inn Express Toronto Downtown
111 Lombard St, 416-367-5555
www.hiexpress.com/torontodtwn
Instagram: @hiexpresstorontodowntown
Complimentary consult to elevate your training at Altitude Athletic
Welcome to Altitude, Toronto’s first altitude training facility and destination for athletic training above sea-level in a high-tech altitude chamber. People who train at altitude significantly outperform those who don’t. Discover how Altitude Athletic can help you get stronger, fitter and healthier in less time. Book a complimentary consult with one of our coaches and learn about the best training options for you and your goals.
Altitude Athletic Trianing
56 Colborne St, 416-366-3838
Mon-Fri: 6am-9pm
Sat & Sun: 7:am-1pm
www.altitudeathletictraining.com
Instagram: @altitudeathletic
The Black Canary’s Holiday Guide
The Holidays are upon us, and The Black Canary Espresso Bar’s Holiday Guide has what you need to spread cheer. Featuring locally made products, from hand poured candles to skin care to coffee (of course), we got you. Shop skin care products by Naturally Natalie, soy wax candles by Cams Lit Candles, knitted toques and mittens by Ada Irene Knits, and our Black Canary beans, makes the perfect stocking stuffer, to name a few. Custom gift baskets also available. See us in store! Happy Holiday friends!!
The Black Canary Espresso Bar
61 Sherbourne St, 416-301-7633
Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm
Sat & Sun: 8am-6pm
www.blackcanarycoffee.ca
Instagram: @blackcanarycoffee
New Winter Cocktails
We have curated some tasty new winter cocktails to warm you up as the weather gets colder. From The Drunken Elf Negroni, to the Butter Ripple Apple Cider or the Spanish Coffee, we have something for everyone! Come down to The Corner Place to try our new cocktails and tag us on instagram to tell us your favourite!
The Corner Place
11 Jarvis St, 416-850-1738
Mon-Tues: 4pm-12am
Wed-Fri: 11am–1am
Sat: 10:30am-1am
Sun: 10:30am-12am
www.thecornerplace.ca
Instagram: @thecornerplace
Want More?
Discover more local businesses in our Business Directory by clicking here. Everything from sushi to pet care, fitness gyms and tranquil massages… we have it all!
Submissions:
Are you an owner/manager/staff member of a local business located in a commercial property within the boundaries of Old Town Toronto / St Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Business Improvement Area? If you are not receiving an invitation to submit to this monthly blog post, please email stephenm@stlawrencemarketbia.ca and ask to be added to our contacts list. You will need to provide the name of your business, email, and address. Click here to check if you are within our boundaries.
What is a 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.)
