The holiday season is in full swing in Old Town Toronto, bringing a feast of festive flavours, special experiences, and unique gift ideas! From a delicious Holiday Club Sandwich at Au Pain Doré to the Caramel Gingerbread Milk Tea at Chatime, and delightful Irish gift hampers from The George Street Diner, there’s something to brighten everyone’s season.
Whether you’re planning a memorable holiday meal, shopping for thoughtful presents, or treating yourself to a personalized fitness consultation, our neighbourhood has you covered and the highlight is sure to be the New Winter Market on Market Street. Dive into our latest finds and make your holidays extra special in Old Town Toronto!
Holiday Club Sandwich: a festive blend of flavours!
Savour our new seasonal creation: on our cranberry baguettine, 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!
Au Pain Doré
81 Front St E, 416-367-2738
www.atelier.aupaindore.com
Instagram: @aupaindorecafe
Mon-Sun: 7am-8pm.
Unlock Your Potential
with a Personalized Health and Fitness Consultation
For a limited time, take advantage of our Complimentary Health and Fitness Consultation at Altitude Athletic Training. This consultation is designed to give you a clear understanding of your current fitness and health, with a body composition analysis and personalized feedback on your unique strengths and challenges.
We’ll dive deep into your fitness goals—whether it’s fat loss, muscle gain, or overall wellness—and explore tailored plans to help you achieve lasting results. You’ll also get a chance to tour our altitude training environment and learn how it boosts endurance, strength, and fat loss. With a results-oriented roadmap and data-driven insights, you’ll leave with a clear path to reach your goals.
Start your journey to peak performance today and click here to book your complimentary health and fitness consultation!
https://altitudeathletictraining.com/book-coach-consult-fb
Altitude Athletic Training
56 Colborne St, 416-366-3838
www.altitudeathletictraining.com
Instagram: @altitudeathletic
Mon-Frid:6am-9pm.
Sat: 7am-2pm.
Sun:7am-1pm.
Gift Fresh, Get Fresh!
Get a FREE entrée of choice when you buy a $50+ gift card at Fresh on Front! Promotion is available until December 23rd for in-store purchases only. Free entrée cards are available to redeem from January 1st – February 28th. Ask your server for more details.
Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar
47 Front St E, 647-693-7556
www.freshkitchens.ca
Instagram: @reshrestaurants
Mon-Fri:10:30am-10pm.
Sat-Sun & Holiday Mondays: 10:30am-10pm.
Holly Jolly Together with Chatime!
It’s the season of giving! Celebrate this yuletide season with your favourite bubble tea, featuring our holly jolly treats!
*Caramel Gingerbread Milk Tea*:
Crafted with a Golden Aged Milk Tea base, this festive caramel gingerbread delight is topped with hazelnut-flavored whipped cream and finished with red velvet crumbs, offering a subtle sweetness with notes of nuts and warm spices. Available in both hot and cold.
*Pistachio Raspberry Tart*:
Delight in this exquisite dessert featuring a buttery, flaky crust made with almond flour, layered with rich pistachio goodness and raspberry jam. Topped with smooth pastry cream, dried raspberries, and crunchy pistachios, itʼs the perfect festive treat for your holiday celebrations! Item is best served cold. Do not reheat.
Gifting can be rewarding! Receive a FREE regular drink voucher for every $30 spent on physical gift cards! Guests can top up to $30 in multiple gift cards, with minimum value of $5/card.
This holiday promo runs from November 28th until December 31st! Terms and conditions apply; visit Chatime for more details!
Merry Christmas, and happy holidays, St. Lawrence!
Chatime
163 King St E, 416-223-9871
https://order.chatime.ca/2819/flow/pickup
Instagram: @chatimecanada
Sun-Wed: 11am-11pm.
Thurs-Sat: 11am-12am
Bar Ardo Experiences
At Bar Ardo, we want you to do more than just eat—we want you to experience the heart and soul behind every dish and drink on our menu. From wine dinners to cooking classes, workshops & tastings, our experiences let you get up close and personal with the expertise that goes into everything we serve. It’s all about passion, skill, and making every meal something special.
Upcoming Bar Ardo Experiences:
ARANCINI COOKING CLASS – Join us at Bar Ardo on Monday, December 9th at 6:00 PM for a hands-on adventure into Sicilian cuisine, where you’ll learn to craft the iconic arancini! Under the expert guidance of our Executive Chef & Co-Owner, Roberto Marotta, you’ll master the art of creating perfectly crispy, golden rice balls filled with rich, savory ingredients. – $85
CHARCUTERIE BOARD WORKSHOP – Join us at Bar Ardo on Monday, December 16th at 6:30 PM for a fun and interactive class where you’ll learn to build the perfect Italian charcuterie board. Under the expert guidance of owner Jacqueline Marrotta, you’ll master the art of balancing flavours, arranging meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, creating a stunning board that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. – $85
Learn about other upcoming experiences here: https://www.barardo.ca/experiences
Ardo Hospitality Group
169 King St. E, 437-880-8333
www.BARARDO.ca
Instagram: @bar.ardo
Mon-Wed: 4pm-10:30pm.
Thurs: 4pm-1am.
Fri & Sat: 4pm-12am.
Sun: Closed
Tis’ the season at Cantina
The holidays will be here before you know it. Don’t wait to plan your big celebration! From intimate dinners with loved ones, large tables to connect with friends, or private dining to impress your colleagues, we’ve got the spot for you. This year we’re savouring the holiday magic with new menu features made for the holidays.
Cantina Mercatto
20 Wellington St E, 416-304-0781
www.cantina.mercatto.ca
Instagram: @mercatto.to
Mon-Wed: 11:30am-10pm.
Thurs & Fri: 11:30am-11pm.
Sat: 11am-11pm.
Sun: 11am-10pm.
Book An Eye Exam Today
The holidays are right around the corner but that doesn’t mean your vision health can wait. Our eye health changes every year and an annual eye exam is an important step in the maintenance of your overall health. As well, many insurance plans renew their coverage at the beginning of the year. Prioritize your health and use up your remaining insurance benefits at the same time this December! Give us a call or go to our website to book an appointment today.
St. Lawrence Eyecare
12 Church St., 416-504-7532
www.stlawrenceeyecare.com
Instagram: @stlawrenceeyecare
Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm.
Holiday Irish Gift Hampers & Boxes
The George Street Diner offers delightful Irish holiday gift boxes, perfect for celebrating any special occasion. These gift boxes are an excellent way to indulge in a variety of imported Irish candies and treats, all beautifully packaged in a festive holiday box adorned with a big bow. The gift boxes come in different varieties, such as the Irish Chocolate and Sweeties Holiday Gift Box, offering a fine selection of chocolates and sweet treats.
Available at various price points starting from $89.00, these gift boxes are a grand way to show your appreciation to your loved ones or to treat yourself. Please note that meat products cannot be shipped with these gift boxes. Send a George Street Diner Irish holiday gift box to your best Irish buds and make any day into a celebration.
The George Street Diner
129 George St, 416-862-7676
www.georgestreetdiner.com
Instagram: @thegeorgestreetdiner
Wed-Sun: 8am3pm.
NKBA 30 under 30
🎉 Celebrating Excellence! 🎉
We are incredibly proud to announce that our very own Mansi Makadia has been honored in the @thenkba 30 Under 30 Class of 2025! This prestigious recognition celebrates her dedication, innovation, and passion in the industry. It’s a milestone not just for Mansi but for all of us at Team Estheteak Inc., driven by a shared commitment to excellence and creativity.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey – your encouragement and belief in our vision make achievements like these possible! Thank you @nkbaontario. Here’s to many more successes ahead! 🌟✨
Estheteak Inc
203-411 Richmond St E, 437-366-6583
www.estheteak.com
Instagram: @instagram.com/estheteak
10am-7pm.
Happy Holidays… and to a wonderful 2025!
What can we say about a Legend? (Except that we all aspire to be one!)
The Chesterfield Shop’s Legend is a great combination of style and comfort. This modern design is available in many configurations, both stationary and motion. And if you love a chaise- this one has storage! With single-top stitching, clean lines and a stylized track arm – it easily fits into your space and design aesthetic. Come sit on it today!
The Chesterfield Shop – 275 King St. E. – and our entire company – wish you a healthy and Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year!
Please note that we are closed on Dec. 24th, 25th and New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2025.
ENJOY – from us to you!
The Chesterfield Shop
275 King St E, 416-667-1150
www.thechesterfieldshop.com
Instagram: @thechesterfieldshop
Mon-Sat:10am-6pm.
Sun: 11am-5pm.
Drive Possibilities: Help Fund a Wheelchair Van Today!
This holiday season, we need your help to make a lasting impact. With your generous donation, we can purchase a new wheelchair van to provide reliable transportation for those who rely on it most. Every contribution brings us one step closer to ensuring more individuals with disabilities can access the care and opportunities they deserve. Donate today and be a part of something truly meaningful. Please visit www.newvisionstoronto.ca for more information.
New Visions Toronto
222 The Esplanade, Lower Level , Unit 10, 289-834-4248
www.newvisionstoronto.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newvisionstoronto
Festive Season #AtTheOmni
Mokara Spa Holiday Gift Cards
Purchase a Mokara Spa gift card for someone special, and enjoy a bonus spa gift card for yourself—because self-care is always in season! Valid through December 31, 2024.
Festive Dining Options
Celebrate the season with a series of unforgettable dining experiences! Enjoy our Nutcracker Tea Service (Nov. 29 – Jan. 12), where you’ll indulge in traditional afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones for $79 per person. Gather with family and friends for a Festive Sunday Brunch (Dec. 8, 15, 22), featuring a lavish buffet with eggs Benedict, breakfast pastries, chilled seafood, and our signature beef Wellington for $120 per person. On Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), join us for a festive Dinner Buffet, including turkey, honey-glazed ham, seasonal sides, and an irresistible dessert table for $155 per person. Celebrate Christmas Day with a bountiful Brunch or Dinner Buffet (Dec. 25), both featuring decadent dishes like beef Wellington, and a stunning array of desserts, priced at $145 and $165 per person, respectively. Finally, ring in the new year with our New Year’s Day Brunch (Jan. 1), offering a festive buffet to kick off 2025 in style for $145 per person.
For reservations, call 416-863-4125 or email to-festive@omnihotels.com.
Omni King Edward
37 King St E, 416-863-9700
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward
Instagram: @Omnikingedward
Midday Getaway & Evening Elegance –Chambers Has It All!
Experience the perfect blend of sophistication and flavour at Chambers Steakhouse & Supper Club. Whether you’re planning a client lunch or a dinner celebration, we’ve got something special for every occasion.
Lunchtime Getaway
Escape the midday hustle and treat yourself to a delectable lunch at Chambers. Our curated lunch menu offers quick bites and leisurely meals. Our space is also perfect for hosting significant business and one-on-one client meetings.
Dinner to Remember
As the evening sets in, Chambers transforms into the ultimate destination for fine dining. Savour the rich flavours of our hand-selected, premium steaks, complemented by an array of sides and perfectly paired wines. Whether it’s a date night, family gathering, or celebration, our dinner experience will leave a lasting impression.
Reserve your table now: https://www.sevenrooms.com/events/chamberssteakhousesupperclub/ig
Chambers Steakhouse & Supper Club
17 Toronto St, 416-362-2582
www.chamberssteakhouse.ca
Instagram: @chamberstoronto
Lunch: Tues-Fri 11:30am-1:30pm.
Dinner: Tues-Sat 5pm-2pm.
Christmas Comes Early at Bahn Thai Spa
🎄 Celebrate the holidays with Bahn Thai Spa! 🎁 From Nov 24–Dec 24, enjoy 25%-50% off all gift shop treasures. Spend $150+, and we’ll arrange your items into a beautiful gift basket, perfect for the season! Discover unique finds like fisherman pants, teas, incense holders, and more! ✨
Bahn Thai Spa – Traditional Thai Massage
135 Adelaide St E, 416-594-3406
www.bahnthaispa.com
Instagram: @bahnthaispa
Make this year’s party extra special at Nami!
Dates are filling up fast for holiday parties and get togethers – book now to avoid disappointment!
Our tatami room can comfortably seat 24 people and the entire restaurant can be booked for special events.
Make this year’s party extra special at Nami!
Follow and Tag us👉@namirestaurant
Nami Restauranrt
55 Adelaide St E, 416-362-7373
www.namirestaurant.ca/contact
Instagram: @namirestaurant
Lunch Mon-Fri: 11:30am-3pm (Last call 2pm).
Dinner Mon-Sat: 5pm-10pm (Last call 9pm).
Night Bar Thurs-Sat: 9pm-12am (Last call 11:30pm).
Sunday: CLOSED.
Holiday Gift Guide: Shop Second-Hand First!
As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to rethink your gift-giving traditions. Instead of buying new, consider shopping second-hand first!
At Wildlife Thrift Store, we believe that second-hand gifts can be just as thoughtful and meaningful as new ones. Our store is filled with unique, one-of-a-kind items that will show your loved ones you care.
This holiday season, why not try something new? Shop our curated selection of second-hand gifts, including:
Vintage clothing and accessories
Gently used books, CDs, and DVDs
Antique home decor and furniture
Unique collectibles and memorabilia
By choosing second-hand gifts, you’re not only reducing waste and supporting sustainable fashion, but you’re also giving your loved ones a truly special and thoughtful present.
Visit us today and discover the joy of second-hand gift giving!
Wildlife Thrift Store
67 Front St E, 416-861-9080
www.wildlifethriftstore.com
Instagram: @wildlifethriftstore
10am-8pm daily
C’est What? A Great Gift Idea!
C’est What has merch! Great Christmas gift ideas for the craft beer lover on your Christmas list. Get one for them, and one for you! Hats, t-shirts, crew neck sweat shirts, hoodies too! Rep Toronto’s OG craft beer bar in style! Made in Canada to support our mission of TRUE LOCAL FLAVOUR! Gift cards also available!
C’est What? Inc.
67 Front St E, 416-867-9499
www.cestwhat.com
Instagram: @cestwhatto
Mon: 4pm-12am.
Tues, Wed, Sun: 12pm-12am.
Thurs-Sat: 12pm-1am.
The New Winter Market
On Market Street
Celebrate the season with local gifts, festive food and holiday fun at the new annual Winter Market from Thursday, December 5, to Monday, December 23, at the St. Lawrence Market.
Taking place Thursdays through Sundays, the free, outdoor Winter Market will offer a festive shopping experience filled with unique artisanal goods, delicious seasonal food and drinks, and entertainment.
Visitors can explore a curated selection of local vendors offering one-of-a-kind gifts, specialty products and seasonal food and drinks.
Event highlights include:
Free photos with Santa Claus: Capture the magic of the season with free photos with Santa on Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. In partnership with Spadina-Fort York Community Care, visitors are invited to bring a new toy, non-perishable food items or a cash donation to support those in need this holiday season.
Unique Local Vendors: Featuring a weekly rotating lineup of local artisans and vendors, shoppers will find everything from one-of-a-kind gifts and handmade crafts to delicious seasonal treats and specialty drinks.
Live performances and Entertainment: Enjoy a vibrant mix of live opera, jazz, festive carolers and many more seasonal acts. With something for everyone, it’s the perfect way to add extra cheer to the holiday season.
Visit the City’s website for a complete list of entertainment options: www.stlawrencemarket.com/events/event_detail/742/Winter%20Market.
Submissions:
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 (formerly St Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Business Improvement Area)? If you are not receiving an invitation to submit to this monthly blog post, please email stephenm@oldtowntoronto.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.)
