Toronto Holiday Wonders: A shopping guide

By Jessica Donne

December 12, 2016

I’ve been holding off holiday shopping until next week when I’m off work, but I know the crowds will be intense. I will only survive with headphones, chill music and plenty of coffee.

Toronto’s best shopping spots:

1. Starting with the Mother of all Malls is the Eaton Centre. It’s flanked by Nordstroms, Saks and the Bay. All of them are flagship stores, waiting to be explored, along with stores on four levels inside the mall. The Bay also has the most beautiful Christmas window displays along Queen Street that were redsigned this year. Saks opened a Food Hall by Pusateri’s in the basement (umm excuse me, the concourse level). There, you can get everything from fresh bread to a glass at the Champagne Bar…not to shabby!

Pusateri’s Chocolate Shop

Hudson Bay Brand

The Bay’s Reindeer Wall

The Bay’s Christmas Market

2. Not to be missed is the Distillery’s Christmas Market, which is on until December 22nd.  This photogenic and historic place is a favourite amongst locals and visitors so it is bonkers on the weekend. Luckily, I’ll be going during the week and will bypass the crowds.

Photo Credit: Toronto Christmas Market

3. One-of-a-Kind Christmas Show and Sale. OK, I’ve missed it this year but I’m just putting this here to remind us all for 2017. Held at the Exhibition Place, this is a vortex of Canadian artisans – hundreds of them. There are so many amazing handmade gifts, it’s hard to pick…but I like these a lot (hint).

Photo Credit: Concrete planters $10 to $25 by Laura Jaschke and Lucas McLellan, Double L Decor, Hamilton, ON

4. After all of that shopping, your feet will be tired. But right next door to the Eaton Centre is Nathan Phillips Square, home of this awesome outdoor rink. Tre is a 60 foot Christmas tree with 500,00 light, all sparkling around the rink.You can rent skates or do what I do, bring them everywhere!

Photo Credit: City of Toronto

Wishing you a peaceful holiday. If you still have holiday shopping to do, do it somewhere fun! It will make you happy, I promise. Where do you like to shop for gifts in Toronto?