We get it: The holidays are all about eating, drinking and being merry (i.e. wasted) in ways you aren’t throughout the year. But, after a few blurry nights involving one too many rum and eggnogs or glasses of mulled wine, it’s easy to be over the whole booze fest element. Here are 11 things to do in Toronto this holiday season that don’t involve drinking.
Check out Grease The Musical
Thanks to its intricate, visually stimulating sets and costumes, Grease the Musical is best enjoyed sober. Not only is this a show you’ll want to remember, it’s hard enough not to sing along to the nostalgic songs when you’re sober, let alone once you’re three glasses of house wine in.
Skate off the feast at DJ Skate Nights at Harbourfront Centre
Whether you go with a group of friends or with a date, skating offers a fun, interactive and calorie-burning way to spend a day or evening in the city. Thanks to a high-energy atmosphere at Harbourfront Centre’s Saturday night DJ Skate Nights, you’ll still feel like it’s Saturday night, even if you’re not at the club.
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Get your LOL fix at Second City
Sure, most people take in the top-notch improv comedy offered at a Second City show with a beer in hand, it’s just as funny if you stick to soda and pub grub.
Indulge in a spa day
Now that the dry winter weather has set in to take its toll on your skin, there’s no better time to treat yourself for your pavement pounding with a spa day. An always-reliable option (and one that won’t dent your wallet as much as the swanky hotel spas) is Elmwood Spa, which just celebrated its 35th anniversary.
Create a work of art at Paintlounge
Tap into your inner Picasso at (or create elementary school level art) and hit one of Toronto’s paint spots, like Paintlounge. Not only does it make for a fun few hours, you get to leave with your own work of art as a momento.
Throw some knives
Get any holiday shopping mall crowd aggression out and throw some knives and axes without the risk of hurting someone else or ruining your hardwood floor. Dundas West’s Stryke Target Range spot has a BYOB option with a special occasions permit, we have a feeling this one may be enjoyed best sans booze.
Spend an evening at the ballet
Offering an excuse to both dress up and take in both a classic Christmas story and some of Canada’s most talented dancers, hit the totally Instagram-worthy Four Seasons Centre for a National Ballet of Canada performance of The Nutcracker.
Get your adrenaline kick rock-climbing
Hit one of Toronto’s indoor rock-climbing spots – like The Rock Oasis – and get a natural high as well as a decent workout.
Eat local at St. Lawrence Market
Stroll through the iconic St. Lawrence Market (but bring your patience with you if you hate crowds) for sampling of all the local goodness that Ontario farmers have to offer, while picking up well-received host/hostess gifts and holiday dinner groceries at the same time.
Get reacquainted with the toboggan
Unless you have a kid in your life you can borrow from, you may have to invest in a toboggan to take advantage of the sledding potential offered at places like Christie Pits Park. But it’s so worth it.
Jump it off at Sky Zone
You don’t have to be part of a 10-year-old’s birthday to bounce to your heart’s content on one of Sky Zone’s dozens of trampolines.
Do you know any other things to do in Toronto that don’t involve drinking? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image:Instagram/@harbourfrontcentre
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