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.
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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Hit one of Toronto’s indoor rock-climbing spots – like The Rock Oasis – and get a natural high as well as a decent workout.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Featured image:Instagram/@harbourfrontcentre
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Mother’s Day is fast approaching and if you haven’t made plans yet, get to it! Celebrating the most important lady in your life shouldn’t be taken lightly. She’s been with you through the worst times and the best times, so she certainly deserves a day of devotion. That being said, we know schedules are busy and coordinating can be hard, so we’ve compiled a list of activities she’s sure to love whether you’re celebrating on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Take a look at 10 things to do with your mom in Toronto this Mother’s Day below:
Help keep your mom looking young and fresh, and spend some time together at the Holistic Beauty Expo on May 12. The expo brings together a community of Canadian Holistic brands, skin care formulators, self-care professionals, self-love experts, key speakers and general holistic beauty lovers all under the same roof. Tickets are being sold by entry time for $49.95.

Image: Instagram/@provinceapothecary
If we can be certain of anything, it’s that all moms love flowers! Take her to the Blossom and Bloom Mother’s Day market at Union Station, happening all weekend long. Along with abundant amounts of creative floral bliss, you’ll also get to see some of the city’s finest music, art installations, interactive workshops and more. For more market details and hours, head here.
Get ready for a special Mother’s Day edition of the Bellwoods Flea this Saturday, May 13. If you’re not sure what to get your mom, go together and buy her something unique from a number of Toronto’s best local artisans. Shop art, baked goods, beauty care, clothing, accessories. home decor, vintage, and more. Plus there’s a full food menu and lounge area for when you need to take a break, sit back and relax.

Image: Instagram/@bellwoodsfleato
If you’ve frequented the Bellwoods Flea before, why not pair up with mom and go explore one of Toronto’s up-and-coming neighbourhoods? The Spring into Parkdale Sidewalk Festival will be taking place on May 13 from 11 am to 6 pm and is the perfect opportunity to fit in some quality time with mom. Enjoy music, art, shopping, entertainment and more.
Get creative this Mother’s Day and attend a Mother’s Day Paint Date at the Paint Lounge. Better yet, let mom be your muse – she’s taught you everything you know after all – and gift her with a painting at the end of the session. Register to reserve a space here and note that you pay by canvas so there are a number of options available starting at $25.

Image: Instagram/@paintlounge
If your fondest memories of mom are her cooking in the kitchen, then take her on Tasty Tours Mother’s Day Food Tour. No doubt, this guided tour through Kensington Market (one of Toronto’s most rich food scenes) or The Chocolate Tour will enthrall the foodie within her. Pick up tickets for $39 here.
Switch things up with Mother’s Day and get on a good sweat! YYoga on Queen West is hosting a special Mother’s Day yoga class with massage adjustments, aromatherapy essential oils, and treats from Saje Natural Wellness and Daily Press Juicery. Breathe, stretch, and enjoy each other’s company. Grab tickets for $20 here.

Image: Instagram/@yyoga
Treat mom like royalty on the special day and indulge in Mother’s Day High Tea at the Vandenberg House. Spend the afternoon chatting over a cup of tea along with some delightful tea sandwiches, scones, and delectable sweets in one of Toronto’s most historic Victorian houses. Grab tickets starting at $14.99 here and also note that street parking is free on Sundays!
Plan a night out on the town this Mother’s Day and see Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom the Musical at Mirvish! Dubbed an absolute sensation, the show is a must-see and lucky for you, we’ve got cheap tickets. Head here to use our exclusive promo code.

Image: Instagram/@mirvishproductions
Brunch is definitely a fail-proof way to your Mother’s heart! Whether she likes Eggs Benedict, pancakes, bagels, or any breakfast food under the sun, Toronto has brunch spots aplenty. See a list of 18 of the best restaurants for Mother’s Day brunch here.
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