Every year, Toronto seems to be stepping up their game on the festivities, and no one is mad about it.

Everywhere you look, holiday decorations are displayed all over the city — and we are still over a month away from Christmas. If you’re looking to score some Instagram gold, or just feel like getting into the holiday spirit, there are plenty of radiant holiday trees sparkling around the city this season.

Here’s where to spot the most Instagrammable Christmas trees in Toronto:

Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Kicking off our Instagrammable Christmas tree list is this stunning tree at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The north Toronto mall is home to the most luxurious brands, so it’s no surprise that this year’s tree is brought to you by Coach!

Fairmont Royal York

Each year, the Fairmont Royal York goes all out with its Christmas decorations and this year is no different. Stepping into the historic hotel during the holidays is like stepping into a Christmas wonderland. There are tons of photo opportunities to be had, so take advantage of them while you can! And don’t forget to check out the animated window display and “gingery” lobby display while you’re there.

Bloor-Yorkville

Don’t miss the stunning displays and decor throughout the Bloor-Yorkville area. The incredible Holiday Magic display includes not only the beautiful tree, but 138 other trees draped in twinkling lights. With a warm drink in hand, this stretch is sure to put you into the holiday mood.

CF Toronto Eaton Centre 

Toronto’s 108-foot sparkly Christmas tree spans from the ground floor of the CF Eaton Centre to the ceiling. This is a prime spot to do your holiday shopping, so be sure to take in the magic before the end of the year! If you’re wondering how they got the Christmas tree inside, CF Eaton Centre’s marketing manager spilled the beans to us!

The Distillery District

Head over to the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery and enjoy the wonderful seasonal atmosphere at the beautifully historic Distillery District. Taking a cute holiday picture under the giant tree will become one of your favourite holiday traditions!

CF Shops At Don Mills

Another shopping centre worth checking out over the holidays is CF Shops At Don Mills. There you’ll find one of Toronto’s tallest outdoor Christmas trees, outdoor fire pits, giant twinkling reindeers, and beautiful light spheres and tunnels.

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As parents, finding family friendly activities that are affordable and able to satisfy children of different ages all at once, can be challenging. When looking for things to do, more often or not you’re given super expensive options, or you’re told to go to the park. The truth is though, spending every day at the park gets old very quickly so why not head to the mall? Just because you’re at the mall, it doesn’t have to break the bank and plus, there are tons of options for all ages every type of family!

We have rounded up the top 5 family friendly malls and markets in the GTA for all the family fun!

The Distillery District

Instagram/@distilleryto

Even though it’s not technically a mall, The Distillery District is a great family destination because it’s outdoors and there is a lot more to do than just shop! Every Sunday morning until August 25th, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., you can take part in yoga as a family!  Parents and kids from ages 7-12 can come to zen-out and enjoy outdoor, family-oriented yoga that’s led by yoga instructors from studios around Toronto. Each Sunday, you will see two back-to-back sessions that are free to attend, but remember to bring your own mat! Bonus: babies in strollers are welcome to watch!

Toronto Premium Outlets

Instagram/@mamanocanada

Toronto Premium Outlets features over 130 stores and savings of up to 65% on the brands you love to shop! It doesn’t need to be a hot promotion period to get bang for your buck at this destination, and with last years expansion of over 40 new retailers, there are must-haves for the whole family. There are a couple features to note that are huge benefits when shopping as a family. Firstly, the five-storey parking garage has over 1,600 spots available. Secondly, there are mobile phone charging stations located throughout the centre, as well as in the children’s play areas, so you can kill two birds with one stone while your kids tire themselves out for bed!

Bayview Village

Bayview Village

We know what you’re thinking because Bayview Village is one of Canada’s most prestigious shopping centres with some very high end shops. How is that family and budget friendly? This mall offers families the greatest luxury of all which is time. From valet car service, a grocery shop, a dry cleaners, a salon, and a walk-in clinic, Bayview Village is a one stop shop for families. Also interesting, but not for the budget conscious, Bayview Village will open Goh Ballet this fall, offering a well-rounded curriculum for kids age 3 and up. Parents can lunch, shop, and get groceries while their children dance.

CF Shops at Don Mills

Instagram/@cfshopsdonmills

The Shops at Don Mills has one of the cutest perks. Through October 14th, bring your kids on a train ride around the shops! Tickets are only $4 a ride and can be purchased from the conductor (cash only.) It’s also a great photo op and Instagrammable moment for moms and dads! What happens in the winter? The location where the trains are turns into a skating rink. We don’t have the details yet, but we will come wintertime!

Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Instagram/@shinelily

Perhaps the most family friendly of all malls, Yorkdale is truly a destination for parents. When walking through the mall, you’ll often see groups of moms on maternity leave roaming around with their babes, taking a stroll, and enjoying the family fun without breaking the bank. Let’s talk about the family friendly change/chill rooms located in several convenient spots. No matter where you’re standing in the mall, there is a family washroom facility that accommodates all genders within a one minute walk, because not all families come in one shape or size. It’s an all inclusive mall that eliminates the fear of leaving the house with a bunch of kids. Fear you’ll forget something? No worries, Shoppers Drug Mart has everything you could need. Fear you’ll have nowhere to change your baby? There is a change room around every corner! Have a screaming toddler? Check out Dream Space or the new KitKat Chocolatory that’s coming soon! There is something for everyone — no doubt about it! 

Featured Image: Instagram/@alliyahsmiles

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Despite the frigid cold, there are plenty of reasons why you should get outside — one of them being the third annual Toronto Light Festival at the Distillery District, which is open from now until March 3.

This year, the festival will feature over 30 light exhibits from local and international artists.

Scattered across the Distillery District, Toronto Light Fest is the largest outdoor light sculpture gallery in North America. The third annual event aims to draw people out of winter hibernation to bring positivity and light to their lives during the dreariest of days.

Visitors can check out the lights seven days a week, as soon as the sun goes down. But the Distillery will also be hosting some fun daytime events. From art by Toronto’s leading mural artists and live music, to complimentary alcohol tastings on the weekends and outdoor (heated) brunch on the El Catrin patio, the area has so much to offer!

Not to mention, if you drop by Tunnelception (pictured above), you can try Reese’s latest snack: the Reese’s Pieces Peanut Candy. Candy dispensers will be there every weekend until the end of the festival, and you could be one of the first in Canada to try to delicious, new candy!

We had the opportunity to chat with Mathew Rosenblatt, Co-Founder of the Distillery Restaurants Corporation.

Below he tells us about Toronto Light Festival 2019, what readers can expect from the Distillery District in the future, and more. Take a peek below!

StyleDemocracy: Why are you excited to bring back the Toronto Light Festival?

Mathew Rosenblatt: Turning on the electricity and witnessing how light, creativity and passion can instantly transform a neighbourhood and a City.

SD: What light installation do you think Torontonians will be the most excited to see?

MR: I think the favourites will include a 35-foot polar bear sculpture and an interactive DNA like light sculpture, but what do I know? Torontonians might like Enunciation (a light cave) by Taylor Dean Harrison, or The Phoenix Rainbow by The Phoenix Rainbow team.

SD: Are there any new stores or restaurants that you would suggest our readers to visit?

MR: Madrina (Spanish for Godmother,) is a must visit for anyone who has ever wanted to try an authentic modern Spanish tapas restaurant. Expect sensational modern Catalan fare prepared by Michelin trained Chef Ramon Simarro. The atmosphere is beyond gorgeous, but don’t worry the service is still warm and casual.

SD: What are your thoughts on the Distillery District being named one of the coolest shopping districts in the world?

MR: We’re deeply honoured to be included as one of the coolest shopping districts in the world. We are fortunate to live in a city that values atmosphere, creativity and lifestyle over franchises and widgets.

SD: Are there any special events planned at the Distillery District for the rest of the year that you can talk about?

MR: Separate from the large scale events, this year The Distillery will deepen its world renowned ambience and atmosphere. Expect to discover free live music, unique food interactions, ice wine and champagne samplings,  farmers and flower markets and so much more.

SD: What else can our readers expect from the Distillery District in the future?

MR: Expect to be surprised. Especially if you take the time to open some of the iconic green doors and discovered what is inside.

All images courtesy of Toronto Light Festival

One of the most iconic and photogenic shopping destinations in Canada, Toronto’s Distillery District, has recently been announced as one of the coolest shopping areas in the world.

Ranking fifth on the list of ten best places to shop from around the world, the Distillery District is the only Canadian location picked by The International Edition of The Guardian Newspaper.

This is not surprising, as the Distillery sees millions of people every year thanks to its history and heritage, dozens of independent souvenir stores, fashion boutiques, and restaurants, including such names as Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, John Fluevog Shoes, Soma Chocolates and more. All of this gives its visitors an authentic one-of-a-kind experience, that can’t be found anywhere else in the country. For art lovers, The Distillery District also offers theatre and galleries.

Image: Instagram/@clunydistillery

“What a great honour for us all to be recognized to be in the company of districts in St. Petersburg, Paris, Hamburg and Copenhagen,” notes Diana Olsen, owner of Balzac’s Coffee Roasters. “I’ve always believed that what makes the Distillery District so special is that it combines a very romantic and nostalgic ‘old world’ atmosphere via cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways, with a decidedly modern and edgy cultural, retail and food experience.   The juxtaposition of old and new keeps it vibrant and exciting for a wide audience of local and international visitors.”

Needless to say, the site is a mecca for photographers and Instagrammers, especially in the summertime and over Christmas holidays.

And every year the Distillery hosts special events which make the site even more Instagrammable. One of them is the Toronto Light Festival, a unique winter experience created by local and international artists and designed to entertain & inspire. The Toronto Light Festival is set to run at the Distillery District from January 18 – March 3, 2019.

“The Distillery’s concept of not settling for chain store retailers, has allowed it to create a community that is loved by locals and appreciated the world over,” reports Newswire.

Instagram/@cirqos

Other destinations that made the list include:

• Park View, Whitley Bay
• Leiden, Netherlands
• Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, US
• St Petersburg, Russia
• Montmartre, Paris
• Karolinen, Hamburg
• Jægersborggade, Nørrebro, Copenhagen
• Magdalen Road, Exeter
• Lerwick, Shetland

Sources: Newswire, The Guardian

Featured image: Instagram/@toxmasmkt