the facade of Tiffany's, Toronto, with the entranced swathed in evergreen boughs
Christmas tree at the 1929 Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto
lobby arrangement of massed red amaryllis, red blown glass, and candles in the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto's elegant Yorkville 
lobby tree of Toronto's Beaux Arts masterpiece, Le Méridien King Edward Hotel
revellers helping to create a festive atmosphere in Kensington Market on the December 21 winter solstice activities
the public skating rink at North York Centre, Toronto 
another view of the sunken North York Centre rink, Toronto
a view of Willowdale Park in north Toronto; such parks dot the city and there are many to explore and enjoy 
a Christmas window of the old Hudson's Bay store, with blankets and canoe sporting the iconic stripes of the historic wool blankets that were used for trading
the historic 1851 Gibson House in north Toronto is now surrounded by tall office and condominium buildings; it is open as a museum, and captures the essence of mid 19th century rural life 
New York cabs, a metaphor for unlimited opportunities and experiences, are yellow; Toronto's orange and aqua Beck taxis are everywhere, and are the Toronto versions of the checkered taxis 
malls and atria throughout the city are refuges from the bitter winter winds, and are decorated lavishly, in big city Christmas style 
a wintry city sidewalk in the stylish Yorkville district of Toronto 
an animated Christmas window at the Hudson's Bay Company flagship store on Queen Street; the scene here is of course, last minute work at Santa's shop
Tafelmusik's Messiah at Trinity St. Paul's United Church is a favourite among Torontonians 
nothing gets one in the mood for the holidays like the superb St. Michael's Boys Choir of Toronto
St. Basil's Church on the University of Toronto campus, shown here at Christmas 
St. Basil's Church on the University of Toronto campus, shown here during Advent
animated Christmas windows at the Hudson's Bay Company flagship store on Queen Street, note the classic little Hudson's Bay candy stripe wool coats 
another Hudson's Bay Company animated window depicting Santa's return to the North Pole after delivering gifts around the globe
the elegant old Manulife office building with pristine, manicured gardens Christmas in the big city, in this case Toronto, brings numerous anticipated delights. The classic 1950 holiday song, “Silver Bells” composed by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston captures the distinctive ambiance of an urban Christmas.
Without direct religious references (“bells” of course suggests church bells ringing on holidays and before masses and religious services), it is a modern Christmas song, evoking the urban setting during the holiday rush.
SILVER BELLS by J. Livingston and Ray Evans
Without direct religious references (“bells” of course suggests church bells ringing on holidays and before masses and religious services), it is a modern Christmas song, evoking the urban setting during the holiday rush.
SILVER BELLS by J. Livingston and Ray Evans
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks,
Dressed in Holiday style.
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas.
Children laughing, people passing,
Meeting smile after smile,
And on every street corner you hear,
Silver bells, silver bells.
It's Christmas time in the city…
Coming from a very small community in remote northern Ontario, I have a special appreciation for Christmas in the Greater Toronto Area which has a population close to 6 million, and the distinct atmosphere that is so very different from the winter holiday as celebrated in the country or small towns.
Here is a list of the things I most enjoy in Toronto during Advent and Christmastide:
1) The beautiful, historic churches, chapels, and cathedrals. As we move to an increasingly secular, multi-faith society, many churches are being sold off as their congregations dwindle, along with funds to maintain them. In the city, we are lucky enough to have many wonderful old churches to visit. In the crowded, modern cities, they are quiet places of refuge. I have many favourites, including the various chapels at the University of Toronto, St. John's York Mills, St. Michael’s Cathedral, St. Paul’s Basilica, and the modernest jewel, St. Joseph's Morrow Park. The one I go to most and feel most at home at is 150 year old St. Basil’s on the University of Toronto Campus. It is like stepping back in time, and it is just minutes away from the busy shopping district of Bay and Bloor Streets. The solitude and reflective atmosphere have helped me at the end of many exhausting, stressful days.
2) The heritage homes of the city, many now museums open to the public, that are so lovingly cared for and decorated for Christmas. It is fascinating to see how Christmases long ago were celebrated. My favourite is the classic red brick Georgian Judge Campbell House at the corner of Queen and University.
3) The St. Michael’s Boys Choir Concert at Massey Hall. I first went to a performance of this superb choir over 30 years ago, and have loved them ever since. It is a venerable Toronto tradition to see the boys in their blazers, walk from their school a block south of Massey Hall. The program changes from year to year, so it has a freshness that some classic holiday performances may lack. This year, the junior choir did the most charming musical rendition of “A Visit From St. Nicholas” (The Night Before Christmas). I cannot recommend this concert highly enough.
4) The Good Shepherd Refuge. In the midst of the bustle and glamour of city life there is despair and poverty. The Good Shepherd Refuge on Queen St. East near Parliament St., will accept food donations 24 hours a day. There is a particular need for canned vegetables and fruits, tea and coffee, sugar, and rice. Many people, including myself, prefer this kind of donation because you know that your gift, and all of it, is going directly to those in need, rather than to administration.
Coming from a very small community in remote northern Ontario, I have a special appreciation for Christmas in the Greater Toronto Area which has a population close to 6 million, and the distinct atmosphere that is so very different from the winter holiday as celebrated in the country or small towns.
Here is a list of the things I most enjoy in Toronto during Advent and Christmastide:
1) The beautiful, historic churches, chapels, and cathedrals. As we move to an increasingly secular, multi-faith society, many churches are being sold off as their congregations dwindle, along with funds to maintain them. In the city, we are lucky enough to have many wonderful old churches to visit. In the crowded, modern cities, they are quiet places of refuge. I have many favourites, including the various chapels at the University of Toronto, St. John's York Mills, St. Michael’s Cathedral, St. Paul’s Basilica, and the modernest jewel, St. Joseph's Morrow Park. The one I go to most and feel most at home at is 150 year old St. Basil’s on the University of Toronto Campus. It is like stepping back in time, and it is just minutes away from the busy shopping district of Bay and Bloor Streets. The solitude and reflective atmosphere have helped me at the end of many exhausting, stressful days.
2) The heritage homes of the city, many now museums open to the public, that are so lovingly cared for and decorated for Christmas. It is fascinating to see how Christmases long ago were celebrated. My favourite is the classic red brick Georgian Judge Campbell House at the corner of Queen and University.
3) The St. Michael’s Boys Choir Concert at Massey Hall. I first went to a performance of this superb choir over 30 years ago, and have loved them ever since. It is a venerable Toronto tradition to see the boys in their blazers, walk from their school a block south of Massey Hall. The program changes from year to year, so it has a freshness that some classic holiday performances may lack. This year, the junior choir did the most charming musical rendition of “A Visit From St. Nicholas” (The Night Before Christmas). I cannot recommend this concert highly enough.
4) The Good Shepherd Refuge. In the midst of the bustle and glamour of city life there is despair and poverty. The Good Shepherd Refuge on Queen St. East near Parliament St., will accept food donations 24 hours a day. There is a particular need for canned vegetables and fruits, tea and coffee, sugar, and rice. Many people, including myself, prefer this kind of donation because you know that your gift, and all of it, is going directly to those in need, rather than to administration.
http://www.goodshepherd.ca/
5) The Christmas windows at Holt Renfrew on Bloor St. This venerable Canadian luxury store has been a part of Christmas in Canada for more than 170 years. The chic windows are as every bit as enticing as anything one would see in New York or Paris.
6) Big city Parks. Toronto is very lucky to have numerous parks with skating rinks, walking trails, and opportunities to view wildlife and birds. It is a city of treed ravines, and many of them are parks with gorgeous trails to walk. My favourites are High Park and the trails of the East Don. It is easy to imagine one is in a forest, or even Algonquin Park, hours away from the city.
7) The Tafelmusik Messiah. This is now a much loved Toronto tradition. To attend a performance in the historic Trinity St. Paul’s Church on Bloor Street West is a highlight of the Christmas season, and a good reminder in the scriptural references and religious aspect of the holiday.
8) The gardens of the old Manulife Building on Bloor Street east of Yonge (north side). I always admire this stately, elegant neoclassical building of grey granite. It has superb lawns and gardens surrounded by tall iron fences, and every Christmas a very tall pair of matched fir trees is placed on the lawn and decorated with simple, white lights. Exquisite.
9) Kensington Market. Every December 21st at dusk, Kensington Market hosts a winter solstice festival. The carnival atmosphere is great fun. Participants carry candle lanterns, and musical and percussion instruments. Kensington Market, over 100 years old, is also the best place to get the outstanding quality holiday pastries, meats, exotic fruits and vegetables. And of course it is the city’s premier location for vintage clothing. You can slip a vintage Champagne mink, in pristine condition, under the tree for your baby, and it shouldn’t set you back more than $200., often much less for a retro stole.
10) The Hudson Bay Company. In the world of retail, few can match the 300 year old history of this company that is an intrinsic part of Canadian history and life. And of course this is the time that many Canadian household take out their HBC blanket for winter, the same ones that the traders used centuries ago as currency when “buying” fur pelts from the Indians and trappers. The candy stripe blanket is one of the 10 most famous icons of Canadian design, and now adorns coats, scarves, bags, and even canoes. The outstanding animated windows of the flagship store on Queen St. at Yonge, are admired by all.
11) The terrific flower shops. For Canadians, flowers in the middle of cold winter will always be a luxury. Orchids and poinsettias are now ubiquitous and available at the supermarket, but it is always a special treat to go into one of the excellent flower shops and get pots of narcissus for myself and for friends. For me, they are fragrant Christmas stars. With the crystalline structure of the creamy white flower petals, they are reminders of the star that lead shepherds and kings to the Infant Jesus in Bethlehem.
12) Big City Hotels. For a very urban experience, a great hotel in holiday décor is delightful. I like the Four Seasons in Yorkville, The 1929 Royal York, and the beaux-arts King Edward Hotel. Stop in for a drink, lunch, or brunch, and enjoy a sophisticated urban experience. And those Christmas holiday floral arrangements in the lobbies, such creativity and beauty….
13) Skating. Who has time to drive on icy roads to the nearest half decent ski hill? Not me. I opt for the easy way out and head for the local outdoor rinks. Our classic big city rink is in Nathan Phillips Square (City Hall) but I much prefer the city rink at the North York City Centre. It is strictly for leisure skating (no hockey sticks to distract or trip anyone), and the sunken situation helps it avoid being windswept on colder days. When I skated there this week, they were playing vintage Christmas music by Bing, Ella, Frank, and Nat. Terrific!
14) The Nutcracker. Toronto’s superb production by the National Ballet, December 11, 2010 - January 2, 2011, has Russian inspiration, and is a joy to behold. Other productions throughout the city are also worthwhile checking out. Russian Christmas; how sophisticated and romantic.
5) The Christmas windows at Holt Renfrew on Bloor St. This venerable Canadian luxury store has been a part of Christmas in Canada for more than 170 years. The chic windows are as every bit as enticing as anything one would see in New York or Paris.
6) Big city Parks. Toronto is very lucky to have numerous parks with skating rinks, walking trails, and opportunities to view wildlife and birds. It is a city of treed ravines, and many of them are parks with gorgeous trails to walk. My favourites are High Park and the trails of the East Don. It is easy to imagine one is in a forest, or even Algonquin Park, hours away from the city.
7) The Tafelmusik Messiah. This is now a much loved Toronto tradition. To attend a performance in the historic Trinity St. Paul’s Church on Bloor Street West is a highlight of the Christmas season, and a good reminder in the scriptural references and religious aspect of the holiday.
8) The gardens of the old Manulife Building on Bloor Street east of Yonge (north side). I always admire this stately, elegant neoclassical building of grey granite. It has superb lawns and gardens surrounded by tall iron fences, and every Christmas a very tall pair of matched fir trees is placed on the lawn and decorated with simple, white lights. Exquisite.
9) Kensington Market. Every December 21st at dusk, Kensington Market hosts a winter solstice festival. The carnival atmosphere is great fun. Participants carry candle lanterns, and musical and percussion instruments. Kensington Market, over 100 years old, is also the best place to get the outstanding quality holiday pastries, meats, exotic fruits and vegetables. And of course it is the city’s premier location for vintage clothing. You can slip a vintage Champagne mink, in pristine condition, under the tree for your baby, and it shouldn’t set you back more than $200., often much less for a retro stole.
10) The Hudson Bay Company. In the world of retail, few can match the 300 year old history of this company that is an intrinsic part of Canadian history and life. And of course this is the time that many Canadian household take out their HBC blanket for winter, the same ones that the traders used centuries ago as currency when “buying” fur pelts from the Indians and trappers. The candy stripe blanket is one of the 10 most famous icons of Canadian design, and now adorns coats, scarves, bags, and even canoes. The outstanding animated windows of the flagship store on Queen St. at Yonge, are admired by all.
11) The terrific flower shops. For Canadians, flowers in the middle of cold winter will always be a luxury. Orchids and poinsettias are now ubiquitous and available at the supermarket, but it is always a special treat to go into one of the excellent flower shops and get pots of narcissus for myself and for friends. For me, they are fragrant Christmas stars. With the crystalline structure of the creamy white flower petals, they are reminders of the star that lead shepherds and kings to the Infant Jesus in Bethlehem.
12) Big City Hotels. For a very urban experience, a great hotel in holiday décor is delightful. I like the Four Seasons in Yorkville, The 1929 Royal York, and the beaux-arts King Edward Hotel. Stop in for a drink, lunch, or brunch, and enjoy a sophisticated urban experience. And those Christmas holiday floral arrangements in the lobbies, such creativity and beauty….
13) Skating. Who has time to drive on icy roads to the nearest half decent ski hill? Not me. I opt for the easy way out and head for the local outdoor rinks. Our classic big city rink is in Nathan Phillips Square (City Hall) but I much prefer the city rink at the North York City Centre. It is strictly for leisure skating (no hockey sticks to distract or trip anyone), and the sunken situation helps it avoid being windswept on colder days. When I skated there this week, they were playing vintage Christmas music by Bing, Ella, Frank, and Nat. Terrific!
14) The Nutcracker. Toronto’s superb production by the National Ballet, December 11, 2010 - January 2, 2011, has Russian inspiration, and is a joy to behold. Other productions throughout the city are also worthwhile checking out. Russian Christmas; how sophisticated and romantic.
15) Bloor West Village. This quaint tree lined district between Jane and Runnymede Streets has a distinct European flavour with pastry shops, cheese mongers, butchers, and numerous excellent green grocers and flower/plant shops. Many shops are east European, and it is worthwhile heading to west Toronto to visit and feel like you are in Europe.
16) Bloor-Bay Street/ Yorkville shopping district. This area, the so called "Mink Mile," has just finished an extensive and very complex improvement project. The sidewalks are now surfaced with black granite, and built in planters, also of the same stone, are filled with evergreens in winter, and lavish annual flowers in spring and summer. The most elegant shops, including Birks, Cartier, Chanel, Ferragamo, Gucci, Guerlain, Harry Rosen, Hermes, Holt Renfrew, and Tiffany can be found here. At Christmas, 20 ft. fir trees covered with thousands of twinkling lights make the street as picturesque as one imagines in the song, "Silver Bells."
ALL PHOTOS, SQUARE WITH FLAIR
Mr SWF, you have just reminded me with this wonderful post of the many great things there are to do around Christmas time in our city. Some of them I had taken for granted, now I am looking at what our city in a new light! Have a very Merry Christmas with the things that mean most to you!
ReplyDeleteDavid
Thanks for another great posting. Your photographs of the store windows transported me back to my childhood in Chicago, where no Christmas was complete without visiting Marshall Fields' windows at night. I also enjoyed reading your list - you have much to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a Merry Christmas and a New Year that is filled with good health and many happy moments.
Mark