The best gift this year is finally being able to spend time with the ones who matter the most. Get into the spirit of the season by venturing out into the city with your crew.
While the holidays may inevitably have you reaching for your wallet a little more than usual, Toronto is full of ways to celebrate the holidays without breaking the bank. Make the most of your money with these seven affordable things to do.
From sampling the city's chocolatiers to strolling through the Distillery District's twinkling cobblestoned alleyways, these activities will reconnect you and your people in the most festive way possible.
Enjoy A Heated Patio On A Chilly Night
Price: From $4 for drinks and apps
Why You Need To Try It: Normalize patio season in the middle of winter — as long as it's warm and toasty. With heated lamps and firepits, you can still enjoy the crisp, fresh air without freezing your limbs off.
Toronto is home to many restaurants with heated patios, so you can snuggle up and enjoy a delicious, affordable meal at spots like The Three Speed.
Split the bill with your BFF, or treat them!
Grab A Holiday Drink & Go For A Snowy Stroll
Price: Drinks typically range from $2 to $7
Why You Need To Try It: One of the best things about the holidays has to be the festive beverages. Hit up your local Starbucks for a Chestnut Praline Latte or Tim Hortons for a white hot chocolate (you could even treat your friend to one if you're feeling generous) and wander the city's many parks.
High Park becomes a winter wonderland when the snow falls. Take in the winter scenery while your hot drink keeps you nice and toasty.
WebsiteTaste Test The City's Yummiest Chocolatiers
Price: From $8
Why You Need To Try It: This time of year brings some of the most beautiful things in life: loved ones, twinkling lights and sweet treats. If you're planning to catch up with a chocolate lover this season, Toronto has tons of chocolatiers for you to check out.
Places like SOMA Chocolatemaker and ChocoSol Traders take the art of cocoa seriously, using only the best quality cacao beans for delectable (and totally giftable) bonbons.
Check Off Your Holiday Gift List By Supporting Local
Price: Varies depending on the shop
Why You Need To Try It: Embrace the spirit of togetherness by supporting a local business. Head out with your nearest and dearest to do some holiday shopping together.
You'll be able to get thoughtful gifts for everyone, like fresh bags of coffee or custom-made jewellery, while also supporting the local economy and shop owners.
Afterwards, order dinner online from a local restaurant to end the day on a wholesome note.
Hit Up The Distillery District's Coziest Cafés
Price: From $3
Why You Need To Try It: Nothing screams winter festivities like a cup of hot chocolate and a tasty treat. Take the streetcar with your crew to the Distillery District and settle into a cozy café for some delicious offerings at a sweet price.
If you're in the mood for a classic cup of joe, swing by Balzac's. The Canadian coffee company transformed an 1895 pump house into a two-storey Parisian-style café. You'll find rich, small-batch, whole-bean Arabica coffee here.
Bonus: Interac will be hosting a free gift-wrapping station right in the Distillery District! Get your presents wrapped for you as you do your holiday shopping.
Have A Winter-Inspired Paint Night
Price: $48.95
Why You Need To Try It: Gather your friends on a cold winter night to cozy up with some wine and a canvas at Paint Cabin. Though this activity is a little more costly than the others, you'll likely find the experience is worth the price tag.
Plus, you get to paint, have fun with your crew, sip some wine and take your creation home with you. When you think about it, you're getting quite the bang for your buck.
Go Thrifting At Kensington Market
Price: Prices vary depending on the store
Why You Need To Try It: Snag some fabulous finds while supporting a circular economy by going thrifting with your bestie. Kensington Market has just about the coolest vintage shops in the city. Take a stroll through the area and explore shops like Courage My Love.
A lot of vintage places have limited payment methods, so if you do plan a shopping trip, make sure you're set up for Interac e-transfer, as many spots take that method right now.
'Tis the season to connect with your nearest and dearest — and you can bet Toronto's going to make the most of it this year.
As you spend on the things you've missed with the people you've missed the most, you shouldn't have to worry about going over your budget.
Using Interac products to pay for your holiday dates can help you stay in control of your money, so you'll be able to cherish every moment with loved ones.
(Pro tip: fast contactless payment makes it easy to sneakily buy gifts for anyone who comes holiday shopping with you.)
Give presence this season — get out on the town for some fun that won't have you preoccupied with the pricetag.