After a five-year hiatus, Santa Fest made its highly anticipated return to Vaughan this past weekend, drawing families to the streets in celebration. The festive parade was met with excitement from the community, showcasing the collective joy of the holiday season.
The event was part of a broader array of holiday festivities occurring across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). During the parade, one attendee expressed sentiment: "The designer things, those things don’t matter to me. What matters is the goodness and joy that’s within the Santa Claus parade and for the whole entire Christmas season." This highlights the community spirit that such holiday events foster among participants of all ages.
During the parade, KISS 92.5’s Maurie Sherman interviewed Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca, who emphasized the community's eagerness for the parade's return. "Everybody is smiling. Everyone out here, young, old, in between, everyone’s here to have fun and to enjoy this incredible parade," Del Duca remarked, reflecting the inclusive atmosphere present throughout the event.
Evergreen Brick Works in Holiday Mode
In Toronto, Evergreen Brick Works has transformed into a festive destination, featuring its winter market that operates every Sunday until December 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This market is designed to bring together various vendors, including food, artisan, and vintage sellers, providing attendees with an array of unique items.
Sonya Reynolds, an organizer at Evergreen Brick Works, noted, "The idea is that we are bringing together food vendors, artisan vendors, vintage vendors." In addition to shopping, the market will offer ice skating in upcoming weeks, once weather conditions permit.
The winter market boasts more than 60 vendors presenting a diverse selection of clothing, jewelry, art, and body care products. Visitors will be treated to live music, a cozy winter garden, and hands-on workshops, creating an inviting atmosphere for families and individuals alike. Admission to the winter market is pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $5 to aid Evergreen community programming.
Lights and Christmas Markets Across Downtown
Meanwhile, Nathan Phillips Square has come alive with the city’s annual Cavalcade of Lights, transforming Toronto City Hall into a stunning winter wonderland. This event runs through to January 7 and features breathtaking illuminated art installations, along with free public skating every Saturday in December until January 3. Attendees can enjoy complimentary skate rentals between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., further enriching the city's holiday experience.
Another key highlight is the outdoor Christmas market in the Distillery District, known for being one of Toronto’s iconic holiday destinations. The market is bustling with visitors and offers a vibrant mix of food, festive performances, and shopping opportunities. This market continues to attract crowds until January 4, contributing to the festive spirit pervading downtown Toronto this holiday season.
