Exams are over, papers are in, and suddenly UTM students have nearly a month of freedom on their hands. As with everything, there are choices. You could get ahead on your readings for January, or you could crack open the Christmas chocolates, or you could ditch the books (come on, it was a rough first semester) and head out into the world for some holiday cheer in the GTA.
Outdoor skating
Between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., try some skating at Mississauga’s Celebration Square ice rink. Skate rentals are available. Enjoy the Mississauga nightlife and suburban skyline, but remember to read the ice rink rules that are available on the website and call for ice rink conditions beforehand—especially if December weather continues as if winter wasn’t a thing. If you’re from Toronto, save yourself the commute and skate at Nathan Phillips Square, where they also have a snack bar.
Krampus
If you’re feeling a little disenchanted with the holiday season, take a trip to a local movie theatre and catch the PG-13 horror movie. Maybe you’ll be terrified into believing in Santa and the reindeer, lest the holiday demons come sneaking down your chimney. Also useful for terrifying your younger siblings, cousins, or anyone else who needs to step up their Christmas cheer game. Personally, the main reason I’ll be watching Krampus is to watch Toni Collette act.
Soulpepper Theatre
The theatre company based in the Distillery District brings some new items and old favourites to their Christmas roster. Enjoy productions of A Christmas Carol, Parfumerie, and A Very Soulpepper Christmas concert series to boost the Christmas spirit. For the kids, there’s Alligator Pie and a magic show. If Christmas just isn’t your thing and Krampus didn’t cut it, try Kim’s Convenience. Then head over to one of the Distillery’s many pubs for an after-show drink.
The Nutcracker
I spent many a childhood Christmas watching some version or other of The Nutcracker. Catch this holiday tradition either in downtown Toronto (Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts) or Mississauga (Living Arts Centre) or pretty much any other major urban center. Performed annually and a great family favourite, The Nutcracker tells the story of the adventures of a young boy and girl and their Christmas nutcracker who comes to life and whisks them off on a magical adventure.
