TheBulletin.ca Journal of Downtown Toronto
The City of Toronto Historic Sites present several events in November and December that provide enriching entertainment for all ages while connecting visitors to Toronto’s rich history. Visit www.toronto.ca/museum-events for more information.
COLBORNE LODGE South end of High Park on Colborne Lodge Drive
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Regular Admission: Adults $6.19, Seniors/Youth $3.54, Children $2.65 (plus tax)
Limited free parking clodge@toronto.ca 416-392-6916
Christmas in the Park
From Saturday, November 23 to January 5,
Tuesdays to Sundays – Noon to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays, Dec 25, 26 and Jan 1
Discover the magic of Christmas in the winter wonderland surroundings of High Park and enjoy a tour of Colborne Lodge, the picturesque home of the founders of High Park, which is decorated for a Victorian Christmas. You will discover festive traditions, decorations and foods enjoyed during the 19th-century in Toronto. Toast the season with a glass of hot mulled cider by the wood stove and nibble on special holiday treats. Holiday admission prices apply Adults $7.08, Seniors/Youths $4.42, Children $4.42 (plus tax).
Adult and Youth Wreath-Making Workshop
Sunday, November 24 at 2 p.m.
Adults and youths 10 to 15 years make their own Christmas wreaths. This 2 hour workshop is a unique opportunity to start the season doing a special activity together in the cosy historic ambience of Colborne Lodge’s 19th-century kitchen. A tour of the decorated parts of the house and light refreshments are included. Pre-registration required. Youths must be accompanied by an adult, maximum of 2 youths per adult. $55 plus tax for one adult and one youth, $22.50 plus tax for an additional youth.
FORT YORK NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE 250 Fort York Blvd. Please note special directions.
Click here to get the most up-to-date information on site access during the construction of the new Visitor Centre http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/fort_york_access.htm
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Regular Admission: Adults $7.96, Seniors/Youth $4.87, Children $3.76 (plus tax)
Children 5 years and under are free. Paid parking is available on site. fortyork@toronto.ca 416-392-6907
Historical Cooking Classes in the Officers’ Mess Kitchen
Christmas Mince Pies – Adults
Sunday, November 24, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Learn how to make traditional mincemeat pies. Delicious! Lunch and mince pies to take home are included. $50 plus tax.
Children’s Baking Class – Ages 8 to12
Sunday, December 1, 1 to 4 p.m.
Learn a traditional recipe from Fort York’s Historic Kitchen. Lunch, recipes and treats to take home are included. Space is limited to a maximum of 8 participants. Please call 416-392-6907 x 225 for more information or to pre-register. $30 plus tax.
GIBSON HOUSE 5172 Yonge Street. For access details/ directions during the adjacent construction, please visit our webpage
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Regular admission: Adults $5.48, Seniors/Youth $3.10, Children $2.62 (plus tax)
Limited free parking gibsonhouse@toronto.ca 416-395-7432
St. Andrew’s Dinner & Storytelling Evening
Saturday, November 30, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate the spirit of all things Scotland at a St Andrew’s Day Dinner in our historic farmhouse setting. Share a hearty meal of national dishes of Scotland and Canada
with old and new friends. Haggis is included. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Registration opens after Labour Day weekend in September. Last year sold out so make your plans to come soon. $47 plus tax.
Pay-What-You-Wish Thursday Nights
Thursdays, open to 8 p.m.
Go back in time to an autumn’s eve, circa 1851. Have some tea and sit by the fire in the kitchen, play board games and chat with neighbours and friends. Drop by the community quilt group and see what they are creating – feel free to add a stitch or two if you wish. Children may explore hands-on activities and crafts. Activities will vary each week so be sure to check online at our Facebook page and we welcome suggestions for future Thursdays. Admission is pay-what-you-wish.
MACKENZIE HOUSE 82 Bond Street
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Regular Admission: Adults $6.19, Seniors/Youth $3.54, Children: $2.65 (plus tax)
Children (4 and under): Free
Holiday Admission: Adults: $7.08, Seniors/Youth/Children:$4.42
machouse@toronto.ca 416-392-6915 Like us on www.facebook.com/mackenziehouse
A Victorian Christmas
Tuesday, November 26, until Sunday, January 5
Tuesday to Friday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This festive season take a step back in time to Victorian Toronto and experience the magic of a traditional Christmas in an 1859 row-house. Escape from the hustle and bustle while you enjoy a sample of mulled cider and a biscuit in the warmth of the historic kitchen. Discover the story of how families celebrated Christmas in 19th century Toronto as you tour the Mackenzie home which is dressed in greenery for the holidays.
Holiday Admission applies: Adults: $7.08; Seniors /Youth/Children: $4.42 (plus tax)
During the Victorian Christmas program, until December 24, children are invited to write a letter to Santa Claus during their visit.
Children love writing to Santa Claus to tell him about their Christmas wish lists. Select a card that has been printed on our 1845 printing press, and write a personal message. Drop the wish card into our magic post box and it will go to Santa! Included with admission.
MONTGOMERY’S INN 4709 Dundas Street West at Islington Avenue
Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Weekends 1 to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays & Holidays.
Tearoom Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.
Regular Admission: Adults $5.71, Seniors/Youth $2.86, Children $1.90 (plus tax) Free parking montinn@toronto.ca 416-394-8113
Christmas Cookie Decorating – Ages 6 & Up
Sunday, November 24, 2 to 4 p.m.
Master Baker Monika Paradi will prepare you for Christmas with this hands-on workshop. Kids ages 6 – 12, along with their parents, learn to decorate seasonal cookies like a pro and leave the workshop with a half dozen decorated goodies, recipes and the inspiration to create your own edible Christmas treats! Pre-registration is required. $25 plus tax for one adult with one child.
Stir Up Sunday
Sunday November 24, 1 to 5 p.m.
Watch a working 19th century commercial kitchen in action when the Inn’s team of Historic Cooks present an afternoon of cooking demonstrations. Samples while supplies last! Free with price of admission
Gingerbread House Workshop
Saturday November 30, and Sunday December 1, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. or 3 p.m.
Decorate your family’s dream house all together. All the supplies you need to create a classic gingerbread house will be provided. Pre-registration is required. $30 plus tax
per house.
SCARBOROUGH MUSEUM 1007 Brimley Road, just north of Lawrence in Thomson Memorial Park
Hours: Tuesdays, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sat. & Sun.,12 to 4 p.m.
Admission is by donation. shm@toronto.ca 416-338-8807
Movember Weekends – 12 to 4 p.m.
Come on in and keep your upper lip warm! Celebrate Movember with Scarborough Museum and get your own special ‘stache’. Admission is Pay What You Can.
SPADINA MUSEUM 285 Spadina Road
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Regular admission: Adults $7.96, Seniors/Youth (13-18 yrs.) $5.75, Children (6-12 yrs.) $4.87 (plus tax), Children (5 and under) Free. Paid parking next door at Casa Loma
416-392-6910 spadina@toronto.ca
Spadina Museum Conversations – A Salon-style talk
War and Myth-Making
Tuesday, November 19, 7 to 9 p.m.
1920s Torontonians struggled to make meaning of the First World War. Today we still struggle to find meaning in conflicts past and present.
Speakers:
• Jonathan Vance, Death So Noble: Memory, Meaning, and the First World War
• Ian McKay, “What’s Wrong with Celebrating the War of 1812?”, Warrior Nation: Rebranding Canada in an Age of Anxiety.
Tickets are $8 plus tax; Students $5 plus tax.
A Roaring Twenties Christmas
November 26 to January 5
Tuesday to Friday, 12 to 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 12 to 5 p.m.
(Except December 1 and 8) Closed Dec. 25 & 26 and January 1.
Experience a 1920s Christmas on a guided tour of Spadina. Holly wreaths, garlands of evergreens and mistletoe festoon the house based on the memories of the Austin family grandchildren. The 1920s Christmas tree and accompanying poinsettias fill the Palm Room with Christmas cheer. Nestled in the 1930s kitchen visitors will enjoy holiday treats made from original recipes and sip mulled cider warmed on the art deco gas range. Holiday Season admission applies. Adults: $8.85, Seniors (65 +)/Youth (13-18): $7.08, Children (6-12 yrs.): $5.75 (plus tax). Children (5 yrs. and under): Free.
Paid parking next door at Casa Loma.
Swell Sundays! Christmas in the Golden Age of Radio
December 1 and 8, 12 to 5 p.m.
Family fun is On the Air! Join us at Spadina Museum for a recreation of a 1930s radio show —commercials included! Watch the behind-the-scenes fun of a live radio drama. Enjoy related crafts, refreshments and activities. Admission: Adults $12, Seniors/Youth $10 and Children $8 (plus tax).
TODMORDEN MILLS HERITAGE SITE
Bottom of Pottery Road, East of Bayview Avenue, West of Broadview Avenue
Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: Noon to 4:30 pm
Regular Admission: Adults $5.31, Seniors/Youth $2.65, Children 6-12 $1.77 (plus tax)
Children 5 and under free. Free parking todmorden@toronto.ca 416-396-2819
Autumn in the Valley – An Outdoor Guided Walk
Sunday, November 24, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
As the cold winter months approach, learn how the birds, plants and animals in our Wildflower Preserve prepare for the season. Refreshments provided after the walk. Adults: $5.31; Youth/Seniors: $3; Children: $2(plus tax).
Holiday Greeting Cards – A Family Workshop (6 years and up)
Saturday, November 30, 1 to 4 p.m.
From pop-ups to collage! Learn about the origins of holiday greeting cards while you create a set of personalized cards to send to loved ones. Pre-registration required. Suitable for children 6 years and up. Adults: $15; Children: $8 (plus tax).
A Regency Christmas in the Valley
December 1, 8, 15, December 20 to 24, 27 to 31, January 2, 3, 4 & 5
Closed Dec. 25 & 26 and January 1
Discover the simple pleasures and décor of a Regency-era Christmas at Todmorden Mills. Our early 19th-century historic homes are decorated traditionally for the season with real evergreen garlands as well as the “kissing bough” hanging in the Helliwell parlour, complete with apples, candles and mistletoe. Sample period festive desserts such as “Whim-Wham” and “Hedgehog Tipsy Cake.” Families can make Regency-style Christmas decorations as a take-home craft. Holiday Season admission applies. Adults: $5.31; Youth/Seniors: $3; Children: $2 (plus tax).
Details about the open hours:
Sunday December 1, 8, 15 from noon to 4 pm; Friday December 20 to Monday, December 23 from noon to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, December 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m; Friday, December 27 to Monday, December 30 from noon – 4pm; Tuesday December 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday, January 2 to Sunday, January 5 from 12 to 4 p.m.
