CityParent – Greater Toronto Area: Includes Halton, Peel, York and Durham – December 2022

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up front

It’s almost impossible to believe that another year has come and gone in the blink of an eye. The holidays are a meaningful time to express our gratitude and thank those around us while keeping in mind those who make the holiday season meaningful.

With that said, some may have experienced change over the years like I have.

Before the pandemic, my four children (who are all very close in age) were turning pages and entering new chapters in their lives. The transition to becoming an empty nester was not an easy one for me as a mother because change is never easy.

One thing that was always a guarantee was that they’d be home for Christmas.

Call me naïve but when COVID-19 hit, I did not think it was possible that holiday traditions would also change. I’d never even considered that each chair around the table wouldn’t be filled on any given holiday. During an ordinary year for Christmas Eve, we would have a whole house of guests or dinner with my mother-in-law at her favourite restaurant. As for our annual pre-Christmas party, we would have around 56 people attending. And that was only one side of the family.

But the pandemic – as it did for many – brought on loss and change.

Holidays as I’d always known them to be, stopped.

A table a little less full, fewer to no gatherings, and an unpleasant silence.

The loss of family traditions was not something I was prepared for, and I was disheartened thinking about it. Between being an empty nester and an unprecedented global time, the pace of change in my life was rapid, and I found it difficult to let go of family traditions that, for 20+ years, were always a given.

One thing I knew for certain was that my Christmas mimosa wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Over the years and as our new normal has become, well, normal, I’ve realized, sometimes change can’t be stopped so why not make the best of it and be grateful for those around us anyway and adapt.

There is nothing wrong with creating new holiday traditions, and there is nothing wrong with changing old ones to adjust to our new lifestyles.

Isn’t that what we all did when we first became parents and raised our own families?

If you get together around the holidays, it doesn’t really matter what day it is, as long as you are with people you love.

That’s a wrap for 2022! This season, “Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.” – The Polar Express

Mary Racioppo Editor-In-Chief, City Parent

REAL FARMERS. REAL RECIPES.

Ingredients:

Cake: 4 eggs, separated ¾ cup (175 mL) granulated sugar ¼ cup (60 mL) plain yogurt ¼ cup (60 mL) vegetable oil 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted 1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder ½ tsp (2 mL) salt

Filling: ¾ cup (175 mL) mascarpone cheese ¾ cup (175 mL) 35% whipping cream ¼ cup (60 mL) orange marmalade 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract

Chocolate Frosting: ½ cup (125 mL) salted butter 2 cups (500 mL) icing sugar ½ cup (125 mL) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

½ tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon garnish

Directions:

Place a clean sheet of parchment over top of cake. Starting at the short edge, roll up cake tightly, using both top and bottom pieces of parchment. Let cake roll sit on its seam for 5 minutes. Carefully and slowly unroll the cake and remove the top piece of parchment.

Filling: Place mascarpone, whipping cream, marmalade and vanilla in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, whip on high for 1 minute or until leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border along 3 outer peeling away the bottom piece of parchment. Let roll rest on the seam. Transfer roll to a serving platter when ready to frost.

Chocolate Frosting: In another large bowl, using hand mixer on low speed, beat butter for 1 minute. Add icing sugar, cocoa powder and cinnamon; mix on low to incorporate. Increase speed to medium while slowly adding in milk. Beat on high for 2 minutes. Frost cake roll and trim both ends.

Check out this recipe and more at getcracking.ca

Mireille Leroux, Egg Farmer, Prescott County, Ontario

Chocolate Orange Roll SERVES 12 - PREP 60 MINS - BAKE 10 MINS

memories

WHAT MAKES THE HOLIDAYS SPECIAL?

WORDS BY MARYLENE VESTERGOM

What makes the holidays special? For some, it’s about baking, hanging fairy lights, or finding that perfect gift. For others, it’s watching A Charlie Browns Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life or laughing out loud at the antics of Macaulay Culkin’s character in Home Alone for the hundredth time. But when it comes to the magic of the holidays, being with family and friends and celebrating time honoured traditions is what these kids look forward to the most.

“It’s all about Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival. It falls on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023 – marking the Year of the Rabbit. Kids receive lai see (red envelopes) with money in them. The best part is visiting relatives and getting these red envelopes. My mother told me lai see symbolizes good luck and prosperity. The more red envelopes you receive, the more good fortune you will have for the year. It’s a tradition we still observe – but we also celebrate the traditional Christmas with Santa Claus. The best part is just being together.”

Lily, age 11

“Our dad helped us with this. Kwanzaa (Dec. 26–Jan. 1) comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning “first fruits of the harvest.” It was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. It’s based on seven principles. Unity, selfdetermination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Celebrating Kwanzaa is a way African Canadians build their cultural traditions. It’s not a religious holiday and we still celebrate Christmas. We light one of the seven candles, three red, one black and three green candles of the Kinara for each of the seven principals. On the night before the last day, we have a huge party. It’s called a Karamu, and everyone’s invited –family and friends.”

Aiysha, age 11. Amri, age 13

“Skating, tobogganing, playing hockey and having snowball fights with my brother and sister. As a family we also volunteer at the food bank.”

Daniel, age 8

“Some of our family live far away. It’s the one time of year we see everyone together. It’s also about giving, not getting things, and being thankful because many people in the world don’t have as much.”

Nate, age 9

“Spending time with family is very important, and giving to others. I’m also looking forward to wearing fun Christmas pyjamas, opening each day on my advent calendar and snow.”

Kylie, age 11

“Being together and eating jelly donuts. We celebrate Hannukah (Dec. 18–26th), and this year I get to fill them with whatever flavour I want. My bubbe (grandmother) told me that the sugary donuts are a reminder that life can be sweet. I’ve decided to fill the donuts with strawberry jam.”

Marla, age 10

A NEXT GENERATION LEAHY CHRISTMAS

The third generation of the celebrated French-Canadian musical family perform high-energy, Celtic-inspired music sure to get you on your feet. Experience the Leahy legacy audiences have come to know and love.

DECEMBER 17, 2022

7:00 PM

hot wheels SKATE AND TONY HAWK

Tony Hawk, legendary skateboarder, and entrepreneur has partnered with Hot Wheels to introduce the brand to fingerboards. This will introduce unique products to new fans while ensuring an inclusive line for all levels of experience. Skateboarding takes practice to learn how to ollie, kickflip, grind, and more. From groms (beginners) to experts of all ages, Hot Wheels Skate makes finger boarding accessible and inviting for everyone. All Hot Wheels Skate fingerboards come with shoes that clip onto the boards! Your feet won’t fit, but your fingers will.

On a fingerboard, even the youngest skaters can perform tricks. Skaters with experience can set the shoes aside and skate naturally. The fingerboards paired with the imaginative sets create endless fun for all!

Available at walmart.ca and shop.mattel.com

Fingerboard + Shoe Assorted Pack – $4.99 CAD

Each fully assembled Hot Wheels fingerboard comes with a pair of stylish, removable skate shoes. These shoes are designed to keep fingertips in place when learning to shred and ollie like a pro.

Fingerboard + Shoe 4-Pack – $19.99 CAD

Hot Wheels Skate™ fingerboards and skate shoes let you perform gnarly stunts. Four awesomely styled and fully assembled fingerboards are included along with two pairs of shoes that can be interchanged.

Collector Series Assortment – $8.99 CAD

Embrace the full Hot Wheels Skate experience with this sweet set that includes a fingerboard and skate shoes plus one Hot Wheels vehicle. Each set has matching details featuring metallic board graphics and an exclusive Hot Wheels vehicle.

Amusement Park Skate Set – $44.99 CAD

The Hot Wheels Skate™ Amusement Park Skate Set is the ultimate skate destination packed with wicked obstacles, rad designs, and skateactivated sounds for an amped-up play experience! Fingerboarding stunts are effortless with ramps, ledges, rails, and half pipes, plus trigger buttons that turn on awesome music in the middle of shredding.

expand your mind

TIPS TO HELP KIDS LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Bilingualism benefits children in myriad ways. For example, a 2014 study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology found that bilingual children have a higher vocabulary range than monolingual kids. In addition, a 2010 review published in the Review of Educational Research found that bilingual students typically have stronger working memories and attention spans than their monolingual counterparts.

The benefits of bilingualism are undeniable but learning a foreign language can be challenging. However, that challenge could be less significant for youngsters. Though there are different theories regarding why children seem to learn languages more readily than adults, Dr. Eleonore Smalle of Tilburg University in the Netherlands indicates that adults tend

to translate from their first language when trying to learn a new language. In an interview with the United Nations in Western Europe, Dr. Smalle said that adults’ attempts to adopt language rules they already know results in a “less stable consolidation of the new language into memory.”

Children, on the other hand, unconsciously implement the new language rules and even use newly acquired words in everyday life. That, Dr. Smalle says, benefits long-term memory consolidation.

It’s important to note that researchers, including Dr. Smalle, feel that children may find it easier to learn a foreign language up to adolescence, at which time their conscious memory begins to develop more strongly. So, parents who want to help their children learn a foreign language have a relatively

long window of time to get that ball rolling before kids could find it more challenging. Parents also can try some additional strategies to help kids learn a foreign language.

Bring lessons home from the classroom

Children learning a foreign language in school or via a private tutor can be encouraged to bring those lessons home and continue to develop those skills in a fun way. Play games in a foreign language at home on family game night. Young children just beginning foreign language lessons can be encouraged to count to 10 when playing hide-and-seek at home.

Shop for groceries in a foreign language

When grocery shopping with children in tow, parents can point to foods around the store and ask kids to say

each item in the foreign language they’re learning. Make a list before going to the store and reward kids who name all of the items on the list with a special treat at checkout.

Read books in the language the child is learning

This could be tricky if parents are not bilingual. However, in that scenario, reading books to children in a foreign language provides a great way to reverse roles and let children teach their parents everything they’ve learned from their teachers or tutors. Keep stories simple and even seek recommendations from teachers or tutors.

The benefits of bilingualism are significant. Parents can try various strategies to ensure foreign language lessons learned in the classroom are reinforced at home. – Metro Creative

stockingGIFT GUIDE

FOR HER

Me Time Hand Rescue Tube

Featuring a moisturizing blend of cocoa butter, shea butter, and green tea, this fancy lime and sugar hand cream is perfect for purses and pockets. $12.00 available at waltonwoodfarm.com

Holiday Cranberry Soap

There is nothing more lovely than the scent of cranberries in this soap. Two poems or inspirational quotes are printed on the box. 3.5 oz. shea butter bar made in Vermont. Vegan, cruelty-fee, and free of harsh ingredients (like SLS) $8.99 available at waltonwoodfarm.com

Holiday Woodline Pine Soap

Make her feel special with this soap! There are two poems or quotes printed on the box. 3.5 oz. shea butter bar made in Vermont. The soap is vegan, crueltyfree, and free of harsh ingredients (like SLS) $8.99 available at waltonwoodfarm.com

Holiday Peppermint Kiss Soap

Featuring a lovely peppermint scent, this soap will make her ecstatic this season! The box is printed with two poems or inspiring quotes. 3.5 oz. shea butter bar made in Vermont. Vegan, cruelty-fee, and free of harsh ingredients (like SLS) $8.99 available at waltonwoodfarm.com

Week From Hell Salve

Has she had a total week from hell? This 100% natural all-purpose salve will help her take some time out for self-care. Good for all external body parts including dry lips. Convenient pocket-size. Invigorate her senses and revitalize her dry, stressed skin! $9.99 available at waltonwoodfarm. com

Go the F to Sleep Pillow Spray

Ensure she sleeps well so she can live a healthier, happier life! She’ll have everything she needs right where she needs it when it’s time to sleep with this chamomile, lavender + mint pillow spray. After spraying some on her pillow before bed, she’ll be counting sheep in no time $19.99 available at waltonwoodfarm.com

Redneck Beard & Shave Oil

Even if you’re a redneck, your face doesn’t need to be rough. Take your beard and pre-shave to another level with this bourbonoak oil. Softens the beard and prepares the skin for a close, comfortable shave. A cruelty-free, alcohol-free, gluten-free, and sustainable product. $22.99 available at waltonwoodfarm.com

FOR HIM FOR THEM

The Gentleman Beard Balm

The perfect gift for the guy who loves his beard! This beard balm is made with hemp oil to moisturize, stimulate growth, prevent breakage, shea butter to soothe skin and soften/protect hair. Made with sustainable ingredients, cruelty-free, alcohol-free, and gluten-free. $22.99 available at waltonwoodfarm.com

The Wanderer Creamy Shave Soap

Get a clean, close shave every time with this Cracked Pepper & Mandarin scented creamy shave soap. This is not your typical shave soap - it is softer, creamier, and richer for better razor glide and superior moisturizing. Made from sustainable ingredients, cruelty and gluten-free. $24.95 available at waltonwoodfarm.com

Redneck Exfoliating Soap

You’re sure to make dad chuckle with this 8 oz. exfoliating soap! Black jojoba beads and shea butter make this product crueltyfree, gluten-free, and free of harmful chemicals such as SLS, parabens, and Phthalates. $14.50 available at waltonwoodfarm.com

Wiltopia – by Playmobil

Eco-friendly product line. The free WILTOPIA app lets you explore exciting digital content by collecting 27 assorted PLAYMOBIL animal

can learn all about the animals and their habitats and can even take

the animals right into their home via AR! With this set, you can play with wild animals alone or with the rest of the WILTOPIA theme (sold separately). Ages 4+ $5.99-$14.99 CAD available playmobil.ca

General Supply Goods + Co.

Wheat Barrel 3 Pack Pens - $7.48Pens made from post-agriculture materials are functional and earth-friendly. Green, blue, and red ink. Frosted Forest Mason Jar Candle- $19.98 - A touch of rustic farmhouse décor to your home. Classic seasonal scents. Red Ceramic Camping Mug - $12.98 - Ideal for the coffee or tea lover in your life. Durable, vintage mug. Travel Tin Candle - Sweet Syrup - $9.98 - A perfect gift to give or enjoy yourself. Available in 3 festive scents. Available at staples.ca

RAE Skincare

Our mission is to enhance your skin’s natural beauty and put a

Our all-natural ingredients are designed to make your skin feel like it’s been reborn – and that’s priceless. Prices vary available at raeskincare.ca

WHAT’S UNDER THE COVERS THIS

MONTH

Horse & Buggy on Ice

By Ethan Long

A hilarious story for beginner readers about best friends Horse and Buggy who share their skating talents! A horse can skate, he can spin, he can leap! But when he falls, Buggy comes to his rescue. Together, they try again!

Ages: 4-8 Publisher: Holiday House Pages: 32 Price: $21.99

Firefi ghter Flo

By Andrea Zimmerman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

In the Bold Women series, even the youngest readers meet women in unusual jobs who lead teams that rely on them. A fire has broken out, and Flo and her team are the only ones who can help. Parents and children will enjoy reading along with the firefighters as they put on fireproof suits, race off in their trucks, douse the blaze with the big hose, and rescue the family pet. Ages: 3- 6 Publisher: Holiday House Pages: 32 Price: $24.99

Foal

By Susanna Bailey

In the middle of a cold winter, eleven-year-old Addie finds herself staying with a foster family on an Exmoor farm. She is full of hurt, anger, and deep mistrust toward everyone around her. One day, she rescues a wild foal and discovers she’s not so alone after all. As an adventure and unexpected friendship blossoms, Addie is determined that both will know what it is to be home again soon.

Ages 8-12 Publisher: Holiday House/Peachtree Publishing Pages: 194 Price:12.99

Wombat Said Come In

By Carmen Agra Deedy

A bushfire rages above Wombat’s home. Since his burrow is deep below ground, he is safe. Drinking tea under his quilt. His friend Wallaby arrives at his door, frightened. Wallaby can’t reach his home and asks if he can stay with Wombat for a little while. Wombat welcomes him in. However, one by one, Wombat opens his home to a wallaby, a kookaburra, a platypus, a koala, and a sugar glider, who also seek refuge from the fires.

Ages: 4-8 Publisher: Margaret Quinlin Books/ Peachtree Pages: 36 Price: $24.99

Booker the Library Bat 1: The New Guard

By Jess Brallier

After completing his training, Booker the bat reports for duty at Coimbra’s Joanina Library. As night falls, he flies through the stacks, munching on the bugs that are eating 200,000 antique leather books. Booker loves reading, so it’s the perfect job for him. And now he’s saving books! One problem: how will he fit in with the other guards? They’re so cool and confident, and what if they don’t like him? But when Booker spots a human attempting to steal pages from one of the valuable books, he summons his courage. He locates the other bat guards and swoops in with a plan to save the day! Ages: 4-7 Publisher: Pixel + Ink Pages: 32 Price: $23.99 HC

Penguins (New & Updated Edition)

By Gail Gibbons

With this new edition, you can discover seventeen different kinds of penguins. A vibrant watercolour illustration and kid-friendly language teach young readers about penguins’ lives, diets, and hatching. Updated information on habitats, species classifications, and prehistoric penguins. Find out how penguins’ feathers can withstand freezing water. Watch emperor penguins care for their babies in extreme cold. The book also covers penguin conservation efforts and how their populations are threatened.

Ages: 4-8 Publisher: Holiday House Pages: 32 Price: $24.99 HC

Snow

TOYS R US ADVENT CALENDARS

Barbie Colour Reveal Advent Calendar with 25 Surprises Including 1 Doll & 1 Pet $49.99 CAD

This Barbie Color Reveal Advent Calendar is bursting with winter wonderland fun! With 25 exciting surprises, kids will love counting down to the holiday!

LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar 76404 Building Toy Set (334 Pieces) $60.94 CAD

Build up the excitement of the holiday season with the movie-themed LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar (76404). The play possibilities grow every day as 24 daily gifts are revealed. From Dec. 1st through Dec. 24th, there are Harry Potter movie scenes to create and surprise Harry Potter toys to find.

Crayola Christmas Countdown Activity Advent Calendar $26.99 CAD

Countdown to creativity! Welcome to the Crayola Christmas Countdown! You can stay in the holiday spirit right up to the big day with 24 activities! You can complete each activity with a Crayola tool inside each door of our Advent-style calendar box.

LEGO Friends Advent Calendar

41706 Building Kit (312 pieces)

$45.95 CAD

The LEGO Friends Advent Calendar (41706) is the perfect way to kick off the Christmas countdown. A daily gift of holiday magic is hidden behind every door in the form of a mini-doll, micro-doll, or minibuild.

Paw Patrol: 2022 Advent Calendar with 24 Surprise toys $34.99

The Paw Patrol Advent calendar is the perfect way to countdown to the holidays! Kids will enjoy discovering a different Paw Patrol gift every day in this festive gift set! Every time you open a door, you’ll find a new surprise. 24 gifts to be found.

LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar (75340) Fun Toy Building Kit for Kids (329 Pieces)

$60.94 CAD. As the countdown to Christmas approaches, fans will discover a surprise brick-built toy behind each door of the 2022 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar (75340). This set comes with 8 LEGO Star Wars figures, including C-3PO and R2D2 wearing holiday sweaters with portraits of each other, a Gonk Droid disguised as Santa Claus, and Darth Vader dressed in a summer outfit.

gift guide

PERFECT GIFTS FOR EVERYONE

Philips Pasta Maker Plus $299.95 available philips.ca The Bay & Amazon

Rainbow Fish Book Collection

$26.95 HC/$12.95 P.B. & up available at rainbowfish.us/therainbow-fish/ and amazon.ca

Pro + Flex Duo by Nanit

Introductory Price of $259.00 is available at nanit.com

Sweet Reads Box

Pricing varies; available at sweetreadsbox.com

Fitbit

Ages – All Inspire 3, $129.95. Versa 4, $299.95. Sense 2$399.95 available at fitbit.com, bestbuy.ca

Philips

countertop and cordless $99.99 available at phillips.ca, walmart.ca, amazon.ca .

GraviTrax Pro Giant Set

$299.99 Ages 8+

Week from Hell Body & Lip Gift Box by Walton Wood Farm $42.95 available at waltonwoodfarm.com

BRIO Disney Princess Castle Set $159.99 Ages 3+

Ravensburger Star Wars Puzzles

Variety to choose from $17.99 - $29.99 Ages 10+ to 14+

Mizzie the Kangaroo Award-winning Australian children’s toy Ages 0+ $20.00$100 available Toys R Us and mizziethekangaroo.ca

Dad Rescue Kit by Walton Wood Farm $69.99 available at waltonwoodfarm.com

The Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker

Hamilton Beach $109.98 available at walmart.ca

Professional Variable Speed Hand Blender Hamilton Beach $199.99 available at canadiantire.ca

Stand Mixer with 6 Speeds & Fold Setting Hamilton Beach $129.98 available at walmart.ca

Sonicare Power Flosser

PERFECT GIFTS FOR EVERYONE

Check our online Gift Guide for additional details on these products.

Maman Collection by Petit lem

$Varies by product - available at petitlem.com

Fisher-Price® Little People® Caring for Animals Farm™

$54.97 Ages 1-5 available at walmart.ca

Fisher-Price® Little People® Friends Together Playhouse™

$54.97 Ages 1-5 available at walmart.ca

Hammerhead True Wireless $169.99 available at razer. com, amazon.ca, bestbuy.ca

Rocket League Micro R.C. Competition Pack

$36.97 available at walmart.ca

Fabulous, family-oriented 2023 calendars

$15.99 – 19.99 US available at workman.com, amazon.ca

Instax Mini Evo Hybrid Instant Camera

Fisher-Price® Linkimals™ Light-Up & Learn™ Owl $45.99 available at mattel.com and where Fisher-Price® toys are sold

Barbie® Convertible by Little People® $27.99 available at mattel.com and where Fisher-Price® toys are sold

Fisher-Price® DJ Bouncin’ Beats™ $59.99 available at mattel.com and where Fisher-Price® toys are sold

L.O.L. Surprise! ™ O.M.G. Fashion Dolls™ (Hair & Style Edition) $54.99 for 4+ years available at amazon.ca, toyrus.ca, walmart.ca,

Cat Construction Mighty Steel Dump Truck

$29.97 available at walmart.ca

Carrera First MarioKart Racing Set

$69.99 Ages 3+ amazon.ca

3D Puzzle Sets by Revell $44.99 Ages 10+ available on amazon.ca

RAE Skincare Prices vary available at raeskincare.ca

Ninja Speedi Rapid Cook Air Fryer

$279.99 available at

ALPHA’S DISCOVERY KIDS , is an award-winning daycare and preschool dedicated to providing quality education and a positive learning environment. Within bright and cheerful classrooms and unique outdoor exploration spaces, little ones participate in Alpha’s Discovery Kids’ enriched curriculum, designed to develop the whole child. The foundation of Alpha’s Discovery Kids’ beloved and celebrated inquiry-based curriculum is shared with all parents through the book, Learn to Play: The Four Pillars Learning System. The Four Pillars include Language and Literacy, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math), Physical Activity/Nutrition and Mindful Awareness. For each pillar of learning, the book provides parents and educators with strategies on how to build skills as well as sample activities – by age group, from infants to preschoolers. Our brand new state-of-the-art facility is opening in Dec. 2022 in Mississauga. STEAM Discovery before/after school and camp programs for ages 4-12 years. info@alphasdiscoveryclub.com | alphasdiscoveryclub.com

Mississauga 905-812-8880 Oakville 905-337-7225

WINTERLIT AT MOUNTSBERG CONSERVATION

AREA

This winter season, bring your family for a unique outdoor experience – Winterlit! Tucked away in the woods at Mountsberg Conservation Area, take a moonlit stroll together and discover two illuminated trails featuring unique and inspirational art installations that are sure to delight. Now in its third year, we’ve continued to expand the Winterlit trails to add more incredible experiential art pieces so even if you’ve been before there will be some surprises in store – with many offering the perfect backdrop for memorable family photos! This award-winning experience is based on sustainable tourism as all materials have been recycled, upcycled, and are energy efficient. Don’t miss our Winterlit Enchanted Evenings – These extra special events feature live music, marketplace vendors, food, and local beverages. The New Year’s Eve Enchanted Evening is the perfect way to add an extra sparkle to ring in 2023 with the family! Running Thursdays-Sundays Dec. 28 to Feb. 20, tickets go on sale in early Dec. conservationhalton.ca/events | visitorservices@hrca.on.ca

THE GARDINER MUSEUM Play with clay! The Gardiner Museum is the perfect destination for families this holiday season, from art exploration and clay making to dining, shopping, and more. Discover an immersive exhibition of more than 500 clay miniatures that will delight and inspire visitors of all ages. Then take part in a hands-on holiday clay activity. Plan your visit today! Admission for visitors 18 and under is always free. mail@gardinermuseum.com | gardinermuseum.com

conservationhalton.ca

416.586.8080

JOURNEY INTO ENCHANTMENT is an annual Christmas event for the whole family. Journey offers a fun family-friendly twist to the Christmas holiday season. It is a drive-through event filled with over 2 million lights and your favorite Christmas characters. It is full of large and unique lights like the Santa’s North Pole, little elves, polar bears, penguins, moving flowers, 3D holiday displays and much more! We have lights that sing and dance to the music. This is all enjoyed in the comfort and warmth of your own vehicle. Our special annual appearance is from Santa where children can meet and greet while making a stop at Santa’s workshop. Journey into Enchantment is for all ages and pet-friendly, too– as long as you keep all hands and paws within the vehicle at all times.

contact@journeyintoenchantment.ca | journeyintoenchantment.ca

416.569.4059

PEEL ART GALLERY, MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES (PAMA ) Looking for something to do with the kids this Winter Break? Visit PAMA for a variety of fun and artistic activities. Warm up and get colourful at PAMA this Winter Break! Express your creativity with a variety of fun and artistic activities. Each day will feature a new project using different materials and techniques. Drop-in anytime from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on: December 27-30 and January 2-6. But wait, there’s more! Don’t miss the Applefun Puppetry Show on December 27, showtimes are 10:30 a.m. and/or 2:00 p.m for a live Forest Trek puppet show. Boldly go where few puppets have gone before! The forest is a peaceful place... until some silly space explorers arrive. Join Applefun Puppetry for 45-minutes of interactive fun. Admission is free! We hope to see you at PAMA this Winter Break! Explore our historic and exhibition spaces! For more information, visit and follow PAMA on social media, @visitpama. infopama@peelregion.ca | pama.peelregion.ca

POWER SOCCER offers dynamic and enjoyable soccer camps and programs that since 1996 are completely focused on player development. Soccer programs are available for players of all skill levels from beginner to advanced/competitive players. We offer year-round co-ed programs, as well as girls only classes for children ages 4 to 15 years old. Register for our weekly soccer schools, Winter Break, March Break, summer, and PA day camps. In our programs, players will work on shooting, passing, receiving, dribbling, movement with and without the ball, positioning and more! Plus at our Summer Camps, we have a Power Soccer “Olympics” and “World Cup” each week! Participants at our camps will also receive a “Power Pack”, plus a Player Report detailing their progress, strengths, and areas to improve on. Camp registration is available for full days, half day mornings or afternoons. We also offer extended care with early drop-off and late pickup. info@powersoccer.ca | powersoccer.ca

TORONTO CHILDREN’S CHORUS Kindle the joys of the holiday season with the angelic voices of the Toronto Children’s Chorus in our annual celebratory concert at Roy Thomson Hall! More than 300 choristers, including the TCC’s Alumni Choir and the Toronto Youth Choir, will perform some of our holiday hits, celebrating 45 years of the Toronto Children’s Chorus and over 30 years at Roy Thomson Hall. The chorus will welcome back previous Artistic Directors Jean Ashworth Bartle and Elise Bradley for a special presentation to celebrate their tenures at the TCC. In addition, we will be joined on stage by some of our friends from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. A must-see holiday event, experience some classic carols such as Joy to the World and Hark the Herald as well as a variety of festive faves from all around the world. torontochildrenschorus.com | info@torontochildrenschorus.com

905-791-4055

416.932.8666

416.425.6062 info@powersoccer.ca powersoccer.ca cityparent.com

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