December 2014 by Toronto Kids & Families

december 2014

THE TRUSTED SOURCE.

TORONTO - FEB 22

get free tickets

CAMPEXPO.CA Harvest Your Own Christmas Tree PG 3

Top Toys 2014 PG 4

Winter Break Activity Books PG 6

Nutcracker in the City

HOME for the HOLIDAYS

celebrate in the city

Time for Preschool?

PG 7

December Events PG 8-9

Holiday Happenings PG 10

Holiday Recipes PG 11

Create Holiday Traditions PG 12

Northwood Montessori

• Parent & Tot • Nursery • Kindergarten

Ages 1-5 Years Flexible Scheduling Extended Hours

Visitors Welcome

Finch Campus 1080 Finch Avenue East 416-492-9495

The Academic Advantages of Montessori plus the Fun of Bilingual E.C.E. Enrichment plus the Helpful Conveniences of Day Care. Madawaska Campus 53 Madawaska Avenue 416-250-8302

www.northwoodmontessori.ca

Plus!

Est. 1989

6 • Live Music • Cookie Decorating Arts & Crafts • Santa and More! • Photos with Santa 12 to 2pm at Milk Mart Convenience 1034 Pape Ave. All activities are FREE with a non-perishable Food donation!

WWW.PAPEVILLAGE.COM

Sponsored by: Milk Mart Convenience 2 | TORONTO KIDS - December 2014

TORONTO

KIDS &

home for the holidays| tree hunt

Choose and Cut

publisher IAN PROUDFOOT general manager MARG MIDDLETON regional director of advertising WARREN ELDER

Harvest your Christmas tree at a nearby tree farm

advertising manager CHERYL PHILLIPS

A tradition once thought to be of the “past” - choosing and cutting Christmas trees is now a growing trend. With access to more and more “choose & cut” farms, thousands of families are now rediscovering the family tradition of cutting their own tree. But it’s not just the fun of cutting your own Christmas tree. Most choose and cut farms offer pre-cut trees along with other fun things for the family to see and do like hayrides, and hot apple cidar. In today’s fast-paced world, isn’t it great to find an activity the entire family can still enjoy together? Here is a list of tree farms, not too far from the city:

sales team lead GEORGE AGELOPOULOS regional director of operations BARRY BLACK director of circulation MIKE BANVILLE

HALTON

regional director of creative services KATHERINE PORCHERON feature writers JENNIFER ROMANO TASHA ZANIN graphic designer JENNIFER ROMANO cover design SONYA CLARRY 175 GORDON BAKER ROAD, TORONTO, ONTARIO M2H 0A2 TELEPHONE & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 416.493.4400 Toronto Kids & Families is published monthly. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may by reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. Toronto Kids is in full compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Call 416-493-4400 for more information.

canes. Open daily in season. Watson Family Farm Phone: 905-679-9000 Mount Hope, 7156 White Church Rd. www.watsonchristmastrees.ca/ Look for direction signs when you are close to Binbrook or Caledonia. Enjoy cutting your own tree or chose one of the specialty precut premium trees. Come for the award winning wreaths, urns and other Christmas decorating ideas. Watson Family Farm will drill your tree, bale it and supply string to help you tie it to your car. Open weekends.

DURHAM

Clembrook Christmas Farm 905-878-6576 4231 Derry Rd., West of Milton www.clembrookchristmasfarm.com Harvest-your-own or pre-cut pine & spruce, fir. Heated Christmas gift barn, crafts, gifts, collectibles, wreaths, garlands, stands, hot drinks, snack bar. Mr. & Mrs. Santa on selected weekends. Horse carriages, sleighs and antique Christmas decoration on display. Open week days noon to 7 p.m.; weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Taylor Tree Farm 905-640-1325 Stouffville, 2nd Conc Rd. www.christmastrees.on.ca/taylortreefarm.html Large Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, White Spruce, Blue Spruce, Scotch Pine and White Pine trees to cut your own or in our pre-cut lot. Tractor rides, bonfire, and refreshment stand. Free tree drilling, baling, and shaking. Open weekends to December 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

HAMILTON

SImcoe and Dufferin Counties

Cagene Christmas Tree Farm 519-426-5551 www.cagenechristmastrees.com Good selection of Balsam, Fraser fir and Blue Spruce trees. Fresh pre-cut or choose and cut your own. Natural wreaths are made on-site. Hot chocolate, cookies, and an outdoor fire for you and your family to enjoy. Cagene trees are as individual as you are.

Rudolph’s on Airport Road, Orangeville 3 kms. north of Hwy. 9 www.christmastrees.on.ca/rudolph Interesting Christmas trees various sizes that have been properly trimmed. Balsams and spruces,and premium pre-selected Fraser Firs, Silver Firs and Colorado Blue Spruce as well as extra large trees. We are open Sat & Sun 9am until dark. Free services at our Boston trim and bale station. Wagon rides, etc.

Mark’s Christmas Trees 905-659-7046 233 Safari Rd., 7km W. of Hwy 6 www.markschristmastrees.ca Mark’s Christmas Trees is in a conservation setting and is a love of the land. They do not use pesticides or herbicides. Scotch and White pine, Balsam fir and spruce. trees are available. Enjoy wagon rides, hot cider, candy

YORK Horton Tree Farms, Magic Hill 1-800-420-7385 Stouffville www.hortontreefarms.com Harvest your own Green and Blue Spruce, Scotch pine and White pine and Balsalm Fir up to 8 feet. Pre-cut

Fraser Fir 7 to 9 feet. Free Family Fun Fest with every tree! 100 acre century farm, tractor drawn wagon rides, bonfires, snack bar, playgrounds, sliding hill. Weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thurs. 12 p.m. till 5. MacPherson Tree Farm 905-473-6668 or 905-717-0499 Cedar Valley, located on 17422 Hwy 48 (Markham Rd). Large selection of harvest your own Canaan and Balsam Fir, White, Red and Scotch Pine and White Spruce. Good selection of Colorado Blue Spruce. Beautiful selection of fresh precuts. Tues to Thurs 11 a.mm -5 p.m. Fri to Sun 9 a.m. -5 p.m. Large warming tent and free hot chocolate, tree baling and wagon rides. Also available - hotdog cart, baked goods and a scavenger hunt.

PETERBOROUGH Powell’s Trees 905-263-2762 Bowmanville Powell’s has cut your own and precut trees. Scots and white pine, spruce, balsam and fraser fir. The trees are carefully sheared and deep green. Hot drinks and cookies are available for $1.00. Many reasonable priced Christmas crafts, honey, and bees wax candles are for sale. The property is 25 acres of hilly interesting landscape, great for sledding and walking.

—With files from Toronto4kids.com and Christmastrees.on.ca

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Keep the Connections… Consider being a Foster, Adopt or Customary Care Parent Foster Care Hotline

416-969-8510 ext. 7788 TORONTO KIDS - December 2014 | 3

home for the holidays| gift guide

TOP

Spot it! is the addictive, feverishly fun matching game for every generation. Spot it! is a cinch to learn, plays fast, and is irresistibly fun for all ages!

TOYS

2014

Get The WowWee MiP Robot offers fun and intuitive interaction controlled by your smartphone and GestureSense technology. MiP plays games, dances, battles, balances and more - with an immersive personality and impressive response time.

to know My Friend Cayla by asking questions about her family, favourite foods, hobbies, pets and more. Cayla also loves to answer tricky questions about things like animals, and countries.

Use the scoop pen to create awesome beaded designs with the Beados Quick-Dry Design Station. Spray finished creations and quickly dry. Includes 500 beads.

Zoomer Dino features a dinosaur-sized attitude. Use the controller pod or use your hands to train him to dance, chase, chomp and roar, and send him to attack.

 The Razor Crazy Cart

Sew fun stuffed characters,

pencil bags and more with the Spin Master Sew Cool Sewing Machine, featuring a threadless design with no bobbins to wind.

The Kurio Xtreme Android

can drive forward, reverse, sideways, diagonally and everything in between. Go-kart and crazy cart modes offer two different ways to ride, and the variable-speed foot pedal lets you accelerate up to 12 mph.

Tablet features 10 Kurio Motion Games that kids play by running, jumping and moving with the tablet. With pre-loaded games, apps, e-books and more, this Android- and Intel-powered tablet features 16 GB of internal memory, cameras, speakers.

Private Elementary & Secondary School Montessori Casa (Ages 3-6) Our Tuition Includes: • Small Classes • Safe & Caring Environment • Free Before & After School Programs • Character Education • Weekly Swimming Lessons

• Early Start French Language Classes • Art & Music • Early Start Literacy & Numeracy • Daily Physical & Health Education • Sports Programs SSAF Member

Special Offers for Grades 6, 9 & 10

1500 Birchmount Rd., Toronto ON • 416-266-8878 ext. 247 • info@bondacademy.ca www.bondacademy.ca • Success Starts at Bond 4 | TORONTO KIDS - December 2014

www.arrowsmithschool.org

As featured in the best selling book “The Woman Who Changed Her Brain” A COGNITIVE PROGRAM ADDRESSING: READING w WRITING w MATHEMATICS VISUAL MEMORY w AUDITORY MEMORY w DYSLEXIA w NON-VERBAL LEARNING w ADD

Full-Time and Part-Time enrolment available. We also provide assessments of individual learning profiles.

Parent information sessions at 7pm: Wednesday, December 17th 2014 Wednesday, January 14th 2015 Wednesday, February 11th, 2015

245 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON 416-963-4962 info@arrowsmithprogram.ca

www.arrowsmithschool.org @ArrowsmithWeb

/arrowsmithprogram TORONTO KIDS - December 2014 | 5

learning | book nook

Ultimate Factivity Collection Disney Frozen Archie’s Fun ‘n’ Games Activity Book By Archie Superstars Age Level: 9-12 years

It’s hours of fun with Archie and the gang! Filled to the brim with full-colour games, riddles, puzzles and all sorts of activities, Archie’’s Fun ‘n’ Games Activity Book is sure to provide tons of fun for young fans of Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and the rest of the gang

By Dorling Kindersley Age Level: 7-10 years

A fact-packed activity book filled with Frozen fun! This book combines exciting facts about Disney’s beautiful animated movie Frozen with fun activities and more than 500 stickers. Learn all about the characters like Ana and Elsa through games, challenges and sticker activities. Explore exciting locations such as the beautiful kingdom of Arendelle and Elsa’s magnificent ice palace.

Boo

By Martin Handford Age Level: All ages

This classic Waldo adventure has received the deluxe treatment! Prepare to find: an original collectible poster on the underside of the jacket, a spotthe-difference game on the cover, a gatefold with separate checklists on every spread, never-before-seen sections of artwork in each scene and new things to search for!

Nook!

Where’s Waldo? The Wonder Book: Deluxe Edition

Winter Activity Pack

By Henry Brook Age Level: 5 years and up

These exciting gift packs come in a carrying case with Velcro enclosure, and include four titles full of activities, puzzles and games sure to delight and entertain.

Activity books for winter break

Dream Doodle Draw Winter Wonderland By Sonali Fry Age Level: 4-7 years

Brr! This winter-themed doodle book is filled with colouring and activity pages perfect for the youngest artists! Every snowflake that falls from the sky is unique, just like this black-line doodle book with a glittery, glossy cover that inspires budding artists with fun prompts and activities that help them explore the depths of their imaginations.

Boys & Girls Ages 4 & up

Visit our PRO SHOP for great holiday gifts, the latest gear, plus... full service & repairs!

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

PROGRAMSLESSONSCAMPSBIRTHDAYS

www.cjskateboardpark.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! 60 Horner Avenue, Etobicoke 416-259-6888

C.J. Skateboard Park & School is the world’s 4th largest Not-For-Profit indoor skatepark. The C.J. Skateboard Foundation is a registered charity #846549632RR0001

6 | TORONTO KIDS - December 2014

traditions | nutcracker ballet

An en pointe holiday tradition Toronto is a magical place during the holidays, full of so many treasures for young children to discover. The classic Nutcracker ballet is one such delight, and different balley companies offer many wonderful interpretations of this beautiful Christmas show. There are lots of family-friendly Nutcracker productions taking place in and around the city. See this timeless classic that will keep kids charmed and wide-eyed. State Ballet Theatre of Russia Dec 7 The State Ballet Theatre of Russia brings the most beloved ballet to glorious life. This company of distinguished dancers have showcased the unparalleled art of Russian ballet to countries throughout the world. Living Arts Centre - Hammerson Hall, Mississauga www.livingartscentre.ca National Ballet of Canada Dec 13 to Jan 3

Re-setting the story in Imperial Russia, with its simple folk customs and overwhelming opulence, choreographer James Kudelka allows full rein to both his instincts for everyday beauty and dazzling spectacle, for natural wonder and dreamlike astonishment, all conveyed in an array of breathtaking choreography. The entire production is a glittering, enchanting gem of a ballet. The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts http://national.ballet.ca Ballet Jörgen Canada Dec 18, 19 and 30 Acclaimed choreographer and Artistic Director Bengt Jörgen has created a ballet destined to become a national treasure: Audiences are taken on Clara’s familiar, magical dream-journey as she arrives in Canada and experiences winter landscapes filled with snowflakes, lumberjacks, Mounties and creatures of the woods. Betty Oliphant Theatre - Dec 18, 19

Flato Markham Theatre - Dec 30 www.balletjorgencanada.ca Toronto International Ballet Theatre Dec 20 Along with new original choreography, beautiful costumes and magnificent sets, this elegant and luxurious venue will provide a unique experience to the audience as it brings them right into the heart of the performance. Tchaikovsky’s ethereal melodies take the audience on a fantastic journey through Clara’s dreams to the land of snow and sweets. The aerial and spirited dancing is supported by enchanting tapestry with custom made costumes and set designs adorning the stage. www.torontoballet.ca

Photo by Igor Bulgarin / Shutterstock.com

The Bolshoi Ballet Live at Cineplex Dec 21 Cineplex is offering families the opportunity to see the Royal Opera House’s live performance of The Nutcracker, close to home on select screens across

the country. This choreographic version, created for the Bolshoi by Yuri Grigorovich, is full of romanticism and philosophical reflections on ideal love. Masterfully interpreted by the Bolshoi dancers, it will enchant the whole fam-

ily for the festive season, proving that one is never too young or too old to be swept away. Cineplex Theatres www.cineplex.com

— www.toronto4kids.com

GIVE THE GIFT OF BASKETBALL with the SBA Basketball Winter House League Program Powered by Steve Nash Youth Basketball Steve Nash Youth Basketball is a national youth basketball initiative designed to develop fundamental skills, sportsmanship and a love for the game of basketball. This grassroots program supports and empowers community-based recreational groups and facilities, schools and other institutions across Canada in an effort to positively influence youth through basketball. The goal of the program is to allow participants the opportunity to maximize their potential, while promoting the importance of youth basketball as a vehicle to build character, discipline and self-esteem.

Select League for Boys starts Friday, January 16th, 2015 for grades 6 - 12 House League for Boys and Girls starts Saturday, January 17th and Sunday, January 18th, 2015 for boys ages 4 - 13 and girls ages 4 - 17

upcomingevents The AstraZeneca Human Edge Until Dec 31 Imagine yourself a diver far below the surface of the ocean, only the blue light of the deep and the beating of your own heart to guide you. A Single Breath is just one of 55 remarkable exhibit experiences in The AstraZeneca Human Edge, the new exhibition at the Ontario Science Centre that explores the wonders and possibilities of the human body. Ontario Science Center 770 Don Mills Road 416-696-3256 www.ontariosciencecentre.ca Island of Lemurs: Madagascar Ongoing Take a spectacular journey to the remote and wondrous world of Madagascar and witness the incredible true story of one of nature’s greatest explorers - the lemurs. Lemurs arrived in Madagascar as castaways millions of years ago and evolved into hundreds of diverse species.

They are now highly endangered. Join trailblazing scientist Dr. Patricia Wright on her lifelong mission to help these strange and adorable creatures survive in the modern world. Ontario Science Centre 770 Don Mills Road 416-696-1000 www.ontariosciencecentre.ca Hockey Hall of Fame - Stanley’s Game Seven (3D) Until Dec 31 Hockey’s first 3D film is a stunning mix of 3D originally filmed hockey action teamed with computer-generated photo-realistic 3D animation and classic archival footage from some of the most renowned moments in Stanley Cup history – the film literally jumps off the screen. Hockey Hall of Fame, Brookfield Place, 30 Yonge Street 416-933-8215 www.hhof.com

Shakespeare in Action - TD Shakespeare for Kids Library Club Saturdays in December This is a FREE readers’ theatre program for Shakespeare Kids ages 7-12! Join SHAKESPEARE IN ACTION for storytelling adventures! Explore the world of magic, witches, ghosts, silly mix-ups, and swordplay in some of the greatest stories ever told! Various Toronto Public Library Branches www.shakespeareinaction.org/tdlibrary-club.html Family Sundays at the AGO Sundays in December - p.m. until 4 p.m. With events for little kids, big kids and the whole family, there is fun for everyone. Our interactive, innovative family activities change on a monthly basis and are inspired by our ever-changing exhibitions and collections. Art Gallery of Ontario 317 Dundas St. West www.ago.net/family-sunday-programming Miniature Gingerbread House Making Workshop Ages 4 and up Dec 6 Build and decorate your very own holiday gingerbread house and learn about holiday customs from the past. Pre-registration required. $30 plus tax per house (maximum 1 adult & 2 children per house). Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre 67 Pottery Road, Toronto, ON The Natrel Rink at Harbourfront Until March 1 Visitors can enjoy our artificiallycooled outdoor rink while skating to music and taking in the beautiful

8 | TORONTO KIDS - December 2014

Hands-On

Sports

Outdoor

Food

Arts

Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market Until Dec 21 This holiday season Toronto will once again celebrate the romance and magic of a traditional Christmas at the Toronto Christmas Market. Inspired by the Old World and influenced by the new, this free annual event captures all of the tradition, heritage and charm of a European Christmas Market, while showcasing hundreds of unique and locally handcrafted products. Family friendly entertainment includes musicians, carolers and children’s choirs. FREE. Distillery Historic District www.torontochristmasmarket.com

surroundings of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands. On-site skate rentals, helmet rentals, change rooms, rental lockers and skate sharpening are available. Free admission. Harbourfront Centre 416-973-4000 www.harbourfrontcentre.com DX Family Day Dec 7 - 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Held once a month during the run of the exhibition Politics of Fashion | Fashion of Politics, Family Sunday invites children, parents and caregivers to explore and engage with the exhibit. Each program features drop-in, hands-on design activities for all ages led by DX educators. Plus, make it a memorable experience with our photo booth! During Family Sunday hours, exhibition admission is free for up to two adults accompanying children under 12. Design Exchange 234 Bay Street 416-363-6121 www.dx.org

BRAIN: The Inside Story at the Ontario Science Centre Until Mar 29 Take an unprecedented journey through the essential bundle of neurons that is the human brain, the control centre for our thoughts, senses and feelings. Ontario Science Centre 416-696-1000 www.ontariosciencecentre.ca CINDERELLA - The Gags to Riches Family Musical! Until Jan 4 Ross Petty Productions presents CINDERELLA - The Gags to Riches Family Musical this Holiday Season! If orange really is the new black, you’ll definitely want to join us at Toronto’s Elgin Theatre to meet our riotously colourful pumpkin patch heroine…. Cinderella. Elgin Theatre www.rosspetty.com

upcomingevents One of a Kind Show Toronto Until Dec 7 It’s Canada’s finest craft show, bringing innovative artists, craftspeople, and designers together to share their unique creations with the rest of the world! Direct Energy Centre Exhibition Place www.oneofakindshow.com/toronto Scarborough Model Railroaders Train Show Until Dec 7- 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Club House 17 Jeavons Ave., Scarborough 416-262-9971 scarborough-model-railroaders.org Le Chat Botté (Puss in Boots) Dec 6 - 11:00 am until 12:00 am Théâtre français de Toronto is pleased to present Le Chat botté (Puss in Boots), a fun musical comedy for young audiences. In a mystical forest where trees are tiger-striped and where cats favor jazz over meowing, Frédéric Bélanger puts a new spin on the famous fairy tale by Charles Perreault. Berkeley Street Theatre 26 Berkeley Street 416-534-6604 www.theatrefrancais.com Cow Over Moon Presents Hansel & Gretel in Toronto Dec 3 to Dec 7 Meet the brother and sister duo who can’t put down their iPhones and iPads who get entered into a game where they have to reach the enchanted gingerbread house without using any of their usual gadgets and gizmos. Watch them learn about how to work as a team as they discover what the true meaning of home is. Red Sandcastle Theatre 922 Queen Street East 905-510-8210 www.cowovermoon.ca/hansel-gretel/

Music & Truffles presents Piano Dialogue Dec 7 - 1:15 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. David Jalbert and Wonny Song will wow young audiences five and up, and their families, with an hour of pianistic bravado! They play solos and two-piano selections that include Ravel’s Ma Mère l’Oye – known in English as Mother Goose. And to sweeten the deal, everyone gets a chocolate truffle at the end. Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Building 80 Queen’s Park Crescent www.mooredaleconcerts.com A TOY Pop-up Museum: Child’s Play at Spadina Museum Dec 7- 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Young or old, bring your favourite toy to this community-curated Pop-up! You can display whatever you like: dolls, blocks, musical instruments, games, or action figures – don’t be shy! Your object doesn’t need to be historic or collectable. We will also be displaying vintage toys from the City of Toronto’s collection. Free. Spadina Museum 285 Spadina Road www.toronto.ca/museum-events The Snowman Dec 7- 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. The concert will feature: - The classic Children’s Animation “The Snowman” with music provided by Orchestra Toronto and the Bach Children’s Chorus - The world premiere of A Hockey Cantata by Canadian composer Dean Burry - Channukah Songs with the Bach Children’s Chorus. George Weston Recital Hall (Toronto Centre for the Arts) 5040 Yonge Street orchestratoronto.ca/wp/the-snowman Meet a Real Sledding Dog Team Dec 13 to 21 - 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. This is your chance to meet and have

your picture taken with a real dog sledding team during Winterfest on Toronto’s Waterfront! Visitors will be able to have a quick ‘pat and chat’ with Tanya Hawley and her sled dogs and see various items used in dog sledding! FREE! 245 Queens Quay W. 416-360-7297 www.pawsway.ca Ultimutts Stunt Dog Show Dec 13 to 21 - 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. The Ultimutts Stunt Dog Show is a one-of-a-kind comedy stunt dog show featuring more than 50 incredible and hilarious stunts and tricks. The highly trained dogs demonstrate some amazing circus style tricks including: tightrope walking, bike riding, piano playing, skipping and more! Free. 245 Queens Quay W. 416-360-7297 www.pawsway.ca The Snow Queen at Solar Stage Dec 13 to Jan 4 Gerda and Kay are best friends, but they have an argument. Kay follows the Snow Queen to her Palace of Ice in the woods. Gerda must go rescue him - with the help of her friends a Reindeer and a Dove. Can love melt the Snow Queen’s icy heart? (Musical Play) Ages 3 - 10. Solar Stage - The Madison Centre 4950 Yonge Street www.solarstage.on.ca Potted Potter - The Unauthorized Harry Experience - A Parody by Dan and Jeff Dec 18 to Dec 21 Playing to sold out houses all over the world, the Olivier Award nominated Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes.

Panasonic Theatre www.mirvish.com Disney On Ice Presents Treasure Trove Dec 19 to Dec 28 Get tangled up in Disney’s 50th animated feature with Rapunzel and Flynn and enter worlds of your other favourite Disney princesses including Tiara, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan, and of course, the one who started it all, Snow White. Rogers Centre www.ticketmaster.ca

Glama Gal Tween Spa Presents: Noon Year’s Eve Party Dec 31 - 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. Girls in their fanciest of dresses can ring in 2015 with confetti manicures, pink Champagne and little fancies, pink balloon drop filled with inspirational wishes for the upcoming year, and mini hair and mini make-up applications! Glama Gals Various Locations in the GTA www.glamagalparty.com/noon-yearseve-party For more December events, visit www.toronto4kids.com/Calendar

ONTARIO’S LARGEST INDOOR AMUSEMENT PARK

Open Daily in December

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS DEC 22 – JAN 3

INSIDE WOODBINE CENTRE 500 REXDALE BLVD AT HWY 27.

FANTASYFAIR.CA

416-674-5437

TORONTO KIDS - December 2014 | 9

home for the holidays| events

A Christmas Carol Soulpepper’s beloved production of Michael Shamata’s A Christmas Carol has become a Toronto holiday tradition. Share the classic tale with your loved ones, and watch as Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who help him understand the importance of charity in the holiday season. Until Dec 27 Young Centre for the Performing Arts 50 Tank House Lane www.soulpepper.ca Celebrate the Holiday in the Ice Age at the CN Tower Your favourite Ice Age friends are back in a holiday adventure for the whole family! Can a handful of prehistoric misfits really save the holiday? Find out in this hilarious adventure featured in 3-D with added in-theatre effects that will transport you back to the Ice Age. Access included with a General Admission ticket. Dec 6 to Jan 4 CN Tower www.cntower.ca Santa Brunch Cruise Bring your little ones to meet Santa aboard the Northern Spirit and enjoy a delicious brunch including our chef’s famous cinnamon French toast, a carving of roast turkey with house stuffing, fresh salads, eggs, bacon and much more. There will be plenty to keep the kids entertained, including arts & crafts, caroling and a free picture with Santa. Dec 21, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Mariposa Cruises – Northern Spirit 207 Queen’s Quay W, Toronto, ON www.mariposacruises.com

Christmas at Kortright The forest comes to life with lights, friendly elves and your favorite Christmas characters. Visit Santa’s workshop to see the elves at work. Play games, make Christmas crafts and watch a Christmas movie in our theater. Enjoy carols and Christmas treats by the fire. Each child will have the chance to visit Santa’s cabin and tell Santa their Christmas wish. Dec 5 to Dec 20, 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. Kortright Centre for Conservation 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge www.kortright.org

Habitat for Humanity Toronto’s Annual Gingerbread Build Enjoy fun festivities, prizes, music, and a visit from Santa! Gingerbread Kits Include: Each Kit Includes: 8.5” gingerbread house (unassembled or preassembled), cardboard toolbox stuffed with a variety of candy, two bags of icing, two holiday cookies, foil base, cellophane wrap, and charitable $25 tax receipt. .$50 per gingerbread kit/house. Dec 6 to Dec 7, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Ontario Science Centre www.gingerbreadbuild.weebly.com/

TSO’s The Bear Celebrate a family Christmas with The Bear, a delightful animated film from the creators of The Snowman, and accompanied by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Based on the book by Raymond Briggs, The Bear tells the story of young Tilly, who accidentally drops her beloved teddy into the polar bear pit at the zoo, beginning a magical friendship with bear-sized complications! Participate in a free intermission art activity with the Avenue Road Arts School. Dec 7 Roy Thompson Hall www.tso.ca

Holiday Bricktacular! at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Little elves can participate in building challenges, scavenger hunts and more! Jump inside the World’s Most Festive Box of LEGO® Bricks! Weekends until Dec 23 LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre at Vaughan Mills www.legolanddiscoverycentre.ca

Fort York Frost Fair Imagine yourself transported back in time to the early 19th century, where the local Christmas Market was one of the social and shopping highlights of the year. Stroll through the historic buildings of Fort York where merchants will be selling their heritage inspired wares and reproductions. Dec 6 and Dec 7, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Fort York National Historic Site www.toronto.ca/museum-events

TSA YOUTH STUDIO GUIDES YOUNG ARTISTS THROUGH HANDS-ON STUDIO EXPLORATIONS TO FIND THEIR CREATIVE VOICE AND OUR LIFE DRAWING FOR TEENS MARCH BREAK INTENSIVE INTRODUCES VARIOUS APPROACHES TO STRENGTHEN DRAWING SKILLS. _ Youth Studio is offered for ages 10-13 and 14-17. The March Break Intensive is for Teens ages 14-17. Save $50 with the promo code TOkids50 now through December 30. Winter courses start January 12. To register, visit tsa-art.com, call, or drop by during our OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, December 13, 10am-3pm. 980 Dufferin Street, 2 Floor Toronto ON M6H 4B4 416.504.7910 | info@tsa-art.com nd

10 | TORONTO KIDS - December 2014

Blades on Stage: A Broadway Holiday Spectacular on Ice Canada’s finest skating artists are being brought from the ice rinks into the legitimate theatre. Elvis Stojko, Shae-Lynn Bourne, Violetta Afansieva & Pete Dack are among the luminaries who will star in this new show . Dec 24 to Jan 4 Princess of Wales Theatre www.mirvish.com/shows/bladesonstage Christmas at Black Creek On weekends in December, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride around the historic Village and meet with Santa in Santa’s Cottage! Weekends until Dec 23 www.blackcreek.ca

Christmas at Colborne Lodge Warm up by the hearth at Colborne Lodge and take in the sights and smells of a Victorian Christmas. Enjoy the natural greenery decorations, toast the season with a glass of hot mulled cider by the wood stove and nibble on special holiday treats. The Lodge is nestled at the south end of High Park. Holiday admission prices apply. Until Jan 4, 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Colborne Lodge, south end of High Park www.toronto.ca/museum-events Write a Letter to Santa at MacKenzie House 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. In the kitchen visitors will enjoy holiday treats made from original recipes and sip mulled cider warmed on the art deco gas range. Holiday admission applies. Nov 25 to Jan 4 Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens www.toronto.ca/museum-events Santa Experience at Kidz360 Join Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves for storytelling, songs, and cookie decorating! This one hour event will also include face painting and a professional photographer will be available for pictures with Santa. All proceeds from this event will go to Sarah’s Drive for Hope. $10 per ticket. Dec 13 to Dec 14 Kidz360 Active Learning Centre 3431 Dundas St. West, Toronto, ON www.kidz360.ca For more holiday events visit Toronto4Kids.com.

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winter eats I holiday recipes

Make holiday memories in the kitchen In most houses, fresh-from-the-oven cookies don’t last long – especially around the holidays. What does last however, are the memories shared with loved ones baking in a warm kitchen and the satisfaction of enjoying a delicious treat (or two!) made from scratch. Anna Olson, celebrity chef and host of Food Network Canada’s Bake with Anna Olson, knows just how great spending time in the kitchen can be at this time of year. “Holiday baking always stirs up memories for me of spending time with my loved ones,” says Olson. “Laughing over spilt ingredients, sneaking a bit of chocolate here and there, watching cookies rise and smelling the sweet aroma of sugar, butter and vanilla.” To make your own memories this season, why not try a few of Anna’s favourite baking tips for the most festive time of the year: 1. Start with the basics. Olson suggests stocking your kitchen with essential ingredients. Keeping the

basics like flour, sugar, eggs, butter, nuts, dried fruit and chocolate chips on hand means you are ready to start baking at any time. 2. Make it fun. Play your favourite music or holiday tunes to really get you in a festive spirit. Singing and dancing around the kitchen can be just as fun as the baking process. 3. Get inspired. Instead of adding just regular chocolate chips, for example, brighten up the cookies with different flavours. Having fun ingredients in your pantry will help avoid a baking rut. 4. Change it up. When it comes to holiday baking we often think of the classics, like decorated sugar cookies but know that you can branch out and try something modern like cake pops, or whoopie pies. 5. Or keep it simple. Never underestimate the power of a gingerbread cookie. Wonderful memories can be made even over the simplest recipe.

—www.newscanada.com

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Nutcracker (11:30 a.m.) Mixed Program (2:30 p.m.) The

Performance by the Profile & Interplay dance companies and featuring guest artists from the National Ballet of Canada Betty Oliphant Theater 404 Jarvis St Toronto, Ontario M4Y 2G6

Tickets go on sale December 1!

Call locations for information:

PSB Dance Acadamy ~ 416.284.6784 Interplay ~ 416.972.1316

Pass the cookies please Baking seasonal treats is a primary part of the holiday tradition – and not only is homemade gingerbread a crowd pleaser at any function, the spicy aroma is bound to inspire budding bakers as well. Great Canadian Gingerbread Ingredients: • ½ cup of unsalted butter at room temperature • ¾ cup of packed dark brown sugar • ½ cup of fancy molasses • 2 large eggs at room temperature • 3 ¼ cup all-purpose flour • 1 tbsp ground ginger • ½ tsp ground allspice • ½ tsp ground cinnamon • ½ tsp baking powder • ½ tsp baking soda • ½ tsp table salt • Icing sugar (optional) Directions: 1. Beat butter, brown sugar and molasses together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. 2. In a separate bowl, sift flour, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Add this gradually to the butter mixture and stir until blended. Shape dough into 2 balls, wrap and chill for about an hour, up to 2 days. 3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2-3 baking trays with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the first ball of dough until just over 1/8inch thick. Use a cookie cutter of your choice to cut out cookie shapes. Lift them carefully to the prepared trays, leaving about ½-inch between them. Add any scraps to the second piece of dough and repeat. 4. Bake cookies for 15-18 minutes until browned a little just around the edges. Let cookies cool for a few minutes on the tray before removing to cool completely. Dust with icing sugar for an easy way to add a festive touch. 5. Cookies will keep for up to 10 days in an airtight container.

—www.newscanada.com

TORONTO KIDS - December 2014 | 11

traditions | make memories

Make the holidays truly magical for your kids We’ve all felt the pressure to attend every holiday movie, try every sweet goodie, and pile up all of our presents under the tree. Yet many parents find that it’s not the gifts their kids remember. Children most enjoy the traditions, the time spent together and the moments of connection with family, friends, and even complete strangers. “My kids can’t recall

what was under the tree two years ago,” says Debbie Wolfe a mom in Toronto. “But they often talk about our annual trip to see the decorated shop windows downtown, or the refugee family we invited for Christmas dinner that year.” Here are five other ideas for memorable, magical holidays: 1. Start a holiday tradition: Try sledding on Christmas Eve, making the cookies your grandmother made, or

watching a holiday classic every weekend in December. 2. Open your heart: Invite a less fortunate family for a meal, or get your kids to send a gift to a family in a developing country. This can be done on the web site called World Vision Gifts. 3. Take in music: Whether it’s free holiday music at your city hall, or Christmas carols at a nearby church, the sounds of the season have a wonderful way of lifting spirits.

4. Set up mailboxes: Tape large envelopes to bedroom doors and drop in notes of fun and encouragement. Invite kids to cookie baking in the kitchen that afternoon, or count down the days until Christmas. 5. Let the lights shine: Brighten those dark December nights with candles at dinner time. Or let them sleep by the Christmas tree one night, with the lights twinkling.

—www.newscanada.com

T.O. Tip! There are plenty of tobogganing hills to make memories with your kids this winter. Withrow Park in the Danforth is steep and short, perfect for the little ones. In the west, High Park is a winter wonderland. But the only place tobogganing is still still permitted is the hill at Howard Park Avenue and Parkside Drive.

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