The holiday season has officially begun!
If you're looking to support independent vendors at a local Christmas market, or hoping to pose for photos with Santa while indulging in hot chocolate—exploring what your city has to offer during the festive season can be the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit in your community.
According to the TD 2018 Ready Commitment Report (TD's corporate citizenship platform), only one-in-three North Americans surveyed feel connected to their community[1], which is one reason why TD is creating opportunities for Canadians to come together at events across the country during the holidays.
To help spread the holiday cheer, here is a list of TD-sponsored events and activities from coast-to-coast that you can enjoy this December.
Union Holiday
When: November 29 – January 4
Where: Union Station, Toronto
Looking for a new place to lace up your skates over the holidays? Look no further than Toronto's Union Station!
Union Holiday presented by TD is a festive experience where you can skate for free in the heart of downtown Toronto. Stretching almost half the size of an NHL rink, the ice outside Union Station is open daily (weather permitting) Sunday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST, and Thursday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST.
Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase, and visitors can listen to local DJ talent at the TD Music Booth. Skate and helmet rentals, as well as skating lessons, are available free of charge.
When you're ready to warm up après skating, head into the West Wing of Union Station and take in the majesty of The Tomorrow Tree. Crafted over 100 hours by Montreal artist Laurence Vallières, The Tomorrow Tree was made using only up-cycled, reusable materials and helps to serve as a reminder that there are many ways to be a little greener during the holiday season.
Known for using recycled carboard to create her art, Vallières says she gravitated to the material because of its sustainability. "I work with cardboard first and foremost because it's ecofriendly," said Vallières. "I believe the best way for anyone to reduce waste is to reuse materials. I like to keep plastic containers for future use and I reuse cardboard boxes for gifts. You can even make your own Christmas decorations from papier-mâché instead of buying plastic ones from the store."
In addition to The Tomorrow Tree, Union Holiday also features a gift-wrapping station where only recyclable paper and biodegradable gift tags are used to help reduce the amount of holiday waste that ends up in landfills.
Travelling through Union Station? Use #TDUnionHoliday and share photos of your experience.
For more information, please visit: torontounion.ca/tdunionholiday
The Nutcracker
When: December 12 – 30
Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place Des Arts, Montreal
For over 50 years, The Nutcracker presented by TD, has been delighting the hearts of children and grownups alike in Montreal. Rediscover the story of young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in the Land of Snow as Les Grands Ballets Orchestra performs the musical wonders of this timeless classic.
Photo credit: Félix Renaud | Dancer: Giuseppe Canale
Ottawa Christmas Market
When: Weekends only, November 29 – December 22
Where: Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne, Ottawa
See the magic of the season come to life at the Ottawa Christmas Market presented by TD—Ottawa's first European-style Christmas Market. Visit the vendors and local craftsman and sample some of the delicious baked goods and holiday treats!
Christmas in Kensington
When: Saturdays only, November 30 – December 21
Where: Kensington, Calgary, AB
On the four Saturdays leading up to Christmas, the community of Kensington in Calgary joins together to celebrate the holidays. A horse and wagon travels throughout the neighbourhood, picking up and dropping off visitors as they shop. Other attractions include a petting zoo and 25-foot Christmas tree visitors won't want to miss.
Each Saturday, jolly old Saint Nick will greet holiday shoppers outside of the local TD branch. In addition to spreading Christmas cheer, he'll be handing out candy and hot chocolate, and will pose for free photos or a #SantaSelfie.
Community Skate
When: December 28, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. AST
Where: TD Station, Saint John, NB
Hit the ice at TD Station for a day of family fun holiday-style! Bring your skates and helmets, family and friends for an afternoon of free skating on the home turf of the Saint John Sea Dogs.
New Year's Festival
When: December 31, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. GMT
Where: Broadmoor Lake Park, Community Centre Agora, Festival Place, and the Sherwood Park Arena and Sports Centre, Sherwood Park, AB
Ring in 2020 with free family fun at the New Year's Festival—an event that brings families together to share in both the community and holiday spirit. Take part in snowshoeing, hockey, remote control bobsled races, hula dancers, mechanical surfing, tropical-themed crafts, face painting, skating, wagon rides, fireworks and more! After partaking in the outdoor activities, visitors can warm up with hot chocolate and snacks.
[1] A TD-commissioned survey led by Proof in 2018.