9 distanced things to do in Toronto this week: November 30 to December 6

The Christmas spirit is here! Although Toronto is currently under lockdown, it’s time to get creative and enjoy the holiday season. There are some outdoor activities, and at home ones, to enjoy safely.

If you need to stretch your legs a bit, there’s also a ton of distanced activities you can take part in that are safe and fun.

Here’s a list of ideas that might catch your eye as you head into the week.

CF Sherway Gardens Holiday Drive-Thru

The CF Holiday Drive-Thru will take guests on an enchanted journey as they follow an elf on a mission to fill the “holiday cheer battery” that powers Santa’s sleigh. The experience begins in the colourfully illuminated “Tinsel Tunnel,” before you’re whisked to an enchanted forest, vibrant town square, and Santa’s workshop. The final stop includes a physically distanced meeting with Santa himself.

When: 5 pm to 10 pm from November 24 to December 24, 2020
Where: CF Sherway Gardens, 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke
Tickets: ​Free, but you have to register online in advance

Holiday Nights of Lights

This holiday season, you can visit a 2.25 km long magical light display animated and synchronized to 30 minutes of your favourite festive tunes at the Nights of Lights. This light to music show is the first of its kind and will definitely get you into the holiday spirit in a safe manner.

When: November 20, 2020, to January 7, 2021.
Where: Revel Park, 80 Interchange Way, Vaughan.

Support local restaurants and order from some of Toronto’s best soups

With the ups and downs of Toronto’s weather and the flu season among us, finding the perfect remedy to help you with your cold can feel tiresome. Luckily, Toronto is home to crafty artisans, talented chefs and brilliant bakers who are constantly whipping up healthful and delicious items. These remedies will perfectly supplement your bed-rest and movie-marathoning.

When: Hours vary depending on the restaurant.
Where: Locations vary.

Check out outdoor activities in Toronto

With winter around the corner, the City of Toronto has launched a program to get residents outside during the colder months and amid the pandemic. From skating to tobogganing, the city has it all – but be sure to book ahead!

Where: Across Toronto

Cadillac Fairview’s virtual Santa

Cadillac Fairview introduces several new virtual Santa experiences to keep the magic and spirit of the season alive for Canadian families. CF Storytime LIVE with Santa will take place on Facebook Live and feature 15-minute episodes in English and French that will bring families together at home. New this season is virtual visits with Santa where families can have a video chat with Santa. Parents can arrange to receive a special video call with the big man himself while he’s busy at the North Pole preparing for the holiday season. Reservations are now available.

When: November 28 to December 24
Where: Online

Try Toronto’s newest Brazillian Crepes spot

Toronto’s newest spot for delicious crepes is here, but it’s not what you might think. Tapi Go! is the city’s place to try Brazilian Tapioca crepes for both savoury and sweet options. Having recently opened this fall, Tapi Go! at 835 Bloor Street West prides itself in their original recipes straight from Brazil, creating masterful pieces that look great to the eye and delicious to taste. Take out and enjoy.

Where: Tapi Go! 835 Bloor Street West
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm

Polar Holiday Drive Through

The Polar Holiday Drive-Through brings six dazzling levels of holiday décor to Toronto’s Pearson Airport, and even the photos will make you feel festive. From November 27, 2020, to January 3, 2021, the Polar drive-through features three festive worlds, each connected by 300-foot-long light tunnels. The multi-level drive-through is presented by the Concierge Club and Impact XM.

When:​ November 27, 2020, to January 3, 2021
Where:​ Toronto, Pearson Parkade, 6145 Viscount Road, Mississauga
Tickets: ​Available online, $55 Monday to Thursday, $65 Friday to Sunday

Nights of Lights TO

This holiday season, you can visit a 2.25-kilometre-long magical drive-thru light display in Vaughan that is animated and synchronized to 30 minutes of your favourite festive tunes. This lights-to-music show is the first of its kind and will definitely get you into the holiday spirit and in a safe manner.

When: November 20, 2020, to January 7, 2021
Where: Revel Park, 80 Interchange Way, Vaughan
Tickets: Available on their website. The cost is $25 per car for 1-2 passengers; $40 per car for 3-5 passengers; $65 per car for 6-8 passengers

Nordstrom Santa visits

Santa’s staying safe this year by cancelling all of his Nordstrom appearances to quarantine up in the North Pole.  Rather than hosting in-person meet-and-greets at Nordstrom, Santa will be zooming onto your computer screen, ready to take Christmas lists virtually. Nordstrom has released an additional note for parents, adding that Nordstrom Santas are diverse, with a range of ethnic backgrounds and body types.

When: Friday to Sunday from November 27 until December 20
Where: Online
Tickets: Can be purchased online.

Note: While local parks, some shops, and distanced events are reopened, Toronto Public Health is reminding individuals to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. If you decide to go out, maintain the six-foot physical distancing guidelines and wear a mask.