As 2020 rapidly draws to a close, the holiday break is almost upon us. Whether it be during Reading Week or Winter Break, we all want to get out and have some fun without the ever-present stress of school weighing us down. 

Before I jump into my list of places to visit and things to do, I would like to preface this article by reminding everyone to please abide by the proper safety precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

For those who are interested in winter activities, although the Santa Claus Parade is cancelled, Nathan Phillips Square is open for skating! Drop in for free skate instructions and DJ Skate night, open in late November from 9 am to 10 pm. 

While the Christmas Market is officially cancelled this year, there’s still lots of festive spirit to witness in the Distillery District! The Toronto Light Festival flickers on at 7 pm every day from January 17 to March 1! Bundle up, head on out, and celebrate the season. The festival, now in its fourth year, is once again showcasing local and international light artists. To top it all off, the entire experience, encompassing 13 acres and 45 buildings, is completely free. 

Interested in more free activities? The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is offering visitors under 25 free, unlimited admission. Just sign up for the Annual AGO Pass, keeping in mind that members must book timed-entry general admission tickets in advance. Exhibitions include Illusions: The Art of Magic (closing November 8), Studio 54: Night Magic (opening December 26), and more! View Canadian, Indigenous, and multiple other art collections from around the world. 

Though not free, the Bata Shoe Museum (BSM) and Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) are also great places to take a look at! The Bata Shoe Museum has been described as unusual, but it’s right around the corner of campus, so why not check it out? With a renowned collection of over 14,000 artifacts, the BSM uses footwear to tell the story of social and cultural evolutions throughout history. The ROM, though no less interesting, has more of a classic approach to communicating history. 

Ever been in a castle? Casa Loma is a majestic palace dedicated to historic conservation. You can explore at your own pace, so make sure to spend a day searching the secret tunnels, gardens, and towers. Enjoy the dining halls and stop by the gift shop for a memento of your visit! 

A personal favourite of mine, Ripley’s Aquarium, is open everyday from 10 am to 8 pm. Explore the various galleries and see all the different parts of the ocean right in front of your eyes! With exhibitions such as Canadian Waters, Planet Jellyfish, and Dangerous Lagoon, you won’t even need a scuba suit to take a deep dive. 

Interested in sports? While Toronto’s Hockey Hall of Fame is not holding games right now, there is still lots to explore. Take a tour of the exhibits, including the Montreal Canadiens Dressing Room and the Stanley Cup Dynasties, or head down to the video game kiosks and Slapshot Trivia. 

And, last but not least, I recommend taking a walk around the streets of campus! Toronto is filled with charming little shops and diners, many very close to Innis. No matter what you do, I wish you all a very happy holiday season!