KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The Christmas I was 10, my sister and I woke up at our usual ridiculously-early hour and raced downstairs to the tree. Something was different: fewer gifts than usual, no giant boxes, no bike-shaped mystery lumps. But nestled among the smaller packages were envelopes that turned out to be plane tickets to Bermuda. We were leaving that very morning, which
explained why my parents had not objected to being awakened at 5:30. Decades later, I don’t remember what else I got that year—or most years—but I remember being bundled up and giddy, heading to the airport while it was still dark. I remember pink sand, caves, and the little cakes they served at teatime. It's all still as fresh to me as the air was at Grotto Bay Beach. That trip taught me something I wouldn’t have been able to say at the time:
Presence creates the memories, not the presents. Of course, we all want our kids to have a magical holiday. But when we think back to our own childhoods, what sticks isn’t the stuff, it’s the doing. The zoo trips, the plays, the sporting events, the concerts, the hands held during the adventures. That’s why my long-time holiday mantra is “Do it, don’t dust it.” Experiences are the gifts that last the longest, especially when we do them
together. They don’t pile up in a closet; they plant themselves in our memory. So if you’re still pondering what to give the people you love this year, consider a show, a class, a day trip, a membership, a season pass. Something that says “I see you, you matter, let's do it together." Need ideas? Head to our Local Memberships & Season Passes page! It's your ticket to the perfect gift... and it's guaranteed clutter-free.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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I'm thrilled to announce that my new book The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities (co-authored with Jamie Carter) is now published and shipping across North America! It’s packed with inspiring, true stories of everyday leaders who stepped up during the 2024 eclipse to bring people together, spark change, and strengthen their communities. Told with warmth and insight, this book makes a perfect holiday gift for the visionary, organizer, or community-builder in your life. Click the graphic to order from Amazon on print or Kindle; for other ordering options (including educator and bulk orders), or to see an annotated table of contents and the introduction, head to https://theeclipseeffect.com.
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Curious how your AI know-how compares to other parents? We surveyed over 300 of you, and the results are in! The big takeaway? You aren't alone in feeling overwhelmed. While most parents have a basic grasp of the technology, over 52% feel unequipped to actually guide their kids through it. The number one thing you requested help with was "Digital Defense"—specifically, how to spot misinformation and fake news. You can read the full, fascinating report at kidsoutandabout.com/research. Ready for round two? Help us dive deeper by taking our new, quick 13-question survey here: https://forms.gle/1nTsaG384SW8cUpL7.
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CELEBRATING OVER 25 YEARS OF ELVIS MAGIC! Steve Michaels returns in a triumphant celebration of the holiday season! The Wonderful World of Christmas – Graceland Edition! Step into a world of holiday enchantment with Elvis’ Wonderful World of Christmas: Graceland Edition, a dazzling tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. This one-of-a-kind show, starring the internationally acclaimed Elvis Tribute Artist and World Champion, Steve Michaels, brings the festive magic of Graceland to life, infused with the warmth and spirit of Christmas.
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A Spectacular Holiday Celebration of Culture and Art: Oriental Legend Makes Historic Canadian Debut at Toronto’s Elgin Theatre on Dec 12, 2025
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Escape into the Magical Christmas Forest at the Kortright Centre and experience a winter wonderland filled with lights, crafts, activities, horse drawn wagon rides and treats for the whole family - and enjoy a visit with Santa in his cabin! Please note this is event has outdoor components, come dressed for the weather. Advance tickets required.
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Toronto’s Favourite Holiday Panto Returns! Get ready to root for the underdog and boo the baddies! This year, the legendary outlaw tale takes on a bold twist—our Robin is a spirited, savvy heroine leading her merry band of misfits in a fight for justice and kindness. Join Robin and her friends on a medieval romp through merry old Torontoshire! Journey through the lush forests of High Park, go head-to-head with the greedy Prince John, and rescue those in need - all with a hearty dose of laughter, pop hits, and plenty of surprises. Robin Hood delivers all the Panto fun you love: a sparkling spoof on a classic tale, hilarious comedy, dazzling musical numbers, and an intergenerational celebration that's perfect for the whole family. Grab your loved ones, don your green tights, and join us for a Panto experience full of mischief, melody, and meaning.
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It’s time to get into festive spirit and usher in the holiday season! The ever-popular Holiday Lights by the Lake is coming back to Coronation Park. Starting on December 1, Coronation Park will be transformed into a spectacular winter destination with the Holiday Lights by the Lake light display. The lights will be on display throughout the winter season through to February.
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Angus Glen Golf Club is proud to welcome guests back to Fairway of Lights, our beloved winter light experience that celebrates the beauty of the season in one of Markham’s most picturesque settings. Fairway of Lights has been brought back to the forest to create a more unique and intimate setting, highlighting one of Angus Glen’s most cherished natural features. After listening to valuable feedback from past visitors, we learned that the previous trail felt too long and challenging for some guests — particularly families with young children and older visitors. To make the experience more inclusive and enjoyable for all, we’ve thoughtfully shortened the walk to focus on the serene forested area, enhancing accessibility while preserving the magic and wonder of the lights. Join us this season to rediscover the Fairway of Lights — a breathtaking, heartwarming celebration of community, nature, and the joy of the holidays.
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A treasured soundtrack of the holidays. Celebrate the season with Vince Guaraldi’s beloved soundtrack of the 1965 Emmy Award-winning film, A Charlie Brown Christmas. This heartwarming performance features music from the album performed by Adam Bowman on drums, Duncan Wilson on piano, and Tyler Wagler on bass. The trio is accompanied by Burlington’s own Enchorus Children’s Choir.
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Join us for our Winter Kids' Day where all youth 17 and under get in FREE!* Expect a visit full of holiday fun including crafts, screenings of How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Lightning McQueen, and photos with the Grinch! The CAM giftshop will be open for all your holiday gift-giving needs. Browse our selection of car models, toys, books, and vintage magazines for that perfect car-themed gift!
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Immerse yourselves in the holiday magic of Westfield Heritage Village’s Christmas in the Woods on Sunday, December 7, and Sunday, December 14, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Step into a Winter Wonderland Experience the beauty of the season with swags, greenery, and traditional holiday decorations throughout the Village. Get ready to fill your day with activities to warm your heart and lift your spirits as you see, hear, and experience Christmas through the Village.
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Enjoy familiar heart-warming tunes from classic holiday movies, sung by the talented young voices of the Toronto Children's Chorus. Start your holiday season with this engaging concert for the whole family.
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The Three Ships Collective’s immersive and award-winning smash-hit, A Christmas Carol is returning to enchant audiences once again! Now in its seventh festive year, this perennially sold-out production is one of Toronto’s most anticipated holiday traditions. Set in the historic and picturesque Campbell House Museum located in the heart of downtown Toronto and brought to life by a stellar cast, this unique and critically-acclaimed theatrical experience invites audience members to step into the world of Victorian England and follow flinty miser Ebenezer Scrooge on his ghostly journey of redemption. A mirthful medley of magic, music, and the macabre, this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ story features original scenes, characters, and songs, making it a retelling of the beloved tale unlike any other!
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Mountsberg Conservation Area is pleased to present Christmas Town, a magical visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their woodland hideaway.
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Build a snowy scene with cotton balls and plasticine. Pinch, squish, and layer to bring a tactile winter wonderland to life!
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As winter crests and the mercury falls, everyone from your taxi driver to the music supervisor at the mall starts running timeless hits like “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night.” But for their Christmas Caravan show and album (which hit Billboard’s World Music Charts and The New York Times Hits List), Canada’s global groove wizards Sultans of String celebrate the holiday spirit with an adventurous musical trip around the world, featuring exuberant originals, world-music inspired classics, and seasonal favourites to warm your heart on a cold winter’s night.
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Experience the magic and wonder of the Region’s most spectacular and dazzling light displays this holiday season. Bask in the beauty and wonderment of Gift of Lights; a drive through experience, featuring a breathtaking 40 foot twinkly LED tree, over 300 animated and static light displays and light tunnels.
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Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Holiday Break Camps taking place in and around our area! If we're missing a camp that should be on this list, please email us to let us know.
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- 2025 Midtown's Gingerbread Lane - 55 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON Google Maps,
December 12, 2025, 3PM–7PM
- 2025 Winter Glow - Sankofa Square, Toronto, ON Google Maps, December 12–14, 2025, 4PM to 10PM on weekdays, 12PM to 10PM on
weekends
- Saturday Family Fun at Bradley Museum - Bradley Museum, 1620 Orr Rd, Mississauga, ON L4T 2L5 Google Maps,
December 13, 2025, 12–4 pm
- LaSalle Holiday Lights Heritage Nights - Town of LaSalle Civic Centre, Malden Road, LaSalle, ON N9J 1A1 Google Maps, December 13–14, 2025, See website
- Smile for Santa! - Yorkgate Mall, 1 York Gate Boulevard, North York, Toronto, ON M3N 3A1 Google Maps, December 13–14, 2025, 1–4pm
- Grinchmas! Photos with the Grinch & Free Movie Night - Bridlewood
Mall, Warden Avenue, Scarborough, ON Google Maps, December 13, 2025, 11am–5pm
- Festive
Lights at Ontario's Legislative Building, Queen's Park - Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Wellesley Street West, Toronto, ON Google Maps, December 13, 2025, 10:00AM, 16:00PM
- Christmas in the Woods - Westfield Heritage Village - Westfield Heritage Village, 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, ON L0R 1X0 Google Maps, December 14, 2025, 10 am–4
pm
- Visit Santa - Main Street Mercantile, 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450 Google Maps, December 14,
2025, 1PM–3PM
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Toronto area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's best places to take kids in Toronto, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. Our Top 20 results page is an annotated list of the winners, both of the top 20 slots and of the category winners. But there is LOTS more to do in and around
Toronto!
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Wishing you and your family health and happiness,
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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