BY RYA WALFORD
No more early mornings or long classes, no more due dates or grades, Christmas break is the holy grail of the school year.
For a lot of students, the break means going home or fleeing to warm, sandy beaches, but what about those people who have to stay in the area?
Sure, cozying up in a fuzzy blanket while binge watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix is a perfectly good way to pass the time but eventually, you will go stir crazy and need a little social activity.
Generally, Toronto can be quite expensive, especially for students, local or international.
So, what is there to do on a student budget?
Here’s 25 wallet friendly things to do every day leading up to Christmas.
December 1: Tree Decorating at Davis Campus in Brampton 2 – 3 p.m.
Team up with a few friends and put your decorating skills to the test. Compete to win an SSU holiday basket and title of the best decorated tree.
December 2: Kerr Village Christmas Tree Lighting 5 – 8 p.m.
Head down to Heritage Square in Oakville to join the community in the annual lighting ceremony. It is a free event for everyone.
December 3: Cineplex Family Day 11 a.m. or Christmas at the Lighthouse 1 – 6 p.m.
Catch a holiday classic, How the Grinch stole Christmas, at any participating Cineplex. The film is only $2.99.
If you’re not a morning person, head down to Port Credit and take part in Christmas at the Lighthouse.
There will be crafts, carols, ice sculptors and of course, Santa. The lighting ceremony starts at 5 p.m.
December 4: Burlington Santa Claus Parade 2 – 4 p.m.
Santa and his elves will fill the streets of Burlington with holiday cheer.
December 5: The Nutcracker 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Nutcracker is a Christmas classic. The ballet will be at the Meadowvale Theatre and tickets are $30 for youth and seniors, $39 for adults.
December 6: Toronto Christmas Market
Enjoy food, art, entertainment and crafts in the Distillery Historic District. From Tuesday to Friday entrance to the market is free, on Friday night through Sunday tickets are $6.
December 7: Magical Winterland Nights at Casa Loma 5 – 9 p.m.
Every Wednesday the castle turns into a winter wonderland. Tickets are $27.
December 8: Awkward Family Photo Day 1 – 2 p.m.
Throw on your holiday best and go to any of the Sheridan campuses to capture a family photo.
December 9: 12 Beers of Xmas 6 – 9 p.m.
Make your way to the Gladstone Hotel with your ugliest Christmas sweater on and sample 12 different brewers. Tickets are $25.
December 10: Creative Cards with Sharlena Woods 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Get on the creativity train and head to the Visual Arts Centre in Mississauga for a day of crafting fun.
December 11: Candlelight Carol Service 7 – 9 p.m.
Take part in a night of traditional carolling at Erin Mills United Church.
December 12: Meditation for stress relief 7 – 8 p.m.
If the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is taking its toll on you, for just $15 you can unwind with Studio 89s meditation class.
December 13: Skate on the Square 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Whether you’re a professional or a first-timer, lacing up a pair of skates is a great way to get out in the community and enjoy some physical activity. Celebration Square even offers skate rentals.
December 14: Magical Winterland at Casa Loma 5 – 9 p.m.
December 15: An East Coast Family Christmas with the Ennis Sisters 8 – 9 p.m.
This concert features Christmas songs from the sisters’ two albums, as well as traditional Irish dancing. Enjoy the Christmas special for $30.
December 16: A Christmas Carol 7 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy this Christmas classic at the Rose Theatre in Brampton. Tickets are $34.
December 17: Family Art and Yoga 2 to 2:30 p.m.
Take a yoga class designed for everyone. This community class is hosted at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives and is by donation.
December 18: Holiday Hike 10:30 a.m. to noon
Experience the outdoors and get to know some people in the area by taking a hike through High Park.
December 19: Art Café
The East End Community Health Centre offers a free afternoon of art, providing all the necessary materials.
December 20: Give Back
Take the opportunity to clean out your closet and cupboards today. Charites are always looking for donations, especially this time of year, feel good knowing you could help a family in need.
December 21: Magical Winterland at Casa Loma
December 22: Gingerbread decorating and eating night 6:30 – 8:16 p.m.
Indulge that sweet tooth and take part in Studio 89s, free, gingerbread decorating night.
December 23: Holiday Fair in the Square 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Visit Nathan Phillips square on it’s last day of the holiday fair to enjoy festival staples, rides and ice skating.
December 24: Embrace your inner child
Snuggle up with some cookies and milk and have a Christmas movie marathon. There’s nothing better than watching classics and dreaming of sugar plums dancing.
December 25: The Unofficial Oprah Winfrey Comedy Show 8-10 p.m.
Enjoy a night of laughter at Placebo Space as they put on a comedy show featuring professional and up n’ coming comedians. And the best part? It’s free.
