The historic Canon Theatre, located at 244 Victoria Street was renamed the Ed Mirvish Theatre on Tuesday, December 6, in honour of one of Toronto's key theatre figures. The announcement was made by Ed Mirvish's son, David Mirvish, at a special event at the theatre, which included special performances and appearances by tenor Michael Burgess, actress Shirley Douglas and singer Molly Johnson. Video messages from Premier Dalton McGuinty, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and an appearance by Mayor Rob Ford also honoured this auspicious renaming ceremony. Though it was managed by Mirvish Productions since 2001, the 91-year-old Ed Mirvish Theatre was officially acquired by the company in 2008.

 

Celebrate the season by enjoying one of Toronto's oldest performance traditions. Since 1938, the Church of the Holy Trinity has presented "The Christmas Story" play, an hour-long nativity pageant. The production includes professional musicians and a volunteer cast. "The Christmas Story" will play Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until December 24. Church of the Holy Trinity is located at 10 Trinity Square, beside the Toronto Eaton Centre. Suggested donation is $20 for adults, $5 for children. For the schedule or to reserve your tickets visit www.holytrinitytoronto.org or call 416 598 8979.

 

Santa Stories at Mackenzie House 

Gather in the cozy Mackenzie House family room and listen to tales from the Victorian Era on Sunday, December 11 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Experience what Christmas in Toronto would have been like in the 19th century as you bring the family together for story time. Enjoy mulled cider and cookies, baked with traditional recipes in the warmth of the historic kitchen and admire the festively decorated 1859 row-house. Admission is $10.50 plus tax per person for Santa stories and snacks. Pre-register by calling 416 392 6915. Mackenzie House is located at 82 Bond Street.

 

This Christmas give your child an experience to remember and sign up for Story time with Santa. Every Saturday and Sunday morning until Christmas Eve from 9 to 10 a.m. Santa will read a classic holiday story. Bring your camera to capture the moment of your child meeting Santa after the reading. Parents get to enjoy a special parent's lounge with hot beverages and treats sponsored by Aroma Expresso Bar while they keep an eye on their little ones. 

Children can also share their Christmas wish list with Santa in a one-on-one voice or video call, live from his workshop in the North Pole. Sign up for your 10 minute session, Monday to Friday between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

To make a reservation for Story time or Skype with Santa or for more information, contact Guest Services via email santaexperienceTEC@cadillacfairview.com or call 416 598 8560. Suggested donation of $5 with all proceeds to benefit the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada.

 

Celebrate the season at the Bond Place Hotel with their special holiday party packages. Their special offers include a 10 per cent discount off the total bill, with a minimum purchase of $1500, special parking rate of $10, complimentary coat check for all and complimentary room and parking for the function organizer. A selection of menus is available. Packages available for holiday parties held until December 29.

A holiday room rate special is also available at just $79 for a standard room with a group room block reservation. For more information or to reserve your party contact mmultani@bondplace.ca. The Bond Place Hotel is located at 65 Dundas Street East.

 

 

Celebrate the holiday season at Spring Rolls and enjoy their new, All You Can Eat, Christmas special. Make your choice from over 80 items, made fresh to order, including dim sum, sushi and sashimi. The All You Can Eat special is available every day of the week. Lunch special $14.00 ($16.99 on weekends), dinner special starting at $22.99. Spring Rolls is located at 40 Dundas Street West. Visit www.springrolls.ca for more information.

 

Visit Bangkok Garden throughout the month of December for your chance to win in their Secret Savings Event. Every guest that dines at the restaurant will receive a sealed envelope containing a voucher for 15 per cent to 50 per cent off their next meal in January. 

Too many tantalizing menu options to choose from when you are there for the daily weekday lunch buffet? Test your taste buds with a special selection of top lunch menu items. Available Mondays to Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $15.95. 

Bangkok Garden is located at 18 Elm Street. Visit www.bangkokgarden.com for more information. Group inquiries: contact Donna Filion at dfilion@elmwoodspa.com, 416-320-2153.