

How about racing into 2013 with a 5K run and then celebrating with a post-race party with champagne and fireworks?
Starting at midnight, the run takes place in Toronto’s hip Liberty Village, where there is a combination of mostly roads, paths and laneways, plus the scenic Liberty Market Lane. Some running will be through parking lots, with some gravel sections but trail shoes are not required. The course is extremely well lit from street lights and runners get a great view of the city’s skyline.
The final party venue is still be finalized, but showers and facilities will be available so you can get ready for the party. There is no formal dress code – come smart, sporty, casual or even in a costume.
And if running’s not your thing, you can sign up for the party only.
Run ticket includes winter gloves, post-race food, swag bag, finisher’s medal and free glass of bubbly. Party ticket includes free drink, finger food, party favours and the chance to win some draw prizes. Beer and wine are available for purchase.
www.midniteruntoronto.com/register/
* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti
Looking for a New Year’s Dinner with a twist?
Mysteriously Yours Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre will be serving up a four-course dinner, an interactive murder-mystery, and after-party with dancing and a midnight toast.
This 25th Annual New Year’s Eve Gala will feature The Fine Art of Murder (A Sherlock Holmes Mystery). Dinner starts at 6:30pm, followed by the mystery and dessert, at around 8:00pm until 11:00pm, followed by dancing and champagne at midnight. The cost for a ticket is CDN $169, including tax and gratuity. Drinks are extra.
www.mysteriouslyyours.com/
2026 Yonge Street, Toronto, Canada
+1 416 486 7469
Google map: bit.ly/T9r7Gu
* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti
When it comes to ringing in the New Year in Toronto, dance clubs and restaurants aren’t your only options for getting out on the town.
If nightclubs aren’t your thing, you can take in a classical music performance – like the Bravissimo Opera’s Greatest Hits event at Roy Thomson Hall.
Beginning at 7pm, this concert is a nice way for classical music lovers to wrap up the year. Tickets range from CDN $55 to $145.
The program consists of excerpts from beloved operas throughout history, including pieces from The Magic Flute, Lucia di Lammermoor, Don Giovanni, La Traviata, Barber of Seville, La Boheme and more.
This event showcases the talents of an international selection of musicians:
Graeme Jenkins, conductor (England)
Davinia Rodriguez, soprano (Spain)
Annalisa Stroppa, mezzo soprano (Italy)
Gordon Gietz, tenor (Canada)
Ho-Yoon Chung, tenor (Korea)
Gregory Dahl, baritone (Canada)
tickets.masseyhallroythomsonhall.com/single/SelectSeating.aspx?p=339
60 Simcoe Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2H5, Canada
+1 416 872 4255
Google map: bit.ly/12rhTc9
* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti
One of my favourite places in Toronto to go for afternoon tea is the King Edward Hotel. A tradition since 1903, the afternoon tea menu changes depending on the season, and the Nutcracker Tea, offered until the end of December, is not to be missed.
From 2:30pm to 5:30pm every day (except December 24, 25 and 26), tea is served at Victoria’s Restaurant in the hotel. The Nutcracker Afternoon tea is CDN $39 per person and offers delicate finger sandwiches, some of which are duck confit and smoked turkey, gorgeous pastries, including the mincemeat crumble tart and finally, my favourite, warm scones served with imported Devonshire cream and homemade strawberry preserves. And of course, there’s the tea. Only in December, you can choose the Nutcracker tea, which is infused with hazelnuts and vanilla or the Gingerbread House tea, a black tea with ginger root, nutmeg, vanilla, licorice, cinnamon and allspice.
Le Royal Méridien King Edward Hotel
37 King Street East
Toronto, Canada
+ 1 416 863 4106
Google map: bit.ly/Sob896
* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti
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