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Today in Toronto: AGO First Thursdays, Casa Loma Christmas, World Aids Day

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Today in Toronto you can get into the festive spirit at Casa Loma as holiday programming starts for the season. If you want to wait for the big lights unveiling next week, you might head to the AGO's First Thursday party, which wants us all to say goodbye to 2016 and forget it ever happened with an otherworldly show from headliner Zebra Katz. 

Events you might want to check out:

AGO First Thursday feat. Zebra Katz (December 1 @ AGO - Art Gallery of Ontario)
The December First Thursday brings a group of artists together to think and feel our way toward new realities and new beginnings - basically, it's a night to forget about 2016. Brooklyn rapper, producer and art thing Zebra Katz headlines with projects from Lisa Smolkin, Buzz Honeedew and Yuula Benivolski. Get advance tickets for this one if you can, they're $13 for non-AGO members and $11 for members.
Christmas at Casa Loma (December 1 - January 8 @ Casa Loma)
Christmas begins at the castle with an impressive array of trees unveiled today (the exterior lights come next week). 10 stunning trees decorated by Toronto designers, shows from illusionist entertainers Professor Wick and Soli and carollers. Adult tickets start at $27 to get in and see the magic.
Conversations About Moonlight (December 1 @ TIFF)
Barry Jenkins' Moonlight has been called the best film of the year by many critics. This special screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by TIFF artistic director Cameron Bailey and TIKA The Creator, producer of #Gyalcast.
World AIDS Day Concert (December 1 @ Metropolitan United Church)
Voices of Hope is an annual community demonstration of support for people living with HIV/AIDS that benefits Toronto's Casey House. The big night features Thom Allison, Jani Lauzon, Dr. Draw, and it's all hosted by funny girl Maggie Cassella alongside and Rev. Dr. John Joseph Mastandrea.
Half Moon Run with Plants and Animals (December 1 @ Massey Hall)
Making their Massey Hall debut, Half Moon Run balances restless indie, pop and folk with delicate guitar lines and electronica. They're big on Spotify and they'll be supported by the Polaris Prize-nominated Plants and Animals. This will be a night of the loveliest indie tunes and the show has partnered with Plus One - $1 from each concert ticket will go to the Native Youth Sexual Health Network.
Sister Act the Musical (December 1 - January 29 @ The Lower Ossington Theatre)
Don't even try to pretend you don't like Sister Act I or II. They're brilliant, Whoopie is still bomb and this version of the Tony winning musical at the Lower Ossington Theatre is a real treat. Expect a lot of hand clapping. The show runs until January 29 and tickets start at $60.
Heartstreets In Concert, Waterfall Stage (December 1 @ Waterfall Stage in First Canadian Place)
Montreal hip hop and electronic duo Heartstreets are in town for a free show at the Waterfall Stage inside First Canadian Place today from 12:15 to 1 p.m. It's the perfect place to bring your lunch and be entertained instead of having to sit through another office group lunch conversation. The debut EP You & I is out now.
Favela (December 1 @ Apt. 200)
This West Queen West dance party will make you forget about chilly December nights. Expect the best of Favela and Kuduro slam beats, inspired by Rio de Janeiro, Angola, Miami bass and Batida, mixed in with new hip hop. DJs CSRB, NDMA and TEO NIO spin this tropical sweat fest.
Krampus Krafts Holiday Market (December 1-31 @ nanopod)
This might be the strangest holiday market of 2016. It's a spooky pop-up shop featuring all manner of creepy and vintage handmade gift items. Expect a dark twist on Christmas with lots of skulls, animals bones and odd haunting trinkets.

Toronto Restaurant Openings: Little Sito, Hopscotch, Lloyd's, Lake Inez, Wilder

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Toronto Restaurant Openings highlights the latest restaurant openings in Toronto and also gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

Open now
  • Kaboom Chicken is now open at 722 Queen St. E. in Riverside, serving up “good for the ‘Seoul’” KFC (Korean fried chicken, that is).
  • Bodega Henriette has opened at 1801 Gerrard St. E in the Upper Beaches, offering pretty much everything a neighbourhood needs: coffee, cocktails, wine, beer, Thuet pastries, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and even groceries.
  • Lebanese restaurant Little Sito at 840 Bloor St. W. just west of Christie Pits is open for business.
  • Montreal Bar and Grill has taken over the Windup space at 382 College St. in Little Italy with a focus on drink deals.
Recently Reviewed
Opening soon
  • Hopscotch, a fast-casual, health-centric eatery will be opening in the Financial District’s Scotia Plaza (40 King St. W.) on Monday, Dec. 5. Along with smoothies, juices and locally roasted coffee, there will be organic salads, rice and quinoa bowls and burritos with eco-friendly containers and utensils (the forks are made of potato starch).
  • Lloyd’s, a new bar at 1298 Queen St. E. in Leslieville, will be opening this Saturday. Along with craft beer and classic cocktails, expect cheese plates, bar snacks and a variety of sandwiches in terms of eats.
  • The Wrenis opening a new spot called Lake Inez at 1471 Gerrard St. E. in Little India. Chef Robbie Hojilla will be heading up the kitchen, with a menu inspired by Asian flavours using a mix of modern and traditional techniques.
  • Wilder, a new cafe in the recently renovated Campbell Block building at 382 Keele St. (at Dundas St. W.) in the Junction, should be opening in the next few weeks. It will focus on counter-service only breakfast items, healthy baked goods, acai and rice bowls and, of course, coffee.
  • Leslieville’s District 28 Bar Bistro at 28 Logan Ave. will be relaunching its restaurant on Wednesday, Dec. 14. It will be introducing a whole new atmosphere, menu and chef.
  • The Dundas General is set to open at 1239 Dundas St. W. on the ground floor of the Abacus Lofts in March 2017. This general store will double (triple?) as a cafe and gourmet food market.
  • Odd Espresso Bar looks to be opening soon at 1111 College St. (at Dufferin).
  • As suspected, it turns out the space that was formerly The Bristol will be run by the folks behind Otto’s Berlin Doner, and it’ll be transformed into a German-style beer hall called Otto’s Bier Halle set to open this month.

Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to editors@blogto.com

These Toronto spots are the most Instagrammed places in Canada

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Toronto boasts six of the most Instagrammed places in Canada. Instagram just released a bunch of data highlighting 2016 trends and revealed the most Instagrammed places in Canada (and around the world) as well as the celebrities with the most followers (Selena Gomez), the most Instagrammed day of the year (Halloween) and the most popular filter (Clarendon).

But we're more invested in the data related to Canada. So here are some of the most popular places to Instagram in Toronto.

Rogers Centre during Toronto Blue Jays Game

Thanks to the Blue Jays' stellar season it's no surprise that the Rogers Centre was the second most Instagrammed place in Canada.

A photo posted by Megan (@megsybegsy) on

Air Canada Centre

With the NBA All Star Weekend and the World Cup of Hockey, along with Leafs and Raptors games and plenty of concerts, the ACC ranked number three on the list.

Toronto Pearson International Airport

Who knew the airport was so popular? Apparently people love taking pictures at this travel hub because it's the fourth most Instagrammed location in Canada.

A photo posted by @evelyn_0710 on

Canada's Wonderland

Kids (and kids at heart) love this magical place located just outside of the city in Vaughan. It's filled with roller coasters, water slides and of course, funnel cakes. It's also fifth on the list.

A photo posted by Mike (@mindz.eye) on

CN Tower

Surprise, surprise. The CN Tower is the seventh most Instagrammed location in Toronto.

A photo posted by mermaid j. (@jamieepetras) on

Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

The Molson Canadian Amphitheatre hosts shows all summer long and snap-happy music fans helped make this outdoor venue the ninth most Instagrammed place in Canada.

Here's the full list:

  1. Niagara Falls
  2. Rogers Centre Toronto Blue Jays Game
  3. Air Canada Centre
  4. Toronto Pearson International Airport
  5. Canada's Wonderland
  6. Vieux Port de Montreal
  7. CN Tower / La Tour CN
  8. Vancouver International Airport
  9. Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
  10. Whistler Blackcomb

Toronto and Toronto-related celebs also ranked highly on Instagram, for instance #toronto was the top Canadian hashtag in 2016. And, Drake's most liked post this year featured the CN Tower... and Rihanna.

Fans revel in Toronto FC win over Montreal

5 snowy outdoor activities in Toronto to do with friends

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Snowy outdoor activities in Toronto let you chill outdoors with your friends all winter long instead of hibernating. These unique ideas will let you get out and have fun, and they're better than just walking around in the slush downtown.

Here are my picks for snowy outdoor activities in and around Toronto to do with friends this winter.

Go night skating 

There are several rinks in Toronto that are great for a nighttime skate. Smaller community rinks leave the spotlights on late, and then there are places like Nathan Phillips Square and the Harbourfront Centre that not only have coloured lights around the ice, but also music to keep you moving.

Feel like you're flying while snow kiting

The Toronto Kite Club isn't just for breezy summer days. You can rent equipment from them all year long to feel like you're flying. In the winter, you can fly across frozen ponds thanks to a large parachute that acts like a sail.

Cross country ski on the Toronto Islands

Cross country skiing will let you explore the Islands without hoards of tourists. There are trails spread all across the Islands for cross country skiers so you can peacefully ignore the city for a couple of hours while working those glutes. 

Go backcountry snowshoeing

Coronation and Battery Park trail can be found just east of Ontario Place along the Martin Goodman Trail. It's right along the water and enveloped by rings of maple trees. It's not a very challenging trail, and that's what makes it perfect for snowshoeing. Take the TTC all the way down Bathurst and walk down to the park to float over the lakeside snow trail. You can easily rent snowshoes from MEC on King Street.

Hop on a Parkbus and explore nearby winter wonders

Parkbus is a pretty amazing service that allows you to escape the city for the day, a weekend or even a month. Winter trips start in January and give downtowners a chance to get outside and explore a place they never would have dreamed of going. Hop on the bus and they'll take you to trails at the Elora Gorge, Rockwood or Albion Hills, often with guided tours.

baci

Thanks to Baci Perugina for sponsoring this post.

Weekend events in Toronto December 2-4 2016

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Weekend events for the first few days of December include a collection of holiday markets and popups, but also some really great dance parties and concerts to make sure you keep loose. Long Winter - the music, arts and culture showcase the city has a crush on - finally returns, this time at a new location.

Events you might want to check out:

Standing Rock Fundraiser (December 2 @ Milk Glass)
Milk Glass on Dundas West opens its doors and hearts and invites the community to come together and donate what they can to support the efforts of everyone at Standing Rock. It’ll cost $10 to get in and folks are encouraged to bring items such as blankets, wool socks, first aid kits and more.
Yorkville Village Holiday Market (December 2-22 @ Yorkville Village)
This mostly indoor holiday market features live entertainment, pop-ups, holiday-themed vendors, family-friendly entertainment, and both interior and exterior decorations. Proceeds from all sponsored activities will go towards SickKids.
Pink Market Toronto (December 3 @ 519 Church Street )
This is Toronto’s only queer craft, fashion, art and literature fair run for and by the LGBT community. Of course, everyone is welcome inside the ballroom at the 519 to check out what crafts, fashion, lifestyle good and food items will be for sale. The market supports the 519 Community Centre.
CBC Sounds of the Season (December 2 @ CBC Broadcasting Centre)
CBC Toronto invites you to Sounds of the Season, its annual charity drive to help support local food banks. Starting at 5:30 a.m., head to the CBC headquarters for a day of live programming, entertainment and giveaways. Meet your favourite CBC radio and television stars or hear cool Canadian musical talent. This is a totally free event, but food and clothing donations are welcome.
West Toronto Holiday Bakers Market (December 4 @ The Great Hall - Longboat Hall )
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Great Hall plays host to the day’s most delicious event. There will be more than 30 vendors, including some delicious vegan, raw and gluten-free options as well. Admission is free and there will be live music and other surprises throughout the day.
Santa in the Junction (December 4 @ The Junction Neighborhood)
Get ready for a full day of Christmas-themed activities, shopping, music and surprises all over the Junction neighbourhood. If it weren’t for the warm weather, you’d swear you were on the set of a Christmas movie with Santa and his elves on the train platform.
The Weepies (December 2 @ The Drake Hotel)
Los Angeles-based singer-songwriters Deb Talan and Steve Tannen have sold more than a million records, with over 17 million streams on Spotify, and 20 million views on YouTube. Talan has also beat breast cancer and now the two have released a new 16-track album called Sirens. They will kidnap your heart for one evening, but then hand it back to you at the end of the night, don’t worry, they’re real nice.
Long Winter (December 2 @ Polish Combatants' Hall (SPK))
The cultural extravaganza that is Long Winter returns this weekend. Entertainment for this edition, now inside the Polish Combatants' Hall, includes music from Blonde Elvis, Chastity and Twist, art from Therapy Font, Katie Kotler and Morris Fox and comedy from Long Night with Vish Khanna. This all-ages party is $10 in advance.
Michael Kiwanuka (December 2 @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre)
He won the Mercury Prize and has released one of the most acclaimed albums of the year. He’s been compared to Marvin Gaye and Bill Withers and his blend of old soul, poetics and modern production have won the hearts and ears of many. This will be a very special night of music from this UK singer and songwriter.
Lil Jon (December 3 @ Rebel Nightclub)
The king of loud, over the top one-liner club bangers, hip hop and dance anthems will DJ at Rebel this weekend. Let’s be very honest, he’s probably going to yell a lot as well. Dress code is in effect for this one, so be warned.
Mstrkrft (December 3 @ The Hoxton)
The masters of noise return to Toronto to make you jump around. Their musical genre is described as “party” and that’s pretty much all you’ll do at this Hoxton show. The electronic music duo released their latest album this past summer with a new, reinvigorated sound and energy.
Big Primpin (December 2 @ Miss Thing's)
The city’s longest running “hip hop and hot times for LGBTQ people and their guests” dance party at Miss Thing’s happens the first Friday of every month. It’s always a guaranteed good time and this month DJs Craig Dominic and RecklezZ spin the hits to make your rump shake. Cover for this one is $7 and arrive early because that line can become no joke.
It's Not U It's Me: Pitch Black Mirror (December 2 @ Soybomb Hq)
One of our favourite party collectives help Orphyx launch their new electronic album with “proper rhythmic noise, modular patch exploration and hypnotic techno at Soybomb.” This Queen and Bathurst bash is for people who love to dance to deep, out of this world electronic music with like-minded people.
The Love Nest with Dimitri From Paris (December 2 @ Nest)
The Parisian ambassador of house music and disco returns to Toronto for the first time in over three years. Dimitri From Paris is a master on the decks and if you really want to feel love on the dance floor, get to Nest to witness his set. This party goes until 5 a.m.
Promise German Sparkle Party (December 3 @ Jumbo Film Warehouse)
The Promise Cherry Beach crew puts together this great big dance party every year to bring something bright and lighthearted to these darker months... and a chance to really get down before being swallowed up in holiday office parties. Sparkling attire is encouraged at this disco, house and tech event inside a jumbo east end warehouse with DJs from San Francisco, The Netherlands, laser shows, live art creation and more.
BLMTO Presents: Love is the Cure (December 3 @ Daniels Spectrum)
This dance party presented by Black Lives Matter will help raise money for the Watah Theatre. Expect a non-stop party DJ lineup and a night of dance, singing, spoken word, ciphers, live painting, rap, theatre and storytelling. Dress to impress, come to party and help raise $15,000 to save one of the city’s coolest theatres.

This is what the TTC will look like in 2021

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Stuck in the middle of a subway delay on a jam-packed train, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the TTC is paralyzed. The system just doesn't seem to be expanding in lockstep with the population of Toronto. While there's certainly some truth to this as we struggle for ways to generate the kind of revenue needed for a relief line, it might be worth taking a deep breath and to consider just how much the TTC is set to change over the next five years. 

The Spadina Extension is now only one year away from opening. If you keep tabs on these sorts of things (and you probably do if you're a York student suffering on the 196 bus each day), you'll know that the tunnelling has long been completed on this project and the stations themselves are starting to take shape. Downsview Park, for instance, is very far along the construction process and almost looks like it could open today. 

Meanwhile, further north on the line, the sleek exterior of York University Station has already left its mark on the campus. There's still lots of work to be done here, but it's easy to get a sense of just how nice this particular station is going to be. So many TTC stations are utilitarian in design, while this one has an obvious flare that will fit in well with the architectural rennaissance happening on campus

The Spadina Extension is exciting, to be sure, but it's not going to reduce congestion in the middle of the city. While the dream of a relief line is still very much just that, anyone who's driven on Eglinton Ave. over the last couple years knows that the Crosstown LRT is also coming along. This line will radically alter the TTC map, adding a crucial east/west route in midtown that runs underground through the heart of the city. 

Right now the line is supposed to open in 2021, which is a year later than originally forecast. There's a long time to wait, but when you look at the future TTC map, it's hard not to get a little excited at how much more robust the system will look with these two additions. You can also see, however, how much north/south strain is put on Line 1 and how necessary a releif line is to completing the Toronto transit picutre.

The Scarborough Subway Extension isn't on the above map because it's a bit further off. 2025 has been pegged as the service date for that addition to the subway route, though that might be overly ambitious at this point.

For now, we can look forward to a new extension opening next year, and a whole new line in just under five. Knowing that much progress is being made on these additions might not get you home from work faster today, but it might help to ease the feeling of doom you get when stuck in another delay.

The top 10 holiday concerts and shows in Toronto for 2016

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Holiday concerts and shows in Toronto  will get you into the Christmas spirit with music, dancing and lots of laughs. While The Nutcracker and Handel's Messiah are always crowd-pleasers, there's a lot more to experience in the city this December.

Events you might want to check out:

Twist Your Dickens (December 2-30 @ Toronto Centre for the Arts)
Twist Your Dickens is a Second City production created by former The Colbert Report writers Peter Gwinn and Bobby Mort. This is it's Canadian premiere and it should be a tad bit funnier than Dicken's A Christmas Carol.
Not Another Fa La La! - A Singing OUT! Production (December 3 @ Jane Mallett Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for Performing Arts)
Toronto's all-inclusive LGBTQ+ community choir Singing OUT! invites Torontonians to join them for music, dance and "not-so-average holiday stories." This should be a festive way to start off your December.
Soulful Messiah (December 4 @ Fleck Dance Theatre)
This isn't your typical Handel Messiah. Instead, Harbourfront NextSteps presents a Ballet Creole holiday production where dancers perform to Quincy Jones's R&B rendition of Messiah. Could this be a new holiday tradition?
Ear Candy: Electric Messiah (December 5-7 @ Drake Underground)
Electric Messiah is back at the Drake Underground. Instead of baroque music, vocalists and instrumentalists will use Handel's score as the foundation for their stripped down musical improvisations presented in surround sound.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra, The Twelve Days of Christmas (December 9 @ Roy Thomson Hall)
Don't expect a stuffy symphony at this show. The Twelve Days of Chrismas lets you sing along to carols and holiday songs and best of all, this pageant's narrated by Colin Mochrie. Get ready to laugh.
Christmas Queens (December 10 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
This all ages events features a lineup of performers, including The Only Detox, Jiggly Caliente Brooks, Katya and Sharon Needles as well as Michelle Visage as the host. Christmas Queens Festive Extravaganza looks like it's going to be way more fun than your typical holiday concert.
Canada's Ballet Jorgen's The Nutcracker (December 11 @ Betty Oliphant Theatre)
Sure, you can go see the Nutcracker at the Four Season's Centre, or head to this show and watch Tchaikovsky's score come to life as this Christmas tale unfolds in front of a backdrop of 20th century Canadian landscapes. Yes, this show's happening in partnership with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
Tafelmusik presents Handel Messiah (December 14-17 @ Koerner Hall, TELUS Centre)
As an annual holiday tradition, don't miss your chance to revel in the Hallelujah chorus with Tafelmusik. This year's production is directed by Ivars Taurins and features Amanda Forsythe (soprano), Krisztina Szabó (mezzo-soprano), Colin Balzer (tenor) and Tyler Duncan (baritone).
A Dwayne Gretzky Christmas (December 15 @ The Great Hall Toronto)
Toronto super group Dwayne Gretzky will let you rock out this holiday season with a festive concert at The Great Hall. Belt out your favourite carols and get ready to dance - you should also think about buying tickets in advance.
Tim McCready's X-Mas House Party (December 23 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Tim McCready's rager is a holiday house party like no other, probably because it's in a hotel. From the guy behind the 159 Manning NXNE BBQ and New Year's Eve party, comes this soirée at the Gladstone Hotel. There will be live music and concerts throughout the West Queen West venue so let loose before you spend a few days holed up with your family.

10 ideas for unique gifts to bring to a party in Toronto

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Forget the traditional bottle of wine, chocolates or bottles of mix; it's time to reward your holiday party host with a special gift so that you're invited back again next year. At this time of year, the city is ripe with festive gift options that are unique, memorable and often super useful.

Help the place smell festive

The North Standard Trading Post in Parkdale carries the Smells Like Canada line of candles and they all smell like Christmas - Muskoka campfire, double-double and Toronto Smoke are just some of the scents available.

Give the gift of ice

Because a house party always runs out, and some poor soul is always sent out in the cold to get some extra bags, put your host's mind at ease with a call to Toronto's Iceman. They'll deliver right to your door, but call ahead to make sure you're on their route that eventing.

Pineapple Coasters for their tables

Did you know the pineapple is the symbol of hospitality? That makes these golden pineapple coasters from BYOB the perfect present for your holiday party person. Help keep wet cups and glasses off of their surfaces so that no one is angry on cleanup day.

Reusable red party cups

Red party cups are a very familliar site at pretty much any house party, let alone a holiday party. Why not help your host reduce waste and clutter with these porcelaine red party cups from the Drake General Store?

Themed dishtowels

Keeping with waste reduction, think about bringing dish towels to the party so that the host and their helpers can look good while tidying up. Simons at Square One Mall has a ton of festive options and they won't break the bank either.

Bags and bags of candy 

Sweet Addictions is the latest Toronto candy shop to open and it's at Dundas West and Ossington. It's packed with fun, toothache-inducing sugary treats. This is an easy, colourful, fun gift to bring to any holiday party that encourages sharing and sugar highs.

A beautiful holiday bouquet

Flowers might seem like a typical gift to bring for your host, but don't just bring some out-of-season vegetation. Instead have a holiday bouquet created at Sweet Peas, or any of these floral design shops. They make great centrepieces or wow-at-the-front-door stunners. 

Toronto serving board

This gorgeous bamboo serving board from the Spacing Store is in the shape of Toronto! Help your host out by giving them this locally designed piece and make a typical cheese spread that much more special. You can wash and reuse it again and again. 

Inexpensive wool blanket

Wool blankets don't have to break the bank. Saudade in Dundas West has a great selection straight from Portugal and they're only $100. And they'll lend a helpful hand in case any of your host's party guests get a chill. 

Sage for the day after

Give your host the gift of sage from The Likely General on Roncesvalles Avenue. There were probably a bunch of questionable things that went on at your party, and sage helps clean the air and aura of the room, just like that.

Stella Artois

Brought to you by Stella Artois, the perfect beer to serve your guests this holiday season.

ROM New Year's Eve party sells out in minutes

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The most popular place to party in Toronto on New Years Eve is probably at the ROM. For the first time ever, the Royal Ontario Museum will throw a NYE bash, but good luck getting in the doors.

Early bird tickets, $65, sold out on November 22, but a new batch of tickets went on sale today. According to a ROM spokesperson, they sold out in 12 minutes. Now, all 1,800 tickets have been snatched up and there won't be any available at the door.

The ROM's website crashed this morning amidst the mad dash for tickets. Hopeful Torontonians are already looking for tickets on Bunz and on the ROM's NYE Facebook event page. Some are extremely disappointed and took to Twitter to vent and share their frustation. 

Condo of the week: 55 Avenue Road

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55A Avenue Road is a three-bedroom, four-bathroom suite in the heart of Yorkville. With an asking of $2,650,000, the new listing will likely do well given units in this building don’t frequently hit the market. 

55 Avenue Road

The unit is part of The Residences at Hazelton Lanes, which were built in 2001. The age of the boutique 29-unit residence gives the condo an old-time feel, and seems to have the quality that newer condos don’t seem to have. With two-storeys and 3,350 square feet to spread out in, this unit feels like it could be a family home. 

55 avenue road condo

It’s also an entertainer’s dream, with two private terraces overlooking the hustle and bustle of Avenue Road, and plenty of acceptable spots to grab a nightcap if your liquor cabinet happens to run dry. 

55 avenue road condo
SPECS

  • Address: 55A Avenue Road, #603
  • Price: $2,650,000
  • Square Feet: 3,350 square feet
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 4
  • Parking: 2
  • Maintenance Fee: $4,159.87/month
  • Walk Score: 99
  • Listing Agent: Harrison Milborne
  • Listing ID: C3665678

55 avenue road condo
NOTABLE FEATURES

  • 18 foot double height ceilings
  • 2 private terraces
  • Furniture and existing art collection available for purchase
  • Locker available for rent 
  • 3,350 square feet 

55 avenue road condo
GOOD FOR

Art connoisseurs that don’t yet have their own private collection. This unit comes equipped with carefully curated art, with paintings by Nikola Nikola and pieces by renowned sculptor, Faustino Aiskorbe. Be prepared to pay extra though — these aren’t included in the asking price. 

55 Avenue Road
MOVE ON IF

You could pass on the prestigious Yorkville address. For just over 2.5-million, you could score an amazing detached home in a less-prestigious neighbourhood, but with plenty more outdoor space and less frightening maintenance fees.  

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS 

55 avenue road condo

55 avenue road condo

55 avenue road condo

55 avenue road condo

55 avenue road condo

Thanks to Bosley Real Estate Ltd, Brokerage for sponsoring our House of the Week. All content and editorial selected and written by blogTO.

Popular Vancouver barber shop chain opening in Toronto

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Toronto has a pretty hefty population of barbershops, with barbers from around the country, and even the globe, cutting, shaving and fading. And now we're about to get some serious West Coast representation.

Barber & Co. is a chain from Vancouver. It kind of owns the market there with five shops in operation and its very own haircutting academy. It's now opening up shop number six at 89 Ossington Ave., a couple doors down from Bang Bang Ice Cream.

The shop will offer all the same top-notch barbershop services as its Vancouver locations, including hair tinting. The prices might be a little bit more expensive, but are mostly on par with Toronto's existing barbershops, and apparently this incoming spot will also serve booze.

The folks bringing the shop to the Ossington are the Donelly Group, who are also behind Belfast Love.

There's no word on an opening date just yet as they're still accepting barber applications.

Toronto company can turn you into a Christmas ornament

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It's December 1, which means it's officially the holiday season in Toronto, as well as around the world.

If you haven't busted out your Christmas decorations just yet, it's probably time to get started decking the halls and all that jazz. But if you want to add a little more personalized fa la la to your tree, consider turning yourself into an ornament.

Selftraits, the company that creates 3D printed selfies, has a new product out just in time for the holidays. Instead of just printing out miniature versions of yourself (or your friends and family members), you can turn your favourite people into adorable (albeit slightly creepy) Swingtrait Ornaments.

These ornaments, which will swing from your tree on a striped candy cane, cost $80 each, or $40 if you buy a regular, stationary Selftrait as well.

The Selftraits studio is located on Queen Street West, just west of Spadina.

Toronto's waterfront has a major E.coli issue

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The general consensus about swimming in Toronto's harbour is that you just don't do it. And new research has revealed that there are certain areas you should definitely avoid sticking your toes in.

Local environmental non-profit Lake Ontario Waterkeeper recently collected 166 water samples from various spots along Toronto's lakeshore and lab results show there's high levels of E. coli bacteria in at least nine locations.

This map shows the worst spots, all located between Bathurst and the Port Lands.

The likely cause? Apparently it's the city's habit of regularly dumping raw sewage and waste into lake.

According to Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, the sewage problem needs to be addressed - and fast. Thankfully, some major sewage infrastructure projects have already been approved and are scheduled to be completed by 2024.

Toronto Food Events: Bakers Market, Winter Village, Newcomer Kitchen

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Toronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious festivals, pop-ups, winemaker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.

Events you might want to check out:

2016 Gingerbread Build (December 3 @ Toronto City Hall )
Bring your whole family down to City Hall to participate in Habitat For Humanity's 2016 Gingerbread Build. For $50, you can but a kit and build a gingerbread house in support of this long-standing charity.
Cask on Lansdowne (December 3 @ Lansdowne Brewery)
Head to the Landsdowne Brewery to sip of cask ale from 15 different local brewers. Tickets to this mini beer fest are $10 - that includes a souvenir glass - and samples are extra.
West Toronto Bakers Market: Holiday Edition (December 4 @ The Great Hall - Longboat Hall )
The Toronto Bakers Market will feature baked goods, savoury treats and fresh sweets from over 30 vendors, including vegan, raw and gluten-free options too! Admission is free.
Newcomer Kitchen Brunch at Butler’s Pantry (December 4-18 @ Butler's Pantry)
The Newcomer Kitchen hosts a Syrian brunch at the Butler's Pantry in Mirvish Village. There are four seatings and it's $30 per person for a multi-course meal featuring a variety of Syrian dishes.
Unforked Salon with Suresh Doss (December 4 @ Banu Restaurant Iranian)
Food and drink writer Suresh Doss will talk about how the suburbs have an impact on Toronto's food scene. This event costs $70 and includes a three-course meal.
A Pop-Up Holiday Tree Lot & Rum Bar (December 6 @ Brassaii)
Bacardi is opening up a pop-up Christmas tree lot next to Brassaii on Kind Street West. Along with selling trees, this pop-up will let you sample Bacardi cocktails.
Kombucha Brewing Workshop (December 7 @ Centre for Social Innovation)
Learn to make your very own kombucha at this hands-on workshop. This will probably let you brew some for yourself and for your friends and family members who love fermented beverages. Remember, it is gift-giving season.
Rum Social (December 7 @ Miss Thing's)
While it sounds like a big party, you'll actually get a big meal at this event. It'll feature a four-course rum tasting dinner with chef Jasper Wu. If you just want food, it'll cost $45. You can add on rum pairing for an extra $45.
Evergreen's Winter Village (December 10 - February 28 @ Evergreen Brick Works)
Not only is the Evergreen Brick Work's Winter Village adorable, but it also has a new street food market this year where you'll be able to grab a treat or two as you wander around the marketplace and hang out at this beautiful spot in the Don Valley.
Foodie Pages Holiday Pop-Up (December 10 @ Artscape Sandbox)
This holiday market will make it easy for you to shop for that food lover in your life. Find high quality kitchen (and pantry!) essentials here.
Arabica Coffee House Concert (December 11 @ Aga Khan Museum)
Hear the Al Qahwa ensemble with Maryem Tollar perform classic as well as more contemporary Arabic and Syrian music inside a traditional coffee house. Tickets are $40 and include coffee.
Toronto Vegan Winter Market (December 18 @ The Great Hall)
Toronto's getting a vegan Christmas market. It's going to be at The Great Hall and will feature cruelty-free products as well as lots of meat-free food and drink items. Tickets are $5.

Holiday volunteer opportunities in Toronto for 2016

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Volunteer opportunities in Toronto over the holidays are plentiful. Donating some of your time is the perfect way to give back to the less fortunate and to spread a little holiday joy this season. Whether you're looking to make sure no one is left without gift or that the less fortunate are able to indulge in a festive meal, these are the places to hit up this season.

Here's a roundup volunteer opportunities during the holidays in Toronto.

Daily Bread Food Bank

The Daily Bread Food Bank is a charitable organization fighting against hunger. During the holidays they have numerous opportunies you can get involved in. From now until December 31 you can donate to their Holiday Drive. You can also apply to be a part of one of their Holiday Drive Public Food Sorts. Online registration opens on December 6 at 10 a.m. 

Dixon Hall

During the month of December Dixon Hall is seeking volunteers for their Holiday Meals on Wheels program. They are in need of drivers and runners to provide the eldery hot and nutrious meals. 

Evergreen

There's a lot going on at Evergreen Brick Works over the holidays. As a result they are on the search for volunteers to help out at their rink skate rental desk and with snow removal. They're also  searching for helpers for their Winter Village.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is on the hunt for volunteers in Toronto to lend a helping hand this December. They'll be hosting their annual Gingerbread Build on December 3 and 4 and are seeking out enthusiatic assistants for the special event.

Heart & Stroke Foundation

The Heart & Stroke Foundation is looking for gift wrappers for the month of December. They have wrapping stations at both the Yonge-Eglinton Centre and RBC Plaza that are in need of individuals to take on some shifts to wrap gifts and collect donations.

Holiday Helpers

Do you have a smiling face, happy feet, quick fingers, four-hour endurance, and a love for gift wrapping? If so, this volunteer opportunity is for you. Holiday Helpers is seeking out people to sort through donations, wrap them and package them up for delivery. They also need assitance in their warehouse.

Horizons for Youth

Horizons for Youth is looking for people to assist with a vareity of tasks. This holiday season they need individuals to help organize the shelter's food and donation room and with preparing meals, wrapping gifts, staffing their donation drive, and cleaning the shelter.

Houselink Community Homes

Every holiday season Houselink Community Homes hosts their annual Holiday Party and Christmas Day dinner for their clients. They are searching for volunteers to assist in the set up of the meal, serving of the meal as well as clean up.

Kennedy House Youth Service

Volunteers are needed at the Kennedy House Youth Service to assist with gift wrapping, sorting donations, and serving food on Christmas day.

Riverdale Housing Action Group

This holiday season Riverdale Housing Action Group is searching for volunteers to aid in a vareity of duties. They need people to assist with wrapping holiday gifts, help with outreach and fundraising efforts, set-up and take-down of their holiday party, meal preparation for their holiday party, entertainment for their for holiday party, and craft table volunteers for their holiday party.

Second Harvest

If you're seeking a short-term volunteer opportunity this holiday season Second Harvest may be your best bet. They need people to assist with their Turkey Drive this December. Volunteers will be stationed at various Loblaw locations across Toronto on December 3 to 4 and 10 to 11 to ask customers to purchase a turkey and donate it.

The Neighbourhood Group

The Neighbourhood Group has an annual December Friendly Holiday Gift Giving  Program. This program makes sure none of their Home Support clients are forgotten about and each recieve a gift. You can apply to help run deliveries of gifts all the way up until Christmas day.

Toronto Community Hostel

Toronto Community Hostel is devoted to helping the homeless in Toronto. This holiday season they are seeking volunteers to help wrap gifts along with assist with them with their annual Christmas party.

Trek for Teens

Nothing says spreading holiday joy qutie like a good 'ol fashioned Christmas carol. Trek for Teens volunteers can gather gather at Yonge-Dundas Square on December 17 for caroling and warm beverages in support of raising funds and awareness for homeless youth. You can sign up to join in on the festivties via their website.

Wychwood Open Door

Wychwood Open Door is known for serving the homeless and socially isolated individuals. This year they will be hosting a Holiday Dinner on December 21, and they are in need of volunteers to assist with food prep and serving for the special occasion.

Yonge Street Mission

The Yonge Street Mission has a plenty of holiday volunteering options available. You can apply to help with the toy market, holiday decorating, baking cookies, and much more. It's important to sign up early as spots fill up rather quickly.

Non-holiday related volunteer opportinites in Toronto

Major TTC subway closures in Toronto this weekend

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It's going to be a painful ride for many TTC subway riders this weekend, as major closures will shut down portions of Line 1 and 2. On the bright side, these are the last scheduled closures for the year, as the TTC mercifully accommodates holiday shoppers on subsequent weekends through December. 

The more significant of this weekend's closures takes place on Line 2. There will be no subway service between Pape and St. George stations on December 3 and 4 due to track work. Shuttle buses will run along Bloor and the Danforth in replacement service, which also means that parking restrictions will take place along the route.

The second closure takes place on Line 1, but only involves one station. There will be no service between Wilson and Downsview this weekend for signal upgrades. Shuttle buses will operate between the stations, which will still be open for bus connections throughout the closure.

One additional thing to note is that the TTC's shuttle buses are some of the last to get PRESTO car readers, so if you're forced to travel along the affected areas, it's recommended that you bring backup fare if you're a PRESTO user.

Toronto tap water gets accidental spike in chlorine levels

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Did your Toronto tap water taste a little funky last night? If so, you probably weren't the only one to notice a difference in your H2O. 

According to the city, the water was - and remains - drinkable. As Global News reports, a city spokesperson said there was a slight increase in chlorine levels in the east end, but tests showed that the water was still safe to consume.

Complaints about the city's water started rolling in at around 10 p.m. Some water drinkers sought out advice on Bunz Helping Zone, while many others took to Twitter to get an explanation from 311, the city's public information service.

Many said the water tasted and smelled like chemicals. The city has yet to provide a reason for why chlorine levels were higher last night.

What kind of house does $5 million get you in Toronto?

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The $5 million home in Toronto is often a bonafide mansion. While there are some exceptions, the houses at this price point aren't just nice, they're big as well. Decked out in luxury finishes and featuring sprawling backyards, these homes are built to show off their owner's well-heeled lifestyle with large scale entertaining. The rest of us can just hope to be invited. 

Here's what a $5 millon house looks like in Toronto.

$4,799,000 for the ideal home in the Beaches

This towering home in the Beaches pretty much has it all. Along with its five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, the kitchen is stunning, the backyard is an enclosed oasis with a huge tree canpoy, and there's ample space for parking or tinkering with stuff in the garage. There's even an elevator. The look is modern but not minimal, and thus will appeal to a wide variety of tastes.

Edenbridge Road Toronto

$4,900,000 for a luxury property beside the Humber River

The existing decor at 158 Edenbridge Dr. might be a bit ornate for some, but it's hard to argue that this isn't a beautiful property. The street is adjacent to the Humber River, the backyard is a sweeping terrace complete with a lovely gazebo, and there's an awesome walk-in wine cellar. The outdoor fireplace is also a nice touch for memorable entertaining.

rosedale house

$4,995,0000 for an old mansion in Rosedale

If you've ever wondered what your classic Rosedale mansion costs, now you have an answer. For $5 million, you can enter Toronto's hub of old money by snatching up 135 Glen Rd. This house is sure to have creaky floors, but it also boasts tons of character and has been renovated in key areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. There are nine bedrooms on offer here as well as a huge backyard. This one begs for a big crew.

78 York Road Toronto

$5,080,000 for a suburban estate near York Mills

This sprawling home is set back from the road in an estate style that speaks to its large suburban lot. There's not much to recommend in terms of architecture here, but the main selling point is really the space. While there are "only" five bedrooms, each room is bigger than what you'll find in homes located closer to downtown. The four fireplaces will appeal to those who believe the only surefire way to create great ambience is with a bit of crackle and flame.

lawrence park house

$5,250,000 for a new build in Lawrence Park

This recent build in Lawrence Park blows the rest of the homes on this list out of the water in terms of interior design. It's finished in a contemporary style that remains warm thanks to gorgeous hardwood floors and plenty of wood cabinets. Modern fireplaces are a nice addition in the family and living rooms, though it's the kitchen and the huge master bedroom that are the real standouts here. It doesn't look wildly luxurious from the front, but this is an extremely nice home.

Toronto home prices continue to surge

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Toronto's real estate market looks like it's going to stay red hot right up until the end of 2016. Home prices are continuing to soar as we move into the final month of the year.

According to a new report from the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB), home prices across the GTA rose more than 20 per cent this past November in comparison to November 2015. 

It's still a sellers market out there - as prices continue rise, the number of listings for November 2016 fell since this time last year.

"Home buying activity remained strong across all market segments in November. However, many would-be home buyers continued to be frustrated by the lack of listings, as annual sales growth once again outstripped growth in new listings. Seller's market conditions translated into robust rates of price growth," said TREB president Larry Cerqua in a news release.

Despite everything, 8,547 houses sold last month, a number that's up 16.5 per cent since last year. 

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