There are plenty of restaurants open on Christmas Day in Markham and Scarborough. These areas of the city do brisk business on December 25, bustling with patrons eager to eat dim sum, sushi, butter chicken and much more.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants open Christmas Day in Markham and Scarborough.

Markham

Mabu Generation

If you're over eating leftovers from your festive Christmas Eve dinner, opt to visit this Taiwanese joint for hot pot, cheese pork ribs, and epic raindrop cakes. 

Dagu Rice Noodle

Not only does this popular Chinese chain restaurant have a location near Bay and Dundas, but they've also set up shop in Markham. Slurp hot bowls of broth with copious amounts of rice noodles. Arrive early to beat the crowds. 

Ding Tai Fung Shanghai Dim Sum

This Markham spot boasts some of the best dumplings in Toronto thanks in large part to their soup-filled dumplings, which you'll be able to dig into starting at 11:30 a.m. 

Yin Ji Chang Fen

This tiny unassuming restaurant is actually part of a large Chinese chain from Guangzhou. They'll be open for business serving up their specialty rice rolls.

KaKa All You Can Eat

If you didn't eat enough the night before, head to Toronto's best AYCE sushi restaurant and prepare to get stuffed. They'll be open for both lunch and dinner service. 

Scarborough
 

Gourmet Malaysia

This Scarborough restaurant is considered by many purists to be the epicentre of Malaysian food in the GTA. They'll be open regular hours on Christmas Day so you'll be able indulge in appetizer platters, Mee Goreng, Singapore Laksa and much more.

Kairali

Asian eats aren't the only thing to chow down on December 25. Toronto's destination for a taste of Kerala will be open to serve their infamous lunch buffet and dinner favourites. 

Fishman Lobster Clubhouse

If you're looking for jaw dropping platters of king crab and lobster, look no further than this Scarborough institution. They'll put your mother's massive turkey dinner to shame.

La Sani Grill

You'll find this spot tucked away in a strip mall, quietly serving some of the city's best butter chicken along with other Indian and Pakistani favourites.

Flaming Kitchen

Here you'll discover an enormous menu of modern Chinese sizzling noodle, rice, and appetizer dishes. They'll keep you warm and cozy on a cold and snowy day. Their Markham location will be open too.

It's less common these days to see Toronto area homes sell for way over asking, but one of the key exceptions is properties that need considerable work.

Whether deemed suitable for renovations or as a site for a tear down and new build, these types of properties often hit the market low to attract prospective buyers with a vision for how to revamp the place.

So it's not so surprising that a listing of just under $1 million here ballooned up to $1.4 million in a hurry. What's more interesting is imagining whether the buyer will start new or work with the existing home. 

I like the idea of the latter in this case. The house is far from falling apart, and features like the dramatic fireplaces seem like pillars to building around both literally and figuratively. 

In any case, the value of the property was no doubt determined by its ample lot size and proximity to Edenbridge-Humber Valley, which is well known for its large homes.

The Essentials

• Address: 21 Courtsfield Cres.
• Type: Detached house
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 4
• Lot size: 60 x 108 feet
• Realtor: Ana Santos
• Hit the market at: $998,000
• Sold for: $1,408,888

Why it sold for what it did

A smaller home on a slightly more generous lot nearby sold for $1.5 million at around the same time is this one. Given the amount of work it'll take to restore/rebuild this home, the final selling price reflects fair value.

Was it worth it?

Yes. It's a great lot, and I like the bones of the existing house. With the right vision, this could be turned into a beautiful character home with a modern interior.

The 1950s were a time of profound change for Toronto. In the boom decade following the second world war, the city built its first subway line under Yonge Street, welded together its downtown expressway, and created new downtown land by infilling south of Front St.

1954 was a particularly big year: the provincial act that created Metropolitan Toronto, the now defunct senior level of government, took effect in January, Toronto opened its subway in March, and Hurricane Hazel caused widespread destruction in October.

In short, the 1950s were a decisive time in Toronto. Here's a look at the decade in photos.

Toronto when the Royal York Hotel and Commerce Court still ruled the skyline. Photo by PJ's Deceased. 

The Toronto skyline from the Port Lands with a Mitsui Line ship at the docks. Photo via Chuckman's Nostalgia.

The Redpath sugar factory under construction on the waterfront. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Malton Airport before the construction of Aeroquay One and its renaming for former prime minister and Nobel Prize for Peace winner Lester B. Pearson.

A colourized view down University Ave. when the median still had grass. Photo via Chuckman's Nostalgia.

Postcard view of Front Street outside Union Station when it was a 5-lane street.

Looking up Yonge Street from just south of Richmond. That's an S. S. Kresge store on the left.

"Bertie the Brain," arguably the world's first arcade game, at the CNE in 1950. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Construction of the replacement Dufferin Gate at the CNE in 1959. The old one was knocked down to allow for construction of the Gardiner Expressway the year before. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

The Joy Theatre (formerly the Rex Theatre) in 1956. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Men line up outside the Lux Burlesque theatre in the late 50s. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

The Maple Leafs battle it out against the Chicago Black Hawks at Maple Leaf Gardens in the late 1950s. The Leafs goalie is Johnny Bower and the two visible Hawks defencemen are Ron Murphy (#10) and Eric Nesterenko (#15,) according to Wikipedia.

Marilyn Bell with trainer Gus Ryder after successfully swimming the English Channel. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

The reception for Marilyn Bell outside City Hall after Channel swim in 1955. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

A man, woman, and dog abandon their home by boat in deep flood waters in the aftermath of Hurricane Hazel. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

A woman wades through waist deep water following Hurricane Hazel. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Queen Elizabeth II during a royal visit to Toronto in 1959. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Office building under construction at the southeast corner of Eglinton and Bathurst circa 1953. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Power Supermarket on Eglinton Ave. around 1955. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

The 401 — then the Toronto Bypass — near Midland Ave. when it was a four lane road. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

An empty Gardiner Expressway nearing the completion of construction in the late 1950s. Contrast with the same view today. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

A traffic-free Gardiner Expressway shortly after its opening in 1959. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

An unidentified man contemplates the Gardiner Expressway bridge over the Humber River in 1955. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

A PCC streetcar on Bloor outside the University Theatre. The building was mostly demolished (except for the facade) in the 1980s. It's now a Pottery Barn. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

A Peter Witt streetcar on Queen near the Russell yard. The model last ran in Toronto in 1965. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

The first Yonge line train leaves Davisville station in 1954. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Toronto Mayor Allan A. Lamport (centre) and Metro Chairman Frederick G. Gardiner (second from right) at official opening of Yonge Street subway, 1954. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

A new Toronto subway car on a section of temporary track. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

A bright red Gloucester subway train at Eglinton station. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Natural ice rinks aren't as common in Toronto as they were a few decades ago, but there are still many gems scattered around the city that offer a nostalgic skating and shinny experience that's highly desirable to those who like to get back to basics. 

Here are my top picks for natural ice rinks in Toronto.

Grenadier Pond

While not technically a rink, Grenadier Pond nevertheless offers the most exhilarating natural ice experience in Toronto. Ice safety is now monitored by the city of Toronto, which means that only a handful of days are declared skateable each winter, but better safe than sorry.

Sorauren Park

Sorauren is one of the busiest and biggest natural ice rinks in the city with two pads — one reserved for shinny and one for pleasure skating. The nicest touch, however, has got to be the little campfire area for warming up. Community floods take place at 9pm each night.

Wychwood Barns

This is one of the most vibrant community rinks in Toronto. There tends to be shinny at night and pleasure skating during the day when the temperature is cold enough to keep it operational, which is a lot of work. It's great to warm up at the farmers' market on Saturdays.

Glen Stewart

Glen Stewart makes this list for the wonderful scenery that you get to enjoy when out for a skate here. Located at the foot of the ravine, the experience of hitting the ice here is quintessentially Canadian. In a good year, two pads (shinny/pleasure) are separated by a border of snow.

East Lynn Park

One of Toronto's older natural ice rinks, East Lynn's natural ice pads can number as many as three when the weather cooperates. Heavily used on weekends, this is great place for a quiet nighttime skate when the kids have dispersed. The shinny is great when the ice is hard.

Snow tubing hills near Toronto are more plentiful than you might think. So while you can pull out the old inner tube and head to some of the city's best toboggan spots, if you're looking for an experience that's a bit more memorable thanks to steeper slopes and dedicated lanes, a winter day trip to these destinations might be in order.

Here are 7 amazing hills for snow tubing near Toronto.

Mount Chinguacousy

Brampton's Mount Chinguacousy is a short drive away and offers some serious tube runs with nice rubber mats at the bottom to bring your spinning ride to a safe stop. This hill  only works for beginner skiers and snowboarders, but it about the perfect size for tubing. 

Chicopee Tube Park

Kitchener's Chicopee Tube Park might be the best in Southern Ontario, complete with late hours on Saturday nights for those who would prefer to tube without crashing into children. The runs here are long at 900 feet, and there's a magic carpet to haul you back up the hill.

Lakeridge

This underrated tube park is part of the larger ski resort located in Uxbridge on the Oak Ridges Morraine. The hill starts out steep and then settles into a super long run-out, which you can enjoy once you've picked up your initial speed. 

Snow Valley

Head to Barrie for some top notch snow tubing at the aptly named Snow Valley. With 14 chutes and three lifts, a lot of people can enjoy the hill at any given time. The vertical drop here is claimed to be about 10 storeys, which means you can get going very fast on the way down. 

Horseshoe

The nearby Horseshoe Resort also has a tubing setup as part of its winter activity package. There are five chutes here with a wonderfully steep drop off at the top. If you want to do a lot of tubing in a given visit, they have unlimited packages during select times that are a great deal. 

Arrowhead

This is pretty much the ultimate winter weekend getaway destination from Toronto, with an amazing skating trail, over 33 kilometres of groomed cross country ski trails, and a tubing hill that features an open fire pit at the top so that you can warm up as you wait for your next run. 

Blue Mountain

It's probably no surprise that Blue Mountain also has tubing on offer. Characterized as a "gentle introduction to the mountain," the runs here are family oriented, but keep reasonably long hours for anyone who wants the thrill of careening downhill without any skiing skills.

Bars with the most beer taps in Toronto give you options, and lots of 'em. While the this distinction doesn't necessarily mean these bars have the best beer selection in Toronto, they do make for a great night out and offer the guarantee of having a brew for everyone.

Here are the bars with the most beer taps in Toronto.

Real Sports

This sports mecca beside the ACC boasts over 100 taps, pouring 37 different beers. The selection skews hard toward big brewers and foreign imports and their easy-to-drink lagers and wheat beers. 

Craft Beer Market

This Calgary-based beer hall has brought 160 taps into a gargantuan multi-level space in the Financial District. About 145 are devoted to beer (with others going to cider, etc.). There’s no scarcity of international offerings here, but there’s an effort to keep the selection 65% local.

The Craft Brasserie

This Liberty Village gastropub is where you'll discover 120 beers on tap. The choice is often overwhelming, so let the staff point you toward the treasures or opt for a flight and try a bunch. 

Bier Markt

Arguably one of the best best spots in Toronto for drinking imported, European beer, all four locations of the chain offer draught lists ranging from 45 to 50 beers, which is probably more selection that you'll ever need.

The Loose Moose

This pub found on Front St. has one of the  largest draught selections in the city with 56 different beers. The big brewers are well represented here, but they also show craft offerings some love. 

King Taps

With a name like King Taps, it's no wonder this Financial District spot makes the list. Aside from a delicious menu of bar bites, the massive multi-level beer hall has over 70 beers on tap. 

Sin and Redemption

If you like Belgian beer, you'll be hard-pressed to find a place pouring more of it than this watering hole that's walking distance from both the AGO and OCAD. There's upwards of 50 draft lines, many of which are dedicated to  Belgian beers.

C'est What

Here's where you'll find the most draught lines east of Yonge St. At this Front St. staple there are 42 taps dedicated to craft beer offerings. The food is pretty good too.

Duke's Refresher + Bar

This Muskoka-based bar can be found near Yonge & Dundas offering a tap list that's 48 beers long. Their selection ranges from Bud and Canadian on down to offerings from smaller outfits like Left Field Brewery.

Bar Hop

Both locations boast a curated list of 36 draught beers. Offerings change frequently and skew hard toward local options.

Winter staycation ideas in Toronto are perfect for when you've overextended yourself during the holidays and have to give up on the dream of a tropical vacation. You might not be able to escape the cold outright, but if you cozy up at spa or stuff yourself at local restaurants, it'll feel like you've taken a break.

Here's a series of staycation ideas for this winter in Toronto.

Escape the cold at one of the city's nicest spas

It's the ultimate staycation idea. Book a weekend off from all responsibilities and hit the spa. To really splurge, book yourself into a luxury hotel with a spa package and let your cares melt away as the snow piles up outside. 

Stay at one of Toronto's new hotels

Sometimes the simplest escapes are the best. What better way to get some R&R in your city than by booking yourself into a brand new hotel. You can immerse yourself in the luxurious surroundings of the Bisha Hotel on King West or head to the east side to check out the beautifully restored Broadview Hotel, both have great dining options.

Be a tourist in your own city

Here's an easy staycation that can be a blast: book yourself into a downtown hotel and go explore the city as a tourist. Come January, you can check out the new Bentway skating trail, the Distillery Light Festival, Winter at Ontario Place, or the wildly hyped Yayoi Kusama show at the AGO.

Head to Europe without stepping on a plane

Pick a major European destination like Paris and organize your day around eating and drinking at Toronto cafes, bakeries and restaurants devoted to the region. It'd be cinch to do this breakfast to dinner routine for Italian destinations as well, including new restaurants.

Take a weekend to immerse yourself in the Don Valley

The Don Valley is every bit a winter wonderland come January. Use the Westin Prince Hotel as your basecamp to explore the Don's network of trails. You can hike or snowshoe, but you can also cycle now that fat bikes are available at the Brick Works. 

Bars open on Christmas Eve in Toronto offer the perfect escape after a family filled dinner. Or, if you don't celebrate the holiday, they'll let you drink and party your night away as if it was a normal Saturday night.

Here's a roundup of bars open on Christmas Eve in Toronto this year.

Bovine Sex Club

This bar on Queen West is open regular hours over the holidays, so head here for a holiday hootenany.

Cherry Cola's

The Queen West bar will be doing a Ho-Ho-Holiday Special edition of its Sinful Sundays night. The show starts at 9 p.m.

Clinton's

Hit up this Koreatown tavern and grab a pint this weekend because they're open until last call.

Drake Hotel

The West Queen West hotel is open for Festivus. You can stop by for dinner on Christmas Eve and stay to party into the wee hours of the morning. They're also open Christmas Day.

El Furniture Warehouse

Get your fill of cheap eats at this the restaurant and bar on Bloor Street. They'll be open throughout the holiday season.

Emmet Ray

Sip on whisky at this Little Italy bar, which is known for being open 365 days of the year. No exceptions.

Get Well

The Dundas West bar is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so head on over for evening of video games and great drinks. 

Hemingway's

Head to this Yorkville institution to munch on pub grub and to down a few pints in honour of the holiday season. If you can't make it out the on Christmas Eve, they'll also be open Christmas Day. 

Louis Cifer Brew Works

This Danforth brewery will be open and Sunday, and it'll be screening the ultimate holiday movie Home Alone.

Queen St. Warehouse

Maybe the lineup at this bar and restaurant on Queen West won't be quite as long on this weekend. Here's hoping.

Roxy on King

Spend the night munching on epic nachos and playing billiards at this King West hangout. They will be open until at least 1 a.m. 

Swan Dive

If you're looking for something to do after your festive feast make your way to this dive bar on Dundas West. They'll be open from 5 p.m. on.

The Dime

The $5 food menu is surprisingly good at this so-called dive bar on Queen West. Like its sister bars, it's always open until 2 a.m.

Unlovable

With no work Monday a visit to this Dundas West bar is just what the doctor ordered. They open their doors at 7 p.m. and will keep the party going until last call. 

Woody's

If you're in the The Village come Christmas Eve, make your way to one of Toronto's best gay bars. The show begins at 11 a.m. and they'll be open until last call. 

Christmas Eve events in Toronto are here to ensure that everyone will have something to do on the night before Christmas. From cozy indoor film screenings to outdoor winter exhibits, there's more to do than you might think.

Everyone knows Toronto is a popular place to film (if not actually set) movies, but not many know that the city has provided the backdrop to several festive flicks. From fluffy Disney movies to cult slasher films, this city's festive filmography runs deep. 

Here are the top Christmas movies shot in Toronto.

Black Christmas (1974)

This festive bloodbath is set in a sorority house that's being terrorized by a psychopathic phone caller. Dubbed "the moaner," the killer slashes his way through the occupants of the home, thoroughly ruining Christmas in the process. The sorority house exterior is 6 Clarendon Cres. and several other scenes use U of T's campus as a backdrop.

The Silent Partner (1978)

An underrated Canadian classic, this thriller takes off when a Santa-clad Christopher Plummer robs Elliott Gould at gunpoint in a bank at the Eaton Centre (look at all those all Canadian bills). This one is less festive, but absolutely worth a watch for the unexpected plot and various Toronto cameos. 

A Christmas Story (1983)

Early 80s Toronto does a decent job of playing 1940s Indiana in A Christmas Story, a film about the festive adventures of Ralphie Parker, a young boy who wants nothing more than the gift of a Red Ryder BB gun. One of the movie's most famous scenes, in which Little Ralphie drops an f-bomb, was filmed on the Cherry St. bridge in the Port Lands. 

One Magic Christmas (1985)

A little piece of Disney seasonal fluff, One Magic Christmas tells the story of cynical mother of two, Ginny Grainger, who is taught the real meaning of Christmas by an unconventional angel. Most of the movie's exteriors were filmed in or around Collingwood, Meaford, and Owen Sound, but parts of Scarborough also make an appearance.

The Santa Clause (1994)

The home where Tim Allen accidentally kills Santa Claus (and tees up the central plot of this yuletide classic) is located in Oakville, but a Denny's in Scarborough, John Ross Robertson and Blythwood public schools, and Hillcrest Park also make cameos. The movie's reindeer were provided by the Toronto Zoo.

Cheap steak in Toronto can be tricky culinary ground. Everyone wants a deal, but there's no point in paying for tough meat. Fortunately, there are a number of places around town that offer quality steak dinners for under $25.

Here's a round-up of restaurants that serve cheap steak in Toronto.

Bacchanal

No French bistro is complete without steak frites, and this restaurant across from 99 Sudbury does an 8 oz. flatiron version for $24. The steak is topped with a Café de Paris sauce and served along side a stack of fries.

Zet's Restaurant

You'd be hard pressed to find a better steak dinner for the price than at this diner near Pearson airport. The 10 oz. New York strip loin ($19.95) is well marbled and comes with heaping sides.

Jules Bistro

This classic French bistro-style with multiple locations in Toronto does steak frites at $19.95. You get a flavourful cut of flank steak served with herbed fries and ratatouille.

Aft Kitchen & Bar

The Riverside BBQ joint does a great deal on its steak frites, offering a 12 oz. sous-vide flank steak for $22 that comes with red chimichurri dressing. It's packed with flavour and comes served medium rare.

Le Paradis

What's one way to prepare a cheaper cut of beef? Slice it thinly and cover it in sauce, which is exactly what this Annex bistro does. The Bavette aux Echalotes ($21) is a flank grilled with a shallot demi glace and served with fries.

The Tulip

Often the subject of mixed reviews, the key with this Leslieville restaurant is to go in with appropriate expectations. The 12 oz. sirloin ($23.95) is juicy and filling, but not the top of the heap as far as grill-worthy cuts go. If you like a leaner steak, this is for you.

The Purple Onion

This Junction restaurant is like the west side version of the Tulip, but given its modest fanfare over the years, the prices have stayed lower. You can get a range of steaks for under $20 including a 10 oz. New York strip.

Cluny

This massive bistro in the Distillery District offers steak frites as a staple menu item. Served with lemon garlic aioli and fresh cut frites, the most affordable version is the 8 oz. hanger steak served for $25 during lunch. 

Branca

The main attraction at this Argentinian grillhouse on Dundas West is the selection of meats from the grill. The skirt steak ($24) is an 8 oz. inside cut, seasoned and char-grilled.

The Ace

The Roncesvalles spot has been featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives and that's thanks to their eclectic menu. A real standout is their steak frites ($24) served with red wine jus.

Rio 40

Brazilian-style steak is not to be missed if you're a fan of beef. The Corso Italia restaurant offers a wide range of options between $20-24, starting with either a grilled rump steak or a New York strip.

Le Baratin

The steak frites at this Brockton Village French restaurant comes in at $22. It's a marinated flank steak served in a shallot and peppercorn sauce, with frites and mixed greens on the side. 

Ski hills and clubs near Toronto are nestled around the Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine. While not a bonafide skiing destination, Ontario's geography does allow for a decent downhill experience, especially for beginners and those who haven't been exposed to the longer runs available in Europe and the west coast.

Here are my picks for the top ski hills and clubs near Toronto.

Blue Mountain

The largest ski resort in Ontario, Blue Mountain is also one of the best kept. There are 14 lifts and over 40 trails to choose from, with a healthy range of difficulty levels. It's pricey at $70 for a full day pass, but you can get a lot of runs in thanks to the high capacity of the resort.

Mount St. Louis Moonstone

Another ski resort with great capacity, Mount St. Louis is often the choice of those making day trips. At just over an hour away from Toronto, the lack of on-resort accommodation doesn't diminish the popularity. There are over 35 trails and 12 lifts.

Hockley Valley

If you're looking for a ski getaway that's close to Toronto, Hockley is one of your best bets. With 14 trails for skiing and snowboarding, a half pipe, and decent on-site accommodation, you can focus on your traversing through the day before resting up to do it all over again. Day passes start at $36.99.

Horseshoe Resort

Horseshoe has 29 runs, a snowboard half pipe, and a ton of trails for cross country skiing. It's also a full service resort with overnight accommodations, and a spa. It's significantly smaller than Blue Mountain, but it's closer and tends to be less busy. There's night skiing all over the hill. A 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. pass goes for $59.

Hidden Valley

A smaller resort, Hidden Valley is a great spot for beginners and families. The trails aren't so challenging and the hill has a rather low capacity, but it's laid back and geared toward folks who don't need Black Diamond trails to have a good time on the hill. A 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. pass costs $53.

Dagmar

Dagmar Resort is located in the Oak Ridges Moraine between Ajax and Whitby. Here you have access to 17 runs of a whole range of varying difficulties. Along with four chairlifts and two carpet lifts for both day and nighttime skiing, there's also a coffee lounge and restaurant with licensed bar at the resort for a little apres ski.

Lakeridge

Lakeridge Resort is also in the Oak Ridges Moraine in Uxbridge, Ontario. It has 23 runs spread over 70 acres, with black diamond trails for experts as well as beginner hills. There are also mogul runs and three dedicated snowboard terrain parks. While hours vary depending on the day and time of year, night skiing is generally available until 9:30 p.m.

Glen Eden

Glen Eden has two major selling points: 1) it's extremely close to Toronto, and 2) it's reasonably priced. Passes range from $20 to $37. It's not a big hill by any stretch, but there's a terrain park and even a tubing field for kids who have yet to master skiing.

Brimacombe

Brimacombe is a not-for-profit initiative in Orono, Ontario, between Oshawa and Port Hope. It has 22 slopes of varying difficulty, 11 of which are open for night skiing. There are also two chalets with cafeterias, four quad chairlifts, and professional instruction available. Full-day adult passes are $51.99 on weekends, but there's lots of other options.

Mansfield

Mansfield is a private ski resort with a more reasonable season pass option ($265) available for midweek visits. With seven lifts and 15 slopes, there's decent variety in a resort is geared for families. There's nothing too challenging here, but you won't be kept waiting.

Living in Toronto can pose some challenges when it comes to etiquette. With so many people crammed into relatively limited space, it's important that everyone tacitly agree to certain common sense rules about how to behave for the greater good. Alas, too often these rules are ignored and city life is dragged down by a few rotten apples.

For a primer on how to avoid this fate, here are a handful of easy ways to be a good Toronto resident.

1. Walk left, stand right. You may no longer find the signs on the TTC, but this is basic escalator etiquette that respects the fact some people are in a rush while others happy to cruise to their destinations.

2. While we're on the subject of the TTC, please make sure to take off your backpack, give up your seat to someone who needs it (especially if it's blue), and never rush the doors to enter a train before everyone has gotten off.

3. Support your local business. With property taxes skyrocketing, buying goods from independent business helps them stay afloat. It might be a few bucks cheaper on Amazon, but what kind of city do you want?

4. The good Toronto resident will also support the city's music and arts scenes by going to concerts, comedy shows, and buying the work of local artists if it's feasible. You'd be amazed how inexpensive it can be to do so. 

5. Be nice, clear your ice. One of Toronto's best-ever ad campaigns is as true today as it has ever been.

6. On the subject of sidewalks, let's remember never to ride our bikes on these. This is only acceptable behaviour if you're under 10 years old.

7. Don't be a stranger to city hall. Over and above voting, there are many other ways you can weigh in on an array of municipal issues that shape our city. There's even a handy guide to civic engagement that'll walk you through the process. 

8. Get to know more than just your neighbourhood. Toronto's diversity is often touted as its greatest strength, but the only way to experience this is by exploring areas of the city that might be unfamiliar. How else is it possible to truly know the city?

9. Join your local neighbourhood group. There's no better way to know what's going on in your community and to help make it a quality place to live. You'd be amazed at how many there are in Toronto.

10. Separate your waste! This is really the easiest thing in the world to do for those provided with city recycling, garbage, and green bins. What's more, the city is now dispatching inspectors to ensure that you're recycling properly.

Toronto is in the giving spirit this week, if the free events being offered are any indication. With a huge fireworks show, a film festival, a skate party and plenty of other New Year's events, you can end 2017 on a high note without breaking the bank!

Restaurants open on Christmas Day in Toronto go beyond your favourite dim sum spots or 24 hour diners. Whether you're craving a festive turkey dinner or something more casual, these restaurants will hit the spot this holiday season.

Here's a roundup of restaurants open on Christmas Day in Toronto.

7 West

The 24-hour restaurant by Yonge & Bloor will be open to dish out turkey dinners along with their regular menu of great late night fare.

98 Aroma

Chinatown will be bustling come Christmas Day, and this restaurant located on Spadina is just one place to check out. Head over for Northern Chinese cuisine.

Aanch

This Indian restaurant in Toronto's Entertainment District will be taking the morning off but will open for dinner service starting at 5 p.m.

Cafe Boulud

The restaurant in the Four Seasons will be serving a three-course prix fixe menu for $107. The menu features options like arctic char and Ontario venison. 

Cafe Landwer

The popular Israeli brunch spot in Richmond Hill will be open starting at 8 a.m. They'll be serving up their regular menu of shakshouka, farmers breakfasts, and tasty desserts. 

Colette

The Parisian cafe at the Thompson Hotel will be open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for brunch, while their cafe will also be open starting at 9 a.m.

Copacabana Restaurant

The Adelaide location will be open on Xmas day. Continue the feast from the night before with copious amounts of grilled steak. Warning - this may cause meat sweats.

Dim Sum King

Get your fill of dim sum in Chinatown starting as early as 9 a.m. Fill up on deep fried shrimp rolls, sui mai and much more.

El Furniture Warehouse

The Annex bar will be open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Grab some cheap eats and drinks while you party the night away.

Fran’s

All three locations of the diner will be open. Load up on all your favourite diner staples while slurping on some milkshakes.  

Hemingway’s

This Yorkville institution is open year round serving up their menu of burgers, nachos and cocktails.

Mornings are better with eggs benny from Hollandaise Diner. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Hollandaise Diner

Let this diner on the Danforth take care of breakfast. They'll be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Jacob’s Deli

This kosher deli in Thornhill won't be closing over the holidays. There's a smoked meat sandwich with your name on it.

Kinton Ramen

On Christmas Day the ramen chain's Bloor, Eglinton and Highway 7 locations will be open. Warm up to huge bowls of ramen filled to the nines with noodles and pork.

Kowloon Dim Sum Restaurant

Found in Baldwin Village, the Chinese restaurant will be open for regular hours to serve up a menu of their delectable dim sum.

Kwan

Both locations of the Chinese restaurant will be open regular hours. Stuff your face with BBQ pork buns, rice dishes, and noodles.

Lai Wah Heen

The Metropolitan Hotel's Chinese restaurant will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 pm.

Lakeview Restaurant

The 24 hour diner on Dundas West won't be closing its doors for the holidays. Feel free to visit at any time of the day.

Lee Chen Asian Bistro

Both their Yonge and King locations will be open. Get your fill of Chinese food from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Leela Indian Food Bar

Satisfy cravings for Indian at this restaurant in the Junction. They'll be open their regular hours for the day.

Leslieville Pumps

As per usual, the gas station restaurant in Leslieville will be open 24 hours so you can satisfy all your cravings for BBQ sandwiches.

Me Va Me

The Middle Eastern joint on Queen West will be open for business and dishing out laffa. The suburban outposts are open too but hours might vary.

New Sky Restaurant

This restaurant will be just one of many open in Chinatown on Christmas Day. Similar to the others, they'll be open regular hours. 

One Restaurant

Mark McEwan's Yorkville restaurant is open regular hours throughout the holiday season. Reservations are all booked up, but you can always try to walk in.

Owl of Minerva

Each Location of the restaurant is operating around the clock, making it a reliable choice for Korean eats on the holiday Monday.

Paramount Fine Foods never skimps on portion sizes. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Paramount Fine Foods

All locations of the popular Middle Eastern chain will be keeping their doors open. Indulge in shawarma, kebabs, and saj bread wraps.

Pearl Harbourfront

Make your way to the waterfront to fill cravings for dim sum. The popular destination will be open their regular hours.

Pho Pasteur

As always, this Vietnamese noodle house on Dundas West will be open 24 hours.

Pho Tien Thanh

Unlike Golden Turtle, this pho joint on Ossington will be open for business. Warm up with some of the best pho in the city. 

Phyllo Cafe

Get a taste for authentic Greek pastries when you visit this spot on Pape Ave. They'll be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Queen St. Warehouse

If you spent all your money on gifts this holiday season, a visit to this Queen West restaurant could be a good idea. They'll be open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and mains will only set you back $4.95.

Rol San

Steamed buns, dumplings, spring rolls and more are all on the menu Christmas Day at this dim sum restaurant in Chinatown.

Saffron Spice Kitchen

This Indian restaurant on Queen West will be cooking up samosas, soup, and kothu roti all day.

Saku Sushi

Craving sushi this Christmas? This Queen West joint will be open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Si Lom

Pad Thai, pad kraprow and pla pae sa are just some of the Thai dishes available for lunch and dinner at this restaurant on Church.

Swatow

The popular Chinatown restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. to help you indulge all day and late at night.

The Captain’s Boil

The North York and Yonge & College locations of this seafood boil chain will be open for business come Christmas Day. 

The Drake Hotel

The West Queen West hotel and restaurant will be celebrating Festivus on Christmas Day. They open at 9 a.m. and will serving meals well into the night.

Eats don't get much cheaper than the ones at The Dime. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

The Dime

Similar to the other Warehouse restaurant locations, this Queen West joint will open at 4 p.m. and will be serving their regular menu of $4.95 dishes.

The Emmet Ray

This cozy bar on College is open from 5 p.m to 2 a.m. 365 days of the year. Stop by for a drink and a bite to eat.

The Host

The Yorkville Indian restaurant will be closed during the day but will open up for dinner service. 

Thompson Diner

Regularly open the majority of the day and night, the diner at the Thompson Hotel will switching things up and will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Udupi Palace

From noon until 10 p.m. this restaurant found in Little India will be churning out giant dosa filled with a spiced potato stuffing, chana bhatura, and much more.

United Bakers Dairy

The regular menu of eggs, omelettes, sandwiches and fish dinners will be available at this Jewish restaurant in North York between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Wah Sing

Make your way to this Baldwin Village restaurant for their famous two for one lobster specials.

Toboggan hills in Toronto are scattered across neighbourhoods throughout the city. When these destinations are coated in a fresh heaping of snow, it's time to gear up and get your sled on.

From hidden gems to the city's most popular runs, here are my picks for Toronto's most noteworthy toboggan hills followed by a map of every worthwhile spot in the city.

Centennial Park

The hill found here is wide and allows for hazard-free sledding. Take note that there are some parts of the park that are off limits, but there's still some fun left to be had in designated areas. Located just north of Rathburn Rd., the hill is long, steep and spacious.

Christie Pits & Bickford Park

The hill just east of the skating rink on the north side of Christie Pits is the busiest and steepest spot. If you're looking for something a little less adventurous, there are plenty of options over at Bickford or at the southern section of the Pits.

High Park

While a large majority of the park's hills are banned, tobogganing is still permitted at Howard Park and Parkside Drive, where you can enjoy a pretty thrilling ride. There are also a few smaller hills nearby where you can set up a jump or two.

L'Amoreaux Park

Located in the Hydro corridor south of the L'Amoreaux community centre, the hills here generally see low traffic, but they're actually nice and steep with long enough run-outs that you can kick it into high gear.

Pine Point Hill Arena

The hill behind Pine Point arena between Weston and Islington roads is reminiscent of the ever-popular Riverdale Park. It's a good length and steepness, but also wide with a huge run-out at the bottom.

Rennie Park

The spot at Ellis and the Queensway is the where to embrace all things winter. There's a skating rink and a hockey pad, but the Rennie Hill, located on the southwest side of the park near the school, is the place to go for a relatively steep sled ride with wide open terrain.

Riverdale Park

Riverdale Park is split in two by the DVP, with the west side acting as the better hill for younger kids, especially given the staircase on the side that makes climbing to the top much easier. Riverdale Park East is where to make your way if you're looking for a more thrilling option.

Trinity Bellwoods

The hill here may be a beginner run compared to some of the other options available in Toronto, but it's always popular. Come here if you're looking for a few quick runs before a day or evening spent on Queen St. It's also great for kids.

What's open and closed in Toronto on Christmas Day 2017 is crucial information to navigate the city when it seems like everything is shut down. Along with New Year's, it's one of the few days when the majority of the city closes its doors. There are, however, a few places that you can visit on December 25 for entertainment and essentials.

Here's what's open and closed on Christmas Day in Toronto. 

General
 

Closed

• Government office and banks
• Libraries
• Mail delivery
• Banks

Open

• The TTC will run on a Sunday service schedule

Popbox Mircomrkt will be open for business on December 25. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Food
 

Closed

• Most major grocery chains will be closed on Christmas with a few confirmed exceptions listed below.

Open

• Rabba (various locations) - 24 hours
• The Food Depot (115 Dupont St.) - 24 hours
• Galleria Supermarket (7040 Yonge St.) - 24 hours
• Galleria Supermarket (865 York Mills Rd.) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Galleria Supermarket (558 Yonge St.) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Galleria Supermarket (351 Bloor St. West) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• The Kitchen Table (10 Queens Quay West) - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• The Kitchen Table (389 Spadina Rd.) - 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• The Kitchen Table (595 Bay St.) - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
• The Kitchen Table (705 King St. West) - 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Popbox MicroMrkt (725 Dovercourt Rd.) - 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Beer Store may be closed but a number of bottle shops will be open on Christmas Day. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Drink
 

Closed

• The Beer Store
• LCBO

Open

• For a complete list of indie bottle shops in Toronto, see this directory. Holiday hours are provided where applicable but we advise calling ahead to confirm.

Pacific Mall will be the only majors shopping centre open in Toronto on Christmas Day. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Malls
 

Closed

• Bayview Village Shops
• CF Fairview Mall
• CF Markville
• CF Sherway Gardens
• CF Toronto Eaton Centre
• Dufferin Mall
• Hillcrest Mall
• Promenade
• Scarborough Town Centre
• Square One Shopping Centre
• Toronto Premium Outlets 
• Vaughan Mills
• Yorkdale Shopping Centre
• Yorkville Village

Open

• Pacific Mall (4300 Steeles Ave. E.) - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is open 365 days a year. Photo by Andrew Williamson.

Attractions
 

Closed

• Art Gallery of Ontario
• Canada's Wonderland
• CN Tower
• Gardiner Museum
• Hockey Hall of Fame
• Ontario Science Centre
• Royal Ontario Museum
• Toronto Zoo

Open

• Movie Theatres
• Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (288 Bremner Blvd.) - 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Christmas Day events in Toronto for 2017 can take advantage of the snowy weather. There's plenty of rinks to go skating, hills to go tobogganing and places to watch a flick. For those interested in dining out, plenty of restaurants are open for business. Make sure to take note of what's open and closed today.

You won't find too many Christmas-themed photos in the Toronto Archives, but the collection that does exist offers a window into the way the holiday used to be celebrated in the city. 

Even in year's past, Casa Loma was a major draw for its festive decorations, the holiday window displays were a highlight at the Simpson's building by Yonge and Queen streets, and people loved to toboggan on a snowy Christmas day. 

One quirky thing that has changed, however, is the absence of the TTC's holiday lights tours. These were just what the sound like: a bus in festive livery would tour folks around the city to check out the best light displays. Can we please bring this back? 

Behold, what Christmas used to look like in Toronto.

Christmas display at the St. Charles Hotel, 1908.

Tobogganing in High Park, 1910.

James family festive dinner, 1913.

Christmas decorations at the North York Market, 1920.

Santa Claus Parade in 1930.

Holiday traffic on Yonge St. in 1935.

City Hall Christmas Tree, 1950s.

TTC Christmas Light Tour, 1957.

TTC Christmas Bus, 1950s.

Noma lights model, 1950s.

Casa Loma in Christmas garb, 1963.

Holiday traffic on Yonge St. in 1962. 

Simpson's all decked out for the holidays in 1963.

Star Wars toys at Simpson's in 1981.

Display window advertising the great place on earth in 1981: Toytown on the fourth floor of Simpson's.

The snow started to fall on a Monday afternoon, as promised. A winter storm whipped up from the Gulf of Mexico was drifting north over upstate New York dumping fresh powder on the the Finger Lakes as wartime Toronto headed home from work.

The Toronto Star weather forecast - "fresh to strong winds; snow, part sleet" - betrayed nothing of what was in store.

The snow picked up and was falling in sheets by late evening. It didn't ease up. Fat flakes driven on the razor wind caused whiteout conditions from Niagara Falls through Toronto and into the Quinte region. With each passing hour the drifts grew higher and more difficult to manage.

The last flight to leave Malton Airport escaped at 1:12 a.m. on the morning of Dec. 12, 1944, moments before the airport abandoned its runways to the storm. Meanwhile, downtown, TTC crews were working in vain to clear the tracks ahead of morning rush hour.

The aftermath of the December 1944 snowstorm in Toronto.

As soon as the tracks were clear blowing snow would flood the void. "Between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. we figured we had it licked but high winds and drifting snow backed up on the tracks and slowed things up by plugging switches," a TTC spokesman said.

As dawn broke, the extent of the snowfall became apparent to those trying to make their way to work or school, and still it continued to fall. With many streets impassible, some turned to the horse and cart. One woman used a pair of stilts to traverse the drifts at King and Bay.

Many just stayed home.

Metre high drifts were reported on Eglinton and in parts of downtown. Prisoners couldn't make their court dates, funerals were put on hold, and 2,000 people waited in the swirling blizzard at Pape and Danforth for streetcars that would never come.

Eaton's and Simpson's, the rival department stores at Queen and Yonge, were both closed due to the weather for the first time in their histories.

More importantly for Canada's war effort, several munitions factories and two aircraft manufacturers, De Havilland and Victory, had shifts interrupted or cancelled entirely.

The cover of the evening edition of the Toronto Daily Star on December 12, 1944.

It wasn't until the late morning that the heavy snowfall turned from novelty to tragedy.

The bodies lay crumpled in the snow, shovels still in hand. Men expired from the exertion of hauling powder off walks and drives lay undiscovered for hours. Others collapsed in doorways and in office coatrooms.

The evening edition of the Toronto Star reported nine dead in Toronto. "One suffered a fatal heart seizure while shovelling his snow and seven others died struggling through four-foot drifts."

"Some of the victims lay for considerable time before they were noticed in the blinding blizzard," the paper said. "The six telephones in the coroners building, which is also headquarters of the city ambulance service, were ringing incessantly with Herbert Landsborough the only member of staff able to get to the office to answer them."

"The frightening aspect of the death toll is the fear that under the piles of snow, or in the thousands of cars buried under the avalanche on streets and side roads may be more dead, caught inexorably in the blizzard as they might have been on an open prairie."

Streetcars travel along Yonge St. after tireless work to clear the tracks.

Meanwhile the snow continued to be a major concern on the roads. In a public radio address, Mayor Frederick J. Conboy urged workers to stay home unless their jobs were essential.

"We want all available transportation facilities to bring war workers and others to their jobs," he told the huddled city over crackling airwaves.

All private and non-essential motor traffic was ordered off streetcar routes by the city's transit controller. Milk, bread, and other deliveries were re-routed to fire stations, which became makeshift distribution points.

Downtown, restaurants, cafes, and movie theatres did brisk business as freezing workers who had trudged through the snow only to find the city shuttered and silent were forced to find somewhere obliging.

The scene looking up Bay St. following the massive snowstorm.

By morning of Dec. 13, 1944 the situation had only marginally improved. The Ontario death toll had climbed to 18 with incidents in Hamilton, Campbellford, Brantford, and Richmond Hill. At Queen and Mutual a streetcar lay on its side with 170 people trapped inside.

The eastbound car had jumped the rails and tipped onto its doors, sealing a crowd inside. One person was killed and 43 were injured but surprisingly little was made of the incident. A photo and a few lines of copy in both the Star and the Globe and Mail, nothing more.

In fact, despite the unfolding drama, there's little evidence of fear or anger from the people of Toronto in the papers. 1,400 volunteers, some of them boys drafted from local schools, some of them re-purposed garbage crews, helped shovel snow from TTC tracks.

People were "singing and wise-cracking" as they waited on delayed or cancelled public transit, a far cry from what you'd imagine would happen today.

A few skied to work, including Stanley Todrow, who was photographed outside City Hall. It's "just like a sight-seeing tour," he said before toppling over in front of the cameras.

Over at Bell Telephone Co., which was snarled "beyond the capacity of both humans and mechanical equipment" by the volume of phone calls, 310 army cots complete with nightgowns, lipstick, soap, and toothpaste were delivered to the tireless girls working the switchboards.

Few went home - they couldn't - so the army brought them what they needed to take a nap and return to work. "We're prepared to carry on indefinitely," said a Bell official. If the girls were upset, they didn't show it.

The view at Yonge and College after the snow had subsided.

The snow stopped on Dec. 14, giving way to clearer skies and scattered flurries. The city was "50 per cent of normal" by the end of the week and officials lifted the auto ban on Dec. 15., but it would take days for many side roads to become passable.

21 people died in Ontario as a result of the storm and its monster deluge. The snowfall, a whopping half metre in little over 24 hours, wouldn't be beaten until the storms of 1999.