Lighting Up The Neighbourhood

November 16, 2011, 3:28 pm

Getting excited for the holidays? If you’re like me, it doesn’t feel quite like the holiday season until there’s snow on the ground and glittering lights lining the neighbourhood.

While I can wait for the snow (late December perhaps?), I won’t have to wait long for the lights! This weekend, I’m headed to Holiday Magic, an amazing event kicking off the festive season in Bloor-Yorkville.

Taking place on Saturday, November 19 between 5 and 6 p.m. in The Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland and Bellair Streets), Holiday Magic will feature a special performance by Juno Award-winning jazz vocalist Molly Johnson, as well as the Official Flick the Switch Lighting Ceremony! In the holiday spirit of giving, this spectacular annual community event supports the Toys and Games Fund at the Hospital for Sick Children.

Molly will perform tracks off her upcoming album, The Molly Johnson Songbook, featuring some of her most beloved and well-known recordings including the unreleased track, Still Water. And to remind you just how good the holidays taste, Whole Foods Market Yorkville will be there to provide freshly baked cookies and hot apple cider. Yum! Oh, and did I mention the entire event is completely free?

After the concert, be sure to take a stroll through Bloor-Yorkville and take in the magnificent holiday light display and seasonal storefront windows (and maybe get a headstart on your shopping… or your wish list!). Don’t forget to stop by the corner of Yonge and Bloor Streets to view the dazzling 20-foot tree with more than 22,000 LED lights!

Are you checking out Holiday Magic this weekend? How do you kick-off the holiday season? Started your shopping yet? What’s on your wish list? Tell us in the comments or tweet @natashankpr!

– Kristin Newbigging