The partnership came to be when the CEOs of the two companies found a symbiotic relationship – The Bay needing more companies within their department stores and MEC looking to find more retail space. The partnership will only take place in the GTA for now, but the success of the move could prompt a nationwide expansion.

I recently got to visit the new store within The Bay at Queen and Yonge to see what they had put together. The MEC section is right across from the walkway that connects the Eaton Centre to The Bay over Queen Street. MEC hopes that the street traffic and mall traffic will bring new customers to their stores who may not be familiar with their brands and merchandise. Already, they have had customers come in to fix a bike tire which prompted them to bring in cycling parts and accessories. The new stores will be learning from these new experiences to see how their clients’ needs change for stores that may see more thoroughfare visitors.

MEC will also carry a lot of their usual stuff like climbing gear, clothing for men, women and kids as well as camping gear and footwear. Staff are trained at the big box stores and are still knowledgeable on all MEC products, carrying a wealth of information for shoppers. In stores, learn how to layer your clothing for optimal movement and warmth or discover more about hiking, climbing or camping from their professional assistants that MEC has available throughout the country.

If you are looking for rain gear, winter parkas or some sturdy footwear as we go into Fall and Winter, MEC has a wide range of products from Parkas to Gore-Tex jackets to hiking boots for all seasons. They even have a canoe! If you are not in the area, be sure to check our MEC merchandise on the HBC marketplace online.

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This year we have every reason to enjoy the holidays anyway we please. The season doesn’t have to include a hectic rush of last-minute shopping in a crowded mall or obligatory attendance to never-ending gatherings.

We have license to skip the office party, avoid the in-laws, camp out on the couch in our pjs, and binge-watch all the terrible holiday movies.

To get some fresh air, many seasonal activities have always taken place outside, making a socially distanced festive season even easier.

The upsides of the commercialization of December 25th are all the traditions provided, from looking at catalogues (RIP Wish Book!) to gathering outside freshly decorated department store windows.

It’s sad that many stores are no longer with us, but still, a nostalgic trip back in time in the Toronto Archives seeing the displays from Christmas past invoke joy.

An investment in pubic buildings is important to pick up the slack when retail drops the ball. If anything ever happens to the Bay and their windows go dark, places like Casa Loma remain decked out for the season.

Find more interesting photographs on the Toronto archives website.

The post Old Photographs of Christmas Displays in Toronto (1908-1983) appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTMAS:

Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery District until December 22. Now in its seventh year, the market has become one of Toronto’s most visited attraction. Cobblestone lanes are filled with everything for the holidays from artisan made goods to hot apple cider. Note Friday night and weekends admission price of $6. Other days are free admission. The proceed of sales go to future growth of the festival as well as to local charities.

Check out the 12 Trees of Christmas: Good for the Earth at the Gardiner Museum up to January 8. This year’s installations are made from natural, recycled, or sustainable materials and curated by David Buckland – artist and environmentalist. The trees bring awareness to environmental themes including commercialization of water to the declining bee population. Featured artists include Amelie Desjardins, Erin Lightfeather, Rodney Smith of Hermes Canada, Katherine Strang and Christine Dewancker, and more.

Winter Wonderland at Casa Loma on Wednesday nights happens throughout the month of December. Wander through the stunning winter light display in the gardens and be entertained by live performances including magicians, illusionists. Ten designer Christmas trees will also be on display. Families can visit Santa’s workshop, sing along with carollers, enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa. This is also a toy drop off location for CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish. Ticket info at casaloma.ca

ROM for the Holidays: December 26 to January 8, celebrate the holidays and stay warm at the Royal Ontario Museum. Inspiring exhibitions now include Chihuly and the inspiring Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Drop-in for family friendly activities like decorating a holiday tree with origami creations, explore fire and ice from volcanic glass to examining polar bear skulls.

Holiday windows at The Hudson’s Bay. A tradition of mine ever since I was a wee little one of pressing my nose against the windows and munching on roasted chestnuts but now the windows have been updated. Today, the newly spruced up windows include majestic music along side the refreshed festive windows.

Nutcracker Tea at the King Edward Hotel ($42+ per person) is a grand way to celebrate the season! This historic hotel’s holiday tea is set against the backdrop of a stunning lit up tree with all the traditions an English tea service. Reservations highly recommended.

Union Station Holiday Market: until December 16. Got time to spare before your train arrives? Check out over 30 local artisans at this seasonal pop up market to pick up some unique gift items. Vendors include Lee’s Ghee, Lovebot, Papabubble, The Honest Leaf and more. Free admission.

Santa Street on Inglewood Drive: The number of giant inflatable Santas on the front lawns in this neighbourhood seems to grow every year on “Kringlewood” or “Santawood”.  One friendly elf told us that the official start this year is December 11th.

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CHRISTMAS TREES

Within the downtown core, many large Christmas trees have been st up and decorated. Some of the most notable ones include the Eaton Centre‘s 200ft. tree, the Distillery District‘s Christmas Market tree and the tree outside new City Hall in Nathan Philips Square.

Be sure to check them out on your holiday tour of the city.

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SING YOUR HEART OUT:

Toronto Symphony Orchestra hosts the Messiah family performance not once but five times over the holidays! Acclaimed Baroque music specialists Nicholas McGegan leads the Orchestra along side vocalists.

The Candy Cane Caroller’s Christmas Concert at Solar Stage Children’s Theatre, December 16. Tickets $17+. Bring the kids and sing-along to some of the season’s most familiar tunes.

Sing-a-long Messiah at Massey Hall, December 18. Join other Messiah voices in this traditional winter sing-along event with the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir, and guest soloists. Music sheets available for sale at the event if you need…this is a full-on from start to finish event full of joy. Runs about 3 hours including intermission.

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OR JUST ENJOY THE HOLIDAY MUSIC:

Christmas Choral Concert at City Hall, December 23. 11:30 am. Free. Choirs performing include Toronto Beaches Children’s Chorus, All the King’s Voices, and Toronto Mass Choir.

A Very Soulpepper Christmas, December 20, 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Jane Mallet Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts. Tickets $25+. This family concert features many well-established musicians in the city.

A Child’s Christmas with Toronto Children’s Choir, December 17, 2:00 pm. Roy Thomson Hall. Tickets: $35.50+. Over 300 young voices join the TCC Alumni Choir to perform seasonal favourites. Includes a special musical ready of Dylan Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales.

Le Vent du Nord et De Temps Antan, December 18. Koerner Hall. Tickets $35+. A touch of holidays with traditional Quebecois music with the energy of a typical Saturday night kitchen party.

A Symphony of the Sea with the Toronto Concert Orchestra at Ripley’s Aquarium. 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Tickets $24+. This adults only event (alcohol/cash bar) has all your holiday classics performed throughout the evening at the beautiful aquarium

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Watch Rebecca’s VLOGMAS Videos

Our friend, foodie, Youtube personality and all around great gal Rebecca Felgate is releasing a video every day leading up to Christmas. Watch her first video here and continue on her page. Don’t forget to subscribe!

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The post Getting into the Holiday Spirit: What To See & Do in Toronto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Barbie is joined by her pet poodle, Hudson. He is also dressed in Hudson’s Bay Company Collection colours in his multi stripe dog coat.

“Our vision was to imbue our doll with an independent, creative spirit – a spirit that resonates not only with Barbie but with our brand as well,” says Hilary Kelley, Vice President, Design, HBC Collections, Hudson’s Bay. “This Barbie lives by a code defined by her personal mantra: be an on the go free thinker; be kind, be brave; strive to be better; and always seek adventure”.

“For the past 57 years, Barbie has been a reflection of the times, following style trends, and adding cracks to the glass ceiling all which continue to make her the icon that she is today” says Akram Sharkawy, Brand Communication Marketing Manager at Mattel Canada. “We are thrilled to have worked with the Hudson’s Bay Company in creating this stylish doll, capturing their signature stripes look, and growing Barbie’s wardrobe”.

The doll comes packaged in a collectible black and gold box. On the box, Barbie is standing in front of the Hudson’s Bay’s flagship store in downtown Toronto.

Hudson’s Bay Company Collection Barbie sells for $59.99 and is sold in stores across Canada and online at thebay.com.

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