Celebrate The Holidays At Fairmont Royal York #RYHFestive

The holidays are a busy time for everyone. Most of us find ourselves making a mad dash to find the perfect gifts, coordinating elaborate dinners, hopping from house to house to visit family and friends. Quite frankly, it can be exhausting and stressful. But it doesn’t have to be. I’m here to encourage you all to shake things up a bit. With the fast-paced lives we now lead, it’s more important than ever to take some time to be present and find the magic of the holidays again. Yes, the MAGIC. It’s still there, I promise. I recently experienced it in full force during a staycation at Fairmont Royal York and a dazzling night at the Toronto Christmas Market and you can too…

How? There’s an exclusive package being offered that is guaranteed to put you in the festive spirit. That’s because you get to celebrate the season by taking part in two of the most iconic holiday experiences in Toronto: a full evening exploring the renowned Toronto Christmas Market followed by luxe stay at Fairmont Royal York — a hotel so magical that even Santa calls it home…

Not only does the package include one night accommodation for two in a Fairmont Luxury Room, but also a pair of VIP passes to the Toronto Christmas Market, two vouchers for hot chocolate AND two vouchers for ferris wheel/carousel rides! It’s my fave holiday package in the city…

Ah yes, a stroll along the snowy, cobblestone streets in the Distillery followed by more festive celebrations at Fairmont Royal York — a historic hotel that truly radiates warmth and joy during the holidays. They’ve thought of so many ways to celebrate the magic of the season. Here are my fave offerings…

How To Get Festive At Fairmont Royal York

1. Festive Afternoon Tea – The highly popular festive afternoon tea service is one you’ll want to experience firsthand. Just make sure you book way in advance (aka NOW) because the resos are filling up fast. The festive afternoon tea is offered on Saturdays and Sundays in December all the way up to January 1st — a beaut way to kick off the new year if you ask me!

2. Santa’s Chalet – A visit to Santa’s Chalet is a must. Not only can you snap photos with the jolly man himself on December 14th and 22nd, but you can even book a holiday party in the space!! If that’s not magical, I don’t know what is…

3. Holiday Cocktails At Library Bar – After a chilly night out at the Christmas market, you’ll want to cozy up inside the Library Bar, take in some live tunes and sip on festive cocktails. My reco? The Cranberry Mule.

4. Christmas Day Dinner In The Iconic Imperial Room – A Christmas feast to remember awaits in the legendary Imperial Room. There are only four seating times so be sure to book in advance for the holiday buffet. The menu looks amazing!

5. Check Out The Festive Windows & Projection Outside – While there isn’t a Christmas tree inside this year (I know, I know — but the hotel is undergoing renovations) they took their Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony outside with a reveal of their holiday windows and a huge projection on the exterior façade. Think of it as a big, festive hug until all the renos are complete!

What To Do At The Toronto Christmas Market

The Toronto Christmas Market is one of my faves IN THE WORLD. So it shouldn’t surprise you that I visit multiple times each year (seven times last year to be exact). It’s just so magical!! I often take friends for the first time and make sure they don’t miss out on these highlights…

1. Grab Hot Coco At Wildly Delicious – The cutest little vendor I ever did see. These guys make an incredible hot chocolate — the best at the market in my opinion. So grab a cup (boozy versions available as well) and enjoy with a friend!

2. Ride The Ferris Wheel – You’ll get incredible views of the market from the top of the ferris wheel. The cobblestone streets, the 50-foot Christmas tree all decked out with 40 000 lights and the cute market stalls. Bonus: your ride is free if you book the exclusive stay package so def take advantage of that perk. If heights freak you out, you can use the voucher to ride the carousel instead!

3. Cozy Up Under A Blanket At El Catrin – A visit to the Toronto Christmas Market isn’t complete without mulled wine and tasty Mexican bites at El Catrin in my opinion. I like to sit outside by the fire and wrap myself up in one of their cozy blankets. What do I recommend ordering? Pescado Nayarit (share this snapper dish), the Calaca ceviches and the Pepino Diablo (a cocktail with a kick)!

4. Check If You’re On Santa’s Nice List – Santa is definitely a highlight for most of the kids (big and small) who visit the market so make sure to grab a photo with him. If it’s too cold out, remember that he’ll also be at Fairmont Royal York on Dec 14th & 22nd waiting for you in his toasty chalet.

5. Indulge In Treats At The Market Stands – This year I tried “Santa’s Favourite” at Wafel Bar and loved it. The soft and chewy Liège waffle bites are coated with cinnamon sugar and topped with Belgian chocolate, fudge, morello cherry compote, whipped cream and cacao. Yum!

Toronto Christmas Market Package & Giveaway #RYHFestive

For those of you looking to snag one of these exclusive packages before the rooms get all booked up, here are the details:

Package Includes:

• One night accommodation for two in Fairmont Luxury Room
• Two VIP Passes (only required on weekends for entry)
• Two Ferris Wheel Passes
• Two Hot Chocolate Vouchers (to be redeemed at the Market)
• Buffet Breakfast for Two served in Piper’s Pub
• Complimentary WiFi to share your #RYHFestive moments on social media

Availability: Between Thursday, November 15, 2018 and Sunday, December 23, 2018

Rates: Starting from 309 CAD per night, based on double occupancy in a Fairmont Luxury Room. Applicable taxes not included.

GIVEAWAY: For one lucky person in my TCC community, there is a VERY special prize. I’m giving away an exclusive Fairmont Royal York x Toronto Christmas Market package!! To enter, just head to my Instagram post HERE and follow the rules in the caption. Comment below for a bonus entry. I can’t wait for one of you guys to win this incredible, festive experience!!

UPDATE: a winner was randomly selected on December 4th, 2018. Congratulations Carmen Hui (@hui.carmen) for winning this amazing package!

A huge thanks to Fairmont Royal York for hosting us and partnering on this giveaway. As always, reviews and opinions are my very own.