For all the moaning we locals might do about the cold weather, there is something magical about that first snowfall that sparkles at night when the Christmas lights are all aglow. Celebrations during the holiday season erupt across the city. Even hidden parts of the town come alive during this festive time. From light displays to holiday art markets and other events, there seems to be no lack of things to do around Christmas time. So, if you’re lucky enough to be in T.O. during the holidays, I’ve narrowed the list down to only the best of the best of Toronto at Christmastime.

Table Of Contents

1. The Distillery Winter Village
2. Christmas at Casa Loma
3. St. Lawrence Market
4. Kringlewood
5. One-of-a-Kind Winter Show
6. Nathan Phillips Skating Rink
7. Hudson's Bay Windows
8. Black Creek Pioneer Village Christmas
9. Swedish Christmas Fair
10. Campbell House Museum Immersive 'Christmas Carol'
11. Kensington Market Lights Festival
12. Miracle Bar Toronto
13. Leslieville Christmas Pop-up Market
14. Nutcracker Ballet

The Distillery Winter Village

When you visit the Distillery District during the holidays, you will feel like you are in a winter wonderland! The Distillery District is one of Toronto’s most charming spots. Built in 1832, the old Gooderham and Worts Distillery has been preserved to be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The cobblestone streets and restored Victorian Industrial buildings have been transformed into a pedestrian-only neighbourhood with amazing restaurants, cozy bars and unique boutiques. 

And there is no better time to visit the Distillery District than at Christmastime when the entire area is converted into the Distillery Winter Village. The streets are transformed with millions of twinkle lights and Christmas baubles. Wooden market stalls pop up, and the entire place feels like a European Christmas Market in downtown Toronto. It’s a great spot to do some holiday shopping, listen to carollers wandering down candlelit alleys and just soak up the gorgeous architecture while sipping on a warm hot chocolate!

Dates & Tickets

The market opens on November 17th, and the event’s last day is December 31st.

Tickets are required on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4:00 PM and December 27-31 after 4:00 PM. At all other times, access is free of charge and tickets are not required. Your ticket time window indicates what time you can enter the distillery. But there is no limit to your visit duration. 

The market is always packed on the weekend after 4 PM, hence the requirement for ticketing so they can control crowd levels. If you can go during the week, this will be your best chance to visit when it’s less busy. I always advise going during the week if you can.

Tickets are $11 + HST each. Kids 9 and under are FREE of charge.

Christmas at Casa Loma

One thing you might not expect to find in the middle of Toronto is a castle! But here it is, Casa Loma! Ok, it might not technically be a real castle since those need to be permanent residences for nobility or royalty. But Casa Loma has, since its inception, been colloquially called “Toronto’s Castle.” Casa Loma was built in 1911 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt. Pellatt bought up some of the most prestigious real estate in Toronto, high atop Spadina Road, looking out over the city. He wanted to design a house that resembled an old European gothic mansion. And the result was the biggest private residence ever constructed in Canada! While the exterior is definitely a marvel, the stunning interiors are just as, if not more, impressive. And today, the old residence serves as a historical monument and a popular wedding venue!

Christmas at the Castle

Visitors can explore Casa Loma’s gorgeous interiors every December and experience a palatial seasonal event. Personally, I think there is no better time to visit Casa Loma. This palace was built to host a glorious Christmas spectacle. With its soaring interior, the great hall features a 40-ft tall Christmas tree covered in the finest decorations. Celebrated Canadian interior designers from all over the country are invited to Casa Loma to decorate one room each for the holidays. Each one is as unique as the next and so interesting to see everyone’s different take on holiday decor.

If you bring the kids, you’ll be able to see Santa in his castle workshop and even talk to some of his elves. My favourite part is grabbing a cup of hot cocoa, exploring the illuminated gardens, and listening to the live music playing throughout the day. Simply magical.

Casa Loma Tickets

Ticket prices start at $30 and vary throughout the week. The best advice is to book your tickets in advance as certain busy times will sell out.

St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market is one of the most popular foodie destinations in Toronto. It originated as a small public market in 1803 but grew in size and eventually expanded in 1814 into the building you see today. It is Toronto’s “temple of food,” with over 120 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to meats, cheeses and other specialty items.

The market is all decked out for the holidays during the Christmas season. Bells are hung from the ceiling with care, and twinkling illuminated snowflakes decorate the brick walls outside. Since Toronto is such a multicultural city, the market is filled with seasonal treats from all over the world! It’s a fantastic place to try Christmas classics from Canada and beyond! Plus, beautiful seasonal gifts to bring home for your loved ones. The gingerbread men as always a hit with the kids!

Market Hours:

South Market is open Tuesdays – Fridays – 9am to 7pm, Saturdays – 7am to 5pm, Sundays – 10am to 5pm, and is closed on Mondays. The farmer’s market is held Saturdays from 5am to 3pm.

Kringlewood

As a Torontonian, I love to encourage more tourists to visit a local neighbourhood and simply wander the streets. This becomes even more interesting during the winter as you can admire the incredible Christmas displays certain neighbourhoods put on. It almost feels like a competition, with one house always trying to outdo another.

But with a city as large as Toronto, where do you go? I’ll tell you where Kringlewood. Better known as Inglewood Drive, this quiet, tree-lined street is located just south of St Clair Avenue East. But at Christmas time, the area transforms into ‘Kringlewood‘ by the massive inflatable Santas that decorate almost every house on the street.

It all started in 2013 when one resident put up her 14-foot inflatable Santa. People found the adorable guy a simple way to decorate for the holidays. Other houses on the street followed suit, putting up their matching Santa. Before they knew it, almost everyone on the street had one, and it was a sea of Santa. Eventually, the craze caught the eye of people from outside the neighbourhood. Visitors began coming in from all over the city to see what the fuss was about. Today it is almost a Christmastime landmark in Toronto. 

One-of-a-Kind Winter Show

The One-of-a-Kind Show is an event in Toronto that occurs throughout the year that is a big hit with locals, and tourists often miss out on it! This giant craft and artisan show happen inside the Enercare Centre, within Exhibition Place. Every year at Christmas time, over 600 artists from across the country gather to sell their handmade goods.

This is often my favourite spot to shop for Christmas presents and unique seasonal decor you won’t find anywhere else! It’s amazing how long you can spend wandering around the vendors here. Just admiring all the incredible things people can create! Sometimes it feels like going to an art gallery, but here, you can actually afford most of the art you see on the walls! 

Hours & Admission

November 24 – December 4 | Weekdays & Saturdays: 10am to 9pm | Sunday: 10am to 6pm | Late Night Hours: December 1, 10 AM-11 PM

Tickets: $23 Adults | $17 Seniors | $17 Youth 5-17

Nathan Phillips Skating Rink

Nathan Phillips Square is one of the most iconic sights in Toronto. It stands in front of our rather obtrusive-looking City Hall. But thankfully, the Skating Rink out front is always so beautifully decorated for Christmas that it makes up for that brutalist architecture. The square also features the famous “Toronto” illuminated sign that everyone needs to get their picture in front of to say they actually were here! A giant Christmas tree is erected every year outside the City Hall, making the square a lively and charming place to visit during the holidays.

During the wintertime, the skating is open to the public. There is a skate rental on the premises, so you don’t need to have your own skates to slide around the rink! Even if you’ve never skated before, the atmosphere here is so friendly, and you can go at your own pace. They even play Christmas music throughout the day, so you can really get into the Christmas spirit while on the ice!

Hours & Prices

November 27th – March 20th, 10am – 9:45pm Everyday
Rates: Children 12 and under: $10.00 | Adults: $15.00 | Helmets: $5.00 | Hats and Mitts: $5.00
Prices are based on a 2-hour rental.

Hudson’s Bay Windows

Founded in 1670, Hudson’s Bay is a Canadian shopping staple. And every year, when they unveil their holiday window displays, people always flock to see them. It’s a tradition for many to bundle up and head over to Yonge & Queen to walk around “the Bay” to see their Storybook-inspired Christmas displays. Many Torontonia makes this a Christmas tradition, bringing the family down to admire the incredible artistry. So much so that they have red velvet ropes outside the windows to better allow people to line up and see them like a museum exhibition. If you’re in the area, this is definitely a must-see piece of Toronto!

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Black Creek Pioneer Village Christmas

As a young kid, Black Creek Pioneer Village was somewhere we were dragged to on field trips. And I don’t think I ever really appreciated how cool it was. But as an adult who loves history, I love a walk back in time through this charming open-air heritage museum. At Christmas, the entire park is transformed. A sea of Christmas lights blankets the old farm. Warm, roaring fireplaces make for a cozy escape from the cold. And old-fashioned oil lamps are hung in the holly and ivy-covered windows along the dirt pathways.

Their ‘Festive Nights’ allow visitors to explore the park in the evening and enjoy live entertainment and delicious holiday treats. Discover a variety of traditional holiday tales, take part in an enchanting Yuletide Ball, or create old-fashioned handmade ornaments to take home and deck your halls. Try your hand at Victorian parlour games while sipping on a piping hot chocolate. You can even make your own old-fashioned cane to dip inside! If you long to see how the Victorians spent their holiday season in Canada, this is the place to go back and time and discover it for yourself!

Dates & Admission

December 3, 10, and 17, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
General Public $31.45 + HST per adult | $26.79 + HST per child (ages 3 to 14)

Swedish Christmas Fair

The Swedish Christmas Fair was always one of my favourite events in Toronto, and I was so sad when it was closed in 2020 and 2021. But I rejoiced when I heard it would be back in 2022! The Swedish Christmas Market is hosted by SWEA Toronto and features Swedish designs, products and folk art that will add some flair to your holiday decor. I fondly remember my trip to Stockholm at Christmas, which is one way I can feel like I’m back there while never leaving my hometown.

Be sure to stop by the cafe to get a hot plate of meatballs and lingonberry jam. There are also many events throughout the day, like a St. Lucia procession, Swedish Folk Dancers and Swedish Christmas Singers. A great place to learn more about Swedish Christmas traditions. But my favourite part? The traditional Glögg (Swedish mulled wine) is the perfect drink to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 

Dates & Admission Information

November 19 – 20, 2022, from 11 am – 4 pm | FREE Admission.

Campbell House Museum Immersive ‘Christmas Carol’

Right off busy University Street is an old mansion hidden behind tall black iron gates. This is the Campbell House Museum, the oldest remaining house from the original Town of York, now what we call Toronto. The house was built in 1822 in high Georgian style for Chief Justice William Campbell and his wife, Hannah. The preserved interiors and furnishings remained a historical example of life in the early days of Toronto in the 19th century. During the Christmas season, the Three Ships Collective’s theatre company enters the house to perform their immersive production of ‘A Christmas Carol.‘

The show is set inside the Campbell House Museum and brings the audience into the world of Victorian England. The Campbell house was built around the same time Dickens wrote ‘A Christmas Carol,’ so it becomes the perfect backdrop for the show. The audience literally follows the crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey of redemption. The show features magic, music and even the macabre! If you think you know this story, this immersive production will transform how you see it. The shows sell out immediately, so be sure to buy your tickets as soon as they go on sale!

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Kensington Market Lights Festival

Kensington Market is one of the most popular trendy destinations for tourists to discover. This little bohemian neighbourhood is home to eclectic shops, vintage boutiques, delicious bakeries and food stalls! It is a hipster mainstay of the city, but at Christmas time, it is also home to the Kensington Market Lights Festival. The Kensington Market Lights Festival is one of Toronto’s most unique winter festivals. 

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The Kensington Market Lights Festival started in December 1988. The event was inspired by the old traditions of the fiery winter solstice. The night’s event includes an evening of festive celebrations. It all starts with a torchlight procession with a cavalcade of costumed characters. Everything from giant puppets to stiltwalkers and firebreathers. The street closes to vehicle traffic starting at 6 PM when the event begins. The festivities continue across the neighbourhood until late into the evening. There is live music, DJs, and a wide variety of food and drink (my favourite part of a visit to Kensington market!)

Miracle Bar Toronto

Popping up just for Christmas, Miracle Bar is one of Toronto’s most kitschy yet magnetic cocktail bars. The company pops up in various Canadian cities, like Montreal, where they take over a local venue and transform it into a Christmas Wonderland! There is no doubt that this place is Christmas kitschy to the extreme. But if you love the holiday as much as me, you’ll find the kitschiness absolutely charming, and walking inside makes one beam with holiday energy! 

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But it’s not just the festive decor; the drinks menu goes all out to make you feel like you’re at the North Pole! There is something for everyone from the Christmapolitan to the Snowball Ol-Fashioned and the Holiday Spiced Chai. And each drink is served in an adorable seasonal Christmas mug or cup. You can even buy the cup as a souvenir to remember a fun night with friends! In addition, to being one of the merriest places in the city, the organization donates $1 of every drink sold to Nellie’s Shelter. Nellie’s is an organization providing shelter, education and advocacy for women and children in the GTA. 

Open November 18th to December 31st

Leslieville Christmas Pop-up Market

Most people who visit Toronto rarely experience the east end of the city. The downtown core definitely hogs all the attention. But in my opinion (and I suppose I’m biased since I live here), this is a sorely overlooked part of town. The east end is full of charming architecture, a laid-back atmosphere and fantastic shopping and restaurants. But to find all that east-end energy in one place, you should head to the Leslieville Christmas Pop-up Market. The market is held every weekend in December. It features 30-40 local artisans and east-end businesses selling all the best Christmas goodies and handmade items perfect for your Christmas gift list. In addition to the shopping, there is also a hot chocolate bar, a chance to meet Santa, ornament-making workshops and a children’s craft corner! Something for everyone

Location & Dates

The location has yet to be announced, check website for updates!
Dates: FREE ENTRY Dec 3-4 | Dec 10-11 | Dec 17-18

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Nutcracker Ballet

Another tradition for many families at Christmastime is to go down to Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts to see a production of ‘The Nutcracker.’ Marius Petipa‘s beloved classic Christmas story is brought to life on stage by some of the country’s best ballet dancers. It has been playing every year in Toronto since 1995, so for many kids, Christmas isn’t Christmas with going to the Nutcracker with grandma.

It is a joyfully imaginative show about a beautiful nutcracker doll who comes to life by magic on Christmas eve. The magical Nutcracker takes siblings Marie and Misha on a journey into the icy realm of the Snow Queen. And to the fantastic golden palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy! Meeting all sorts of different Christmas characters along the way. Especially if you’re travelling with children, this is a great way to spend a festive evening.

Dates & Tickets

Dates: December 10th – 31st
Ticket Prices range from $55 to $250

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I hope you enjoyed this tour of Toronto’s best Festive Christmas events, activities and sights! I love exploring the city during the holiday season, and there seems to always be something new to discover in addition to the seasonal classics. Tell me in the comments what traditional Christmas events you love to explore every year in your hometown! Or your favourite parts of Toronto during the holidays.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post 14 Amazing Festive Events You Can’t Miss in Toronto this Christmas first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

As someone who hates the cold, I was worried the chilly weather would keep me from seeing everything. But what surprised me most was that with proper preparations, I actually enjoyed it. The look of the icy water, snow-topped hillsides and twinkling Christmas lights against the midnight blue sky. I found my time there in the winter, more enjoyable than in the summer! Maybe just because it was so different. There are a myriad of reasons to travel during the wintertime to these snowy destinations. Hopefully, this list inspires you to get out and enjoy the world, north of the equator in the winter months.

Table Of Contents

1. #1 Embrace "hygge"
2. #2 Deals on Airfare!
3. #3 Try out the Slopes
4. #4 Christmas Markets!
5. #5 Winter Comfort Food
6. #6 Coffee Culture
7. #7 Museums are the Perfect Escape from the Cold
8. #8 See the Northern Lights
9. #9 Staying inside an Ice Hotel
10. #10 Warm up in a Sauna
11. Here are some TIPS to ensure you have the most fantastic winter vacation!

#1 Embrace “hygge”

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness. It conveys the feeling of wellness and contentment. Hygge is so crucial to the people of Scandinavia that it is considered “a defining feature of our cultural identity,” according to Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute. These countries who practice hygge means that everywhere you go; you’ll find burning candles, cozy fireplaces, delicious hot coffee or chocolate and rich homemade sweets. Hygge makes every interior you find one of the most welcoming and warm places in the world!

But hygge is not just about hybernating. It is also about enjoying long walks outside. Despite the cold weather, you’ll find parks decked out in decorations, beautiful skating rinks and a feeling of a country that embraces the winter. Welcome the spirit of hygge into your heart during this season, and you’re bound to have a wonderful time.

#2 Deals on Airfare!

Winter is by far the cheapest season for travel in Europe. From early December to about mid-March, you’ll find flights around Europe super inexpensive. This time of year people are usually looking to escape to warm-weather destinations. Keep in mind you should always be booking these trips three months in advance as that is when the flight prices are usually the cheapest, outside of any last-minute sales. Travel during the week of Christmas is at its peak since families commute home during this time, so avoid going around those days if possible. If you’re worried about not being able to see Christmas Markets because the Christmas week is expensive to travel, fear not! Christmas Market opens as early as the last week of November.

#3 Try out the Slopes

If you’re someone who loves to hit the slopes, winter isn’t a downer but instead your favourite season! Just a short train ride into the countryside you’ll find ski resorts like Hemsedal, Riksgransen, Are Duved, Ruka, Vemdalen and Lillehammer. They are easily accessible from any major city in Scandinavia. If you don’t want to stay at the resort, the towns around these ski hills are full of alternative options for every budget. Also, if skiing isn’t your bag, many of these resorts also have toboggan or snow tubing hills. This allows you to enjoy the scenery and mountain top hot chocolates without needing an ounce of skill!

#4 Christmas Markets!

There is just something about a European Christmas market that gives me all those warm and fuzzy feelings. The twinkle lights on the trees, the smell of mulled wine floating through the air and freshly baked breads ready to warm your hands. If you’re a couple, there is something truly romantic about an evening stroll under the lights of the market. Most of the big cities have multiple Christmas Markets you can visit while you’re there. These places are not only beautiful but also great spots where you can find traditional handicrafts. You can also sample some of their famous Christmas foods.

If you’re looking for something outside the big cities, visit the Christmas Market in Lapland, which is the home of Santa Claus! As such, this town goes all out at Christmas time. Tivoli Park in Copenhagen is transformed during the holiday season into a real-life fairytale book. They even perform the traditional Christmas ballet The Nutcracker on stage inside the park, which makes for the ideal Christmas evening.

#5 Winter Comfort Food

Scandinavian foods are meant to be enjoyed in the winter. This is a country that knows how to make a warm and cozy meal. Almost all of their food is comfort food. Smørrebrød, rye bread, meatballs, stewed reindeer, pancakes and waffles are all the best things to enjoy in the winter. The portions are huge, as are the flavours. After you’re finished eating you’ll be ready to take on a long walk in the winter cold, without feeling a thing as you’ll be warmed from the inside out!

#6 Coffee Culture

Did you know that Scandinavia is at the top of the list of the most coffee-consuming countries? There is a good reason for this aside from just that their coffee is delicious. Coffee in Scandinavia is more than just a to-go cup you grab alone on your way to work. Having coffee is a chance to get away from the daily grind and catch up with friends. In Sweden, they call this Fika. Fika in Swedish means “to have a cup of coffee and a snack with a friend.” It’s absolutely built into the fabric of their daily life. They embrace the idea of bettering relationships while enjoying something scrumptious.

While other Scandinavian countries don’t have that words, the concept still remains. The prevalence of this coffee culture means there is an abundance of fantastic coffee shops to stop into on your trip to warm up while you enjoy the city. Take this time to step back for a minute, stop rushing around, enjoy the moment and reflect on your adventures.

#7 Museums are the Perfect Escape from the Cold

If you’re feeling particularly chilly, museums and art galleries are the best places to pop into to escape the cold. And what’s more, in Scandinavia, most state-run museums are free of charge to enter. Unfortunately, in countries like Denmark, recent government cuts have changed these policies. However, many of those museums are still open on certain days of the week for free. In Sweden, there are over 15 different museums and galleries which you can still enter free of charge everyday of the week! They make the perfect place to hide away from the cold without worrying too much about your budget.

I went to a myriad of different museums, some of which I didn’t even know anything about before I went. Still, since they were free, I didn’t have anything to lose. I could wander around and look at what interested me and simply head out once I finished. There was no pressure to make a whole day out of it since I didn’t pay a huge admission fee, which would have made me feel more inclined to “make it worth it.” It was the ideal place to get warm and see something exciting and new while I was at it.

#8 See the Northern Lights

Scandinavia is by far the best place to see the Aurora Borealis. The high latitude in Finland, Sweden and Norway makes these countries the best place for spotting those iconic green and blue waves in the sky. And winter (September to March) is the only time you can reliably spot them! Alta in Norway is probably the most famous city to travel to see them but other popular destinations are Abisko National Park and Porjus in Sweden, Senja in Norway and many cities in Finnish Lapland. Just remember you need to go far north for this, don’t think your visit to Oslo will allow you to see the lights!

#9 Staying inside an Ice Hotel

Ice hotels are one of the trendiest new things to come out of winters in Scandinavia! These luxury creations are somewhat of a novelty but combine cozy, fireplace lit interiors with icy architecture. The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi Sweden was the first hotel in the world to be built out of ice. Every springtime, the ice melts, and come the next winter, a new design is created to form a brand new looking hotel. So every year, there is something unique to experience. Despite being at least -10°, you’ll be nice and cozy with the special thermal PJs, and cold weather insulated sleeping bag you’re given. These will keep you snug all night long while enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime views.

There are plenty of other Ice hotels around Scandinavia from The Lapland Hotel’s Snow Village in Finland to The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta Norway. All of these locations also have on-site activities like dog-sledding, an ice bar or ice church and even snow sculptures to see in ice galleries. It’s truly something you just can’t experience anywhere, or anytime other than in the winter in Scandinavia!

#10 Warm up in a Sauna

All over Scandinavia, you’ll find strangers getting together, in a small, hot spaces to indulge in sauna . Saunas originated in Finland, and the word “sauna” comes from the Finnish word for bathhouse. Pits dug into the ground were the first saunas. Stones were added atop a burning fire to fit the pit. Water was then thrown on top of the rocks to produce steam. There have been sauna pits discovered as far back as 4000 B.C.E in Finland. It is a commonly shared belief in the Nordic countries that saunas relax muscles, soothe pain, releases endorphins, increases blood circulation, flush toxins, relieve stress, help fight illness, cleanse the skin, burn calories and also provides a social space to enjoy with friends. It’s basically thought to be a cure-all for everything.

While there are some small differences between sauna culture in the different Scandinavian countries, overall, the experience is the same. While some same-sex saunas are clothing optional, in most big cities, you can find tourist-friendly options where bathing suits are worn. This is great if you feel like you might be uncomfortable being naked around strangers. But once you take the plunge, the feeling of freedom is pretty unparalleled.

Cold Dips

Speaking of taking the plunge, some saunas also offers a dip into cold, almost freezing water. This could be just a cold bath or some spots located near bodies of water offer access right into the frozen sea. The dramatic plunge into cold water from the hot sauna is thought to increase the blood flow in the body and help increase all those other benefits we spoke of before. While some might be scared to try it, I vote to give it a go. It sure might feel unpleasant at first, but man does it wake your body up in a way that is indescribable and entirely worth it!

Here are some TIPS to ensure you have the most fantastic winter vacation!

Dress for Success

Making sure you bring the right clothing is key to ensuring you are in the right mood throughout the day. There is nothing worse than being freezing cold to ruin a perfectly lovely experience. I was terrified of this exact scenario when I was planning for my trip, so I made sure to buy warm thermals to wear to help keep that heat in. In addition to this, I bought a few 100% wool sweaters, which were perfect for keeping the heat in without overheating and making me sweat. Wool sweaters can be purchased brand new online, but also you can find them at your local thrift shop for a 10th of the price of a new one! I found some with the most amazing designs, so don’t be afraid to go digging as you might find something amazing!

Hours are odd

Although I disagree with Rick Steves about not visiting Scandinavia during the Winter, I love this quote from him, “Scandinavia’s metabolism slows down like a hibernating bear’s, and many sights and accommodations are open on a limited schedule (especially in remote fjord towns).” This is something to be aware of. Outside of the official government holidays around Christmas, I never found anything to be altogether closed. But various attractions did run on shorter winter hours. Definitely nothing to cancel your trip over just something to be aware of and plan around.

Christmas Holidays

If you’re planning on staying over the Christmas Holidays, December 24th and 25th specifically, you will want to check to see what’s open on those particular days. While I heard EVERYTHING would be closed in Sweden on Christmas day, I actually found a few museums which were still open and holding special events. I also managed to find some once a year community events to take part in while I was there that made me feel like celebrating with a huge group of new friends. So many people might tell you there will be nothing to do, but trust me, I found a bunch of things to do, you just need to dig a little bit. If you know a particular museum will be open on those government holidays, make note of that and save that activity for those days when lots of other things might be closed.

Christmas Day

I also found that attending a church service on Christmas Day was a great experience. There were plenty of services which were non-denominational if you want to enjoy the spirit of the holiday but might not identify with a particular denomination. While there are some restaurants still open on these days, I did find that the majority were closed so you might want to hit up a grocery store on the 23rd to grab some easy to make meals. If you don’t have a kitchen, you can always buy cheese and meats, which you can make into an in-hotel-room charcuterie dinner. A lot of fast food restaurants remain open on those holidays as well so that’s always a last-ditch option.

Daylight is Precious

In Scandinavia, there are only a few hours of “daylight” in the winter, and depending on how far north you’re going, this could be as short as 4 hours of light with 20 hours of darkness. While the locals might find this darkness exhausting, I actually found the long hours of darkness exciting since it wasn’t something we experience in North America. But if you’re planning on taking any photos which require the light, such as any wide cityscape shots, just be sure to plan your schedule accordingly. I always headed out early in the day to take my pictures of the city and then scheduled my indoor activities, which didn’t require sunlight, for the afternoon into the early evening.

Be Cautious with Winter Air Travel

I had a near-disastrous flight to Sweden this winter. Luckily for me, everything worked out by some Christmas miracle, but I’m sure I’m not always going to be that lucky. Flying during the winter means weather might impact you more than other times of the year. To avoid as much stress as possible, be sure to book a direct flight if at all possible. This means should your outbound flight be delayed, you won’t need to worry about missing a connection. If you can’t book direct, ensure the layover between your two flights isn’t too tight. I BARELY made my connecting flight and felt so silly, not ensuring I had more time to account for bad weather. Yes, this might mean not getting to your destination as fast as possible, but trust me, it is worth it for the peace of mind. 

Let me know if you’ve ever travelled to somewhere cold in the winter and how you enjoyed your experience. Or comment to let me know what’s holding you back from a snowy adventure in the north!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post 10 Reasons Why You Need to Take a Winter Vacation to Scandinavia first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. It's really not that cold!
2. The Lack of Tourists
3. About That Smell…
4. Accommodation & Airfare are Cheaper!
5. Use Those Savings for Something Special
6. Most Big Ticket Attractions are Inside
7. Embrace Cafe Culture
8. Discover Covered Passages
9. Skip the Noisy Construction
10. You Avoid Smokers
11. People Are Just Nicer
12. The Christmas Markets!
13. Christmas Lights & Decor
14. Winter Sales
15. Winter Fashion
16. Festival of Lights
17. Vin Chaud
18. Parisian Hot Chocolate
19. Roasted Chesnuts
20. Winter Comfort Food
21. Winter is Easy in Disneyland Paris
22. Cheaper Prices on Famous Entertainment

It’s really not that cold!

If you’re from a colder climate (like me – I’m from Canada), the winters in Paris are laughable. It seldom gets below 35°F or 2°C. Check the chart below for winter temperature predictions for Paris. For those of you from warmer climates, you might find this temperature a little chilly. But just make that an excuse to buy yourself a cute new winter wardrobe. Make being out in the cold something fun instead of something frustrating. In November and December, there is actually more rain than snow, so be sure to bring along a good umbrella. In January and February, there is more snow which creates a gorgeous white dusting across the city! There is honestly something so beautiful about the snowfall and especially when it’s across a town as beautiful as Paris!

The Lack of Tourists

If you’ve ever been to Paris in the summer or even the spring these days, you’ll see the telltale lines which seem to sweep all around the city. Paris is filled to bursting and getting into your favourite restaurant or museum always entails a lengthy wait. But in the wintertime, the tourists, scared of the “cold” stay away. And I’ll take it. And you will too! In the winter you can walk down famous streets and find them almost empty. That crowd around the Mona Lisa, maybe won’t disappear but it will be much less intense. Overall, the wintertime brings this peaceful atmosphere to a city which often gets a bad reputation as being rude, crowded and smelly!

About That Smell…

One of the biggest things I hear time and time again from people on their way back from Paris is about the smell! It smells terrible, it really does. Not everywhere, of course, but Paris, as a big city, has a big garbage problem. And garbage, along with dog pee (another prevalent issue on the streets) is responsible for the horrible smell. In the summer, the heat amplifies these smells to a thousand! But in the winter, you’ll barely notice the scent. I never had this experience when in the city except perhaps for the occasional steamy grate near the metro.

Accommodation & Airfare are Cheaper!

With this lack of tourists comes cheaper accommodation and flight prices. There are almost always flight deals during the winter months to entice visitors into the city. Take them up on that offer! Except for the dates right around Christmas, you can almost ways find a significant reduction in airfare and hotels. Prices seem to begin to increase after Easter and start going down after American Thanksgiving.

Use Those Savings for Something Special

There is only one thing better than a hot bath on a cold day. A trip to the spa! There are dozens of fantastic resorts in Paris which cater to locals who want an intimate experience in those colder months. These spas come with steam rooms, swimming pools, saunas and of course, lengthy massages. It’s the perfect way to wind down (which is what a vacation is for after all) but also to warm you up from the inside out if you’ve spent an unusually chilly day outside.

Most Big Ticket Attractions are Inside

Paris truly has the best collection of museums in the world. In such a condensed space, you’ll find hundreds of different places you’ll need to visit! And the best part, they’re all inside. Going to the Louvre in summer and winter is exactly the same experience, except for the number of tourists. Notre Dame is particularly stunning in the winter before Christmas when the entirety of the nave is decorated for the holiday season.

Visiting the underground catacombs in the winter, when the chill in the air is replaced with an oddly warm underground warmth is a truly remarkable experience. Even Versaille, which boasts some of the longest lines, is a great place to visit in the winter. If you’re lucky enough to be there when it snows, you’ll be treated to one of the most unique perspectives on this illustrious palace. And the rest of the enormous tour is all inside.

Walking around the city and seeing the incredible French architecture everywhere you look is an unmissable part of the Parisian experience. But the fact that you can duck into a museum or indoor attraction every few minutes is a great relief for anyone who doesn’t like to be outside for too too long. You can’t walk very far without finding something which will catch your attention.

Embrace Cafe Culture

Another way of escape the cold, if you are getting a bit too chilly on your wanderings, is to duck into one of the many cafes which Paris is so famous for. If you’re a millennial, it seems impossible not to have escaped the lasting impression which the film ‘Amelie’ had on our young minds. Cafes in Paris are THE place to be to soak in the local ambience and sip smooth coffee. Winter means it’s ok to pack on those pounds and hide them under layers. So indulge yourself in the pastries which these cafes serve up by the dozen! Vacation is no time to retrain yourself, have a little fun and satisfy your taste buds!

Discover Covered Passages

Most Metro stations will stop off underground. Inside these little underground passageways are covered arcades and secret entrances to some top attractions. The Louvre’s default (and extremely crowded) entrance is outside near the glass pyramids. But most people don’t know it can also be accessed underground, without ever having to go outside, directly from the Metro station. And in fact, this entrance is FAR less busy since it’s not out in the open where people like to take their pictures. In addition to hidden entries, you’ll also find underground shopping centres. Paris’ covered passages were built during the early 19th century, sort of like Europe answer to North American malls. The oldest of these passages is the Passage des Panoramas which dates back to 1799! During the wintertime, the window displays are lushly styled, and at Christmas, they are a feast for the eyes!

Skip the Noisy Construction

In an old city like Paris, construction is almost constant. If you’ve ever been woken up by noisy jack-hammering on your relaxing vacation, you know how annoying this can be. But in the winter, when it’s colder, it’s much harder to do construction work, and therefore this noise is significantly reduced. If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting a specific attraction only to show up and see its covered ins scaffolding you’ll know how disappointing this can be. Sure this might be unavoidable, but in the winter you’ll have a better chance of it not being under construction.

You Avoid Smokers

There are lots of smokers in Paris. It’s one of those cities where this vice is still hanging on. In the summer, everyone on the street seems to have a cigarette in their hands. If you’re like me and hate the smell of this stuff, then you’ll find that in the winter, fewer people are willing to take those smoke breaks, to avoid standing out in the cold.

People Are Just Nicer

I’ve you’re a resident of a famous tourist city, anywhere in the world, you’ll know what it’s like to be invaded by hoards of tourists every summer. In Toronto, right in the centre of downtown, the streets seem to erupt with tourists. And while it’s great for the economy and brings in lots of exciting events and festivals, it means transit is more crowded, streets are filled with slow walkers (my personal bane), and pretty much everything has a line. In Paris, it’s no different, so its no surprise to find that locals are just a little bit grumpier in the summer when they can’t move about their own city.

The French already have a bad rep for being rude, so add the heat and humidity of summer on top of the crowds, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. But in the winter, people seem more relaxed. More accepting and inviting. You made an effort to come here at a time when others don’t. There appears to be a silent appreciation which they give tourists around wintertime, which I think is just peachy.

The Christmas Markets!

Despite the week of actual Christmas being pricey, the early parts of December are still pretty affordable. And with December comes Christmas markets! Europe does Christmas better than anyone else, and Christmas markets are one of the most beautiful ways to enjoy the holiday season. Wander the wooden huts of the market outdoors under the watchful eye of Paris’ splendid architecture. Visiting a Christmas market is one of the best places to do your Christmas shopping. You can find such unique treasures which your friends and family will just gush over! There are markets all over the city and even one at the base of the Eiffel Tower, what better ambience could you ask for?

Christmas Lights & Decor

Once again, this only applies if you’re visiting before, or just after Christmas, but the Christmas decorations around the city during the holidays are honestly magical. I freak out over fairy lights and Christmas trees and travelling anywhere in Europe during the holidays means this in spades!

Winter Sales

Many many people come to Paris to shop. And with good reason, Paris is the fashion captial of the world, and some of the most luxurious brands have their flagship stores here. Even if you’re not into those uber expensive brands, the dribble down effect is real, and many extremely affordable local brands also have some fantastic shops here. In the winter, there are government-mandated sales in Paris where stores cut their prices down on almost everything! This usually happens between early January and early Feb. The famous Galeries Lafayette is one of the best shopping malls to hit up to find rows and rows of deals all in one easy to find place! And the best part – it’s indoors!

Winter Fashion

Being the fashion capital of the world, means you’re going to see just how good winter can look on the French. And you might even be able to grab some of this style for yourself! Learning how to dress stylishly for the winter is a skill, and there’s nowhere better to learn that in France. Sit at your favourite cafe, and people watch. Study their looks, fabulous coats, boot and hat combinations as they walk by. You can spend an entire afternoon doing this, much better than rifling through a magazine.

Festival of Lights

From November 18th to January 19th, the Jardin des Plantes (Garden of Plants) hosts an incredible exhibition of enormous lanterns set amongst the greenery of the garden. Each one is designed to look like a different part of the ocean, which is a nice juxtaposition outdoors on land. It’s a fantastical place to explore for adults and kids alike. This exhibition is only on during the winter when the plants have all died out and yet they are interested in still getting visitors to come out to see the rest of the gardens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Vin Chaud

France is known for its wines. But what you might not know is that during the wintertime they indulge in vin chaud (hot wine). This is similar to the North American tradition of mulled wine but made in a French fashion. It’s served at most cafes and markets places and makes for the perfect drink to keep you all warm and fuzzy as the sun sets at night.

Parisian Hot Chocolate

If you’re not someone who drinks alcohol or are travelling with children, there is another traditional beverage you can’t miss, and that’s hot chocolate. While it might seem like a childish treat, Chocolat Chaud in France is rich, decadent and is made from wonderfully high-quality chocolate! It’s a fantastic treat for young and old alike. And just doesn’t take the same on a hot summer day. No, as the snow falls, there is nothing better in your hand than a cup of this creamy liquid!

Roasted Chesnuts

Chestnuts have long been a staple of the Parisian winter season, and vendors can be found on nearly every street corner selling the warm, sweet treats. The chestnuts are roasted over open flames, creating a smoky fragrance that entices passerby. Taking a break from exploring the city to enjoy a handful of hot, fresh chestnuts is a timeless tradition for both Parisians and visitors alike. Whether enjoyed as a snack or paired with a warm mulled wine, winter roasted chestnuts are a true delight of the season.

Winter Comfort Food

Every country has its own way of dealing with the cold, and in France, they did it through the cusine. Winter foods in France are rich and hearty. They warm you from the inside out. They are full of fatty meats, heavy starches and sweets mixed in for good measure. Stews, cassoulets and confits are all just some of the marvellous foods you’ll find on the menu in the winter. No one would imagine serving a casserole in the heat of the summer, so getting a chance to try these fantastic meals is something you’ll only get in the winter!

Winter is Easy in Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris might not be on every traveller’s list, but if you’re a Disney-head like me, you’ll know it should be. Like almost every Disneyland in the world, one of the most significant downsides of visiting is the crowds. But in the winter, you’ll find the lines are almost twice as short as any other time in the year. And the fact that half the rides are indoors is a great incentive to ensure you’re not out in the cold all day. Around Christmastime, the entire park is decorated for the holiday season in magical baubles and sparkling garlands which just amplifies the already enchanting atmosphere.

Cheaper Prices on Famous Entertainment

With fewer tourists, come discounted ticket prices on almost everything to incentivize both locals and tourists alike to attend shows. Palais Garnier, one of the most famous architectural masterpieces in the city, hosts opera and ballet performances all year and during the wintertime, you can find tickets for a fraction of the cost. Even try to go up on the day and see what’s left, and you might find yourself with front row seats for the price of the nose bleeds. Even if you don’t know anything about the performance, being inside this historic building and seeing all its luxury and elegance is entertainment enough.

All in all, visiting in the colder winter months has so many wonderful advantages; you’ll just have to try it out for yourself to see if they stack up to any perceived negatives! What’s your favourite place to travel to in the winter? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post Why Visiting Paris in the Winter is the Best Time to Explore this Amazing City first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

1. Kawakamian, Omontesando | 15$

In the winter months, buckwheat seeds are freshly harvested, making the colder months one of the best times to enjoy freshly made soba noodles. Although they are still delicious throughout the year, the flour is often refrigerated and if you’ve never tried FRESH soba noodles this restaurant will change your life! Lunch sets range from ¥1,000 – ¥1,999 making it one of the cheapest yet most delicious meals you can have in Tokyo!

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2. Uoshin, Shibuya | 25$

This small izakaya uses only seasonal fish and vegetables. Because of the variety of fish they use, some of which are caught exclusively for their shop, this restaurant gets extremely busy during the dinner hours, so prepare for a wait – but don’t let that deter you. Their menu changes almost daily and as such it is handwritten every day depending on what fish were caught in the morning. If it’s on offer when you visit be sure to try the salt crusted crab – it’s to die for!

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3. Otakoh, Shinbashi | 25$

Oden is a type of Japanese stew made by simmering various ingredients together. It is the perfect antidote for a cold or if you can’t shake that chill from the winter’s air. Although you can get oden at convenience stores around Japan, this restaurant takes it to another level! The broth they serve is BLACK! It’s so dark because they use the same soup stock for such a long time and it accumulates that desirable umami flavour from all the ingredients dipped in and out over the months its cooked. This results in one of the most unique Oden dishes you’ll have anywhere in Japan.

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4. Genkai Shokudo, Shinjuku | 40$

Nabe is a variety of Japanese hot pot which is unique for the winter months. Genkai Shokudo makes their Nabe special using only chicken bone which give it an extremely rich flavour. The collagen inside of the bones is an outstanding source of nutrients and good for curing dry winter skin. Their restaurant has been open for 88 years and over this time they have perfected their recipe. Topped with a soft boiled egg, this soup will surprise and delight you!

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5. Nishiguchi Oyster Bar, Shinjuku | 40$

Autumn and winter are the seasons for oysters! There is plenty of factory farms which make them available all year round, but truly fresh oysters are best enjoyed in the later months of the year. This restaurant serves up locally sourced oysters in the most laid-back, calming environment. I love just listening to them snap open the oysters, like a kind of gentle metronome. They make for a delicious lunch or even an afternoon snack.

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6. Shangrila’s Sercret, Roppongi | 50$

Mushrooms are to winters in Japan, like candy canes are to North Americans. Japanese winter mushrooms are full of umami flavour and when cooked in a hot pot, that flavour seeps into every nook and cranny of whatever is dipped into it! Shangrila’s Sercret in Roppongi is a classy restaurants that’s the perfect place to spend a winter’s evening chatting with friends over delicious food.

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7. Tenmatsu, Tokyo Station | 80$

Although vegetables might not seem like the most exciting dish to go out of your way to eat, vegetables in Japan are something altogether extraordinary and not like any ol’ grocery store vegetable you might cook at home. Tenmatsu is a tempura restaurant which serves up some really unique seasonal veggies in the most textural tempura batter. Visiting here throughout the year will bring all sorts of different taste experiences so there is always something new to try.

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8. Shichi Jyu Ni Kou, Tokyo Station | 80$

Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. These fantastically organized little plates of heaven are made with the best seasonal ingredients. The combinations of flavours is meant to evoke the essence of the seasons. Each tiny dish is like a bouquet of flower, layered, colourful and full of texture. The modern interior design of this restaurant is perfected juxtaposed with the ancient, traditional aspects of the meals.

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9. Ebihara, Kagurasaka | 100$

Wasyoku Ebihara creates its dishes like a ballet. The flavours dance over your tongue like a group of performers all working together to create a beautiful piece of art. Their kaiseki courses are set menus and use local, seasonal ingredients cooked to perfection. You’ll receive wave after wave of tiny little dishes, each one bringing in a new taste sensation.

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10. Sushi Bando, Shinjuku | 120$

Sushi Bando is a restaurant serving up more than just a meal. They deliver an experience. The sushi craftsmen buy uniquely selected fish fresh from the market every morning. The cuts you’ll be served are far different from the ubiquitous selection at most sushi restaurants. They employ top-notch cooking techniques and interesting ingredients which add subtle flavours to the fish. This is one of those bucket list restaurants and although it doesn’t come cheap, it’s a great treat for a celebration or a last meal to commemorate your trip.

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Our friends at T5PG sponsored this post and helped created this amazing list. If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo you absolutely should check out their site for more amazing restaurant recommendations!

The post Top 10 Best Japanese Meals you Have to try when Travelling to Tokyo in the Winter first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

The divisions originated from the Chinese calendar, which in itself has 24 major categories, starting in Springs in early February. But in Japan, these 24 groups split once more into five-day divisions which, unlike the Chinese calendar, match up more locally with the climate in Japan. These sections were written in 1685 by the astronomer, Shibukawa Shunkai, who presents a poetic journey through life in Japan through their seasons.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, this micro-season calendar is an excellent way to determine when you might want to visit to discover these incredible, natural wonders to explore for yourself.

Table Of Contents

1. 立春 Risshun (Beginning of spring)
2. 雨水 Usui (Rainwater)
3. 啓蟄 Keichitsu (Insects awaken)
4. 春分 Shunbun (Spring equinox)
5. 清明 Seimei (Pure and clear)
6. 穀雨 Kokuu (Grain rains)
7. 立夏 Rikka (Beginning of summer)
8. 小満 Shōman (Lesser ripening)
9. 芒種 Bōshu (Grain beards and seeds)
10. 夏至 Geshi (Summer solstice)
11. 小暑 Shōsho (Lesser heat)
12. 大暑 Taisho (Greater heat)
13. 立秋 Risshū (Beginning of autumn)
14. 処暑 Shosho (Manageable heat)
15. 白露 Hakuro (White dew)
16. 秋分 Shūbun (Autumn equinox)
17. 寒露 Kanro (Cold dew)
18. 霜降 Sōkō (Frost falls)
19. 立冬 Rittō (Beginning of winter)
20. 小雪 Shōsetsu (Lesser snow)
21. 大雪 Taisetsu (Greater snow)
22. 冬至 Tōji (Winter solstice)
23. 小寒 Shōkan (Lesser cold)
24. 大寒 Daikan (Greater cold)
    • Happy Travels, Adventurers

立春 Risshun (Beginning of spring)

February 4–8東風解凍
Harukaze kōri o toku East wind melts the ice

February 9–13黄鶯睍睆
Kōō kenkan su Bush warblers start singing in the mountains

February 14–18魚上氷
Uo kōri o izuru Fish emerge from the ice

雨水 Usui (Rainwater)

February 19–23土脉潤起
Tsuchi no shō uruoi okoru Rain moistens the soil

February 24–28霞始靆
Kasumi hajimete tanabiku Mist starts to linger

March 1–5草木萌動
Sōmoku mebae izuru Grass sprouts, trees bud

啓蟄 Keichitsu (Insects awaken)

March 6–10蟄虫啓戸
Sugomori mushito o hiraku Hibernating insects surface

March 11–15桃始笑
Momo hajimete saku First peach blossoms

March 16–20菜虫化蝶
Namushi chō to naru Caterpillars become butterflies

春分 Shunbun (Spring equinox)

March 21–25雀始巣
Suzume hajimete sukū Sparrows start to nest

March 26–30櫻始開
Sakura hajimete saku First cherry blossoms

March 31–April 4雷乃発声
Kaminari sunawachi koe o hassu Distant thunder

清明 Seimei (Pure and clear)

April 5–9玄鳥至
Tsubame kitaru Swallows return

April 10–14鴻雁北
Kōgan kaeru Wild Geese fly north

April 15–19虹始見
Niji hajimete arawaru First rainbows

穀雨 Kokuu (Grain rains)

April 20–24葭始生
Ashi hajimete shōzu First reeds sprout

April 25–29霜止出苗
Shimo yamite nae izuru Last frost, rice seedlings grow

April 30–May 4牡丹華
Botan hana saku Peonies bloom

立夏 Rikka (Beginning of summer)

May 5–9蛙始鳴
Kawazu hajimete naku Frogs start singing

May 10–14蚯蚓出
Mimizu izuru Worms surface

May 15–20竹笋生
Takenoko shōzu Bamboo shoots sprout

小満 Shōman (Lesser ripening)

May 21–25蚕起食桑
Kaiko okite kuwa o hamu Silkworms start feasting on mulberry leaves

May 26–30紅花栄
Benibana sakau Safflowers bloom

May 31–June 5麦秋至
Mugi no toki itaru Wheat ripens and is harvested

芒種 Bōshu (Grain beards and seeds)

June 6–10蟷螂生
Kamakiri shōzu Praying mantises hatch

June 11–15腐草為螢
Kusaretaru kusa hotaru to naru Rotten grass becomes fireflies

June 16–20梅子黄
Ume no mi kibamu Plums turn yellow

夏至 Geshi (Summer solstice)

June 21–26乃東枯
Natsukarekusa karuru Self-heal withers

June 27–July 1菖蒲華
Ayame hana saku Irises bloom

July 2–6半夏生
Hange shōzu Crow-dipper sprouts

小暑 Shōsho (Lesser heat)

July 7–11温風至
Atsukaze itaru Warm winds blow

July 12–16蓮始開
Hasu hajimete hiraku First lotus blossoms

July 17–22鷹乃学習
Taka sunawachi waza o narau Hawks learn to fly

大暑 Taisho (Greater heat)

July 23–28桐始結花
Kiri hajimete hana o musubu Paulownia trees produce seeds

July 29–August 2土潤溽暑
Tsuchi uruōte mushi atsushi Earth is damp, air is humid

August 3–7大雨時行
Taiu tokidoki furu Great rains sometimes fall

立秋 Risshū (Beginning of autumn)

August 8–12涼風至
Suzukaze itaru Cool winds blow

August 13–17寒蝉鳴
Higurashi naku Evening cicadas sing

August 18–22蒙霧升降
Fukaki kiri matō Thick fog descends

処暑 Shosho (Manageable heat)

August 23–27綿柎開
Wata no hana shibe hiraku Cotton flowers bloom

August 28–September 1天地始粛
Tenchi hajimete samushi Heat starts to die down

September 2–7禾乃登
Kokumono sunawachi minoru Rice ripens

白露 Hakuro (White dew)

September 8–12草露白
Kusa no tsuyu shiroshi Dew glistens white on grass

September 13–17鶺鴒鳴
Sekirei naku Wagtails sing

September 18–22玄鳥去
Tsubame saru Swallows leave

秋分 Shūbun (Autumn equinox)

September 23–27雷乃収声
Kaminari sunawachi koe o osamu Thunder ceases

September 28–October 2蟄虫坏戸
Mushi kakurete to o fusagu Insects hole up underground

October 3–7水始涸
Mizu hajimete karuru Farmers drain fields

寒露 Kanro (Cold dew)

October 8–12鴻雁来
Kōgan kitaru Wild geese return

October 13–17菊花開
Kiku no hana hiraku Chrysanthemums bloom

October 18–22蟋蟀在戸
Kirigirisu to ni ari Crickets chirp around the door

霜降 Sōkō (Frost falls)

October 23–27霜始降
Shimo hajimete furu First frost

October 28–November 1霎時施
Kosame tokidoki furu Light rains sometimes fall

November 2–6楓蔦黄
Momiji tsuta kibamu Maple leaves and ivy turn yellow

立冬 Rittō (Beginning of winter)

November 7–11山茶始開
Tsubaki hajimete hiraku Camellias bloom

November 12–16地始凍
Chi hajimete kōru Land starts to freeze

November 17–21金盞香
Kinsenka saku Daffodils bloom

小雪 Shōsetsu (Lesser snow)

November 22–26虹蔵不見
Niji kakurete Meizu Rainbows hide

November 27–December 1朔風払葉
Kitakaze konoha o harau North wind blows the leaves from the trees

December 2–6橘始黄
Tachibana hajimete kibamuTachibana Citrus tree leaves start to turn yellow

大雪 Taisetsu (Greater snow)

December 7–11閉塞成冬
Sora samuku fuyu to naru Cold sets in, winter begins

December 12–16熊蟄穴
Kuma ana ni komoru Bears start hibernating in their dens

December 17–21鱖魚群
Sake no uo muragaru Salmons gather and swim upstream

冬至 Tōji (Winter solstice)

December 22–26乃東生
Natsukarekusa shōzu Self-heal sprouts

December 27–31麋角解
Sawashika no tsuno otsuru Deer shed antlers

January 1–4雪下出麦
Yuki watarite mugi nobiru Wheat sprouts under snow

小寒 Shōkan (Lesser cold)

January 5–9芹乃栄
Seri sunawachi sakau Parsley flourishes

January 10–14水泉動
Shimizu atataka o fukumu Springs thaw

January 15–19雉始雊
Kiji hajimete naku Pheasants start to call

大寒 Daikan (Greater cold)

January 20–24款冬華
Fuki no hana saku Butterburs bud

January 25–29水沢腹堅
Kiwamizu kōri tsumeru Ice thickens on streams

At Iruma river, Kawagoe, Saitama. 3 handheld RAWs (+-2EV)

January 30–February 3鶏始乳
Niwatori hajimete toya ni tsuku Hens start laying eggs

Japan’s 72 microseasons offer a unique and fascinating aspect of the country’s culture and climate. From the cherry blossoms of spring to the fiery foliage of autumn, each season brings its own beauty and charm. Understanding the microseasons allows for a deeper appreciation of Japan’s natural beauty and a more fulfilling travel experience. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply seeking to deepen your understanding of Japan, learning about the country’s microseasons is a must. So next time you plan your trip to Japan, try to be aware of the microseasons, and enjoy the different facets of Japanese culture and nature.

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post A Complete Guide to the Beauty and Diversity of Japan’s Amazing 72 Microseasons first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Location

The skating rink is located just off Michigan Avenue inside Millennium Park. Millennium Park is a beautiful area to visit while you’re in the city. It’s only a few blocks from the Chicago River and faces the city’s most awe-inspiring architectural masterpieces. The rink is sandwiched between Michigan Avenue’s architectural skyline and the infamous Chicago Cloud Gate or “The Bean.”

History

Millennium Park was built to celebrate the millennium (hence the name), but the construction didn’t finish until 2004. Nonetheless, despite its late bloom, the park’s beauty and almost perfect urban landscaping won over everyone.

Price

As it was New Year’s Eve, the lineup for Skate Rentals was a bit long, but we were lucky enough to get there right before the rush. Admission to the rink is free, and you can rent skates for $13–$20. You can also grab a locker to skate about on the rink without carrying all your travel gear.

The rink was amazing. The Zamboni was there just before we arrived, so the ice was nice and smooth. Although many people were there, they did a good job of staggering admission inside. So, the rink never feels too crowded. For the most part, it was an incredibly relaxing, romantic and all-around beautiful experience. Getting to hold the hand of someone you love while whizzing around on the ice is almost like flying. There’s nothing like it, especially when you take in all those gorgeous Chicago sites!

Cloud Gate

As you skate about the rink, you can gaze at you at the Cloud Gate. Take a snap to capture yourself skating around below. It’s quite a magical thing. Cloud Gate is a three-storey tall sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor. The steel shell is made out of more than 160 steel plates. Each plate is welded together and polished to give it a seamless appearance. It’s so shiny that it reflects the city around it like a mirror. And all those who step up to see it.

Streetwall

On the opposite side ofof the Bean, you can gaze at the “Streetwall” along Michigan Avenue. The streetwall comprises some of Chicago’s most interesting and historical architectural buildings. When I’m in Chicago, I am always taken aback by the Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque styles of architecture throughout the city. You can see a bit of each style along the ‘Streetwall.’

After skating up a storm, take a break and enjoy delicious dining at the Park and Grill Cafe. It is one of the greatest people-watching spots in the city, and it is perfect for relaxing while watching the skaters fly by.

The post Experience Skating in Chicago: Your Complete Guide to Millennium Park Ice Rink first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.