So apparently Toronto really likes Christmas. Like, really really likes it. So much so that they have a weekend of festivities to launch it - when it's barely the middle of November. Which is confusing but sure, why not.
Saturday saw a giant free concert and fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square next to City Hall in Downtown.
So many people.
So much shiny.
Allons-y!
I mean, um...
Yes.
That's better.
In case you missed the memo, The Eaton Centre is Toronto's massive shopping centre. Mall. Whatever. Centre, 'cause I'm Australian, dammit.
Anyway, who cares, BECAUSE IT'S SO PRETTY.
Holiday spirit!
I want a pet one.
Outside: a short walk to the square where evidently all of Ontario had decided to rock up.
But there will always be hot dog stands. Always.
The event was called the Cavalcade of Lights. Have never heard of the word 'cavalcade', so that's interesting. You learn something every day.
On the ground, this is about as close as we could get. Excellent.
City Hall.
Welcome! Why thank you.
We decided to go up - see the people hanging over the balcony there? Yeah, there.
It was an excellent idea, because we were behind just a couple of rows of people instead of in this quagmire of Canadians.
Stage! Hurrah for camera zoom.
Here's some of the 'lights' bit.
Hanging with the family.
Brandon's new gloves. Even with digital claustrophobia.
So unfortunately whoever organised this shindig was recently lobotomised, because while there were a couple of big screens showing what was on stage, there were NO speakers past the area directly at the front. Meaning for that huuuge sea of people (and us) all we could really hear was a muffled standing-outside-a-nightclub type of sound.
BUT NOTHING SHALL STOP THE DANCING.
NOTHING.
It was also the official lighting of Toronto's official giant Christmas Tree.
Awww. It's already a bit sad. Not a euphemism at all.
Love! Joy! Etc!
Dooooooorna.
All the trees behind and around were also lit up with the big, wonky one.
Mr. Christmas Spirit.
Zoomy zoomy. Stalky stalky.
A random singer guy. Who we couldn't hear. But I'm sure he was amazing.
The Blue-Eyed Couple.
Pinky promises.
Any photo with Dorna in it is excellent.
Mary-approved.
You know what happened next?? FIREWORKS!!! YUSSS. This building is the new city hall; that old nice one isn't being used anymore, and it's also the symbol of the City of Toronto:
Ta-daaa.
But wait...
LOOK!
THERE'S A FLYING FIREWORK MAN!!! WHY CAN I NOT BE HIM??!
SMMMMMOKIN'!
Plus a video of the very end because I love y'all:
Then back to music you couldn't hear; Dragonette, which was pretty shiny anyway.
Mass exodus because everyone just came for the fireworks.
The view below.
Had to go back through the Eaton Centre on the way back, so more photos, obviously.
Obviously this was the best position we could find. Thanks Brandon, photographer extraordinaire.
All was forgiven because he showed us a brilliant little 24/7 restaurant. A refurbished church, with 3 tiny stories, lovely French waiters, mood lighting and bloody excellent cake.
Kinda ate most of it before could get a photo...there are 3 other plates of cake...oops. Had to take a photo obviously, otherwise it didn't happen.
That looks so cool!!!! Even if it is a couple of months early. It's making me super excited for Christmas. Bourke Street is getting all decked out, and inside all the shops, and I'm like 'ugh, guys, it's still November, calm yo' farm', but fireworks obviously makes it completely okay for Toronto to have this :)
That looks so cool!!!! Even if it is a couple of months early. It's making me super excited for Christmas. Bourke Street is getting all decked out, and inside all the shops, and I'm like 'ugh, guys, it's still November, calm yo' farm', but fireworks obviously makes it completely okay for Toronto to have this :)
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