February is jam-packed with special events that come around only once a year.
From Valentine’s Day to Family Day, Black History Month and Lunar New Year, the city truly is the place to be for the holidays. But why let the fun stop there? Toronto also boasts luxurious and comfortable hotels to extend your day and enjoy all that the city has to offer into the night.
Book a relaxing weekend-long city break with your Valentine, learn about Canada’s favourite pastime with your kids at the Hockey Hall of Fame and ring in the Year of the Dragon at some Lunar New Year celebrations. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a low-key outing, there are plenty of events happening for the holidays and nearby hotels where you can turn your day into an overnight stay.
Here’s what you can do for the holidays and where to stay this February in Toronto!
Lunar New Year
Chao Tet and Shangri-La Toronto
Begin your day by embracing the spirit of Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year!
Immerse yourself in the rich and eclectic traditions of Vietnamese culture, and make the most of the opportunity to connect with the local Vietnamese community.
The festival will host four local artists performing culturally rich songs that shed light on Vietnamese New Year traditions.
Chao Tet celebrations will take place from Feb 9-11 at the Small World Centre on Shaw Street. Tickets start at $24 and can be purchased here.
Keep the celebrations going late into the night at the beautiful Shangri-La Toronto downtown. Located in one of Toronto’s tallest buildings, the five-star hotel offers an urban escape surrounded by the best that the city has to offer.
For Lunar New Year, the hotel is hosting an afternoon tea at Lobby Lounge complete with exquisite treats like the “Mandarin”, an almond tart with blood orange compote, and the delightful “Jasmine Mango” creation. The afternoon tea is being hosted daily until Feb. 25, reserve your table here.
Year of the Dragon: A Lunar New Year Celebration by TSO and Ritz Carlton
On Feb. 13, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is hosting an extraordinary Year of the Dragon concert to celebrate Lunar New Year in style!
Comedian Dashan is hosting the event with beloved classics and festive favourites, including the Butterfly Lovers Concerto and Song of the Pipa. All songs will be performed by the TSO and special guests in honour of the Year of the Dragon. The performance starts at 8 p.m. and tickets can be purchased here.
After a night out of listening to beautiful music, head to the five-star Ritz Carlton to enjoy a total sensory experience overnight.
Relax and indulge at its acclaimed spa myBend and discover its British-inspired Gastropub EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace. The hotel’s restaurant TOCA is also offering a Lunar New Year Brunch on Feb. 11 where guests can celebrate The Year of The Dragon with specially handmade desserts and a delectable seafood bar.
For those who want the best of the best, The Ritz-Carlton Club Level combines intimacy, comfort and exclusivity with personalized service and attention to detail.
Valentine’s Day
Charcuterie making and the St. Regis Hotel
If you’re looking to tap into your creative side, set your taste buds tingling and indulge for Valentine’s Day, sign up for this take-home charcuterie-making class from a Gusto 54 Chef at Twist Gallery. It makes for the perfect date night out. The experience includes a glass of prosecco upon entry and one bottle of wine during your charcuterie making experience.
Once you’re full of wine and cheese, sweep your Valentine off their feet with a romantic downtown hotel stay at the romantic St. Regis.
The St. Regis Toronto and LOUIX LOUIS are offering a charming grand hotel & dinner package, complemented by a $100 credit for a relaxing spa and wellness experience. Book here to relish in a scrumptious specially-curated Valentine’s Day menu at the hotel’s iconic restaurant LOUIX LOUIS.
Lula Lounge and the Gladstone House
Treat yourself to a night filled with some of the greatest love songs of all time.
Lula Lounge is hosting a dreamy evening of food, drinks and soulful music featuring vocalist Gabriela Rodgers who’ll be belting classics from the likes of Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Bonnie Raitt, Alicia Keys and Aretha Franklin.
The show is happening on Feb. 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at 1585 Dundas Street West. Tickets are available here starting at $110.37.
Continue your romantic rendezvous at the nearby Gladstone House on Queen Street West. The newly-imaged hotel is featured in Michelins‘ Toronto Hotel Guide and is offering a Get a Room package for Valentine’s Day, with rates as low as $339.
This package includes a bottle of bubbly, late checkout, breakfast for two and a box of delicate macarons by Michelin-starred pastry chef Nadège. Book your stay here.
Black History Month
Black History: Songs and Stories and Le Germain
Listen to songs of the Black experience to commemorate Black History Month at St. Andrew’s Church. On Feb. 23, the church is hosting Black History: Songs and Stories, a 90-minute concert featuring headliners Shelley Hamilton, John Campbell and Mark Cassius (The Nylons).
The evening will also include stories from the veteran singers and actors who will share their life experiences and explain how these classic songs influenced their own musical journeys. Tickets cost $30 and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit here.
After a night of beautiful music, you can spend the night at the nearby Le Germain Hotel in Toronto’s vibrant Maple Leaf Square. The hotel boasts 167 rooms all complete with a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Le Germain is located at the crossroads of the sports, entertainment and business districts providing close proximity to a variety of attractions the city has to offer, like Ripley’s Aquarium and The Distillery District.
Black Defenders of Upper Canada Experience at Fort York and Ace Hotel
All month long, The Fort York National Historic Site is hosting free tours to celebrate the many contributions and legacy of Black communities.
At The Black Defenders of Upper Canada Experience, visitors will discover the contributions made by Richard Pierpoint, and the Coloured Corps, in the defence of what is now Ontario during the War of 1812. Fort York is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Make the most of your day by staying the night at the swanky Ace Hotel in downtown Toronto. Located in the bustling Fashion District, the hotel not only has a variety of rooms to choose from but also World-class dining and drinking available morning, noon and night right in the building.
The Lobby offers craft cocktails and shareable small plates, Evageline is a stylish bar complete with a vast alcohol menu and stunning views, and Michelin-starred restaurant Alder offers the perfect spot for an unbeatable meal in the city.
Family Day
Family Day at the Hockey Hall of Fame and Fairmont Royal York
Celebrate Family Day (Feb. 19) at the Hockey Hall of Fame where kids can receive VIP status by entering for free!
The whole family can spend the day within five interactive zones, and snap a pic with their mascot Slapshot and with the Stanley Cup. A maximum of four youths (13 and under) can enter for free with the purchase of one regular price adult admission.
The Hockey Hall of Fame is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets for this promotion must be purchased onsite.
After a day embracing Canada’s favourite sport, you can walk over to the Fairmont Royal York for a luxurious overnight stay downtown.
Providing a quintessential Toronto experience, the majestic hotel is complete with expansive suites, a spectacular 18th-floor lounge, a family-friendly pool and beautifully designed spaces. If you want an elevated experience, the hotel’s Fairmont Gold program offers sophisticated residential rooms and suites with upgraded services and amenities.
Model Railroad and 1 Hotel
Watch trains pass through cities, towns and countryside of the Central Ontario Railway, this Family Day Weekend.
For over 85 years, people have been flocking to view Canada’s O scale Model Railroad Show.
The railway captures the essence of Central Ontario’s landscapes, seasons and industry; rousing childlike wonder and piquing the interests of technology, art and history buffs.
Watch trains chug through recognizable model cities, towns and rolling countryside, disappear through tunnels and cross over bridges. The Model Railroad Shows are happening from Feb. 18-19 and 25.
After a long day of admiring miniature locomotives, rest your eyes at 1 Hotel. Its Family Day offers promises up to 40 per cent off the best available rates, a choice of one in-room movie and complimentary parking.
Enjoy a movie night with the family, snack on popcorn, sip on drinks and relax amid the city lights.
For more events like this, check out the events calendar, powered by Now Playing Toronto.
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