It was while we were sitting at Mill St Brewery during the Distillery District Winter Village that Alex and I decided to go to Casa Loma for the Holiday Lights.
We had a decision to make if we would do the VIP experience for $125 for two, or regular with $50 each. The description of VIP enticed us with the promise of a drink and food item. It also promised for us to jump to the front of lines. Based on what we had seen at Ilumini and Distillery District we liked the idea of it.
For those who haven't watched Scott Pilgrim vs the World, Casa Loma is a strange manor home that sits on a hill overlooking all of Toronto downtown. It was built in 1911 by an eccentric millionaire, who after visiting Europe wanted his own manor home. It now operates as a museum, and is the set drop of many films and tv shows.
The following weekend we were off, me in a tiara and Alex in a Santa hat. I figured that of all places, this was the best to live my princess life. We were confused when we arrived as I thought we were going into the actual castle. We were told to go back down the hill to the bottom where we would enter through a side gate. We were handed hot chocolate, and food tickets for being VIP and walked through an enchanting forest. Right away it was clear they had put in a lot more effort or money than the other festivals (other than illumini). There was a clear story line, and they really leaned into the idea of classic Christmas.
We climbed the steps onto the back terrace. First were sent through the green house where Schitt's Creek received their Emmy's. It was done up as if it was a gingerbread house, each room filled with different types of giant candy or gnomes. It was funny to think that people host their weddings in this room, and here we were watching penguins sing.
Outside on the terrace there were two shows you could watch, unfortunately missed the fire show. We stayed for a bit of the magic show, but close up magic doesn't really work for a big crowd and I was getting cold. We did grab Cider, and mulled wine. Alex traded in one of our food tickets for beignets. All of it was very hot, which was needed as most of the activities were outside.
We ventured over to what looked like a haunted house, but was actually done up to be Dickens' Christmas Carol. This was really well done with the story written on the wall, and visual aids. There was a long maze of mirrors, which I think was supposed to signify traveling to the future, but I spent the whole time scared I'd walk into my reflection. I really appreciate their effort to match the aesthetic of the castle to the Victorian story. Although, Dickens would have probably hated the original owner of the house for the class division.
Following this was the final activity, but the one that felt the longest. We were lead into a side door of the castle, and sent to the North Pole. We walked down a 800 foot tunnel, that felt like we were walking forever. There was not much direction so it really did feel like we were walking forever. This part brought out the history nerds of Alex and I as we wanted to learn more about the castle. We were shown the coal stoves, and released it was the servant's tunnel to get to the stables. When we popped up in the stables we were more impressed by the look of the place than Santa.
Overall, we had a fabulous time and vowed to go back and into the actual castle. The VIP experience was not worth it, but I would pay the regular ticket price to go back another year for the lights. I'd love to know if they change it every year, and if there's new things to expect. Let me know in the youtube comments if you've been, or if this is something you would want to check out!
Thanks for Adventuring Together.
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