Scotia Plaza Christmas Tree

Location: Scotia Plaza Atrium, 40 King St. W.
Date photo taken: 30 November 2018

Happy holidays!

Christmas Windows

Location: The Bay, Queen Street windows
Date photo taken: 10 December 2018

Back in October American toy seller FAO Schwarz announced that it was coming to Canada for the first time, just in time for Christmas. They opened pop-up shops in Hudson's Bay stores across Canada and at the Queen Street flagship store, the Christmas windows are branded with FAO Schwarz. The windows, much the same as those unveiled last year, are delightful. They range from fantastical scenes like this one to steampunk visions to views of the city.

Chimney Sweeps

Location: above Young People's Theatre, 165 Front St. E.
Date photo taken: 23 November 2018

I love this rooftop treatment, advertising the current production on stage at Young People's Theatre. Mary Poppins, which has been on stage since November 5, has broken all sales records for this 53 year old company. Onstage until January 6, they've added extra shows over the holiday season so there may still be a chance to catch it. Even if you're not seeing a show, it's worth checking out the building if you're in the neighbourhood. The front windows contain displays of costumes from the 2017 production of Beauty and the Beast.  I particularly love the Mrs. Potts.

RUNT Critters

Location: 1600 Gerrard St. E. at Rhodes

Date photo taken: 20 February 2016

Back in the 1980s Lee's Palace commissioned a mural for the front of their Bloor Street building. The job went to a young artist who was working as a waiter and a Toronto icon was born. Despite the passing of years, Alex Currie, who goes by either RUNT or Al Runt, has stayed true to his style, which he describes as "naiveté, with fart jokes." This detail is not from the repainted Lee's Palace but from an east-end mural - it covers the front and part of the side of the storefront at 1600 Gerrard Street East.