Fairmont Royal York lights up with Christmas sparkle

Toronto’s storied Fairmont Royal York is once again offering people tidings of comfort and joy as Dec. 25 draws near.

Wednesday saw the hotel light up its lobby Christmas tree, with general manager Edwin Frizzell noting that the tradition is a long-running one.

“For nearly a century this hotel has been at the heart of the festive season…Everywhere you turn the Fairmont Royal York is glowing,” Frizzell told the crowd who gathered for the colorful event.

The hotel lobby has taken on what hotel staff label a winter wonderland appearance, decorated with reminders of reindeer and other items synonymous with Christmas.

Frizzell also paid tribute to Fairmont Royal York employees who are “bringing the Fairmont Royal York to life every single day.”

The hotel works with Make A Wish Canada — which works to better the lives of children struggling with serious diseases — and a representative of that organization was on hand to thank the Fairmont Royal York, stating she and her colleagues are “so grateful for their generosity.”

Guests now arriving at the Fairmont Royal York  are greeted by pathways lined with “Victorian-style lampposts and snow-covered evergreens, creating scenes straight out of a winter fairy tale,” along with the Christmas tree “framed by elegant drapery and towering nutcrackers,” the hotel says. “Guests continue their journey through a serene winter garden gazebo or stop for champagne or tea at the hotel’s bustling lobby lounge, CLOCKWORK, its white ironwork gates evoking the entrance to a palace. Every vignette is dressed in frosted whites, icy crystals, lush greenery, and glistening snow.

“Extending the enchantment beyond the lobby, families can experience Festive Fun for Families on the Main Mezzanine, featuring beautifully decorated Balsam Hill Christmas trees as part of a charming photo booth backdrop. The activation also includes daily gingerbread cookie decorating at 2:00 PM, holiday crafts and activities throughout the day, and special visits from Santa on Dec. 24 and 25 for hotel guests only, with priority access for those booking the Special Delivery Holiday Package, this festive program runs from Dec. 19 to Jan. 3, between 10 a.m  and 6 p.m.”

Fairmont Royal York has two seasonal cocktails: the wintery Old-Fashioned variation Royal Tannenbaum or the tropical Snowbird Holiday, served in a Santa Tiki Mug. They’re available across all restaurants and bars through December.

The hotel also has created a seasonal afternoon tea, lunches, dinners and brunches.

Meanwhile, the hotel is offering seasonal packages as well:

Special Delivery Holiday Package: “Celebrate the season with a stay filled with holiday magic. This package includes a beautifully decorated in-room Christmas tree, a Royal Elf plush, a custom Fairmont Royal York ornament, two adult Express Tickets to The Distillery Winter Village, and priority access to Festive Fun for Families (Dec. 19–Jan. 3), where guests can enjoy holiday crafts, activities, and a charming photo booth surrounded by Balsam Hill trees. Valet parking is also included. Available for booking to Jan. 3 for stays from Dec. 1 to Jan. 3, this festive add-on is priced at $150 per room.”

Trees of Hope: “Give hope a home this holiday season with an unforgettable festive escape, while saving 15% on a two-night stay, plus the Fairmont Royal York custom ornament, and $25 festive dining and drinks. With every booking, $10 supports Make-A-Wish International. Available for booking from Dec. 2 to Jan. 3 for stays from Dec. 2 to Feb. 28.”

Fairmont Gold: “Experience an elevated stay on the exclusive Fairmont Gold floor, complete with private check-in, personalized service, and access to the sophisticated 18th-floor Fairmont Gold Lounge. This holiday season, Gold guests will be greeted by a striking display of fully decorated Balsam Hill trees adorning the 18th-floor elevator bank – a display that introduces the beauty and timeless elegance of the holidays the moment guests arrive.”

House of York: “Available exclusively for private buyouts, this intimate, cozy cabin retreat setting offers the perfect venue for corporate or festive celebrations, complete with bites from REIGN. Evoking the romance of a Canadian winter and the nostalgia of holidays past, House of York invites guests to unwind amidst the glow of candlelight and the warmth of rustic elegance.”

New Year’s Eve: “Library Bar is a haven of timeless elegance and modern legend, newly recognized on NA 50 Best Bars and The Pinnacle Guide for its award-winning service and cocktails, where rich marbles, bold leathers, and whimsical velvets set the stage. The menu will feature exquisite specials, including Venison Tartare with Cannoli, Salsify, and Black Truffle, and a Sourdough Toastie with 100km Goose Liver Pâté. Available à la carte on the evening of Dec. 31.”