After trying to win concert tickets in a contest, Teddy and Layla share their first kiss at The Opera House, one of Toronto’s most popular concert venues. First built in 1909 as the La Plaza Theatre, this heritage building became The Opera House in 1989 and has since hosted legendary musicians like Nirvana, Metallica, Eminem, Halsey, and Green Day. Catch a concert, then head across the road to COPS for one of their signature donuts. Those looking for a unique group activity can head to Lob Toronto, a bar specializing in a fun indoor game that combines bocce and golf. Brunch enthusiasts should also be sure to check out Lady Marmalade, one of the city’s top spots for eggs benedict, sweet waffles, and savoury huevos rancheros.
Teddy and Layla meet a ticket seller at an NYC bar that’s been decorated for the holidays. This bar is none other than The Comrade, a popular local spot known for its eccentric decor and outstanding drinks. After grabbing a bite, unwind at Chi Junky, a lively, music-driven wellness studio offering yoga, pilates and more. Finish off the day with a refreshing stroll or a friendly game at the baseball diamond in Jimmie Simpson Park and a sweet treat at the Newfoundland and Labrador-founded cookie chain, Craig’s Cookies.
The venue for the big Pentatonix concert is none other than Toronto’s legendary Royal Alexandra Theatre, a Canadian Heritage Site and North America’s oldest continually operating theatre. Since its construction in 1907, the ‘Royal Alex’ has been a hub of the Canadian theatre scene, hosting performances from legendary artists such as Lucille Ball, Maggie Smith, Donald Sutherland, The Marx Brothers and Lady Gaga. Nearby you can find a variety of incredible dining and entertainment options, like the legendary Cafe Landwer which first opened in 1919. Fans of Thai food should be sure to check out PAI, one of Toronto’s most popular restaurants serving authentic Thai dishes including curries street eats. After dinner and a show, grab a pint at Mascot Brewery or enjoy whimsically themed mini-golf at Par-Tee Putt.
Teddy and Layla’s romantic rickshaw ride through Central Park was filmed in Toronto’s Queen’s Park, a lush and vibrant green space in the city’s centre. The park was first opened in 1860 by Edward VII to honour his mother, Queen Victoria, and contains a multitude of monuments, sculptures, memorials, and art exhibits to explore. Visitors and Torontonians alike enjoy strolling through Queen’s Park for a brief escape from the city. The park is also home to the Ontario Legislative Building, a gorgeous Richardsonian Romanesque-style building that houses the Parliament of Ontario and the Premier's office.
The airport scenes where Layla is trapped on Christmas Eve due to a canceled flight were shot at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Downtown Toronto. With over 700,000 sq. ft. of space, the MTCC is one of the largest venues of its kind in Canada and hosts well known events like FAN EXPO Canada and the Canadian International AutoShow. Right across the street from the south entrance visitors can find the Toronto Railway Museum, which features several heritage trains to explore, as well as the famous Steam Whistle Brewery offering tours of the historic building that was once a steam locomotive repair facility.
The store where Teddy and Layla line up for a Sugar Plum purse is located on 157 Bloor Street West. Positioned in Toronto’s upscale Bloor-Yorkville area, the storefront was formerly Club Monaco and is now an Urban Planet. Bloor-Yorkville offers an array of luxury brands, gourmet dining and elegant hotels, making it perfect for a day of indulgence. Enjoy amazing Lebanese cuisine at the chic Amal Toronto restaurant. For a unique treat after dinner, head over to HAZUKIDO which serves freshly baked croissants that combine European and Japanese influence. To end the evening, unwind with a signature martini and stunning city views at The Writers Room, the rooftop bar on the 18th floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel.
Layla and Teddy try to score tickets for a concert at David Pecaut Square, a popular plaza in Downtown Toronto’s entertainment district. The square has been a Toronto hangout spot since it first opened in 1992, boasting several postmodern art pieces that the city is known for, such as The Poet, The Fever Hospital by sculptor Bernie Miller, The Eternal Flame of Hope, Surface Design for Tampered Windscreens, and Remembered Sustenance. The square is also frequently used to host community events, including Nuit Blanche art displays, free concerts, and outdoor film screenings during the Toronto International Film Festival. Those looking to do some shopping or grab a snack can head to Simcoe Place, or go underground to Toronto’s PATH, an underground pedestrian walkway with plenty of shopping and dining options. While in the neighbourhood, visitors can also check out The Loose Moose, a local bar and grill with a rustic Canadian theme.
The luxury suite that Pentatonix stays in throughout the film is located inside the Bisha Hotel, a trendy boutique hotel in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District. The hotel offers plenty of amenities, including several restaurants, a café, a fully equipped gym, and a rooftop infinity pool with views of the Toronto skyline. The city’s Entertainment District also has plenty of hidden gems to enjoy. Visitors to the city should check out Spin Toronto, a table tennis bar with twelve Olympic-regulation ping pong tables, co-owned by legendary actor Susan Sarandon. Afterwards, head over to Miss Likklemore’s to relax and enjoy Caribbean-inspired flavours, or visit Porchetta & Co. to grab one of their delicious slow-roasted Italian pork sandwiches to go while you explore the rest of this vibrant neighbourhood.