Giving New Height to the Holidays

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 4, 2013) -

Editors' Note: A photo for this release is available on the Canadian Press picture wire via Marketwired.

Toronto's tallest gingerbread 'house' is now on display at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto. Returning for the second year in a row, the 17 foot structure took almost 500 hours to construct and is a sweet combination of 200 pounds of flour, 85 pounds of sugar, 20 pounds of spices, 26 pounds of eggs and 51 pounds of butter. The giant confection features a replica CN Tower and will be available for public viewing in the hotel's main lobby from today until December 31^st.

The sweet structure isn't the only the thing the luxury downtown hotel has planned this holiday season. Throughout the month of December, DEQ Lounge will offer a long-standing Ritz-Carlton tradition with its Teddy Bear Tea. Featuring a child-friendly menu, cookie decorating and hot chocolate refreshments for the little ones, Teddy Bear Tea is available every Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Children are encouraged to bring in their favourite stuffed friend to take part in the fun, and can also help support the hotel's toy drive in support of the Herbie Fund, by donating a new or gently used stuffed animal.

And, for a little pre-holiday pampering Spa MyBlend by Clarins has created a festive selection of treatments for guests who've been both naughty and nice. The fresh crisp scent of the holidays meets a tantalizing body scrub in the Holly Berry Buff, while the Hot Toddy Body with cinnamon and spice will make everything nice.

To cap off 2013, The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto will host the city's most exclusive New Year's Eve celebration. Featuring an intimate performance by 2013 Soul Train award-winning jazz vocalist, Nicole Henry, the gala event will be a throwback to old Hollywood and will include an opulent champagne reception, followed by a 5-course dinner with wine pairings. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will also be donated to the Herbie Fund in support of Sick Kids Hospital.

Details regarding tickets to the New Year's Eve Gala can be found at www.ritzcarlton.com/torontoNYE.

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