The lighting of this year's Christmas tree in the lobby area of the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. (Handout - Fairmont Royal York)

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They say it's all happening at the zoo and that's the case watching the "party" animals this holiday season.

The Toronto Zoo's popular Christmas Treats Walk happens on Dec. 26 followed by the New Year's Eve Family Countdown.

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The Boxing Day tradition in its 32nd year is a chance to "see exotic animals, some for the first time, enjoying their seasonal food treats," said Cynthia Shipley, marketing manager.

Zoo-goers can check out the reindeer along with Siberian tigers among the 5,000 animals, including some of "our cutest babies and families," she added.

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This includes little Coco and Jack at play with Mom Tatiana. These rare and adorable Siberian (Amur) tiger cubs were born last summer.

During this outdoor event, there will also be strolling Victorian carolers and free hot chocolate, "while quantities last."

The walk starts at 10 a.m. at the zoo courtyard and goes through the Eurasia section where the tigers romp.

The New Year's Eve "family-fun" event to kick off 2008 off includes "lots of great music, entertainment, animal visitors and more."

The fun begins at 6 p.m. at the Indo-Malaya and Africa pavilions and carries on until 9 p.m. when there is a "kid's" New Year's countdown.

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Siberian (Amur) tiger cubs Coco and Jack with Mom Tatiana can be seen during the Toronto Zoo's popular Christmas Treats Walk on Dec. 26. (Handout - Toronto Zoo)

Plum pudding is traditionally included in the Christmas meal.

With its origins in Britain, it's also known as Christmas pudding with a distinctive rich aroma from sweet spices often made from recipes handed down by families for generations.

It's a seasonal highlight as well from 1929 when the Fairmont Royal York opened in Toronto with the chefs since then whipping up some 200,000 puddings.

"It is a tradition for all kitchen apprentices to make the season's first batch of pudding," said publicist Melanie Coates.

"They still each hold onto the wooden spoon at the same time, helping to stir the batter and to make a wish," she added.

Chefs at the Fairmont Royal York stir the batter for the first batch of this year's plum pudding while making a wish. (Handout - Fairmont Royal York)

The pudding is offered with meals or can be taken out for holiday dinners or bought as gifts ($35 for eight to 10 servings).

Along with turkey dinners to go, the hotel's "holiday baking menu" includes handmade chocolates, cookies, gingerbread men, Yule logs, mincemeat tarts, cakes and other sweet treats.

The lavish Nutcracker buffet luncheon on Dec. 20 and 21 in the elegant Imperial Room features holiday carollers and a visit from Scrooge ($65). There's also Nutcracker afternoon tea through Dec. 31 ($25).

Stay in a "Nutcracker Suite" as the "official hotel" of the National Ballet of Canada includes a gift autographed by artistic director Karen Kain and a nutcracker-themed afternoon tea (from $289, double occupancy, through Dec. 30).

Santa's Little Helper package "to ease the tensions of holiday shopping" has exclusive discounts from hotel merchants and those nearby and includes breakfast for two ($219, double occupancy, through Dec. 30). 1-800-441-1414 or www.fairmont.com/royalyork

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Other fun events in the "big city" and beyond include:

- Cavalcade of Lights, now through Dec. 31, is at Nathan Phillips Square at city hall. This is the 41st annual spectacle that sets Toronto aglow with 100,000 lights and the "official" Christmas tree. www.toronto.ca/special_events

- A Christmas Carol, now through Jan. 6 at Casa Loma, the city's "castle," brings to life the timeless classic "in a whole new way, featuring those masters of merriment, Men in Tights, and their zany style of audience participation." www.casaloma.org

- You'll have to move quickly today to catch the grand finale of the Christkindl Market at Kitchener City Hall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate the "sights, sounds and tastes" of a German Christmas. In Canada's home of Oktoberfest, there's lots of entertainment, 70 vendors and a chance to munch on bratwurst and Lebkuchen (spice cake) while sipping a steaming mug of Gluwein (mulled wine). www.christkindlcanada.com

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If you go:

The Toronto Zoo's Christmas Treats Walk on Dec. 26 is from 10 a.m., with zoo hours that day only from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

There's half-price admission - $10, adults; $7 seniors; $6, children ages four to 12; free to age three. Money raised supports the Endangered Species Fund and visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank. Free parking.

It's best to buy tickets in advance for the zoo's New Year's Eve Family Countdown ($10, adults; $7 seniors; $6 children, four to 12; free to age three).

The zoo is in Scarborough (northeast Toronto) off Highway 401 at Meadowvale Road, Exit 389. It's open year-round (except Dec. 25), with hours until Dec. 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. www.torontozoo.com; (416) 392-5929