Chocolate company takes over holiday windows at former Hudson’s Bay in Toronto

After the closure of Hudson’s Bay Company stores across Canada, the annual holiday window displays in downtown Toronto nearly didn’t happen this year.

Festive window displays at Yonge and Queen streets date back to at least the early 1900s when Simpsons department store occupied the space. Hudson Bay’s Company took over in 1991 and continued the tradition.

But after financial struggles, Hudson’s Bay stores closed at the end of May this year.

Eaton Centre owner, Cadillac Fairview, brought in another company to create displays in the windows this year.

This year, Mars Canada took over the windows, unveiling Wonders of Mars, a free, seven-window storybook experience this weekend.

Known for the Mars chocolate bars, the company also produces some of the world’s best-loved candy, including M&Ms, Snickers and Skittles, and pet food brands such as Royal Canin, Pedigree and Whiskas.

The Wonders of Mars windows are “a whimsical, magical depiction of a day in the life of the Mars Elves,” the company said in a press release.

Each vignette reveals a different moment in the elves’ day, from their morning routine under a Hubba Bubba-pink sky, to seeing them hard at work at the Mars Chocolate Factory and freeze-drying Skittles into Mars’ latest innovation, Skittles Pop’d.

The journey ends as they travel through the icy, cool winter wonderland and settle down to end their day together with a warm holiday meal, alongside their furry friends.

“As a family-owned company with more than 100 years of history, we know how deeply traditions shape joy and connection,” Ellen Thompson, general manager, Mars Wrigley Canada, said. “We’re proud to give back to the community by helping continue a holiday tradition that has sparked magic and happiness for families across the city.”

Mars collaborated with longtime creative director of visual presentation, Ana Fernandes, who has led the creation of the Yonge and Queen store’s holiday windows for more than 20 years.

“When I was first approached about consulting on holiday windows my instant thoughts were, ‘this is exciting,’” Fernandes said. “Mars and their family of brands are a good fit, so ideas immediately started racing in my head. I’m also humbled and honoured that they wanted to weave in the spirit of the nearly 100-year history of the iconic holiday windows — creating them each year was such a joy for me and brings back wonderful memories.”

Wonders of Mars is on display until Jan. 2 at 176 Yonge St.

To extend the spirit of giving, visitors can scan the QR code within the window displays or visit wondersofmars.ca to submit their holiday wish list. For every submission, Mars will donate $1 to Food Banks Canada, helping provide meals for families and pets in need this season.

For more information, visit wondersofmars.ca.

Photos: Mars Canada