Revel in the holiday spirit at one of the city's most popular holiday markets.
If there's a single place in the city guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit, it's the Distillery Winter Village, formerly known as the Toronto Christmas Market. The picturesque historic Distillery District, with its cobblestone, pedestrian-only streets and beautiful 19th-century buildings, is even more beautiful during the holiday season, dressed up with twinkling lights and a jolly, festive atmosphere.
Plan for a few hours for your visit and soak up the holiday charm by checking out all the sights and sounds.
Take a photo with the stunning 51-foot-tall Christmas tree in Trinity Square
Designed by Parfums Christian Dior, this year's majestic white spruce dazzles with more than 3,000 ornaments (including 1,000 custom Dior star charms) and 70,000 twinkling lights—the result of more than 500 hours of work. Its splendour will warm even the Grinchiest of hearts.
Explore international flavours at the charming food cabins
The Distillery District is a foodie favourite year-round, but for the holiday season, they've got another 20 purveyors serving up some delicious cuisine from around the globe. Choose from Swiss raclette, Mexican churros, Venezuelan pies, Ukrainian perogies, Italian polpette and Portuguese pastéis de nata, to name just a few.
Warm up with a beverage
When you feel the winter chill, grab a mulled wine or hot cocoa at one of the heated patios or by a fire pit or pop into one of the bars for a cocktail to warm up. All the bars will serve up a selection of holiday-inspired tipples, such as Fire & Spice, a cocktail of Jack Daniel's, Ontario-spiced apple cider and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
At Spanish hot spot Madrina Bar y Tapas, snag one of their exclusive seasonal cocktails, including the refreshing Holiday Twist (think Whitney Neill Blood Orange gin with tonic, hibiscus syrup and citrus).
Also Read: Warm Up with These Cold Weather Cocktails this Season
Find the perfect gift for anyone on your list at the Distillery Winter Village
Get some holiday shopping done
For those people on your list who are impossible to shop for, between the local vendors in this year's cabins and the shops in the Distillery District, you'll be all set to cross everyone off of your shopping list.
For fashion lovers, stop into Gotstyle, and for charming host gifts and stocking stuffers, check out the adorable stationery at SowSweet Greetings, lavender goods at Provence en Couleur and cute, recycled-wood ornaments at The Cracked Knot.
Sing along to your favourite Christmas carols
Karaoke lovers, this is your moment. This year, a merry band of carolers will be singing classic holiday songs outside Spirit of York—join in and sing your favourites along with them. Will you make like Mariah and belt out "All I Want For Christmas Is You”?
Find photo ops around every corner at the Distillery Winter Village
Do you need tickets for Distillery Winter Village?
Tickets are only required on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4:00 p.m. and December 27-31 after 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $11 + HST each. Kids 9 and under are FREE of charge. Everyone must purchase tickets online ahead of their visit.
At all other times, access is free of charge and tickets are not required.
How long does the Toronto Christmas Market last?
The Distillery Winter Village is open from November 17 to December 31, 2022. The outdoor shopping cabins and food vendors will open at noon, Tuesdays to Sundays. They will be closed on Mondays. See more event details for specific closing times.
