Toronto’s Distillery District is transformed each year into one of the world’s most acclaimed holiday markets. The attraction runs until January 4, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Distillery Historic District)
Aside from the tempting Black Friday sale ads filling up your inbox right now, nothing signals the start of the holiday season in Toronto like the launch of the Distillery Winter Village. The 13-acre pedestrian-only heritage site in the former Gooderham and Worts Distillery is transformed from a quaint array of cafes, shops, and restaurants to a magical winter wonderland. With the Distillery Historic District’s cobblestone streets and Victorian-era architecture bedecked in thousands of red, green and gold lights, and ornaments, at first glance, the village harkens back to the traditional European holiday market. But it also infuses the Christmas tradition with a distinct feeling of multiculturalism, giving it a Canadian identity.
A Mix of Traditional Treats and Local Cuisine
Among the 47 vendor cabins and nine outdoor bars sprinkled throughout the attraction, there are the usual offerings one would expect from a winter holiday market: festive booths selling hot chocolate, including the viral torched S’mores drink from Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie (worth the line-up); an oversized bratwurst from Wurst Case Scenario; and traditional chestnuts roasting on an open fire, natch. However there is also a variety of local resto pop-ups, making it a global culinary destination. Saunter down Chef’s Lane and you can sample delicious Tom Yum Soup from celebrity Toronto restaurateur chef Nuit Regular, Spicy Mala Poutine from chef Eric Chong, and a full holiday feast (roast turkey, smoked brisket, caramelized carrot, and sweet potato and cranberry chutney) from chef Claudio Aprile. Turn the corner and you can find stacks of tinned crab meat and lobster dips from Little Shop of Lobsters, Santa spuds (potatoes on a stick), Japanese tacos, Dubai chocolate, and many other sweet and savoury options.
The Distillery District Appeals to Everyone
The giant Christmas tree is the focal point of the Distillery Winter Village, located in downtown Toronto. (Photo courtesy of the Distillery Historic District)
The village, lit up by an ornate, 16-metre (55-foot) silver fir Christmas Tree (Canada’s most photographed), is filled with festive activities. Traditionalists can enjoy family-friendly puppet shows, Story Time with Elves, musical performances by the Canadian Opera Company and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, and opportunities to donate to local charities. For an irreverent take on the season, there is the Ugly Sweater Patio Bar, the Peppermint Patio Bar, holiday photo-ops at the Naughty or Nice Bar, and the Netflix Stranger Things immersive experience, as well as the whimsical Narnia-themed Santa’s Village that sees the Soulpepper Theatre House transformed into an enchanted forest.
Unique Gifts in Toronto
The specialty boutiques in the Distillery District offer one-of-a-kind creations year-round, but in the Winter Village you will also find seasonal gifts like holiday-themed socks from Floorplay, Yummi Candles, and festive, high-end home décor from Bergo Designs, to name just a few.
Since its inception in 2010, the Distillery Winter Village has grown into one of the busiest and most recognized Christmas markets globally. It is expected that more than 1 million attendees will visit this year during the market’s seven-week run.
The Distillery Winter Village runs until January 4, 2026. Tickets are $15 during peak hours (typically after 4 p.m. on weekends and at all hours during the holiday school break period of December 11 to 31). For more information, visit the attraction’s website.
