Once home to the largest distillery in the British Empire, Toronto’s Distillery District has morphed from a derelict collection of Victorian industrial buildings into a national historic site and treasured neighbourhood hub where art, culture, cuisine and entertainment convene. Only minutes from Toronto’s downtown core, the cobblestoned, pedestrian-friendly borough is home to fine distilleries, art galleries, quaint coffee shops and first-class dining—combining the romance of European districts with the hip, dynamic vibe of New York City’s SoHo or Chelsea.
Come the holiday season, one of the most anticipated events in Ontario is the Distillery Winter Village, Toronto’s most popular and largest annual Christmas market. (CNN Travel once named it one of the best Christmas markets in the world.)
Dressed up with twinkling lights and a 51-foot-tall white spruce Christmas tree in Trinity Square—last season, the perennial plant was decorated by the House of Christian Dior with 70,000 lights and 1,000 custom Dior charms—the Distillery comes alive with holiday merriment. Visitors can walk through its festive outdoor biergarten, sing classic holiday tunes with a carolling quartet, take in over 300 live performances, explore the international food cabins offering global fare (from Swiss raclette and Ukrainian perogies to Mexican churros, Venezuelan pies or Italian polpette) or take a tipple (or two) of steamy mulled wine and hot cocoa—all experiences thoughtfully curated so you and yours can get that winter spirit on.
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You won’t want to leave the market before picking up some handcrafted ornaments, seasonal treats and artisanal gifts at local boutiques (GOTSTYLE and Blackbird Vintage Finds are fan favourites) or taking a merry spin around their nostalgic carousel.
If you need an escape from the chill, pop into one of the seven celebrated art galleries in the district, where visitors can enjoy eclectic collections of acclaimed contemporary works from Canadian and international artists. Or end your evening with a short walk and a show at Toronto’s beloved Soulpepper Theatre, Canada’s leading artist-driven theater company.
With a calendar full of music, theater and performances throughout the holiday season, it’s a wonderful way to experience some exceptional Canadian art and culture before heading back home.
Toronto Distillery Winter Village | Nov. 16 to Jan. 7, 2024
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Open until 10 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays. Closed Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day.
