Toronto has joined the many cities around the world to host a Christmas market. These markets are filled with little shops, great food and Holiday focussed programming. In this post, we share details about the Distillery District Toronto Christmas Market.

Distillery District Toronto Christmas Market

Toronto’s historic Distillery District plays host to the annual Toronto Christmas Market, an event which runs mid-November to December 23 each year. The market is open Tuesdays through Sundays (closing on Mondays).

Admission to the Toronto Christmas Market is free before 5:00 PM Tuesday – Friday however during the evening and on the weekend a special timed ticket will have to be purchased. You can enter the area during your time and stay as long as you want. To avoid lineups, you should buy these tickets online at the Toronto Christmas Market Website.

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Each year the neighbourhood completely transforms with lights, colourful decorations and a series of wooden booths all filled with crafts, food, sweets, drinks and more.

Toronto Christmas Market Craft Booths

There is plenty of holiday shopping to be done both inside the many stores and boutiques in the Distillery buildings and in many wooden booths which line the passageways in the market.

If you are into decadent treats, there was one booth with a new version of a Beavertail pastry but designed in a cylinder shape and then coated with sprinkles, chocolate and nuts which caught my eye. Also, a favourite at the market are the many pretzel stands which offer giant sized hot pretzels.

There is plenty of shopping to do in the Distillery District. Some booths featured handcrafted goods like ornaments, wool mittens and other holiday gifts, while the Distillery’s shops also offered holiday-themed goods.

Of course, you can also find some delicious Poutine at the Toronto Christmas Market. The serving sizes were just big enough to get a taste, so you don’t fill up and miss out on all the other holiday treats.

Entertainment at Toronto Christmas Market

On the main stage you can find the majority of holiday programming for the Toronto Christmas Market, however, keep an eye out for other entertainers like the festive Christmas Carolers.

You can catch a ride on the Ferris wheel or Carousel located near the huge Christmas Tree. Tickets are purchased on site. These are the only two rides on site, but there is plenty of entertainment throughout the market for the kids.

Note that during the evening hours, the market starts to fill up. The narrow streets and passageways become more crowded as the lights light up the neighbourhood.

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The Toronto Christmas Market is less crowded during the week and as mentioned above, if you enter before 5:00 PM you will not have to pay an admission.

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Evening at Toronto Christmas Market

My favourite time to visit the Toronto Christmas Market is just as the sun is setting and all the lights shine brightly. Yes, it is more crowded, but the holiday atmosphere is just elevated.

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Naughty or Nice Bar and Spirit Tastings

In the evening hours, things also pick up as far as Adult activities. For those looking to try some mulled wine, hot cider and other adult beverages, see many of the wooden booths by the Naughty or Nice bar. There are also a few heaters in the area to warm up under.

There is plenty of shopping, nibbling and celebrating whatever time of day you visit the market and they are always adding new things each year.

Of course, be sure to reserve a table at one of the many restaurants in the Distillery District which is a great way to warm up during your Toronto Christmas Market visit.

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