credit: Dan Gaken
For a month before Christmas, the Distillery Historic District in Toronto is full of tradition, romance, shopping and European charm. For 800 years the world has enjoyed Christmas Markets, and since 2010, Toronto has hosted one of the best. The Distillery Historic District, encompassing the marvellous Gooderham and Worts whiskey distillery is a national historical site, making it ideal to have such an event. The market is thirteen acres of pure Christmas joy for all to experience.
The atmosphere is nostalgic, with strings of small lights crisscrossing the cobblestone streets, a ferris wheel, a carousel, fire pits to provide warmth and a 45 foot spruce tree. There is a tree-lighting ceremony to get everyone in the mood, including carols and a visit from Santa and the Christmas Angel. While wandering at the market, you will come across the heated outdoor gardens and be served warm mulled wine, German sausages, Belgian fries and Schnitzel. High tea is also offered. If you wish to have warm drink options, the beer and wine gardens serve holiday beverages from the past and present, different beer, hot rum varieties and European Christmas cocktails. If you like eating chocolate,why not try drinking it? Soma Chocolate maker serves a delicious, and sought after drinking chocolate. This delicacy was very popular in the 17th Century.
credit: Tibor Kovacs
While enjoying your chocolate, you can walk among carollers and Christmas characters and listen to the many bands playing continuously throughout the market. The sound of bells can be heard as Santa Claus is present for all to enjoy, and to further entertain the children, there is a fairytale forest to explore. Children’s choirs and multiple musicians create a true ambience with their songs of the season. Exclusive to this market, there is an interactive sing-along with Santa’s elves. Everyone is welcome to sing and dance during the performance, and most do!
The Christmas market has more than 80 distinct shops and designer boutiques. This internationally acclaimed “pedestrian only” village has not only shops, but cafés, performance venues, and art galleries. There are more than 70 cultural and retail establishments on the first floor. The market is centrally located, just a short walk from the downtown area. You will find unlimited Christmas gifts, and there is something for all. There are local and handcrafted gifts to rich chocolate and European “chotchkies” (knick knacks). Ontario craftspeople and world class vendors from around the world come to Toronto’s Christmas Market. You will see old and new world talent in the creations of the market’s artists and artisans.
credit: Dan Gaken
Nine luxury hotels are within short distance of this festive event. You can choose from the Four Seasons Hotel, Hotel Le Germain Maple Leaf Square, Hotel Le Germain, Inter Continental Hotel, The Omni King Edward Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton and The Thompson. Booking a stay at one of these hotels may be beneficial, as the market lasts from November 28 to December 21.
Come, enjoy the cheery bustle of Christmas shopping and the small of festive food. Lose yourself in the joy of the holiday season in Toronto Christmas Markets.