Toronto’s Christmas market is returning with glittering ice arches and a twinkly Santa village, Life in canada

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Toronto’s dazzling Christmas market is officially returning for the holiday season and it’s full of cheer.

The Distillery Winter Village, formerly known as the Toronto Christmas Market, is jingling its way into the city on November 13, 2024 and will run until January 5, 2025.

The Distillery District will transform into a winter wonderland with a twinkling canopy of lights, festive events, photo ops and more Christmas magic.

You can gaze up at the 55-foot silver fir Christmas tree designed by Christian Dior Parfums, shop at the local merchants and charming vendor cabins and listen to Christmas carols sung by a choir.

There are several new activations to enjoy this year, including an indoor Santa’s Village where you can sip hot chocolate and snap photos with jolly old St. Nick.

You can also enjoy The Distillery’s Aurora Borealis which, according to a press release, is a “Northern Canada-inspired winter wonderland with light projections and a sleigh.”

Calling all Swifties! This year’s Winter Village will have a touch of Taylor-inspired magic with the “Swiftie Holiday Hunt” where you can win friendship bracelets. There will also be Taylor Swift-themed cookies and friendship bracelets available for purchase. The Taylor experiences are only running during the Toronto leg of the Eras Tour until November 24.

Other new additions to the Christmas market include The Distillery’s Aurora Borealis – a “Northern Canada-inspired winter wonderland with light projections and a sleigh” and photo ops like a 10-foot wreath and glittering ice arches.

It isn’t Christmas without some festive drinks and cozy treats, and you can find all this and more at the Winter Village. From pretzels and schnitzel to mini pancakes and waffles, there are tons of goodies to enjoy.

This year, the Naughty or Nice Bar will have bar service and food cabins beneath a heated tent. You can also check out a Visit Florida bar on the Archeo patio for a vacation-inspired experience.

Expect some holiday classics like hot chocolate, hot sangria, mulled wine and eggnog.

Tickets are already on sale and start at $15 for general admission. Tickets are required Thursday to Sunday after 4:00 p.m. and daily from December 16 to 31 after 4:00 p.m. Otherwise, admission is free.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony is taking place on November 13 at 6 p.m. and you can watch the village light up as Santa “flips the switch on the towering Christmas tree.”

Visitors are encouraged to take public transit or a rideshare as there is limited parking available.

There’s lots more to enjoy at the Distillery Winter Village this year, so be sure to check out the website!

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.