‘Tis the season for all things merry and festive, and in just over a week, the Distillery Winter Village will return to Toronto’s historic cobblestone streets for its 17th season. Running from November 12, 2026, to January 3, 2027, this year’s experience is bringing several major debuts, new walkthrough attractions, and expanded culinary offerings.
Beloved essentials brand Quince has officially been announced as this year’s title sponsor, co-designing the 55-foot centrepiece silver fir tree with a special surprise and hosting the gingerbread-styled Quince Cashmere Cabin with holiday giveaways.
Known for offering premium staples such as Mongolian cashmere, fine jewelry, and home goods at prices well below traditional retail, the Cashmere Cabin will welcome market-goers to browse curated Mongolian cashmere garments, accessories, and gifts while escaping the winter chill. Visitors will also be able to enter the #GiftWithQuince giveaway for a chance to win gift cards, including a $1,000 grand prize for both a winner and their nominee.
The space doubles as an interactive photo destination, featuring a custom Quince Gingerbread Family installation that invites guests to capture festive memories against a whimsical, stylish backdrop. Opening night kicks off on November 12 will support local charities following a tree lighting ceremony capped by a performance from JUNO Award-winner Holly Cole.
This season will also bring plenty of brand-new attractions alongside the traditional cheer:
What’s New for 2026
New Immersive Experiences & Attractions
- The Immersive Nutcracker: A 360-degree digital projection experience in The Fermenting Cellar featuring floor-to-ceiling visuals, characters, themed food and drinks, interactive games, and photo ops (separate ticket required).
- Río Celeste Chocolate Waterfall (Visit Costa Rica): A tropical-themed attraction featuring a flowing chocolate waterfall, chocolate-drizzled fruit treats, photo ops, and an augmented reality portal.
- Storytime with the Elves: Daily storybook readings for children inside the reimagined European department store-themed Santa’s Village at the Soulpepper Theatre atrium.
New Performances & Entertainment
- Opera Atelier (Nov 29): Baroque holiday performance featuring soaring voices and classic melodies.
- Canadian Opera Company (Dec 4): A global winter-tradition celebration featuring COC Teaching Artists, guest vocalists/dancers, and live piano.
- Kente Claus (Dec 24): Christmas Eve celebration featuring Claus Corporation’s Chief Joy Distribution Officer for Africa and the Caribbean, live steelpan holiday music by Steelpan with Suzette, and the 2nd annual Jr. Claus Academy Awards and Graduation.
New Food Vendors & Chef’s Lane Lineup
- Chef’s Lane Additions: Four new chef-driven cabins with exclusive holiday dishes from:
- Michael Angeloni (Restaurant Lucie, The Berczy Tavern)
- Afrim Pristine (Cheese Boutique)
- Taylor Wells (The Carbon Bar)
- Arush Vardhan Singh (Shipra)
- New Food Cabins:
- Prince St. Pizza (cult-favourite pizza slices)
- Carousel Bakery (St. Lawrence Market peameal bacon sandwiches and apple fritters)
- Sweet Crumble (layered crumble with warm custard in Berry, Apple Cinnamon, or Crème Brûlée)
- Potato Bar (Canadian loaded baked potatoes)
- Peacock Bakehouse (creative Canadian-ingredient cookies)
New Outdoor Bars & Drink Concepts
- The Canuck Tavern (Archeo Patio): Canadian-themed outdoor tavern with Muskoka chairs, fire pits, hockey broadcasts, canoe and ski chairlift photo ops, a topiary moose, a penalty box, and Canadian beers and spirits.
- Silent Night Disco (Cluny Tunnel): DJ nights on a heated patio featuring mirror balls, disco ball snowmen, starburst lighting, and Parisian-style mousse au chocolat.
- Merry Matcha (Trinity Street): A non-alcoholic beverage stop serving regular, coconut, strawberry rose, lavender, ube, and vanilla matcha drinks.
- Naughty or Nice Bar Refresh: Reconfigured with 50,000 blue-and-white lights and a new counter-height communal table.
New Retail & Shopping
- The Cooperage Marketplace: A collective space inside an 1860s historic building showcasing seven independent, Canadian founder-operated businesses.
- Maplee Market: A newly added curated market featuring local brands and independent makers.
Tickets start at $16 (plus HST and service fees) for peak visiting times, which include opening night, weekends, and select evenings throughout December. Children aged nine and under can enter for free, and admission is completely free all day Monday through Wednesday until December 13.
Visit their website here for more details!
