One of Toronto’s most beloved holiday traditions is returning this month, signaling the official start of the festive season. The magical Distillery Winter Village is preparing for its spectacular tree lighting ceremony, and you’ll want to mark your calendars.
On Thursday, November 13, thousands of guests from Toronto and beyond will gather to watch as “Canada’s most photographed Christmas tree” (according to the website) comes to life with thousands of brilliant lights.
Santa will flip the switch at 6 p.m. sharp, declaring Toronto’s favourite Christmas Market officially open for the season. Following the lighting, the celebrated group The Tenors will take the stage, filling the cobblestone streets with holiday music for all in attendance.
Tickets for the opening night are $15, and you’ll want to secure them soon as the event always sells out. All ticket profits from the evening will support local charity partners Anishnawbe Health Foundation, Soulpepper Theatre, and the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund.
The Winter Village is also partnering with Habitat for Humanity GTA this year, and once the season ends, the iconic Christmas tree will be turned into mulch to help build homes across the Greater Toronto Area.
Apart from the tree lighting ceremony, there is so much to see and do this year; for 2025, the Winter Village is set to be bigger than ever, featuring a record-breaking 47 vendor cabins and nine outdoor holiday bars.
The market is an Insta-worthy haven, with countless photo-ops including the romantic Heart of Christmas display, Santa’s Sleigh, the 10-foot Candy Cane Wreath, and the famous Countdown to Christmas clock.
Come hungry, as the food and drinks are a main attraction. Seasonal vendor cabins and outdoor bars offer everything from savoury bites to sweet treats. You can indulge in bubbling raclette, try the viral s’mores hot chocolate, or sip a cozy cocktail by a fire pit.
For the 21+ crowd, adults get their own holiday playground with more themed outdoor bars than ever before. Visit the Naughty or Nice Bar to warm up under a massive heated tent with mulled wine, or flaunt your worst holiday knit at the Ugly Sweater Patio Bar. You can also step into a red-and-white striped wonderland at the Peppermint Patio for a candy-cane-inspired cocktail.
A special destination this year is The Pura Vida Chocolate Escape. This Costa-Rican-themed experience on the Archeo patio offers a tropical getaway, serving coconut hot chocolate in real coconut shells, decadent “mochanuts,” and a tropical fruit fondue.
You can also get your holiday shopping done at one of the most unique markets in the city. In addition to the 85+ permanent shops and boutiques, seasonal vendor cabins offer unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
For the little ones, there will be plenty of family-friendly festive fun, including the new Narnia-inspired winter wonderland at Santa’s Village where you can quite literally step through a magical wardrobe. Here, you can meet Santa, share your wish list, and snap a holiday photo, but be sure to check his schedule before you visit.
Take note that tickets are always required during peak times. This includes opening night; Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 4 p.m.; Thursdays in December after 4 p.m.; and all day from December 15 to 31.