6 Reasons to Experience The Distillery Winter Village in Toronto
Published November 20th, 2023
All photography by Jay Kana
One of Canada’s most popular Christmas/Holiday events celebrates its 13th year of bring festive cheer and all things holidays to Toronto for 2023. Formerly know as the Toronto Christmas Market and rebranded as The Distillery Winter Village in 2021, there’s cool and quaint vendor cabins, fantastic food stalls and holiday treats, delightful handcrafted gifts and more.
Steph Wallcraft of RoadTripper.ca and I spent a few hours there on opening weekend, and she wrote an article you should check out after reading this on her experience at The Distillery Winter Village.
If you need six reasons to stroll along the pedestrian-only cobblestone streets lined and enjoy the Christmas/Holiday spirit, we’ve got you covered.
The Delicious Dining & Drinks
With over 50 different dining options, from Japanese food, to bakeries, classic pub fare, to empanadas and much more, you certainly won’t leave hungry.
Are there are gluten free options at Toronto’s Distillery Winter Village? Absolutely!
One of them is at El Catrin Destileria , where we had dinner with another standout one being Tartistry, right by the massive Christmas tree.
If you end up wanting El Catrin Destileria, pop by and put your name on the waiting list about an hour-ish before you want to eat, which is what we did. We wanted dinner at 5:30-ish so we strolled in at 4:30, put our names on the list and they texted us once our table was ready.
Let me introduce you, cheese lovers, to what I call “Cheese Lane,” a small area of the market with four fantastic fromage, umm, cheese based stalls in sequence.
On the map, you’ll find them as #35 Grilled Cheese, #36 Raclette, #37 Mac n’ Cheese and #38, Poutine.
Thirsty for an adult beverage? Our stop at Spirit of York Distillery was full of festive cheer, where we gave our bartender free reign to make us the most cheerful and colourful drink, resulting in a terrific Dashing Through the Queues cocktail.
There are plenty of other bars that’ll get you what you want and need.
Still hungry for more info? Adding to the16 permanent restaurants (some decked out with heated patios), six cafés and specialty shops, enjoy 23 outdoor seasonal food cabins and 11 outdoor bar experiences. 2023 sees a new Feliz Navidad bar on the Archeo patio serving traditional Mexican tacos and churros from Pancho's Bakery.
The Photogenic Atmosphere
Thank goodness for digital storage, right? Around every corner and along every wall is something that’ll catch your eye. From the biggest-ever 56-foot tall Christian Dior Parfums holiday tree, to the neon word signs scattered throughout, to anything else in between, make some space on your camera roll/SD card before you show up.
I’m all against gatekeeping so here are my three cool spots for shots when capturing the holiday tree:
Find the clock stand by Chippi & Co. for a cool angle with the clock post as an accent.
The south parking lot gives you a rare view of the tree and Gooderham sign facing north.
Beside Balzac’s Hot Cocoa & Cider also provides a unique shot. With everyone clamouring for the south-facing shot (with good reason,) these three shots are still captivating and encompass the star attraction.
The Attractions
Welcome back, Candy Cane Carolers, complete with live performances and to help, the lyrics are projected onto the “Singing Wall” of the Spirit of York building.
How many days are left until Christmas? The “Countdown To Christmas” illuminated sign has you covered.
Bringing your doggo along? Enjoy two specially created photo opps for you and your furry family member.
There’s a a Candy Cane Forest on Gristmill Lane, 3-D, life-sized greeting cards scattered throughout the grounds, a really cool vintage Christmas card photo wall on Case Goods Lane, good ol’ Santa Claus and more.
The Shopping
Since you’re there, may as well take a peek or few at some of the over-50 shopping options surrounding you. Boutique shops, clothing, hot sauce, jewelry, clothing and more are on-site.
It’s Ideal for Families, Friends and a Great Date Idea
Our four hours there saw a combination of the above, along with a wide array of ages. Yes, it can be a bit crowded at times but take a breath before getting frustrated at it taking an extra few seconds to get to your next stop at the festival. In true Canadian form, there were dozens of “sorry, sorry” and “oops, sorry about that” and even the quintessential “smiling sorry” when shoulders accidentally bumped.
I mean, really; it’s Christmas - the season of giving and kindness.
The Distillery Winter Village Supports Local Charities
For 2023, the three charity partners are The Anishnawbe Health Foundation, The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund and Fred Victor.
Now that you know why you should go, let’s dig into the details.
How Much Does The Distillery Winter Village Cost to Attend?
At first glance, it’s got hints of Avril Lavigne a la Complicated but on second glance, the multi-tiered system is logically laid out, and here it is:
General Admission ticket: $15 (HST included*)
Non-refundable
Non-exchangeable
Flex Ticket: $18 (HST included*)
Non-refundable
Allows you to change your ticket to a future date for no additional fee, up to two times
Ticket changes must be made by 11:59 p.m. the day before your scheduled visit
Ticket changes are subject to the availability of the date and time slot you choose
Express Gate Entry: $30 (HST included*)
Non-refundable
Allows you to make unlimited changes to your ticket for no additional fee
Ticket changes can be made up to the entry time of your planned visit
Access guaranteed even if your new desired day/time is sold out
Skip the line and enter via Express Entry sign at all gates
Combo Ticket: $45 (HST included*)
Non-refundable
Non-exchangeable
Ticket to Illuminarium
Access to The Distillery Winter Village
Combo tickets suitable for guests aged 10 and up
Skip the line and enter via Express Entry sign at all gates
A savings of over $20 per person
ticket processing fee not included
This is important: Tickets will only be required Friday to Sundays starting at 4:00 p.m. and from December 18 - 31 after 4:00 pm with some exceptions.
What are the times and dates of The Distillery Winter Village?
The short version is daily except on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
There are various times for shops, restaurants, cafes, shopping cabins and food vendors, plus varying times for some of the attractions The Distillery Historic District shops, restaurants and cafés are open starting at 10 a.m. daily, seven days a week.
The Distillery Winter Village outdoor shopping cabins and food vendors will be open from November 16 starting at 10 am, Monday to Sunday. Theyy’re closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Click here for all the details.
Can I bring my dog to The Distillery Winter Village?
Absolutely! They ask that your dog be on a leash at all times and is good with being in large crowds.
Is The Distillery Winter Village wheelchair accessible?
Yes! Several retailers and restaurants are accessible, at ground level or have ramp access. Keep in mind the The Distillery District does not provide or rent wheelchairs.
How many entry points/gates does The Distillery Winter Village have?
There are four main entry points: North Gate (Trinity St. and Mill St.), East Gate (Cherry St. just south of Mill St.), South Gate (Distillery Lane) and West Gate (Parliament St. just south of Mill St.)
How do I get to The Distillery Winter Village?
Located at Lakeshore-ish and Parliament, there’s limited parking due to construction so your best bet is public transit (TTC, GO Transit) walk, bike, or a trusted ride share service.
Let’s wrap up with some fun facts!
There are 23 outdoor seasonal food vendors and11 outdoor bars
Over 600 seasonal jobs were created for this year's Distillery Winter Village
4,000 hours of dedicated craftmanship went into designing the Christian Dior Parfums holiday tree
1,200 dazzling white and gold decorative ornaments, radiant golden butterflies, and the renowned Dior star charms adorn this year's holiday tree
1 Million visitors is what The Distillery Winter Village expects to attract this year
There are over 85 permanent, year-round retailers and businesses at The Distillery Historic District
