If you're looking to get into the festive spirit this year, there's nothing better than visiting a holiday market.
While the origins of holiday markets can be traced back to Vienna, with the city's first recorded market dating back to December 1298, these events have transcended borders and spread globally.
In fact, Ontario is home to its own fair share of holiday markets, one of which was just recognized in a new article from CNN on the best Christmas markets taking place around the world in 2024.
The renowned US news publication curated a compilation featuring 22 Christmas markets spanning across Europe, the states, and Canada, with Toronto's very own The Distillery Winter Village claiming a spot on the list.
Topping the list is Wiener Christkindlmarkt in Austria. Also known as Rathausplatz, this market is one of its oldest and most traditional events in the area. Rounding out the top three spots are Switzerland's Basel Christmas Market and the Strasbourg Christmas Market in France.
The Distillery Winter Village in Toronto landed in the 20th spot--ahead of New York’s Winter Village at Bryant Park and Chicago’s Christkindlmarket--and is the only Canadian market to make it onto the list.
"Formerly known as the Toronto Christmas Market, the Distillery Winter Village is an intimate and charming take on the traditional European festive market," reads the CNN article.
Set in the historic Distillery District, The Distillery Winter Village brings the holidays to life with charming outdoor shopping cabins, festive food vendors, live performances, holiday activities, carollers, and the iconic 55-foot Christmas tree—all lining the beautiful cobblestone streets.
Here, visitors can find everything from artisanal food, handcrafted gifts, and festive drinks at the numerous stalls and embrace the timeless romance of the holidays under a canopy of lights.
Here, visitors can find everything from artisanal food, handcrafted gifts, and festive drinks at the numerous stalls and embrace the timeless romance of the holidays under a canopy of lights.
The official grand opening of The Distillery Winter Village will take place on Wednesday, November 13 at 6 pm, when Santa flips the switch on the towering Christmas tree.
Visitors can select from four ticket options to best suit their needs, with prices ranging from $15 to $39.50. Tickets are required after 4 pm Thursday through Sunday and daily from December 16 to 31 after 4 pm. At all other times, entry is free. Children nine and under always enjoy free admission.
The internationally celebrated event runs from November 13 through till January 5, 2025 and tickets are on sale now and must be purchased online.
