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 2023.
The renowned US news publication curated a compilation featuring 20 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 18th 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.
Held in the historic Distillery District, The Distillery Winter Village features outdoor shopping cabins and food vendors found along the cobblestone streets, carollers, the iconic 56-foot Christmas tree, and much more.
Here, visitors can find everything from artisanal food, handcrafted gifts, and festive drinks at the numerous stalls.
The Distillery Winter Village is open daily (other than December 25) from November 16 to the New Year.
