TORONTO, Toronto’s Distillery Winter Village will return on November 12 with new attractions, live performances, festive food and holiday shopping.
The annual Christmas market will run until January 3, 2027, transforming the historic Distillery District into a seasonal destination. Organisers expect more than one million visitors during the event.
This year, clothing and lifestyle brand Quince joins the event as its new title sponsor. The programme also includes an immersive Nutcracker experience, a redesigned Santa’s Village and more than 50 food vendors and outdoor bars.
New attractions bring Christmas stories to life
One of the main additions is The Immersive Nutcracker. Visitors can explore a Christmas story through large digital projections, interactive games and festive displays.
The experience will feature well-known characters, including the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King. Separate admission is required.
Another new attraction is Santa’s Village at Soulpepper Theatre. Inspired by a traditional European department store, the space will feature Christmas displays, Santa and his elves, and a letter-writing station.
Children can also attend daily story sessions with Santa’s elves.
Visitors will find new photo opportunities throughout the market. These include a gingerbread-themed installation by Quince and a Christmas tree with a new look for 2026.
Quince joins as title sponsor
Quince will bring a festive shopping experience to the event through its Cashmere Cabin.
The gingerbread-inspired cabin will offer selected cashmere products, accessories and holiday gifts. Visitors can also take festive photographs at the installation.
The company will run a gift-card contest for Canadian participants. Seven winners and their nominees will each receive a CA$70 gift card. One grand-prize winner and their nominee will each receive a CA$1,000 gift card.
Entries close on December 10. Terms and conditions apply.
Live music and performances planned
The Winter Village will feature performances by several Canadian arts organisations.
The programme includes the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Opera Atelier, the Canadian Opera Company and Mirvish Productions. The McGregor Carollers will also perform Christmas songs daily until Christmas Eve.
On opening night, November 12, the event will host its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The 16.8-metre silver fir tree will be illuminated during the ceremony.
Canadian singer Holly Cole is scheduled to perform after the lighting. Organisers say profits from opening-night ticket sales will support three local charity partners.
More food choices and festive markets
Food will remain a major part of the Winter Village experience. More than 50 food vendors and outdoor bars will serve seasonal drinks, street food and desserts.
Chef’s Lane will return with four chefs: Michael Angeloni, Afrim Pristine, Taylor Wells and Arush Vardhan Singh. Each will offer a special dish created for the event.
New food options include Prince St. Pizza, Carousel Bakery, Sweet Crumble, Potato Bar and Peacock Bakehouse. Visitors can also find returning favourites and international dishes.
The market will also feature new shopping spaces, including The Cooperage Marketplace and Maplee Market. These venues will showcase Canadian independent businesses, local makers and seasonal gifts.
New themed bars and experiences
Visitors can explore several themed outdoor spaces this year.
The new Canuck Tavern will celebrate Canadian culture with hockey displays, outdoor seating and photo spots. Meanwhile, the Silent Night Disco will bring DJ performances and festive lighting to the Cluny Tunnel.
For visitors seeking non-alcoholic drinks, Merry Matcha will serve matcha in flavours such as coconut, strawberry rose, lavender and vanilla.
Dates, tickets and opening hours
The Distillery Winter Village will operate from November 12, 2026, to January 3, 2027. It will close on Christmas Day.
Admission will be free all day from Monday to Wednesday through December 13. Tickets will be required during selected peak periods, including opening night and some evenings and weekends.
Ticket prices start at CA$16, before applicable taxes and service charges. Children aged nine and under can enter free.
Visitors can check ticket availability and event details at the official Winter Village website.
Source: PR Newswire | Rewritten By Minutesmy
Picture Credit: PR Newswire
