The Distillery Winter Village is returning to Toronto, offering holiday magic, shopping and festive fun
‘Tis almost the season, Toronto! The city’s famous Christmas market is returning to the Distillery Historic District this month, bringing with it more than 85 year-round boutiques, galleries, and seasonal vendors, along with twinkling lights, live entertainment, and plenty of other festivities to get the holiday magic going.
The 2025 Distillery Winter Village, located in the city’s historic district at 55 Mill St., will once again open its gates to holiday-goers and visitors alike, offering artisanal shopping, carollers, festive flavours, a colourful display of lights, a peak at Santa and his elves, and Canada’s most iconic Christmas tree.
Whether you are a first-time guest, a Winter Village regular, or simply looking for a new way to celebrate the holidays, you will not want to miss the chance to experience this annual winter wonderland on the historic cobblestone streets from Nov. 13, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026.
“This year, we are celebrating our 16th season of The Distillery Winter Village, formerly known as Toronto’s Christmas Market…Our goal is to create moments that become memories – whether it’s a first date under the canopy lights, a family tradition by the tree, or a hot chocolate shared with friends. We hope every visitor leaves with a little more wonder and joy than when they arrived,” Rik Ocvirk, vice president of The Distillery Restaurants Corp. and director of experiences and events at The Distillery Historic District, told Now Toronto on Wednesday.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE 2025 DISTILLERY WINTER VILLAGE
The countdown is on to the ticketed Distillery Winter Village Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 13, with just seven days left until the holiday season officially begins (see the Winter Village Countdown Clock).
Thousands of onlookers from across Toronto and beyond will assemble for one of the city’s most anticipated events, where Santa himself flips the switch and marks the official opening of the annual celebration.
“It’s one of the city’s most beloved kickoffs to the holiday season and a chance to see Canada’s most photographed Christmas tree come to life. All ticket profits from Opening Night support local charities, which makes the celebration even more meaningful,” Ocvirk said.
Additionally, profits from the Distillery Winter Village’s opening night sales will support Anishnawbe Health Foundation, Soulpepper Theatre, and the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund. At the end of the seasonal run, the district will donate its famous Christmas tree to Habitat for Humanity GTA, where it will be turned into mulch to help build 60 homes in 2026.
For those hunting to find the perfect Christmas gift or festive treats, the Distillery Winter Village will offer holiday shoppers more than 85 year-round shops, seasonal vendor cabins, and cafes featuring everything from handmade jewelry and one-of-a-kind art to gourmet foods and self-care products.
Foodies will also have the opportunity to indulge in the event’s savoury bites, sweet treats, and seasonal sips, with 47 vendor cabins and nine outdoor holiday bars to cover. From the bubbling raclette to the viral smores hot chocolate and to cocktails by the fire pit, there is something to satisfy every unique holiday craving.
“Highlights include Cluny Bistro’s torched s’mores hot chocolate (we’re offering new flavours this year!), a Craig’s Cookies pop-up, spiralized potato on a stick, Dubai Chocolate, Japanese tacos, and fresh strawberries in melted chocolate. New this year are themed patios like the Ugly Sweater Patio and Peppermint Patio, and a returning favourite – the Naughty or Nice Bar – for the perfect holiday cheer,” Ocvirk said.
One of this year’s most exciting additions? Chef’s Lane, an exclusive to The Distillery Winter Village.
“We’re featuring exclusive holiday-inspired dishes from some of Canada’s best-known chefs. It’s a one-of-a-kind, ELEVATED, food experience – four cabins, four chefs, and four completely different takes on festive comfort food,” Ocvirk added.
Looking for a picture to frame? This year, attendees can capture their festive memories in front of The Heart of Christmas display, Santa’s sleigh and reindeer, Candy Cane Wreath, the famous illuminated tree, the Countdown to Christmas clock, or any of the outdoor themed patios and bars in the historic district.
Christmas would not be the same without the sweet sounds of the Tenors, McGregor Carollers, and other live performances throughout the Winter Village’s seasonal run. The carolling musical group will roam the Distillery, performing holiday classics and favourites for this year’s attendees to bask in and enjoy.
Attendees can head over to the Soulpepper Theatre to discover Santa’s Village, a festive stop for kids of all ages, and those young at heart. This year, the village has a mystical look inspired by Soulpepper’s production of Bad Hats’ Narnia, featuring a magical wardrobe into a winter wonderland where attendees can meet Santa, share their wish lists, take photos, and visit some of the elves.
Be sure not to miss these other must-see experiences at the 2025 Distillery Winter Village:
- The Netflix Stranger Things Immersive Experience.
- The Pura Vida Chocolate Experience presented by Visit Costa Rica.
- Festive performances by the Canadian Opera Company, Mirvish Productions, and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.
“It’s our biggest, most imaginative season to date—building on everything guests already love, with even more to discover,” Ocvirk said.
TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO THE DISTILLERY WINTER VILLAGE
To fully experience the magic of the Winter Village, visitors are encouraged to visit the historic district in the evening to take in the full effect of the iconic Christmas tree and the thousands of string lights across the site. For those looking for a quieter experience, weekday afternoons before 4 p.m. are the most ideal time, as admission is free, and the cobblestone streets are less crowded.
Pro tip: Dress warmly, bring your camera for endless holiday photo ops, and be sure to try something new! Additionally, street parking (both paid and free) is available around the Distillery District, with the 504A King streetcar providing easy access to the site.
“The Distillery Winter Village is unlike any other holiday experience because it can only exist here.”
Tickets to attend the 2025 Distillery Winter Village are available for purchase now.
Tickets are required Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4 p.m. throughout November, Thursdays to Sundays after 4 p.m. in December, and daily after 4 p.m. from December 15 to 31. Children under nine are always free. The Distillery Winter Village will be closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2025.
Now by Neesa McRae-McNicholls, November 6, 2025