TORONTO LIVING The Distillery Winter Village

Winter Village vendors – a limited number this year – set up shop in individual chalet-style booths along the cobblestone streets.

The Distillery

Winter Village

BY LESLEY KENNY

Toronto’s Historic Distillery District’s special event welcomes visitors back, November 18 to December 31, 2021.

The Distillery Winter Village is a picture-perfect holiday experience where friends and family can gather to explore the rich history of The Distillery District as well as a selection of handmade items from some of Toronto’s finest local craftspeople, shops, restaurants and cafes.

Closed due to the pandemic in 2020, organizers are preparing to make it worth your wait.

Back again: the magnificent 50-foot Christmas tree in Trinity Square, miles of traditional twinkling holiday lights,contemporary light installations, roving carolers, Santa and Elves, and some live performances. Vendors (a limited number this year) will set up shop in individual cabins along the cobblestone streets. In addition to its year-round restaurants and extended patios, this year The Distillery Winter Village has 12 new and exciting food offerings (and some past favourites).

Walk around the 40 Victorian-era industrial buildings – the largest collection of its kind in North America— with a hot chocolate, or enjoy your grown-up drink on a restaurant patio.

Admission to the Village is free except Friday, Saturday and Sunday after 4pm. Tickets are only sold online.

A blend of traditional twinkling holiday lights, contemporary light installations, roving carolers, live music and great food make this winter village a local favourite. The magnificent Christmas tree in Trinity Square.

The stylish on-site shops will be open and staff ready to help you with your holiday gift list.

The Distillery Winter Village opens November 18 and tickets are required for the tree-lighting event that evening. Not open on some Mondays, check their website for event hours. Admission is free, except Friday, Saturday and Sunday after 4pm when tickets are $8 for those six and older. Tickets are only sold through the website. The event is closed December 24, 25, and 26.

Outside of the official Distillery Winter Village hours, the 70+ Distillery District shops, restaurants and cafes are open as usual, seven days a week, starting at 10am.

The Distillery District is closed on Christmas Day.

The Distillery Historic District encourages you to check their Instagram and website for the most up-to-date information before you head out: www.thedistillerywintervillage. com/@distilleryTO #DistilleryWinterVillage.

With limited parking in the area, the best way to get to The Distillery Winter Village is by public transit, rideshare or bike share.

And just a heads up: Santa will be walking around the Village inquiring about your behaviour this year – so get your story straight before you go.