Attractions

The Distillery Winter Village Tree Lighting Ceremony

On Thursday, November 13, join Santa, his Elves, and thousands of onlookers as we flip the switch and light up Canada’s most photographed Christmas tree – presented by L’Oréal Paris.

Festivities begin at 4:00 p.m. with a soulful holiday guitar and vocal performance from Toronto favourite, Mo Guzman, followed by the Official Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:00 p.m., featuring a special performance by The Tenors performing three songs from their holiday album, Christmas with The Tenors.

Tickets
Opening night of The Distillery Winter Village is a ticketed event and always sells out quickly, so get your tickets early. All profits from ticket sales on November 13 will support our charity partners: Anishnawbe Health Foundation, Soulpepper Theatre, Crow’s Theatre, and the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund.

Get Tickets

Watch from Home, Starting at 5:30 p.m.
Can’t make it in person? Catch the magic from anywhere. For the first time, we’ll be livestreaming the Tree Lighting Ceremony across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

About the Tree

This year’s tree is a 55-foot-tall silver fir from Drysdale’s Tree Farm in Mono Township, Ontario, and we’re proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity GTA. At the end of the season, the tree will be turned into mulch and reclaimed wood to help build 60 new homes across the Greater Toronto Area in 2026.

Holiday Photo Opps

The Distillery Winter Village is famous for having the best holiday photo spots and Christmas backdrops in Toronto. Along with Canada’s most photographed Christmas tree, you’ll find Instagram-worthy moments around every corner.

Returning favourites include: The Heart of Christmas display, Santa’s sleigh and reindeer, Candy Cane Wreath, outdoor themed patios and bars, and, of course, the famous Countdown to Christmas clock.

The entire site will be decked out in red, white, and gold décor with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights strung throughout The Distillery District.

Be sure to tag @distilleryTO when posting your photos and videos!

Step into The Upside Down - Stranger Things 5 Immersive Experience

The world turns upside down one last time! To mark the final season of Stranger Things, Netflix is bringing the supernatural heart of Hawkins, Indiana to The Distillery Winter Village. Step through the door and into one of television’s most iconic, spine-tingling moments as you stand in the legendary recreation of the Byers’ living room, complete with the haunting alphabet letters and the series signature string of Christmas lights. This is more than a set; it's a pop-culture pilgrimage that puts you directly inside the scene that started it all.

Whether you're a day-one fan or just discovering Hawkins, this immersive experience lets you walk into the scene where the Upside Down first came to life. This is the moment Canadian fans have been waiting for, and it's only available for a limited time, exclusively at The Distillery Winter Village!

Located on Gristmill Lane, just west of the Clock Tower.

Be sure to tag @strangerthingstv @netflix and @distilleryTO when you share your photos on social.

Stranger Things 5 will release on Netflix across three premiere dates with Volume 1 on November 26 (four episodes), Volume 2 on Christmas (three episodes) and The Finale on New Year’s Eve. Each volume releases at 5 pm PT.

Festive Food & Holiday Vendors

Come hungry — this year’s Winter Village is a foodie paradise, with 40 food vendors and nine themed outdoor bars, the most ever!

New This Year
Savour brand-new tastes across the cobblestones, including Santa Spuds (spiralized potato on a stick), Robata-style meat skewers, Dubai Chocolates, and a Craig’s Cookies pop-up.

Chef’s Lane – Exclusive to The Distillery Winter Village
New for 2025, Chef’s Lane transforms Pure Spirits Mews into an elevated holiday dining experience — four cabins, four chefs, and four creative takes on festive comfort food. Indulge in signature seasonal dishes from some of Canada’s most celebrated chefs:

1. Chef Bruno Feldeisen (The Great Canadian Baking Show) – Candy Cane Cheesecake Lollipop
2. Chef Claudio Aprile (MasterChef Canada) – Handheld Holiday Feast
3. Chef Nuit Regular (Pai, Kiin) – Shrimp Tom Yum Soup
4. Chef Eric Chong (R&D Restaurant, MasterChef Canada winner) – Spicy Mala Poutine

Returning Favourites
Back by popular demand: Cluny’s viral torched s’mores hot chocolate, Santa’s Smoker & BBQ, Japanese tacos, poutine, handmade dumplings, empanadas, pierogies, mini donuts, mini pancakes, fresh strawberries in chocolate, and classic Swiss Raclette.

From indulgent sweets to savoury street food, every bite captures the magic of the season.

Shopping & Holiday Gifts
Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Browse handmade jewelry, gourmet food gifts, stylish fashions, and one-of-a-kind finds — all set against the charm of twinkling lights and cobblestone streets. 

Note: all seasonal vendor cabins are cashless - debit or credit required.

The McGregor Carollers

Spread holiday cheer and sing along with The McGregor Carollers as they roam The Distillery Winter Village performing live holiday music and your favourite Christmas carols.

See their schedule

Crane Creations Theatre Presents: Holiday Puppets at The Distillery Winter Village

Puppets bring festive magic to The Distillery Winter Village this holiday season. Every Sunday from November 16 to January 4, Bunny, Squirrel and Crane will roam the cobblestone streets, spreading cheer and sparking imagination in kids of all ages. Stop and meet the puppets or try one out yourself. 

Every Sunday, 1:00 - 6:00 pm

Outdoor Holiday Bars

The kids may have Santa’s Village, but adults get their own holiday playground with more outdoor holiday cocktail bars than ever before - each with a unique theme, festive décor, and seasonal sips designed to keep spirits bright.

Naughty or Nice Bar

Decide which list you belong on as you warm up under a heated 40’ x 45’ tent decked in holiday décor and canopy of twinkling lights. Enjoy mulled wine, hot sangria, and cozy bites from nearby food vendors while you soak in the festive atmosphere.

Ugly Sweater Patio Bar

This Cluny Bistro patio invites you to flaunt your best (or worst) holiday sweater. An 8-foot ball of yarn sets the stage for a quirky, can’t-miss holiday hangout.

Peppermint Patio

Follow the 10’ Candy Cane Wreath into a red-and-white striped wonderland. From arches to columns, this Madrina patio is sugar-cane sweet and brimming with holiday cheer. Order a candy-cane inspired cocktail and raise a glass to the season.

More to be announced soon.

The Pura Vida Chocolate Experience (by Visit Costa Rica)

Escape to the land of pura vida - "the good life" – and the warmth of Costa Rica. This tropical chocolate paradise on the Archeo patio is serving coconut hot chocolate in real coconut shells, the outrageously decadent "mochanut", a tropical fruit fondue that's pure bliss, and more. With surfboard tables, delectable treats, and vacation vibes it’s a little slice of paradise in the middle of the Winter Village.

Santa’s Village at Soulpepper Theatre

This year, Santa’s Village has a magical new look inspired by Soulpepper Theatre’s production of Bad Hats’ Narnia — an adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ beloved story of the mystical land beyond the wardrobe.

Designed by production designer Shannon Lea Doyle, the immersive installation transforms Soulpepper’s lobby into an enchanting winter forest filled with snow-flocked evergreens, twinkling lights, and shimmering ice crystals. Visitors will wander through the bewitched wardrobe doors into a sparkling landscape brought to life with atmospheric projections and whimsical Narnia-inspired animations designed by students from OCAD University.

Meet Santa, share your wish list, and capture a festive photo to remember the moment. Don’t forget to check Santa’s schedule before your visit — and keep an eye out for Santa’s Elves spreading cheer throughout The Distillery Winter Village.

Narnia runs November 18 – December 28. Purchase tickets.

Soulpepper Theatre also invites visitors to help Torontonians in need by dropping off gently used winter coats between November 13 and January 4. All donations will support New Circles, a Toronto charity providing clothing, community, and care.

L'Oréal Paris Cabin

Stop by the L’Oréal Paris Cabin - a chic holiday pop-up inspired by the joy of giving. Write a heartfelt note and create a custom greeting card for someone who inspires you. While you’re there, enter for a chance to win one of three L’Oréal Paris Holiday Essentials prize packs (each worth $220), sample a few beauty favourites, and uncover a few extra surprises along the way. Because ’Tis the season to feel worth it.