FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

The Distillery Winter Village runs Thursday, November 13, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026. It is closed Christmas Day. Shops, restaurants, cabins, and programming follow a daily schedule available on the Hours & Events page.

In Toronto’s Distillery District, 55 Mill Street, just east of Parliament Street and south of Front Street East, a short walk from Union Station or the King/Queen streetcar lines.

Yes. The Distillery Winter Village is Toronto’s original and world-famous Christmas market, still often called the Toronto Christmas Market.

The Distillery Winter Village is Toronto’s world-famous Christmas market. It takes place in The Distillery Historic District and features the most iconic Christmas Tree in Canada. It has cobblestone streets glowing with thousands of holiday lights, Santa and his elves, carollers filling the laneways with music, endless holiday photo ops, artisan vendors, seasonal food and drinks, and festive entertainment at every turn.

Yes, tickets are required during peak times: Opening Night; Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 4:00 p.m.; Thursdays in December after 4:00 p.m.; and daily from December 15–31. Entry is free all other times.

Tickets start at $15 plus HST and service charge. Ticket types include General Admission, Flex Ticket and Express Entry Ticket. Get tickets.

All tickets are non-refundable, but are transferable. You can give your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Just forward the email or text you received with your ticket.

Kids aged 9 and under are always free to enter, and do not require a ticket.

Yes, several days are free. Generally, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are free to enter (with some exceptions). Please visit our Hours & Events page to find out when you need a ticket and when you don’t.

The Opening Night Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Opening Night features the official tree lighting ceremony in Trinity Street Square, an appearance from Santa, carollers and live entertainment. Vendor cabins are open 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is a ticketed event that always sells out. Profits from ticket sales support our charity partners. 

Yes. This year, Santa’s Village is inside Soulpepper Theatre, with a magical new look inspired by Narnia. Visitors enter through a wardrobe into a winter wonderland to meet Santa, his elves, and even Narnia characters. Santa’s schedule is posted on the website.

Yes. Entertainment includes the McGregor Carollers roaming the streets spreading holiday cheer. More performers will be announced in October.

Visitors can enjoy 85+ shops and restaurants, plus seasonal vendor cabins offering festive bites. Highlights include raclette, gourmet snacks, artisanal hot chocolate, mulled wine, and themed holiday bars such as the Naughty or Nice Bar, Ugly Sweater Patio Bar, Peppermint Patio, and the Costa Rican-inspired Pura Vida Bar.

Yes. Shop our 85+ year-round boutiques and galleries plus our seasonal vendor cabins for gifts, décor, fashion, handmade treasures, and seasonal treats.

Popular photo ops include the towering 50’ Christmas tree, the Heart of Christmas display, Santa’s sleigh and reindeer, the Candy Cane Wreath, the Naughty or Nice Bar, the Countdown to Christmas clock, themed patios, and light-filled cobblestone streets and canopies.

Yes. Families can enjoy Santa’s Village, holiday treats and hot chocolate; couples love the romantic canopy lights and outdoor bars; and tourists from around the world visit The Distillery Winter Village as one of the best Christmas markets globally.

Yes. The site is accessible, though cobblestone streets can be uneven. Extra care is advised with strollers and wheelchairs.

oYes. Leashed dogs are welcome at The Distillery Winter Village.

The Distillery District is located at Mill Street and Parliament in Toronto (55 Mill Street is the main entrance). Take the TTC King streetcar or GO Transit via Union Station. Limited, paid parking is nearby, so public transit or ride share is recommended. Visit our Getting Here page for more information.

Yes. Public washrooms are available across the site.

Profits from Opening Night ticket sales support the Anishnawbe Health Foundation, Soulpepper Theatre, and the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund. At season’s end, the Christmas tree is donated to Habitat for Humanity GTA to create mulch for 60 homes being built in 2026.

Most visitors spend 2 - 4 hours exploring the tree, shops, cabins, food, bars, and entertainment.

Weekday afternoons are quieter, while evenings and weekends offer the full festive experience including lights, entertainment, and fire pits.

Buy tickets early for peak times, dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones, and check the website for the daily schedule of tickets, Santa’s Village, entertainment, and special events. Follow @distilleryTO for live updates.