This week marked the start of the holidays! After finishing up the fall semester at university, Sam and I hopped on the first train out of Kingston to go and spend some time with my family. The nice thing about arriving in the city just before the holidays was that the Toronto Christmas Market was still open, so we managed to visit on the closing day.
Christmas markets are a tradition that originated in Germany during the early 1400s, and thankfully it’s a tradition that has grown and spread worldwide. Toronto’s market is now in its fifth year running, and it has been named one of the top 10 Christmas markets in the world (though I still think the Germans give it a good run for its money).
I think part of the allure of the Toronto Christmas Market is the setting. Every year the market sets up shop in the Distillery District which also happens to be the largest collection of Victorian-era industrial buildings in North America. The combination of red brick buildings and cobbled streets is perfect for such a festive occasion.
So what exactly do you do at a Christmas market?
Well, for me it’s all about the food! I got myself an Oktoberfest sausage and a glass of mulled wine, but there were so many things to try – turkey legs, poutine, gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, fudge, steaming cups of apple cider with cinnamon sticks, and all those recipes that come with the holiday season.
The atmosphere was very festive with Christmas carolers, dancing elves, and there were also photo booths were you could pose with Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus.
The market is now closed for the season, but if you find yourself in Toronto next December, it’s definitely worth the visit.
Here’s a little video from the outing:
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!
Lovely photos! I can’t believe it’s been running for 5 years and I haven’t been yet. Next year!
This was only my second time visiting and it seems to be getting bigger!
Merry Christmas Audrey! This makes me miss Canada, but apparently it was raining this morning, so I’ll settle with Thailand 🙂
It was a very green Christmas here in city – it just never feels right without the snow! 😉 I hope you had a nice Christmas in Thailand.
Looks like a lot of fun. I’ve never been to the one in Toronto but I love the distillery district. It’s my favourite area of the city, I can see it would be just perfect for a Christmas market!
Same, the Distillery District is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in the city! It’s a great spot for dinner and drinks, even without the market.
This looks fantastic! I love that Christmas markets are catching on around the world! Europe shouldn’t have all the fun.
Yes, I’m glad to see the trend growing here in North America! I hear Chicago also has a pretty massive Christmas market.
Ten bucks or no, I’m dying for some of that mulled wine right now. But probably because it’s 7:30 Christmas morning and we’re about to get on a plane. Have a merry one!
Mmmm, mulled wine is so good. I always have fun making it at home over the holidays – it leaves the kitchen smelling like Christmas! 😉 I hope you enjoyed the holidays, Katie!
I love the Distillery District and I love Christmas Markets so I am sure I would love the Toronto Christmas Market! That is one thing I miss about living in Europe (one of the many things), the festive season is celebrated properly with outdoor skating rinks, loads of decorations and all the Christmas Markets. Being back in the Southern Hemisphere just isn’t the same at this time of year
I know the feeling! I spent part of my childhood in South America and it was so strange celebrating in the middle of summer. It just doesn’t feel like Christmas without a bit of snow! 😉
The Christmas Market looks so cozy. Is the Distillery District fun to wander without the market? The architecture looks awesome.
It’s a great spot even without the market. They have a lot of cool bars, restaurants and breweries in the area, so it’s worth checking out.
We didn’t make it next year, but that’s one of the things I love about Toronto, there are festivals, markets and shows all through the year. Too bad I didn’t know you were in town – it would have been great to link up!
I’ve had no idea that there’s a Xmas market at The Distillery!
I love Christmas markets too especially for the mulled wine which I absolutely love. Happy belated Christmas to you and Sam and keep enjoy the rest of the holidays! 🙂
Looks amazing. I didn’t know that Toronto had a German Christmas Market. It looks like the market is going viral LOL!
It looks so Christmas-y! I want Christmas markets with roasted chestnuts and fudge and hot chocolate…and preferably not when it is hot with 90% humidity. Next year I suppose 😉 Happy New Year to you and Sam!
Looks fun! I love European-style Christmas markets – one of these years I’ll actually go to Europe around the holidays and experience them for real!
I love the video! It’s nice to follow you on your trips 🙂
Hey there! Nice little post! Boyfriend and I are headed there this year – where did you stay when you went!? Looking for a smaller, more intimate hotel rather than a big corporate monstrosity!