A Holly Jolly Visit to the Toronto Christmas Market

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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.

Visiting the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District: Roasted Chestnuts for Christmas
Visiting the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District: Roasted Chestnuts for Christmas
Drink a cup of mulled wine with whisky.
Drink a cup of mulled wine with whisky.
The Distillery District at Christmas time.
The Distillery District at Christmas time.
Toronto's historic Distillery District.
Toronto’s historic Distillery District.
Toronto Christmas Market 2014.
Toronto Christmas Market 2014.
Industrial architecture from the Victorian era.
Industrial architecture from the Victorian era.
Booths selling all kinds of Christmas treats.
Booths selling all kinds of Christmas treats.
Christmas Carolers at the market.
Christmas Carolers at the market.
Gooderham and Worts, Distillery District.
Gooderham and Worts, Distillery District.
Warming up by the fire in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Warming up by the fire in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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!

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22 Comments

  1. says: Amélie @ mostlyamelie.com

    Merry Christmas Audrey! This makes me miss Canada, but apparently it was raining this morning, so I’ll settle with Thailand 🙂

    1. says: Audrey

      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.

  2. says: Charlie

    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!

    1. says: Audrey

      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.

    1. says: Audrey

      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!

  3. says: 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

    1. says: Audrey

      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! 😉

    1. says: Audrey

      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.

  4. says: Emily

    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!

  5. says: Franca

    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! 🙂

  6. says: Brittany

    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!

  7. says: Jodi

    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!

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