Toronto Christmas Market magic

The Toronto Christmas Market takes place at the Distillery District.

Toronto’s historic Distillery District glows each December with the lights and flavours of a European-style Christmas Market.  From traditional German sausage and schnitzel to Canadian favorites like pure maple taffy and poutine, there’s lots to munch on as you stroll the Distillery District’s frosty brick lanes.

Mill Street Brewery has won many awards for its handcrafted beers and ales.

The atmosphere is even more convivial as the Market’s liquor license is extended every Friday to Sunday to allow people to wander around with a glass of mulled wine, hot toddy or beer in hand.  Who wants to lounge around an outdoor beer garden in December? Everybody, it seems, when the market is dotted with hand-warming stations and fire pits.

Stalls sell everything from crafts to snacks.

The market is worth attending twice: once during the day when it’s easier to find shops and admire the funky Victorian-era industrial architecture, again on a weekend evening to enjoy the lights, cozy restaurants and outdoor winter drinking culture.

If your tolerance for cold is limited, I recommend giving the Fair a look-see on your way to a play at one of the Distillery District’s three performance theatres.  If you’re the hardy type, just ask your friends to meet you at the clock and take it from there.

Toronto Christmas Market has been rated one of Fodor’s 10 Best Holiday Markets in the World 2013. Dozens of special events this year include the second annual photography contest and the Mill Street World Caroling Challenge.

The 2013 Toronto Christmas Market runs from Friday, November 29 until Sunday, December 15.  Merry Christmas! with love, from Toronto.

Get a Toronto Christmas fair map from the info booth near the clock.