Toronto 
Experience the holiday magic at the Distillery Winter Village.
Credit: CNW Group/The Distillery Historic District
Toronto’s Distillery Winter Village will return from November 13, 2025, to January 4, 2026, unveiling new attractions, culinary experiences, and performances across its 13-acre historic site. The event, presented by L’Oréal Paris, draws about one million visitors each year and is recognized as one of the world’s top Christmas markets.
Now entering its 16th season, this year’s programming introduces a variety of new features, including Netflix’s Stranger Things 5 Immersive Experience and The Pura Vida Chocolate Experience presented by Visit Costa Rica. Visitors can also enjoy the debut of Chef’s Lane, where leading Canadian chefs will present exclusive dishes, alongside performances by The Tenors, the Canadian Opera Company, Mirvish Productions, and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.
What is New
- Netflix’s Stranger Things 5 Immersive Experience: Visitors can step inside a recreation of the Byers’ living room from Stranger Things, complete with the haunting alphabet wall and glowing string lights—a photo opportunity designed for fans of the hit series.
- The Pura Vida Chocolate Experience Presented by Visit Costa Rica: The Archeo patio transforms into a tropical oasis offering hot chocolate in fresh coconuts, tropical fruit fondue, and rainforest-inspired seating surrounded by lifelike sloths, parrots, and tree frogs.
- Chef’s Lane: Pure Spirits Mews becomes a gourmet destination with exclusive holiday creations from four leading Canadian chefs, to be revealed later.
You may like:
- Ugly Sweater Patio Bar: A whimsical Cluny Bistro patio featuring an 8-foot ball of yarn, festive cocktails, and a lighthearted invitation to show off the season’s best (or worst) sweaters.
- Peppermint Patio: Madrina Bar y Tapas will be decked out in red-and-white stripes, welcoming guests through a 10-foot candy cane wreath into a space filled with peppermint-themed cocktails and décor.
- Expanded Market Offerings: The event grows to 47 vendor cabins and nine outdoor bars, the largest setup in its history, offering everything from seasonal treats to handmade gifts.
- New Culinary Highlights: Additions include Santa Spuds (spiralized potatoes), Robata-style skewers, Dubai Chocolates, and a Craig’s Cookies pop-up.
- Reimagined Santa’s Village: Inside Soulpepper Theatre, families can enter through a wardrobe into a Narnia-inspired winter wonderland to meet Santa, his elves, and magical characters.
The Distillery Historic District
What is Returning
- Tree Lighting Ceremony: A beloved tradition featuring the lighting of one of Canada’s most recognizable Christmas trees, officially opening the season.
- Live Performances: A showcase of Canadian talent featuring The Tenors, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Canadian Opera Company, Mirvish Productions, and Caitie & Tobee.
- Popular Food and Drink Favourites: Signature offerings like Cluny Bistro’s torched s’mores hot chocolate, Japanese tacos, Swiss raclette, Nepalese momos, and freshly dipped strawberries return to the lineup.
- Holiday Entertainment: The McGregor Carollers and Crane Creations Theatre Company’s festive puppets will fill the streets with music and cheer throughout the season.
- Shopping and Gifts: More than 85 retailers and seven festive cabins will offer artisan goods and holiday décor throughout the historic cobblestone lanes.
- Light Displays and Photo Spots: Visitors can capture holiday moments under 80,000 white lights at the Naughty or Nice Bar, beside the Candy Cane Wreath, or in front of the Countdown to Christmas Clock.
Rik Ocvirk, Vice President of The Distillery Restaurants Corp. and Director of Experiences and Events, said this year’s programming “combines culinary creativity, family-friendly entertainment, and charming design,” highlighting a collaboration with L’Oréal Paris as presenting sponsor.
You may like:
Distillery Winter Village – Trip Planning
Credit: The Distillery Historic District
What: The Distillery Winter Village is one of Toronto’s most enchanting holiday experiences, with a focus on shopping and dining at more than 85+ retailers, artisan shops, restaurants and cafés.
When:
November 13, 2025 through January 4, 2026.
Doors open at The Distillery District daily at 10:00 a.m.
Opening Night/Tree Lighting Ceremony – Thursday, November 13 at 6:00 p.m.
The Tenors – November 13, Opening Night, 6:00 p.m.
Toronto Mendelssohn Choir – November 30, 7:00 & 8:00 p.m.
Canadian Opera Company – December 5, 7:00 pm; & family-oriented show December 6, 3:30 p.m.
A Very Merry Mirvish Concert – December 7, 7:00 p.m.
A Super Simple Christmas with Caitie & Tobee! – November 17-20, 3:00 p.m.; December 10-12, 3:00 p.m.; and December 15-17, 3:00 p.m. Meet Caitie & Tobee on November 17 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. and December 17 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
How much:
Visitors can choose from four ticket tiers to best suit their needs, ranging from $18.65 – $37.29.
Tickets are required for peak times, including: 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; and for New Years Eve.
Kids aged nine and under are always free.
Kids aged nine and under always enter for free.
Where:
55 Mill Street, Toronto, Ontario M5A 3C4
Paid parking is available nearby.
I am arriving January 6th.Will I still see Xmas decor in Toronto ?
yes, at some places. See here — https://www.todocanada.ca/places-to-see-christmas-holiday-light-displays-in-toronto-gta/