The Distillery Winter Village 2026: What’s Actually New (And What to Know Before You Go)
The Distillery Winter Village returns from November 12, 2026, to January 3, 2027, and this year brings a few new additions to Toronto’s favourite holiday market. The biggest changes include a Digital Nutcracker experience, a new indoor home for Santa’s Village and a brand-new Christmas tree that will be revealed at the November 12 lighting. Here is what is new for 2026 and what to know before you go.
Updated for 2026. The full performance schedule and food vendor lineup had not been released at the time of this update, so check the official website before you go.
What’s New at the Distillery Winter Village in 2026
- Digital Nutcracker experience: An immersive attraction with interactive games and Sugar Plum Fairy-themed treats. It requires a separate ticket, and pricing had not been announced at the time of this update.
- Santa’s Village moves indoors: Santa’s Village is now inside the Soulpepper Theatre with a vintage European department store theme. Families can meet Santa, write letters and grab specialty hot chocolate.
- A brand-new tree: The design of the Christmas tree is being kept secret until the November 12 lighting.
- Performers announced so far: The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Myriad Ensemble and Mirvish Productions programming.
Last Year’s Highlights
The 2025 edition featured a Narnia-themed Santa’s Village, a Chef’s Lane with four top Canadian chefs, a Stranger Things photo experience and new themed patio bars. The 2026 food and vendor lineup had not been announced at the time of this update.
2026 Dates and Tickets
- Dates: November 12, 2026 – January 3, 2027 (closed December 25)
- Tree lighting: Thursday, November 12, at 6 p.m. (ticketed opening night)
- Hours: Noon to 9 p.m. daily; until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays
- Location: Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill Street, Toronto
- Admission: Free at off-peak times; tickets required at peak times
- Website: thedistillerywintervillage.com
Admission is free at these times:
- All day Monday to Wednesday until December 13
- Before 4 p.m. on any day
- Thursdays in November (except opening night on November 12)
Tickets are required at these times:
- Opening night, November 12
- Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4 p.m.
- Thursdays in December after 4 p.m.
- Every day from December 14 to 31 after 4 p.m.
- General admission: $16 plus HST and fees, for a selected date and time
- Flex ticket: $18 plus HST and fees; lets you change your date
- Express ticket: $30 plus HST and fees; includes faster entry and flexible changes
- Kids: Nine and under are free
The Classics Are Still Here
- The giant Christmas tree in the heart of the district
- Outdoor cabins with artisan gifts
- Mulled wine, hot chocolate and festive snacks
- The district’s permanent shops, galleries and restaurants
References
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