Distillery Winter Village 2025: Your Guide to Tickets & Hours

The Distillery Winter Village, the event many still call the Toronto Christmas Market, returns for the 2025 season. From November 13, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the cobblestone streets of the Distillery Historic District transform into a large-scale holiday destination. This event is a fixture on the city’s calendar, drawing visitors for its lights, music, and seasonal shopping and food.

Please note that all information, dates, and features are subject to change at the organizer’s discretion. We suggest visiting the official website for the most current details before you go.

Key Attractions and Experiences

*Photo via thedistillerywintervillage.com*

The village is organized around several key experiences, from the opening ceremony to daily attractions.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony: The official opening happens on Thursday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m. This event includes a live performance by The Tenors and the lighting of Canada’s most photographed Christmas tree. This is a ticketed-only evening, and all profits from ticket sales support the event’s charity partners. At the end of the season, Habitat for Humanity GTA will turn the tree into mulch for new home builds.
Santa’s Village: Located inside the Soulpepper Theatre, Santa’s Village features a new look for 2025, inspired by a production of Narnia. Visitors can enter through a “wardrobe” to meet Santa and his elves.
Holiday Photo Ops: Beyond the main tree, the district is filled with photo locations. Returning favorites include the “Heart of Christmas” display, Santa’s sleigh, a large Candy Cane Wreath, and the “Countdown to Christmas” clock.
Stranger Things Experience: A new addition for fans of the Netflix show, this area allows visitors to take photos in a recreation of the Byers’ living room, complete with the alphabet wall.

Food, Drink, and Shopping

A major component of the event is the food and artisan market.

Holiday Vendors: In addition to the 85+ permanent shops and restaurants in the district, seasonal vendor cabins will be set up. These cabins offer a range of gifts, from fashion and jewelry to gourmet food. Please note, the seasonal vendor cabins are cashless and require debit or credit.
Festive Food: The district’s food scene expands with seasonal vendors. Expect to find items like bubbling raclette, the popular s’mores hot chocolate, and other festive snacks.
Outdoor Holiday Bars: Several themed outdoor bars will be in operation. These include the Naughty or Nice Bar (under a large heated tent), the Ugly Sweater Patio Bar (at Cluny Bistro), and the Peppermint Patio (at Madrina).
The Pura Vida Chocolate Experience: This special patio, presented by Visit Costa Rica, offers a tropical theme. Highlights include hot chocolate in real coconut shells, a “mochanut” beverage, and fruit fondue, all served at surfboard tables.

Live Performance Schedule

Performances will take place on the main stage in front of the Christmas tree. All performances are included with admission. The main lineup features:

The Tenors: Performing on Opening Night (November 13, 6:00 p.m.).
Toronto Mendelssohn Choir: Performing on November 30 (7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.).
Canadian Opera Company: Presenting a holiday performance on December 5 (7:00 p.m.) and a family-oriented show, “The Snowy Day,” on December 6 (3:30 p.m.).
A Very Merry Mirvish Concert: Featuring cast members from & Juliet, The Sound of Music, and We Will Rock You on December 7 (7:00 p.m.).
A Super Simple Christmas: A sing-along with Caitie & Tobee on select dates (November 17-20 and December 15-17).
Roaming Performers: The McGregor Carollers will be singing throughout the district, and Crane Creations Theatre will present holiday puppets on Sundays.

How Ticketing Works (Free vs. Ticketed)

This is the most important part of planning your visit. Admission is not always required.

Free Entry: Admission is free during all off-peak times. This generally includes Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays before 4:00 p.m. (in November).
Ticketed Entry: Tickets are required during all peak times:
- Opening Night (November 13, after 4:00 p.m.)
- Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (after 4:00 p.m.)
- Thursdays in December (after 4:00 p.m.)
- Every day from December 15 through December 31.
Ticket Types:
- Kids 9 and under are always free.
- General Admission: $15.00 (plus fees). This is for a selected date and time.
- Flex Ticket: $18.00 (plus fees). This allows you to change your ticket date up to two times.
- Express Gate Entry: $30.00 (plus fees). This allows unlimited ticket changes and a separate, skip-the-line entrance.
- How to Buy: Tickets must be purchased online in advance. There is no on-site box office.

Illuminarium Combo Ticket

A “Combo Ticket” is available for $30.00 (plus fees). This includes General Admission to the Winter Village plus a same-day ticket to Illuminarium’s Mythos experience, which is located in the district. Mythos is a show featuring three cultural stories.

Event Details

Here is the essential information for your visit.

Location: The Distillery Historic District, Toronto
Public Dates: November 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Closed: Christmas Day, December 25
Hours: Hours for shops, cabins, and Santa vary daily. Check the official website for the detailed schedule.
Admission: Free during off-peak hours; ticketed during peak hours.
Tickets: General Admission starts at $15.00 (plus fees). Kids 9 and under are free. Tickets must be purchased online.
Website: For the full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit thedistillerywintervillage.com.

More…