Attractions
The Distillery Winter Village Attractions
The Distillery Winter Village Tree Lighting Ceremony
On Thursday, November 13 at 6:00 p.m., join Santa, his Elves and thousands of onlookers as we flip the switch and light up Canada’s most photographed Christmas Tree.
The evening will feature a special performance by The Tenors, immediately following the tree lighting.
This year’s tree is a 55-foot-tall silver fir from Drysdale’s Tree Farm in Mono Township, Ontario.
Opening night of The Distillery Winter Village is a ticketed event and always sells out quickly, so grab your tickets early. All profits from ticket sales will once again support our charity partners: Anishnawbe Health Foundation, Soulpepper Theatre, and the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund.
This year, we’re proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity GTA. At the end of the season, the tree will be turned into mulch and reclaimed wood to help build 60 homes across the Greater Toronto Area.
Holiday Photo Opps
The Distillery Winter Village is famous for having the best holiday photo spots and Christmas backdrops in Toronto. Along with Canada’s most photographed Christmas tree, you’ll find Instagram-worthy moments around every corner.
Returning favourites include: The Heart of Christmas display, Santa’s sleigh and reindeer, Candy Cane Wreath, outdoor themed patios and bars, and, of course, the famous Countdown to Christmas clock.
The entire site will be decked out in red, white, and gold décor with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights strung throughout The Distillery District.
Be sure to tag @distilleryTO when posting your photos and videos!
Festive Food & Holiday Vendors
Come hungry — this year’s Winter Village is a foodie paradise, with 40 food vendors and nine themed outdoor bars, the most ever!
New This Year
Savour brand-new tastes across the cobblestones, including Santa Spuds (spiralized potato on a stick), Robata-style meat skewers, Dubai Chocolates, and a Craig’s Cookies pop-up.
Chef’s Lane – Exclusive to The Distillery Winter Village
New for 2025, Chef’s Lane transforms Pure Spirits Mews into an elevated holiday dining experience — four cabins, four chefs, and four creative takes on festive comfort food. Indulge in signature seasonal dishes from some of Canada’s most celebrated chefs:
- Chef Bruno Feldeisen (The Great Canadian Baking Show) – Candy Cane Cheesecake Lollipop
- Chef Claudio Aprile (MasterChef Canada) – Handheld Holiday Feast
- Chef Nuit Regular (Pai, Kiin) – Shrimp Tom Yum Soup
- Chef Eric Chong (R&D Restaurant, MasterChef Canada winner) – Spicy Mala Poutine
Returning Favourites
Back by popular demand: Cluny’s viral torched s’mores hot chocolate, Santa’s Smoker & BBQ, Japanese tacos, poutine, handmade dumplings, empanadas, pierogies, mini donuts, mini pancakes, fresh strawberries in chocolate, and classic Swiss Raclette.
From indulgent sweets to savoury street food, every bite captures the magic of the season.
Shopping & Holiday Gifts
Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Browse handmade jewelry, gourmet food gifts, stylish fashions, and one-of-a-kind finds — all set against the charm of twinkling lights and cobblestone streets.
Note: all seasonal vendor cabins are cashless - debit or credit required.
The McGregor Carollers
Spread holiday cheer and sing along with The McGregor Carollers as they roam The Distillery Winter Village performing live holiday music and your favourite Christmas carols.
See their schedule
Crane Creations Theatre Presents: Holiday Puppets at The Distillery Winter Village
Puppets bring festive magic to The Distillery Winter Village this holiday season. Every Sunday from November 16 to January 4, Bunny, Squirrel and Crane will roam the cobblestone streets, spreading cheer and sparking imagination in kids of all ages. Stop and meet the puppets or try one out yourself.
Every Sunday, 1:00 - 6:00 pm
Outdoor Holiday Bars
The kids may have Santa’s Village, but adults get their own holiday playground with more outdoor holiday cocktail bars than ever before - each with a unique theme, festive décor, and seasonal sips designed to keep spirits bright.
Naughty or Nice Bar
Decide which list you belong on as you warm up under a heated 40’ x 45’ tent decked in holiday décor and canopy of twinkling lights. Enjoy mulled wine, hot sangria, and cozy bites from nearby food vendors while you soak in the festive atmosphere.
Ugly Sweater Patio Bar
This Cluny Bistro patio invites you to flaunt your best (or worst) holiday sweater. An 8-foot ball of yarn sets the stage for a quirky, can’t-miss holiday hangout.
Peppermint Patio
Follow the 10’ Candy Cane Wreath into a red-and-white striped wonderland. From arches to columns, this Madrina patio is sugar-cane sweet and brimming with holiday cheer. Order a candy-cane inspired cocktail and raise a glass to the season.
More to be announced soon.
The Pura Vida Chocolate Experience (by Visit Costa Rica)
Escape to the land of pura vida - "the good life" – and the warmth of Costa Rica. This tropical chocolate paradise on the Archeo patio is serving coconut hot chocolate in real coconut shells, the outrageously decadent "mochanut", a tropical fruit fondue that's pure bliss, and more. With surfboard tables, delectable treats, and vacation vibes it’s a little slice of paradise in the middle of the Winter Village.
Santa’s Village
Step inside the cozy atrium of Soulpepper Theatre and discover Santa’s Village - a festive stop for kids (and kids at heart). This year, Santa’s Village has a magical new look inspired by Soulpepper’s production of Bad Hats’ Narnia, an adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s beloved story about the mystical land of Narnia.
You’ll enter through a wardrobe into a winter wonderland, where you may even encounter characters from the classic tale. Meet Santa, share your wish list, and take a holiday photo with him. Be sure to check Santa’s schedule before your visit.
And don’t be surprised if you spot Santa’s elves roaming the cobblestone streets, spreading cheer throughout The Distillery Winter Village.
Soulpeppers’s Bad Hats Narnia is on from November 18 - December 28. Purchase tickets.
