FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Winter Village Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets must be purchased online ahead of your visit.

All Distillery Winter Village seasonal cabins are cashless.

REMEMBER: You can find everything you need to know about The Distillery Winter Village at www.thedistillerywintervillage.com.
And follow our Instagram @distilleryTO and #DistilleryWinterVillage to get news and updates.

Hours of Operation - The Distillery Winter Village 2023:

The Distillery Winter Village is open 7 days a week (except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.) For the full event schedule from November 16 - January 7, and to plan your visit, go to www.thedistillerywintervillage.com/hours.

Ticketing:

New this year, in response to visitor feedback, The Distillery Winter Village has four tiers of ticketing:

Kids 9 years old and under enter The Distillery Winter Village for free.

General Admission ticket: $15 (HST included*)
  • Non-refundable
  • Non-exchangeable
Flex Ticket: $18 (HST included*)
  • Non-refundable
  • Allows you to change your ticket to a future date for no additional fee, up to two times
  • Ticket changes must be made by 11:59 p.m. the day before your scheduled visit
  • Ticket changes are subject to the availability of the date and time slot you choose
Express Gate Entry: $30 (HST included*)
  • Non-refundable
  • Allows you to make unlimited changes to your ticket for no additional fee
  • Ticket changes can be made up to the entry time of your planned visit
  • Access guaranteed even if your new desired day/time is sold out
  • Skip the line and enter via Express Entry sign at all gates 
Combo Ticket: $45 (HST included*)
  • Non-refundable
  • Non-exchangeable
  • Ticket to Illuminarium
  • Access to The Distillery Winter Village
  • Combo tickets suitable for guests aged 10 and up
  • Skip the line and enter via Express Entry sign at all gates
  • A savings of over $20 per person

*ticket processing fee not included

Tickets will only be required Friday to Sundays starting at 4:00 p.m. and from December 18 - 31 after 4:00 pm with some exceptions.

Please see the ticketing page to learn more about the ticket tiers, when you require a ticket (and when you don’t), and hours of operation.

Kids 9 years old and under enter The Distillery Winter Village for free and do not require a ticket. Proof of age may be requested at the gate.

There are no in and out privileges. Your ticket is valid for a one time use with entry only.

Tell Ol’ Saint Nick what you want for Christmas and grab a photo. Santa will be here weekdays from 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. and weekends from 12:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

You might find him strolling the cobblestone streets, and be sure to visit him on stage at the Santa's Tower of Toys.

On stage weekdays at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
On stage weekends at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

 

This depends on which type of ticket you purchase. There are no refunds issued, however, if you purchase a Flex Ticket or Express Entry Ticket, you are able to change the date of your ticket to a future event date. Please see our ticketing page for details on the four tiers of ticketing.

If you purchase a General Admission ticket or Combo Ticket and change your mind or can no longer attend the day you selected, please note there are no refunds or exchanges for these ticket tiers. In this case, you can give your ticket to a friend or family member

Please arrive and enter during your allotted ticket time; however, we encourage you to stay and enjoy The Distillery Winter Village for as long you as want.

We've created these time slots to help manage capacity during peak times, and the flow of foot traffic in and out of the event space.

Unless there's very severe inclement weather and we announce an event closure, The Distillery Winter Village will operate as scheduled during event hours. Please follow @distilleryto on Instagram for real-time updates.

For inquiries related to weather, please email: wintervillage@thedistillerydistrict.com or you can contact our call center at 1-647-693-HOHO (1-647-693-4646). Call Center hours will be seven days a week starting November 16: noon - 8:30 PM Sunday to Thursday, and noon - 9:30 PM Friday & Saturday.

Do I need to buy a ticket to The Distillery Winter Village if I have a dinner reservation at one of the restaurants, am attending a special event (i.e. wedding), or have tickets to a theater show (i.e. Soulpepper or Illuminarium)?

No. Simply show your online reservation confirmation, your event invitation or your theater ticket to the Express Entry gate staff upon arrival and you will be admitted into The Distillery Winter Village without a ticket. Gate entry will be permitted up to 30 minutes before your reservation or event time.

With ongoing construction and development in the area, parking is extremely limited. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take public transit or a rideshare service.

  1. For parking lot information, visit: https://www.thedistillerywintervillage.com/Parking. Additional event parking lots will be updated soon.

Access to the event will be restricted to four main entry points: North Gate (Trinity St. and Mill St.), East Gate (Cherry St. just south of Mill St.), South Gate (Distillery Lane) and West Gate (Parliament St. just south of Mill St.).

This year, The Distillery Winter Village is pleased to partner with three local charities: The Anishnawbe Health Foundation, Fred Victor, and The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund. All profits from opening night will go to our three charity partners.

You can also opt to provide a donation when you purchase your tickets. 

The Distillery Winter Village is a picture-perfect holiday experience where friends and family gather to take-in the timeless romance and nostalgia of the holidays, stroll the cobblestone streets under the canopy lights, enjoy delicious food and drink, and shop our one-of-a-kind shops and vendor cabins.

Here’s some of the highlights:

Holiday Photo Opportunities

The Distillery Winter Village is a dream come true for those looking to light up their social feeds. This year, the site will be glimmering with white and gold wreaths, ribbons and lights. Can’t miss photo opps include: 

  • The 56-foot-tall Christmas tree in Trinity Square, designed by Christian Dior Parfums (the tallest tree ever at The Distillery Winter Village)
    7’ tall snowpeople
  • the iconic “Heart of Christmas” lit up for the holiday season (at Parliament Street entrance)
  • The famous “Countdown to Christmas” sign (above Yummi Candles)
  • NEW - two specially created photo opps for you and your dog on Gristmill Lane
  • NEW - Santa’s Tower of Toys on the Pure Spirits Patio
  • NEW - a Candy Cane Forest on Gristmill Lane
  • NEW - 3-D, life-sized, holiday greeting cards scattered throughout
  • NEW - a vintage Christmas card photo wall on Case Goods Lane

Be sure to share your best pics and tag @distilleryTO #DistilleryWinterVillage

Christmas Carol Sing-a-long

The Candy Cane Carolers are back this year spreading holiday joy throughout The Distillery Winter Village.

Join us daily for live sing-a-longs to holiday classics. Don’t know the words? The lyrics are projected onto the “Singing Wall” of the Spirit of York building – one of Toronto’s most architecturally iconic buildings.

Performances at:

Mon – Thurs

  • 6:30pm (at Singing Wall)
  • 7:30pm (at Santa’s Tower of Toys)
  • 8:30pm(at Singing Wall)

Friday

  • 5:30pm (at Singing Wall)
  • 6:30pm (at Singing Wall)
  • 7:30pm (at Santa’s Tower of Toys)
  • 8:30pm (at Singing Wall)

Saturday and Sunday

  • 2:30pm (at Singing Wall)
  • 4:30pm (at Singing Wall)
  • 6:30pm (at Singing Wall)
  • 7:30pm (at Santa’s Tower of Toys)
  • 8:30pm (at Singing Wall)
Meet Santa 

Tell Ol’ Saint Nick what you want for Christmas and grab a photo. Santa will be here on weekdays from 4:30 pm. - 8:30 p.m. and weekends from 12:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

You might find him strolling the cobblestone streets, and be sure to visit him on stage at the Santa's Tower of Toys.

On stage weekdays at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
On stage weekends at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.


And, don’t miss the roaming jolly Elves spreading holiday cheer. 

The Countdown to Christmas Sign

Countdown the days until Christmas with us, and grab a photo of the large red countdown clock, located above Yummi Candles on Trinity Street.

Live Music/Buskers

Enjoy festive live music performed by local artists throughout the holiday season to make your visit extra merry.

Shopping

Holiday shoppers can find the perfect gift for everyone on their list: stylish fashions for men, women and kids, home décor, hand-made accessories and jewellery, gourmet food gifts, one-of-a-kind art, relaxing self-care products and services, and more.

In addition to the year round 85+ local merchants, restaurants and cafés, expect to find additional seven vendor cabins offering uniquely curated seasonal items and gifts. 

Note: all seasonal vendor cabins are cashless. Please pay with credit or debit card. 

Food and Dining

The Distillery Historic District has always been a dining destination for foodies and The Distillery Winter Village will not disappoint. In addition to the 16 permanent restaurants (some with heated patios), and six cafés and specialty shops, there are 23 outdoor seasonal food cabins and 11 outdoor bar experiences. NEW this year, a Feliz Navidad bar on the Archeo patio will serve up traditional Mexican flavours.

You can find everything you need to know about The Distillery Winter Village at www.thedistillerywintervillage.com. And follow our Instagram @distilleryTO and #DistilleryWinterVillage to get news and updates.

 

The Distillery Winter Village is for anyone who loves the magic of the holidays, including kids of all ages.

In addition to the dazzling light features, holiday décor, and 56-foot-tall Christmas Tree, your kids are going to love the live entertainment, carolers, and tasty treats from our delicious food cabins. And of course, saying hello to Santa himself! 

For a full list of attractions at this year’s Distillery Winter Village please visit our website or follow us on Instagram.

Yes, we welcome furry friends and service dogs at The Distillery Winter Village. Dog owners please ensure your pet is trained to be in large groups. Dogs must be on a leash at all times and owners must pick up after their dogs. Be sure to check out two specially created photo opps for you and your dog on Gristmill Lane.

Alcohol is restricted to our many extended licensed patios and permanent restaurants on-site. You are not permitted to consume alcohol outside of these designated areas for the safety of all visitors. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Yes, those with mobility concerns or who use a wheelchair can come and enjoy the event. Many retailers and restaurants are accessible, at ground level or have ramp access. Please note, The Distillery District does not provide or rent wheelchairs.

A dazzling fireworks show is planned for midnight, plus live entertainment! Helping us say goodbye to 2023 and countdown to 2024 will be Devo Brown and DJ Clymaxxx on stage in Trinity Square from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tickets will be required. Further details to be announced soon.

The Distillery Winter Village outdoor shopping cabins and food vendors and restaurants will be open until Midnight.

  • From 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Free Entry)
  • From 4:00 pm - Midnight (Tickets Required - buy here)

The Distillery Winter Village Shopping Week - January 1 - 7, 2024

Tickets not required

Santa and his elves will have to return to the North Pole, but we’re continuing the festive fun into the New Year with The Distillery Winter Village Shopping Week.

This will be your last chance to take in the 56-foot-tall, Dior-designed Christmas Tree, and walk the beautifully decorated cobblestone streets under the canopy lights.

Be sure to check out our extended Boxing Week sales at our 85+ year-round retailers, while also shopping the seasonal vendor cabins, open at noon daily.

Come hungry, because we’re still serving up your favourite Distillery Winter Village food – from our 16 permanent restaurants, six cafés and specialty shops; seasonal food cabins; and, 11 outdoor bar experiences.

Whether you’re looking for an outing to keep the kids busy before they head back to school, or want to check out our many art galleries and catch a live show at one of our theatres, we’ve got you covered.

Shopping Hours:

(Note: Distillery Winter Village seasonal vendor cabins will be open at 12:00 p.m. daily until close. Closed New Year’s Day.)

Monday, January 1: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

(Note: Distillery Winter Village seasonal vendor cabins CLOSED New Year’s Day).

Tuesday, January 2 - Thursday, January 4: 10:00 a.m - 9:00 p.m.

Friday, January 5 and Saturday, January 6: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 7: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

You can find everything you need to know about The Distillery Winter Village at www.thedistillerywintervillage.com. And follow our Instagram @distilleryTO and #DistilleryWinterVillage to get news and updates.

For inquiries, please email: wintervillage@thedistillerydistrict.com or you can contact our call center at 1-647-693-HOHO (1-647-693-4646). Call Center hours will be seven days a week starting November 16: noon - 8:30 PM Sunday to Thursday, and  noon - 9:30 PM Friday & Saturday.

Yes, your companion does not require a ticket if the gate attendant is shown your Access2 card. The only person who requires a ticket (during ticketed event times) is the individual in the wheelchair.