When most people hear the words “Christmas Market”, I’m willing to bet the first thing that comes to mind are the world famous markets that are held across Europe, or maybe the one held in Union Square in New York. Or “am I still allowed to get a picture with Santa at my age”.
That last one may just be me. The point is, there is a Christmas Market held in Toronto and it has been growing steadily in popularity since it first came to town six years ago.
Located in the Distillery District, a recently restored historic site housing Victorian-style industrial buildings, the Toronto Christmas Market is a street market lined with wooden stalls full of local and imported crafts, gifts, decorations, food and drinks, Santa’s house for photo ops, a life-size gingerbread house, a ferris wheel and carousel, beer (and wine) gardens, and next to the 52 foot tree in the centre is a stage set for carolling competitions, brass bands and other holiday-themed performances.
With so much going on at once it’s pretty common for people to feel overwhelmed if its their first visit. Or even their third or fourth. So I thought I would share some of the things that help me make the most of my trips to the market.
#1: If you can swing it, go during the week
The weekend crowds in past years have been so large that they’ve started charging $5 on Saturdays and Sundays to help counter this (and to collect money to help fund future editions of the market). I know $5 isn’t a whole lot in the grand scheme of things, but it IS $5 that will save you the headache of waiting in the long lines for snacks or drinks. And you can put that money towards a second cup of mulled wine instead. 🙂
#2: Go early to beat the crowds, stay for the lights
Also on the topic of crowds, the earlier you can come, the better. BUT you absolutely must stay until it gets dark. There’s nothing quite like seeing all those lights shining overhead and the sound of carollers singing in the background to put you in a festive mood. They also make for some cool photos.
#3: Don’t tell your friends to meet you in front of the tree
Please, just no. Everyone is telling some other person to meet them there, and while you spend ten minutes to find your group in the crowd of other people looking for their friends you’ll get caught in a selfie shitstorm, as that’s the very place everyone wants their picture taken. I’d suggest meeting in a less obvious (and crowded!) spot like, say, the entrance.
#4: Wear comfortable shoes
Unless you’re the kind of person that likes walking in heels on cobblestone streets (which, last time I checked, is nobody), flats or boots are your best bet — weather-dependent of course. You are going to be on your feet 90% of the time, unless you came early and snagged a seat by a fire pit or heat lamp in one of the beer halls.
#5: You just can’t eat all the things
Don’t be sad. It’s a fact. I’ve tried. There are just too many options — gourmet grilled cheese, poutine, Oktoberfest sausage, pretzels, giant turkey legs, potatoes on a stick, mini donuts that taste like s’mores… you name it it’s there. Pick two or three things you want to try and enjoy. Or divide and conquer amongst a group of friends, otherwise you’ll spend your whole trip waiting, hungry, in a lot of lines. There are options if you feel like drinking too: the beer gardens serve the usual beers and spirits but you can also find hot toddies, hot apple cider, hot chocolate, and my personal favourite, hot wine. I mean mulled wine. Mmmm.
Bonus Tip: Pictures of xmas lights taken in the dark always look cool (even if they don’t turn out that great)
Fact. I tried that too:
This year the Christmas Market will be open Tuesday to Sunday until December 20th. If you’re traveling in Toronto over the holidays definitely add it to your itinerary. This past week I made my third trip since I’d moved to Toronto. I’m not certain if I will be here next year, but I know it won’t be my last.
Have you ever been to a Christmas Market in your home town or abroad? Tell me all about it!
-C
