Distillery Winter Village 2026 Reveals New Food, Nutcracker Show and Live Performances
The Distillery Winter Village 2026 opens November 12 with new food stalls, seasonal bars and a larger performance lineup. Organizers have also added a Nutcracker projection show and redesigned Santa’s Village.
Toronto’s Christmas market runs through January 3, 2027, in the Distillery District. Its 17th season will bring more than 50 food vendors and outdoor bars, along with regular holiday shopping and carollers.
Quince is the new title sponsor this year. Here are the attractions, food vendors and ticket details to know.
Distillery Winter Village 2026 quick details
- Dates: November 12, 2026, to January 3, 2027; closed December 25
- Location: Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill Street, Toronto
- Tree lighting: Thursday, November 12, at 6 p.m.
- Admission: Market admission from $16, plus service fees and HST; children 9 and under enter the market free
- Tickets: Available online through the official ticket page; paid admission applies during selected hours
Opening night brings a 55-foot tree and Holly Cole
The opening program starts at 4 p.m. with a set by singer and guitarist Mo Guzman. At 6 p.m., Santa will switch on the lights of a 55-foot silver fir.
JUNO Award-winning singer Holly Cole will perform after the lighting, including music from her holiday albums. The organizers say profits from opening-night ticket sales will support three local partners.
Those partners are Anishnawbe Health Foundation, Soulpepper Theatre and the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund. The ceremony will also stream on the market’s social channels.
A Nutcracker projection show takes over the Fermenting Cellar
A new Nutcracker attraction uses floor-to-ceiling projections to bring Tchaikovsky’s story into the Fermenting Cellar. Visitors will see the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King and scenes from the Land of Sweets.
The roughly 60-minute visit also includes games, photo stops and themed treats. Adult admission starts at $19.99, before fees and HST.
This show requires its own ticket. During ticketed Winter Village hours, visitors will also need regular market admission.
Santa’s Village moves inside Soulpepper Theatre
Santa’s Village has a new setting inside the Soulpepper Theatre atrium. The displays take their cue from a vintage European department store and Soulpepper’s production of Parfumerie.
Families can meet Santa, write letters and pick up specialty hot chocolate. Storytime with the Elves also joins the program, with daily readings planned in the atrium.
Chef’s Lane returns with four Toronto names
Chef’s Lane is back with four cabins and a new group of chefs. The lineup spans Italian cooking, cheese, barbecue and South Asian food.
- Michael Angeloni: Chef and co-owner behind Notte Ristorante, Pasta Privato and other Toronto restaurants
- Afrim Pristine: Cheese Boutique co-owner and cheese specialist
- Taylor Wells: Chef at Toronto barbecue restaurant The Carbon Bar
- Arush Vardhan Singh: Co-founder of South Asian pop-up Shipra
Each chef is preparing a seasonal dish for the market. The announcement names the chefs but does not provide each dish or its price.
Prince St. Pizza, Carousel Bakery and new desserts join the food lineup
The food additions include Prince St. Pizza slices and Carousel Bakery’s peameal bacon sandwiches and apple fritters. Sweet Crumble will serve desserts in Berry, Apple Cinnamon and Crème Brûlée flavours.
A loaded baked-potato stand and cookies from Peacock Bakehouse also join the cabins. Returning items include Stick Shift Robata’s A5 Wagyu Sando and Cluny’s torched s’mores hot chocolate.
Scooped by Demetres is bringing back Monkey Bread, while other vendors will offer everything from pierogies to raclette. Expect food prices and stall hours to vary.
A chocolate waterfall, a Canadian tavern and disco nights
Visit Costa Rica’s RÃo Celeste Chocolate Waterfall pairs a flowing chocolate display with chocolate-drizzled pineapple and banana. An augmented-reality feature adds another stop for visitors.
The Canuck Tavern at the Archeo Patio will feature Muskoka chairs, hockey screens and a canoe photo setup. Its drinks menu focuses on Canadian beer and spirits.
At the Cluny Tunnel, Silent Night Disco will bring DJ nights to a heated patio with mirror balls and chocolate mousse. Merry Matcha on Trinity Street adds several alcohol-free matcha drinks.
Toronto arts groups bring live shows through December
The announced stage performances are included with Winter Village admission. Here are the main dates released so far:
- November 22: Toronto Mendelssohn Choir at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- November 29: Opera Atelier at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- December 4: Canadian Opera Company at 6 p.m.
- December 13: Mirvish Productions at 7 p.m.
- December 17: Myriad Ensemble from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- December 24: Kente Claus and steelpan holiday music from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The McGregor Carollers will also sing around the pedestrian streets through Christmas Eve. Check the final performance calendar before selecting an evening.
When entry is free and when tickets are required
Admission is free all day Monday through Wednesday until December 13, plus other periods before paid entry begins. Starting at 4 p.m., tickets are required on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
December Thursdays also become ticketed after 4 p.m. From December 14 to 31, the 4 p.m. ticket rule applies daily. On opening day, November 12, paid entry starts at 4 p.m.
Tickets are sold online only, and there is no box office at the gates. The site closes on Christmas Day; it also warns that nearby parking is limited.
The 504A King streetcar stops at Distillery Loop. Before visiting, check the official daily schedule for cabin hours, Santa visits and any changes to performances.
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