My Toronto Christmas Market Survival Guide!
And here we go, another survival guide no one asked for!
The Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District opens again this weekend! I've worked at the Market for the past four years, putting in part-time hours at an amazing vintage shop called Blackbird Vintage Finds. Having spent a lot of time in the Distillery, particularly during the Market, I thought I'd put together a quick guide for those considering a trip down there this Christmastime.
BASIC RULES:
- Don't go on a Monday. It's the only day the Market is closed (although the Distillery itself is still operating - all the shops, restaurants, etc.).
- Try not to come on a weekend. It's madness. Literally shoulder-to-shoulder on every avenue, with half-hour lineups just to get into the stores.
- If you do decide to come on a weekend, bring $5 in cash for each person in your party. That's the fee to enter the Market on Saturdays and Sundays (they implemented this fee a few years ago in response to the insane weekend crowds. The proceeds are cycled back into the infrastructure of the Distillery and the Market).
- If you want to bypass the entrance line on weekends, you can pay $20 for an express ticket. You can learn more about this year's ticket prices here.
- Don't drive in. There's rarely parking on-site, so either find a lot a few kilometers and walk the rest of the way, or take the TTC or an Uber.
- Bring cash in general, since most of the vendors are cash or credit only. It's just easier.
- Dress warmly, because most of the Market is outdoors, and it tends to get chilly since the Distillery is close to the water.
- Bring your patience, because even if you come during one of the slower days, you'll probably face some line-ups, screaming children, slow-walking old people, rude fellow patrons and numerous near-death experiences involving careless tourists and selfie sticks.
- None of the restaurants take reservations during the Market - it's a first-come, first served situation. So if you want to eat at a sit-down place, budget in some waiting time. And try to avoid peak meal times (12:30 to 2:00, 5:00 to 7:00, etc.).
- Most stores don't allow food or drink inside, since it gets to crowded people tend to spill. Just make sure you finish your hot toddy before heading in.
- Caffe Furbo on Case Goods Lane is the best spot for hot paninis and Italian style cappuccinos. You can even spike your drinks with a shot of Bailey's. It's spacious and sort of tucked away, so it tends to be the least-crammed restaurant in the area.
- The Sweet Escape is a small café located in the Distill Gallery building on Tank House Lane. There are some tables, but don't count on snagging one. This place is best for stopping in for a relatively quick salad (which you'll most likely have to eat on your lap) and a hot chocolate to go.
- Cluny Bistro is the fanciest place in the Distillery, so you'll find the best stuff here. But again, no reservations - so I can't promise you'll be seated immediately.
- El Catrin has good Mexican food and the best patio in the city, which remains open and heated with heat lamps and a big fire pit in the winter.
- There are, of course, the array of food vendors in their little wooden Christmas huts offering everything from pretzels to sausages with sauerkraut. Peruse the options and try to gorge on at least one delicacy, since that's an essential part of the Market experience.
- Blackbird Vintage Finds. I'm obviously biased, but even before I started working here this shop was one of my favourites in the city. The owner, Paula, has incredible taste and has filled the shop (which used to be a storage space for the distillery, back when it was actually a distillery) with unique vintage pieces from around the world as well as beautiful artisan and apothecary items like soaps, stationary and jewelry.
- Maisonette. It's easy to miss this place since it's so tiny and doesn't even have a sign, but you can find it on the north side of Tank House Lane just past the LOVE locks installation. It's owned by local chocolate artisan Laura Slack and her husband, who stock the minimal shelves with her own dreamy goodies, from chocolate bars to truffles to her signature rich, creamy hot chocolate, as well as jellies from Kitten & the Bear and tea from Sloane Tea (both local brands as well).
- Queen's Trunk. I'm pretty sure this British fashion boutique is a pop-up shop as opposed to a permanent one, but I know it'll be around for the Christmas Market this year. Stop in for British "High Street" picks like dresses, jewelry and more. (Side note: Don't judge them by their Instagram, it kind of sucks.)
- Millicent Vee. Every year I lose my mittens and come here to buy a new pair from this local knitting master, who makes the coziest and prettiest things to keep you warm in the winter. Her shop is located in Case Goods Warehouse, a large art space off Distillery Lane, amongst a bunch of other markers' studios including a potter who makes rad mugs and dishes. I can't remember the name of that one, but it's a great gifting destination.
- The Sport Gallery. I'm not much of a sports person, but this enormous space is pretty cool - it sells vintage-inspired sportswear and memorabilia, and it also has an in-house café that makes a mean London Fog latte.
- Hoi Bo. A small boutique owned by a Toronto designer whose name I can't quite remember - but her designs are awesome, very simplistic, comfortable and timeless. Check it out and support her coolness.
- John Fluevog. The slogan for this quirky shoe company is literally, "No, you're weird!" I love that. This is the perfect place to score some conversation-starting shoes or the perfect gift for the stylish eccentric in yo life.
Great guide! I can't wait to come by
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