Toronto, Ontario, Canada, November 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thousands of spectators filled the cobblestone streets in Toronto's historic Distillery District on November 13 to help Santa light the 2025 Christmas tree, marking the official opening of The Distillery Winter Village presented by L'Oréal Paris – one of the most recognizable vacation destinations in the world, attracting one million visitors annually.
“This year we celebrate the 16th season of The Distillery Winter Village, formerly known as the Toronto Christmas Market,” says Rick Oquirk, vice president of The Distillery Restaurants Corp. and Director of Events and Events for The Distillery Historic District. “Our goal is to create moments that become memories—whether it's a first date under the canopy, a family tradition around the tree, or hot chocolate shared with friends. We hope each visitor leaves with a little more surprise and joy than when they arrived.”
After the tree lighting, guests were treated to a special performance by the world-famous vocal sensation. Tenorsfrom their album Christmas with the Tenors (Warner Music Canada). Proceeds from opening night ticket sales support local charity partners: Anishnawbe Health Foundation, Soulpepper Theatre, Crow's Theatre, and the Toronto Star Santa Claus Foundation.
The most photographed Christmas tree in Canada
This year's 16.7-metre (55-foot) spruce—the most photographed Christmas tree in Canada—is ablaze with more than 80,000 lights and 750 ornaments ranging in size from 15 to 50 cm (6 to 20 inches). The stunning display features elegant gold Winter Village stars and snowflakes topped with red, creating a striking contrast with the tree's lush green branches.
The tree's base is now surrounded by a custom-made circular platform with a 3.6-meter (12-foot) high performance stage. Built around the base and reminiscent of a charming holiday storefront are hand-painted decorative 3D printed vignettes that recreate scenes of a classic nostalgic Christmas, including a whimsical red and green Bachmann Big Haulers G Scale train that moves around the entire tree, and Canadian wildlife such as caribou, deer, moose and bears. Lanterns, inspired by lanterns found in the historic distillery area, add warm light, tying the installation into its historic surroundings. In total, more than 1,000 hours were spent making, detailing and decorating this year's Christmas tree.
At the end of the season, the tree will be donated Habitat for Humanity GTA will be used as mulch and reclaimed wood for 60 new homes to be built in 2026.
Key events in 2025
From November 13, 2025 to January 4, 2026, Distillery Winter Village transforms Toronto's 13-acre pedestrian-only historic district into a vibrant winter wonderland, gourmet destination and market place. Visitors can enjoy 47 stalls and nine open-air bars – more than ever – serving sweet and savory dishes from around the world, hot drinks and handcrafts from local artisans.
This year's event will bring more programming and more holiday magic than ever before:
- Because now is the time to feel like it's worth it, check out the L'Oréal Paris Cabin, a chic holiday pop-up inspired by the joy of giving. Write a heartfelt note and create your own birthday card for someone who inspires you. Enter for a chance to win one of three L'Oréal Paris Holiday Essentials prize packs (each valued at $220), try out a few beauty favorites, and discover a few extra surprises.
- Chef's Lane: An exclusive holiday culinary experience featuring four exquisite holiday creations from four of Canada's top chefs, including: Bruno Feldeisen, Claudio Aprile, Nuit Regular and Eric Chong.
- Netflix Stranger Things 5 Immersive experience: Step into the Byers' living room for a supernatural photo op.
- Tropical chocolate heaven awaits at The Pura Vida Chocolate Experience, presented by Visit Costa Rica.
- Enter your wardrobe with what's new this year. Narnia– themed Santa's Village, where the Soulpepper Theater lobby transforms into an enchanting winter forest filled with snow-covered evergreens, twinkling lights, shimmering ice crystals and whimsical Narnia-Inspired animations created by OCAD University students.
- 40 food booths – new this year: Rick's Good Eats, Santa Spuds (spiralized fries on a stick), Robata-style meat skewers, Dubai Chocolate and a Craig's Cookies pop-up. Plus, some returning favorites: Cluny Hot Chocolate Set on Fire by Virus, Yorkie Burrito, Santa's Smoker and BBQ, Japanese Tacos, Poutine, Handmade Dumplings, Empanadas, Pierogi, Mini Donuts, Mini Pancakes, Fresh Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Classic Swiss Raclette.
- Two new outdoor bars with a holiday theme: the Ugly Sweater Patio Bar and the Peppermint Patio Bar.
- Performances by The McGregor Carrollers, Canadian Opera Company, Mirvish Productions, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and Myriad Ensemble
- Fun for the whole family, including daily Story Time with the Elves, a Super Simple Christmas with Katie and Toby, and holiday puppets from Crane Creations.
- Holiday Photo Ops: Naughty or Nice Bar, Santa's Sleigh and Reindeer, Candy Cane Wreath, Santa's Mail, Sasquatch, Big Heart and the famous Countdown to Christmas Clock, plus hundreds of thousands of holiday lights hanging throughout the area.
Tickets and planning your visit
Tickets are required during peak times, including: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4:00 p.m.; Thursday in December after 16:00; and daily after 16:00 from December 15 to 31; and New Year's Eve. Children under nine years old are always free. Tickets start at $15 (plus HST and admin fees), and visitors can choose between four different ticket levels, including a combination admission ticket. Illuminarium's new immersive show “Myths”.
Tickets and event information can be found on the website TheDistilleryWinterVillage.com.
About the Winter Village distillery
Distillery Winter Village is Toronto's original outdoor Christmas market located in the historic Distillery District. Recognized as one of the best Christmas markets in the world, it welcomes over a million visitors each year from across Canada and abroad. For seven weeks each winter, the area is transformed into a festive destination with its famous Christmas tree, seasonal market stalls, holiday performances and themed food and drink. The event employs more than 700 seasonal workers and raises funds for local charities. For more information and tickets visit TheDistilleryWinterVillage.com.
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Visit The Distillery Winter Village Media Resource Center for images, quick facts and more about the history of this event: thedistillerywintervillage.com/media-resources
