Wondering what to do in the Distillery District this winter? Learn why this historic area is the most magical place to visit in Toronto over the holiday season…
To know the Distillery District is to love it. This vibrant downtown neighbourhood is known for its gorgeous historic buildings, lively public events, and charming local businesses. One of my favourite things about the district is the fact that it’s a fun place to visit at any time of year—including during the winter. Whether you live in the area or you’re interested in a visit, here are five things you should consider doing in the Distillery District this season.
1) Explore the Christmas Market
Each year, the Christmas Market draws people from every corner of the city to the Distillery District. If you’ve never attended before, the first things you’ll notice are a 50-foot tree, a ferris wheel, and an abundance of twinkling lights. If that’s not enough to get you in the holiday spirit, you’ll also find a wide selection of handcrafted goods—perfect for those looking to make a dent in their Christmas shopping. Local vendors will be serving up tasty fare and warm drinks, and over 400 festive performances will entertain the crowd. The best part? Admission is free during the week, and only $6 on Friday evenings and weekends. You can check out the market until December 23.
2) Have an incredible culinary experience
If you’re in the area and feel like getting out of the cold, I suggest popping into a local restaurant. One of my personal favourites is Cluny. This culinary hotspot, modelled after a Parisian bistro, serves up creative dishes like duck poutine and ahi tuna tartare. If Mexican food is more your thing, then El Catrin is the place to be. In addition to savoury, authentic cuisine, this popular eatery features the largest mezcal and tequila bar in the city. And don’t forget about Boku Noodle Bar, the Distillery District’s go-to for Asian-inspired dishes. Drop in and warm up with some ramen (and a craft cocktail, if the mood strikes).
3) Check out the Toronto Light Festival
If you’re wondering what to do in the Distillery District in late winter, I suggest checking out the Toronto Light Festival. From January 18th until March 3, light sculptures and installations will decorate this already-picturesque neighbourhood. Wander around the district to see brightly-lit artworks of all shapes and sizes. The festival is free, and it’s great for attendees of all ages (so feel free to bring the kids). Put simply, this is the event to attend if you’re affected by the mid-to-late winter slump. It’s hard not to feel cheery when you’re surrounded by thousands of lights!
4) Visit the shops
While the Christmas Market offers all kinds of seasonal shopping opportunities, the Distillery District is also home to a variety of eclectic shops that attract buyers year-round. Holiday shopping is the perfect excuse to browse them. If you have a skincare lover on your list, check out Deciem. This international company is known for its transparency and high-quality ingredients. You’ll also find iconic Canadian shoe brand John Fluevog, custom hat boutique the Saucy Milliner, and upscale Italian menswear shop Gentil Uomo (among others).
5) Take in the history
There are few things I enjoy more than checking out the unique architecture around Toronto, and the Distillery District is one of my favourite places to do that. Known internationally for its mix of heritage buildings and modern design, the district is the perfect place to take a stroll and admire the city’s history. Winter snow only makes the area more charming. Must-see buildings include the Stone Distillery and Pure Spirits (both constructed during the Victorian period) and the three glass towers known as Pure Spirit, Clear Spirit, and Gooderham.
If you’re looking into what to do in the Distillery District, you’ll find no shortage of options. My advice? Simply head down to the neighbourhood. In an area this lively, every visit is bound to be an adventure.
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