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Snow is now falling, and the bitter cold of Winter is coming, but like most cities situated in northern climes, Torontonians have found ways of making the frozen months a time of warmth nevertheless. First conceived in Germany during the early 1400s, Holiday Markets are one of the many ways to animate our frozen city streets during the Winter, and locations like Union Station, Yonge and Dundas and the historic Distillery District are just some of the handful of places where you will be able to shop, dine and get in the holiday spirit this year.
The Toronto Christmas Market, which will run from November 28th until December 21st, has become a neighbourhood tradition in the Historic Distillery District over the past few years. The brick-paved streets of the Victorian industrial area will be illuminated from above by a canopy of hanging Christmas lights, and visitors will be welcome to experience the market from Tuesdays to Fridays from noon to 9 PM, and weekends from 10 AM to 9 PM.
The area surrounding the intersection of Yonge and Dundas is one of Toronto's most vibrant and urban, and the Holiday Market planned for this area will re-animate the vacant 75,000 square-foot lot at 335 Yonge St., which is the former site of the historic Empress Hotel, the victim of a 2011 arson. Running from November 28th to December 24th, "#localTOmrkt" will provide a modern contrast to the more historic and traditional ambiance found at the Distillery District Market. A heated tent will provide refuge for shoppers and pedestrians, as well as a collection of food trucks serving up trendy street eats.
Another new market for this year will be Toronto Market Co.'s Union Station Holiday Market, which will transform the historic Great Hall of Union Station into a pop-up shopping experience from December 1st to December 7th. Melissa Zuker, Toronto Market Co. co-founder and owner of Melissa Beth Designs, describes it as a, “culturally and creatively rich environment that helps local artisans and entrepreneurs succeed in Toronto,” adding that,“the location makes it the most convenient place to find unique holiday gifts and gives a level of exposure for small businesses that is hard to come by.” The Union Station Holiday Market is being supported by Shopify, OCAD, WagJag, WIND Mobile, Uber and Hope Neon Signs.
We look forward to checking out these Holiday Markets when they open in late November and early December. In the meantime, let us know what you think by using the comments section provided below.
