COVID-19 crushes annual Toronto Christmas Market at the historic Distillery District

The Toronto Christmas Market at 55 Mill Street is one of the biggest holiday draws, with more than 700,000 people attending the market annually. The market typically runs for six weeks leading up to the holiday season. This year, the market is cancelled due to COVID-19.

“Given the pandemic and the number of patrons who attend this event, we regret to advise that, for the first time in 11 years, The Toronto Christmas Market will be cancelled, as the crowds are just too large for safe physical distancing,” spokesperson Samantha Lem wrote in a recent press release.

The Distillery Historic District will stay open this year, however. A festive “winter village” atmosphere, music, a “grand Christmas tree,” and “starry light canopies” will fill the district from November until the end of March.

The news comes after Premier Doug Ford announced that indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people, and no more than 25 people can attend outdoor gatherings. Shops, restaurants, and other merchants will be open for business as usual during the holiday season.

The Distillery Historic District shops are currently open with Covid-19 measures, including hand sanitizing stations, regular cleaning of shared surfaces, and reminders to remain physically distanced. Curbside pickup is also available through the main website.

The annual Christmas Market includes distillery walking tours, live entertainment, vendors, music, amusement park rides, and other attractions with proceeds from the Christmas Market going towards numerous local charities.

The Distillery’s Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas markets in Toronto, It was established in 2010 when investors created the holiday atmosphere to boost visits to the district — this would have been the market’s 11th year. Additional details about the new winter village to surface in the coming weeks.

Article exclusive to STREETS OF TORONTO