In depth · Christmas & New Year
Christmas in Toronto: the Distillery Winter Village, skating at City Hall and tea at the Royal York
Christmas in Toronto comes with the first cold: the Victorian streets of the Distillery strung with lights, skaters under the arches at City Hall, makers’ stalls and festive tea in the grand railway hotel.
Updated November 2026
The Distillery Winter Village
The Distillery Winter Village fills the brick lanes of the old Gooderham & Worts distillery from 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027: holiday photo opportunities, artisan vendors, seasonal food and drink, and entertainment, in its own words. Tickets go on sale on its site and are needed at certain times; go on a weekday evening.
The One of a Kind Christmas Show
The One of a Kind Christmas Show, the flagship event for craft and its makers in its own words, runs from 27 November to 6 December 2026: the place to buy Canadian-made gifts.
Skating at City Hall
In winter the square in front of City Hall becomes an outdoor rink beneath its arches (City of Toronto); the Bentway runs a skating trail under the expressway.
Festive tea at the Royal York
The Fairmont Royal York serves festive afternoon tea in Clockwork through the holiday season (the hotel’s site); book ahead.
Afternoon tea at the Royal York
The holidays
Christmas Day (Friday 25 December 2026), Boxing Day (Saturday 26 December) and New Year’s Day (Friday 1 January 2027) are public holidays in Ontario; many shops and restaurants close or change their hours.
Our advice: dress for the cold, and book festive tea and the Winter Village before December.
Questions and answers
When is the Distillery Winter Village 2026?
From 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 (its site).