Like its previous incarnations, this year’s Christmas Market in the Distillery District succeeds in transporting visitors to a bygone era, with Christmas cheer engulfing the neighbourhood’s nostalgic brick buildings and cobblestone pathways. Between the crowds and shops, carolers fill the streets with song, working seamlessly with the lights and décor to provide a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience.
One of the most interesting features of the month-long event is the musical acts that have been added to the schedule. From Tuesday to Sunday, bands and acts will perform on the main stage, each day assigned a different genre of music. Most notable is Saturday, with a pop and rock focus that showcases emerging local artists in the afternoon and featured artists in the evening.
While the artists are not necessarily big names, the fact that the majority of them are local Canadian talent makes each performance an intimate experience.
Spencer Mackenzie, a prodigious blues guitarist; Melina Melle, an 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Belleville; and Avery Raquel, an up-and-coming soul singer, lead the youthful musical talent on display this year. These artists will perform at the final three Saturday shows.
Combined with various Toronto-based choirs, acappella groups, and jazz ensembles, the Christmas Market has something for everyone’s musical tastes.
Family-friendly attractions, such as the Ferris wheel, carousel, and Santa House, are also open for holiday cheer. For more mature audiences, the beer gardens serve varieties of craft beers, mulled wines, and Christmas cocktails.
Be sure to check out the Heart of Christmas, the perfect photo-op, and this year’s unbelievably large Christmas tree, donated by Forests Ontario and Ontario Wood.
The Christmas Market in the Distillery District ends December 23.
