Distillery District Christmas Market (My Review)

Christmas is coming quick and I find the malls sap my strength and take away my Christmas cheer. However, the Distillery District's annual Christmas Market always puts me in a cheerful mood and in the holiday spirit.  To my knowledge there is nothing like this in the GTA and per a friend it is similar to what one could experience in a town in Germany. We suggest going with friends to share in the merriment and we have gone the last few years without any real complaint.

Distillery District Christmas Market

There is ample shopping with some thoughtful stocking 'stuffer' type gifts from numerous vendors.  Also, many of places to get something tasty such as Oktoberfest sausage, poutine, chocolates and other baked goods.  However, I would not suggest Veal Schnitzel on a bun as it was too thin and lacked a decent bun.

Biergarten Fun

There is also multiple biergartens where you can sit next to a fire and enjoy a beverage.  I personally like hot apple cider, but my friends are big fan of the mulled wine.  Also, various liquor companies were advertising there products and providing cocktail samples.  My two favourites were:

Tasty Cocktail Recipes

My Favourite Things at the Market:

• Brick Street Bakery - Lots of tasty baked goods and treats.  Personally I love there Eccles Cakes and the Olive Loaf.  A great place to get a snack or a loaf of bread.

Eccles Cake (Per Wikipedia)

• The overall ambiance created by the lights, big Christmas tree, and the smell of burning wood.

The Big Christmas Tree

• Soma Chocolate Maker - This store has all sorts of gourmet chocolate treats and is great place to warm up with a Mayan Hot Chocolate.
• Really I can't complain about free samples of booze.

Key Facts:

Runs from Friday Nov 29 to Sunday Dec 15, 2013

Hours:  Monday to Friday - Noon to 9:00 PM
            Saturday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

For more details see the official website: http://www.torontochristmasmarket.com/

The Address: Google Map of Distillery District

Tips for Enjoying the Market:

• Take the TTC (King Street Car #504 East to Parliament St stop.  Walk 2 Blocks south.  Parking is difficult to find and traffic is terrible in this neighborhood.
• Get to the market earlier in the day on the weekend as it gets very crowded.  Or go on a weeknight.
• Check out the events schedule to see one of the many great free performances at the stage adjacent to the big Christmas tree.
• Dress warmly and wear clothes that you don't mind smelling like a camp fire.  They have many cauldrons to keep 
• Leave the dog at home.  Although they are allowed outside, they will just be underfoot.
• Don't be a Scrooge and try buying the food and supporting the local vendors.

Have you been to the Market? Have a favourite thing or tip?  Please share them below.