The Christmas Market is open at Toronto’s Distillery District. With a carousel, huge Christmas Tree and even a Beirgarden, this is the place to celebrate a traditional Christmas in Toronto.
We showed up first thing this morning; the Christmas Market opens at 10 am each day from December 2nd to the 18th. However even though the Christmas Market was open to the public very few stands and attractions were actually open for business.
I overheard one of the girls who was working there when asked by another patron about the booths and she said most are open by 11:30 am. This is consistent with the stores at the Distillery which also don’t open until 11 through the week.
Most of the people wandering around in the morning were in fact parents with small children. However Santa isn’t there through the week until 2pm. Which for most infants, toddlers and preschoolers is nap time. Maybe I have figured out why so many children are crying in their annual photo with Santa!
But if you are looking for a place to get your photo taken with Santa he is here through the week starting at 2pm and on the weekends at 10 am. On the weekends there are even Reindeer!
Even though all the kids activities were closed, my daughter had a great time running around chasing birds, running through the maze in front of Santa’s house and playing in the Gingerbread House.
We plan on heading back this weekend when more of the kids activities are open. I would love to go in the evening to experience the Christmas Market at its peak, full of people and an open Beirgarden, but its unlikely to happen with a 2 month old!
Have you been to Toronto’s Christmas Market yet?
melanie
Wednesday 7th of December 2011
Thanks for the tips, I was thinking of taking my 3 year old there this week. 2pm IS a hard time for Santa. Perhaps we'll wait for the weekend just like EVERYONE else ! ;)
ja4marti
Wednesday 7th of December 2011
Yes I wonder if people who plan Santa appearances actually have children sometimes, but I digress. We will be heading there on the weekend - first thing hopefully to avoid some lineups!!