The Toronto Christmas Market has rebranded into the “Distillery Winter Village” in an attempt to move away from the traditional festive celebration.
“The Toronto Christmas market will not operate in 2021. The Distillery District will be holding a separate winter event called the Winter village,” a statement on the market’s website states.
The website also notes that Creative Director Mathew Rosenblatt, who has planned past markets, will not be involved with the new event.
According to the event’s new website, the “Winter Village” will concentrate more on providing a shopping and dining experience instead of the original trappings associated with Christmas.
“The Distillery Winter Village is an intimate, picture-perfect holiday experience, where friends and family gather to explore the rich history of The Distillery District, take-in the timeless romance of the holidays, and enjoy a curated selection of Toronto’s finest craftspeople, local shops, restaurants and cafes,” the website describes.
Despite the change, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place at the start of the festival on Nov. 18.
The event will also feature live entertainment including Christmas carolers.
Attendees will be required to purchase tickets and present a vaccination certificate upon entry.
Other attractions include a Santa photo booth and various winter-themed photo walls.
