So I quietly mentioned last week that a friend generously invited me to join her on a dreamy, whirlwind adventure, spending two inspired days exploring the Scandanavian city of Copenhagen. Truth is, I’m still pinching myself.

The number one thing on our “to-do” list while in Copenhagen was to get to The Tivoli Christmas Market. I promise to share more about that amazingly Christmas-y experience in the days leading up to the 25th. I’m really not being a tease. I mention all of this now because I am SO excited about our very own Christmas Market happening at The Historic Distillery District. Having just been to one of the premiere Christmas Markets in Europe, I can say with all sincerity that The Toronto Christmas Market is oozing with the same kind of charm, ambiance and Christmas spirit you would experience in Europe, and it’s all right here in your own {Toronto} backyard!

The Distillery District is a National Historic Site, home to the largest collection of Victorian Industrial Architecture in North America. The cobblestone streets have a way of transporting you into another place and time, and the gorgeous, early 19th-century-style strings of lights that are hanging between the buildings add to the magical mood of this place and event.

Just as in Copenhagen, the streets are lined with sweet, gingerbread-style huts housing vendors of all kinds. Glühwein {or “Glogg” as they call it in Denmark} is a hot mulled red wine aperitif synonymous with outdoor European Christmas events. Its warming, fragrant goodness is available from various vendors throughout The Toronto Christmas Market, the perfect way to warm your hands and constitution as you wander.

 

That being said, it’s the fact that this is an open-air event that makes it so authentic to the European experience. While in Copenhagen, I was amazed to see literally hundreds of people riding bikes in the snow and subzero temperatures. In Europe, life is an adventure to be experienced, no matter what the weather is doing! No shopping malls to weaken one’s constitution! The Toronto Christmas Market is an authentic taste of that way of life, with lovely food vendors peppered throughout to help you recharge and make the whole experience that much sweeter.

With winter days shortening, you don’t have to stay out past your bedtime to experience the romance of the Distillery District all lit up for Christmas at night. I highly recommend planning your visit for late afternoon and into the evening so that you can experience the lights in all their twinkling glory. Like a blanket of glittering starry skies, they are clearly there to wish you the happiest of holidays.

The Toronto Christmas Market is open daily until December 16th. If you live in the Toronto area and have been struggling to find your Christmas spirit, this is the destination for you. Guaranteed to melt any grinchy heart.

Wishing you a warm and happy Tuesday, filled with the courage to adventure out into your life, no matter the weather.

xo
s.