Look no further! We’ve found the top markets and holiday experiences for the 2023 season. From fireside cocktails to hotel lounges, these spots are bringing it with the magic and Christmas cheer.
DISTILLERY WINTER VILLAGE: Catch us here every year mingling around the cobblestone walkways, mulled cider in hand. This is the most anticipated Christmas market of the year with people coming from all over to witness the stunning DIOR tree and take in the holiday vibes. You can also do some shopping for presents or grab a nice dinner at one of the restaurants. Try Cluny Bistro or the year-round patio at El Catrin!
HOLIDAY HILLS @ STACKT – Can you believe we’ve never made it to Stackt? This is a unique marketplace in Toronto where the shops are made out of shipping containers. The entire market will transform into a winter wonderland with immersive photo installations, beautiful holiday ambience, small business Christmas shopping, and community workshops and programs. There’s also a Ferris wheel, Toronto’s first outdoor wellness playground, a live music series on Fridays, a vendor market series on Saturday afternoons, and family fun on Sundays. Enjoy the 120 foot Tunnel of Lights and the 40 foot long Wish Wall. Try your hand at outdoor curling, food offerings (tacos and bao buns), holiday shopping pop-ups, and the Disco Mistletoe and Speakeasy Whiskey Bar. Holiday Hills takes place from mid-November to December 31st and it’s free to attend!
HOLIDAY BOTHY @ PARK HYATT – Brand new for 2023 and hardcore on our radar! Inspired by rustic cabins in Europe, Park Hyatt’s Holiday Bothy will whisk you away on a multi-sensory festive experience for the holidays.
A “bothy” is a cabin in remote mountains of Europe to provide shelter for hikers and adventurers. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails inspired by the holiday season, with a food menu to match. This is one of the most hyped Toronto Christmas cocktail bars this year.
Visit Holiday Bothy at the Park from Thursday to Sunday, starting at the end of November through to January 1st. The hours are Thursday and Friday from 4pm to 12am, Saturday from 12pm to 12am, and Sunday from 12pm to 10pm.
We plan to get here at least twice before Christmas.
THIRSTY ELF AT FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK – We wanted to love this. We really did. We heard this place is like sitting inside of a Christmas present! We came on the night of the tree lighting ceremony unsure what to expect. We showed up to a 2 hour long line to be seated at one of 5 tables. It is very small and to be honest – not worth it in our opinion. Even though the line is inside the hotel – we would never try to go again. See our post about Clockwork – a much more ritzy lobby bar at the Fairmont that feels just as magical!
NORDIC BY BARCHEF – We had to give up our reservations here and we are unwell about it! Get it – because it is hosted at the insanely cool new community resident and retail concept – The Well! Hosted as Barchef’s winter pop-up, Nordic delivers a signature transportive experience. Grab a seat in the yurt or cozy up fireside with friends. You won’t want to miss this!
MIRACLE ON BLOOR – This is the most reliable yearly Christmas experience! Here you’ll find Christmas wrapping paper adorning the walls, twinkling lights and decorations everywhere, and holiday boozy beverages. The line moves pretty quickly and you’ll know why when you get in and look at the cocktail menu. They’re sweet and definitely a treat! Overall it is a fun stop after doing your Christmas shopping or to gather with your friends to celebrate!
CASA LOMA CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE & HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR – If Casa Loma does anything right, it’s nailing the elevated holiday experiences. And if it’s anything like Legends of Horror – the details will blow your mind. They’re offering two exciting experiences that you can check out here.
Which one of these Christmas experiences are you visiting this holiday season? Tell us below!
