Bringing the Heat in a City That Refuses to Stay Warm
Maddie Layton, Staff Writer
Toronto is known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere, with plenty of things to do year-round. During the holidays, the city comes alive with many festive events which makes it one of the best times to explore. If you’re looking for something exciting to experience this winter, here are some of the best annual winter pop-ups in Toronto.
One of the most well-known and fun pop-ups to go to is the Winter Village at the Distillery District. The main highlight of the village is the stunning 55-foot-tall Christmas tree, designed by Christian Dior Parfum, which stands 25 feet wide. The tree makes a perfect backdrop for holiday photos and for visitors’ holiday Instagram posts. The Distillery District also offers plenty more opportunities for photos, such as with Santa, the North Pole post, snow people, and more. In addition, there are unique holiday themed shops to explore which makes it a festive must-visit location.
Holiday Hills is an awesome and free holiday pop-up. Visitors can take a stroll through a 100-foot light tunnel with more than a 100 local venders. After dark, the fun continues for those 19 and over in the form of late-night snacks, a speakeasy whiskey bar, and a captivating light display. It’s a fun family-friendly experience that transforms into an adult-only fun after dark.
Some of the best things to do in Toronto during Christmas and the Holidays are enjoying the themed bars. Papi Chulo’s hosts Mistletoes & Margaritas and Miracle Toronto hosts a Christmas-themed cocktail bar. Both bars are a must-visit during the holidays. These two venues are decked out with hundreds of lights and holiday decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. The bars also serve a wide variety of holiday-inspired drinks. Be sure to arrive early, as both bars tend to have long lines and do not accept reservations.
If you enjoy thrifting and unique finds, then the Hogtown Flea Holiday Market held at the Distillery District restaurant and breweries is where to go. Taking place on December 14th and 15th, this market features vintage clothing, accessories, and locally crafted items which makes it the perfect spot to find one-of-a-kind gifts for the holiday season.
Finally, if you’re in the Distillery District, don’t miss the Illuminarium’s Winterland experience. This immersive holiday show features stunning light projections set to Christmas music while showcasing the northern lights, the North Pole, and other enchanting Christmas-themed visuals. It’s a magical, one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you in disbelief.
Whether you’re looking to shop, drink, eat, take photos or just do something today, Toronto’s winter pop-ups offer something for everyone. So, if you need a break from studying for exams or just want to get into the holiday spirit, go check out these limited-time events before they’re gone!
Photo Credit: Emily Tung
