You can’t put a price on Christmas
But if you could it’d be five bucks,
The Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District will begin charging $5 for admission on weekends this year in an effort to curb the massive crowds that hampered visi- tors’ enjoyment in 2014.
Net profits from ticket sales will be distributed between the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund, Daily Bread Food Bank, and international aid agency Plan Canada. Proceeds may also be used to invest in the market’s infrastructure.
“The Toronto Christmas market became a victim of its own success in 2014, with close to half a million visi- tors attending the festival over its 21-day duration,” said Matthew Rosenblatt, executive producer of the market. “The mission of the event is to create an unforgettable experience filled with magic and romance, and we cannot deliver on that goal if visitors cannot walk around freely and unencumbered.”
The market hopes to “bring back the magic and romance that was sometimes lost” by encouraging more people to visit Tuesday through Friday, when entry is free. The shops will remain open on Mondays, although the market itself will be closed. The sixth annual not-forprofit festival in the Distillery District will last seven days longer than last year. Beginning on Nov. 20, it runs until Dec. 20.
A 50-foot white spruce tree will be decorated with 18,000 lights in time for the opening ceremony on Nov. 20 at 6:05 p.m.
Activities taking place at this year’s event include Santa’s house, a snowman sculpture exhibit, a caroling challenge and more.
Full lists of the musical acts, beer gardens and vendors appearing at the market this year are available online.