What to know
- Torontonians are debating whether the Distillery Winter Village is worth the cost, citing long lines, cold waits and pricey food and drinks.
- Commenters are split: some say the market has become too expensive and lost its charm, while others argue the experience remains worth it, especially during free-entry hours.
- Admission is $15 during select peak periods between Nov. 21 and Jan. 4, with free entry at other times and for children nine and under.
- Organizers say ticket revenue funds more than 800 seasonal staff and covers operational costs, including security and paid duty officers.
Some Torontonians are questioning the admission prices at the Distillery District’s Winter Village, but the event says the funds help cover operating expenses to host the annual event.
Signaling that the end of the year is just around the corner, Toronto’s iconic Distillery Winter Village has just opened for another year, and held its highly-anticipated tree-lighting ceremony last week.
The event has become a favourite for locals and visitors since its opening in 2010, with holiday enthusiasts heading to the historic Distillery District in the city’s east end each year to enjoy its colourful display of lights and seasonal decor, artisanal shopping and pop-up eats.
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Nevertheless, some locals are wondering whether the winter wonderland is still worth the price. In a video on TikTok, one resident vented about issues with the event, which in his opinion make it not worth a visit.
“I feel like every year, people try to re-write history and say that it’s this magical hallmark moment that you can’t miss out on. When, realistically, it’s freezing cold, you’re standing in line for 45 minutes, maybe an hour,” he said.
“And God forbid you go there on a weekend, so they make you pay to go in, or you go in the evening and they also make you pay to go in. Then, you’re paying $15 for…lukewarm apple cider, and maybe $20 for some donuts.”
In the comments, some market-goers agreed with him, saying that the event has recently lost its charm and become too pricey, not only due to tickets but also food and beverages offered inside.
“Everyone normalizes these prices (saying it’s a fair price) when in reality it’s not worth paying $15 for a hot chocolate,” one person said.
“It used to be wonderful. Now, [it’s] awful, $45 for a sandwich the size of a thumb. It’s a huge ripoff,” another person said.
“One thing I will never pay for is a Christmas market,” a different person added.
Meanwhile, other users are also defending the market, with some saying the experience is still worth it for them, and others said they’ll just plan their visits for when it’s free.
“I’ve gone four times and still love it. [I] skipped last year because I went to New York City and [am] still excited to go again this year,” one user said.
“It also depends on who you go with! If someone doesn’t dress warm and just complains about the cold or just doesn’t wanna look and experience things with a child-like wonder, then don’t go please,” another person said.
“It’s a good time. [It’s] worth it to go for free, not pay,” a user added.
MARKET USING ADMISSION MONEY TO PAY FOR OPERATIONS
When it first opened 15 years ago, Distillery Winter Village did not charge visitors an admission fee, however it started charging an entry fee in recent years to cover operation costs.
This year, the market is charging a general admission price of $15 during certain dates and times, including:
- From Nov. 21 – 30, between Fridays and Sundays after 4 p.m.;
- From Dec. 1 – 10, between Thursdays and Sundays after 4 p.m.;
- From Dec. 11 – 31, everyday after 4 p.m.
However, every day before 4 p.m. and from Jan. 1–4, admission is free, and kids aged nine and under are always free to enter.
A spokesperson for the event told Now Toronto that ticket revenue is usually utilized to pay for event operating costs, including seasonal employees’ fees.
“Revenue from ticket sales go to pay the 800+ seasonal workers the event employs and event operating costs such as security and paid duty officers,” the spokesperson said in an email statement on Friday.
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