Fast Facts
The Impact of The Distillery Winter Village
Visitor Growth & Reach
- Expected to welcome over one million visitors this year
- Generates over 2 billion media impressions worldwide annually
- Consistently ranked among the top Christmas/holiday festivals in the world:
- CNN Travel (2022 - 2024) – “The Best Christmas Markets Around the World”
- Stern Magazine (2024) – “12 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets Outside Germany”
Community & Employment
- Employs 700+ seasonal workers, many youth and from underrepresented groups
- Provides daily meals to staff
- Raises $45,000 annually for local charity partners
- Revenue helps fund cultural programming and local artists in the Distillery District year-round
Cultural Footprint
Began in 2010 as Toronto’s first European-style Christmas Market
Now in its 16th year (and sixth as The Distillery Winter Village)
Has become a global holiday destination attracting visitors from dozens of countries around the world.
Business & Retail Impact
- The Distillery Winter Village is vital to the success of the 85+ year-round businesses that call The Distillery District home.
- Nearly 93% of permanent shops and businesses are Canadian-owned, with approximately 30% of products made on-site.
- Supporting local is part of The Distillery’s DNA - it’s been happening here since 1832.
- This year’s Winter Village will feature more than 40 seasonal vendors, adding to the mix of independent retailers, restaurants, and cultural spaces.
Economic Impact
- $250 million contributed to Toronto’s economy by visitors from outside the city (Ontario Ministry of Tourism TREIM model, 2023)
- Total contribution to tax revenue for Ontario: $50+ million (2023)