Magical event returns to the Distillery Historic District, November 24 to December 15

Magical event returns to the Distillery Historic District, November 24 to December 15

A seven hundred year old tradition has now officially, and permanently, made its way into Toronto’s calendar and cultural fabric. The Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market, put on by the Distillery Historic District, is on for a third year, November 24 to December 15. Organizers announced its program today and, based on it and last year’s event, it’s going to mean a whole lot of fun and magic for residents and tourists alike, from the very young to the elderly. The only prerequisites: an appreciation for open-air activities, a curiosity for Old World Christmas markets and an ability to walk on 

cobblestone.

“The Lowe’s Christmas Market is a not-to-be-missed event,” said Mathew Rosenblatt, one of the event’s creators. “In many ways it symbolizes what Toronto has to offer – intrigue, fun, beauty through art, community and seasonal celebrations of import to our residents.”

The event is free and expected to attract an estimated 200,000 visitors.

The Old World has rarely felt so new and exciting

For the past 700 years, Christmas Markets have dotted the landscape in Germany, Austria and other parts of Europe. Markets endear visitors with their artisanal products, Christmas decorations, entertainment, festive activities and ambience. Founded in 2010, the Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market captures the heritage and charm of these traditional European Christmas markets.

“On an ordinary day, the Distillery Historic District has a way of transporting visitors to another time and place,” said Rosenblatt. “During this two-week period, we’re able to offer visitors even more by allowing them to rediscover the magic of Christmas and to experience the grandeur, sights and sounds of a traditional European Christmas Market, right here amidst the comforts of Toronto.”

With over 40 vendors, 18,000 lights, a 45-foot White Spruce tree donated by Trees Ontario and a wide variety of entertainment, the event features a little something for everyone. There is Santa’s Lane that features a fairytale forest maze, Santa’s House presented by Natrel Baboo, a children’s size gingerbread house and the elves’ workshop presented by Lowe’s. New this year is The South Pole presented by MasterCard’s Priceless Toronto, which offers a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, train and pony rides. With the help of sponsors and local merchants, the event also features complimentary gift wrapping, a full-site license with a variety of beer and mulled wine (Glühwein) gardens, specialty treats, handcrafted items, carolers, and much more. Live musical entertainment from celebrity performers will also take place each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at 7p.m.

For more information, visit www.torontochristmasmarket.com. Like the event on Facebook: www.facebook.com/torontochristmasmarket or follow developments on Twitter: @TOChristmasMkt.

About Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market

The Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market takes place at the Distillery Historic District in downtown Toronto from November 24 to December 15. The event, now in its third year, recreates the magic of traditional European Christmas markets that began in the early 1400s and features family-friendly entertainment, food and merchandise from around the world, outdoor heated beer and mulled wine gardens, and a 45-foot White Spruce Christmas tree decorated with over 18,000 lights.

About Lowe’s

Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world, serving approximately 15 million customers a week in its more than 1,700 stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico.  Lowe’s Companies Canada, ULC first opened Canadian stores in December 2007 and now operates 32 stores in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia with more than 4,500 employees company-wide.