The countdown to the holidays is on and there are plenty of festivities popping up across the city to get Torontonians in the spirit.
Whether you’re after a glass of mulled wine, prefer to shop around for the perfect last-minute gift, or just need a reason to wear your ugly Christmas sweater once more, here are four holiday-themed cocktail pop-ups taking place across the city that are worth a visit.
The Distillery Winter Village
Formerly known as the Toronto Christmas Market, this year’s festivities in Toronto’s historic Distillery District will open to the public on Nov. 17 with the annual tree lighting ceremony taking place at 6 p.m. The stunning 50-foot tall white spruce Christmas tree is designed by Dior. In addition to the more than 65 local merchants, restaurants and cafés, this year, you”ll be able to shop from eight curated vendor cabins, plus 12 food cabins featuring an array of savoury and sweet flavours. Also new this year is an interactive Gingerbread person hunt as well as buskers, carolers, and other entertainment running from now until Dec 23. The Distillery Winter Village outdoor shopping and food cabins are open Tuesdays to Sundays from noon to close. Tickets are required on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 4 pm and Dec. 27-31 after 4 p.m. Tickets are $11 and kids nine and under get in for free!
For more information on The Distillery Winter Village, click here.
Miracle on Bloor
First popping up on the scene in 2018, Miracle on Bloor will be making its way to 875 Bloor St. W. on Nov. 18, this time with kitschy holiday décor and cocktails by the team at Civil Liberties. Dig out your ugliest Christmas sweater and get ready to indulge in some serious holiday-themed bevvies like the snowball old-fashioned made with rye and gingerbread and Grandma got Run Over by a T-Rex infused with vodka and a spiced pomegranate and grapefruit mix.  Once again, $1 of every drink sold at Miracle on Bloor, will be donated to Nellie’s Shelter, an organization providing shelter, education, and advocacy for women and children in the GTA.Â
You can pop by Miracle on Bloor seven days a week from Nov. 18 until Dec. 31, Monday to Friday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.
For more information, click here.
The Thirsty Elf
The Fairmont Royal York knows a thing or two about getting into the holiday spirit—in fact, festivities have been carried out at 100 Front St. W. for more than 92 years. Back in Dec. 2019, the hotel’s executive sous chef was behind a two-story pop-up gingerbread house built from 5,000 real gingerbread cookie bricks! This year, the magic is back at the Fairmont, with the arrival of holiday-themed pop-up, The Thirsty Elf. From Nov. 16 until Dec. 17, dig out your merriest Christmas sweater and enjoy festive cocktails, kitschy decor, and plenty of holiday jingles.
The Thirsty Elf takes place from 5 to 11:00 p.m., Thursday through Saturday at the MM-level of Fairmont Royal York. Guests must be 19+ to enter.
For more information, click here.
Project Gigglewater
Your friendly neighbourhood cocktail bar is getting a holiday makeover! On November 22 Dundas West outpost Project Gigglewater will transform into a Chirstmassy wonderland. On the menu will be a selection of festive treats and holiday-themed cocktails, sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!
Project Gigglewater holiday bar takes place from Nov. 22 to until Dec 31. For more information click here