Bringing the charm and tradition of Europe to downtown Toronto, the Distillery District’s Toronto Christmas Market is back for a second year. Wooden stalls hawking both food and gifty items are dotted throughout the cobblestoned lanes, with a gigantic 45-foot Christmas tree — decorated with 18,000 dazzling lights — taking centre stage.
Keep your ears peeled for daily performances by choirs and carollers including the Candy Cane Carollers, the Toronto German School Choir and the Kungla Estonian Folk Dance Group – you’re bound to hear a rendition of “Stille Nacht”. Our suggestion? Do as the Europeans do: wrap yourself in your warmest fur (we suppose faux will do), drop the kids off at a workshop, and sip on some mulled wine ($6.00). Next year? We hope to see some lángos. Below are our favourite picks from the market.
Artisan grilled cheese
A gooey artisanal grilled cheese sandwich from Cheesewerks was just what we needed to stave off the evening chill. Owner Kevin Durkee’s drool-inducing version melds two Balderson cheddars — one aged two years and the other double-smoked — between slices of cracked peppercorn sourdough bread ($7). While their original sandwich is the only one on offer at the stall — Durkee jokingly calls it their version of the Big Mac — the restaurant itself officially opens later this month. We can’t wait to try the rest.
Reither’s Fine Food
We have a bit of a soft spot for Austria, and fell for everything this stall offered. Owner Peter Reither — a master butcher by trade — has been in business for 25 years. Our favourite picks include the marzipan “Kartoffeln” (a.k.a potatoes, $2.29), the cinnamon star, or “Zimtsterne,” cookies ($7.99), and, of course, Mozart Kugeln (from $4.49).
Glass ornaments
We’re crazy about the Inge-Glas ornaments at the Christmas on the Beach stall. Made by hand in Germany, these brightly coloured pieces possess a dash of tradition and a dollop of kitsch, and, placed in a bowl, would make a fantastic centrepiece for a table ($20).
Schnitzel sandwiches
Another popular pick was the German-style veal schnitzel sandwich, housed in a fluffy white bun and topped with Bavarian mustard ($5). We could barely snap a photo the line-up was so large!
Bushmen bracelets
These black and white bracelets made by the Xhoi San bushmen of Namibia instantly caught our eye. Spotted at the Angels Welcome stall, the bracelets showcase traditional patterns and are etched on recycled pipe, making for a stunning gift (from $12).
Leg lamps
Christmas movie lovers are bound to enjoy the goods offered at the Retro Festive stall. We loved the scantily clad leg lamps from A Christmas Story (from $19.99) and the creepier pieces from the Nightmare Before Christmas. Much to our dismay, no Kevin McCallister aftershave was for sale.
Sugar pies
Baked by a nun, these traditional Québécois pies found at A Taste of Quebec stall were so popular over the weekend that they completely sold out by Sunday ($25.50). When the owners tried to order some more, they were told the nun was busy praying and wouldn’t be able to bake. Since then they’ve managed to stock up, but we suggest getting yours during the week!
Chocolate-dipped bacon
This indulgent treat available at the Leonard Cake Company stall is for true bacon lovers only. A strip of double-smoked hickory bacon is dipped in milk chocolate, making for a gooey, messy, sweet and salty snack ($3).
Tin can ukulele
Made from, that’s right, tin cans, these fun and sturdy ukuleles were pioneered in the 1930s and will seemingly last a lifetime ($200). They make a great gift for someone with musical flair, but prepared yourself for the continuous onslaught of tunes.
Vanilla kipferl
These delightful little cookies originated in Austria, pairing vanilla with almonds for a melt-in-your-mouth result (4 bags for $20). Stickling’s has plenty of other baked goods to choose from – most are organic, so your Christmas gorging can be a little less wracked with guilt.
Amarula eggnog
Most people head straight for the mulled wine, but a seasonal alternative is a mix of the fruit liqueur with traditional eggnog ($6.95). When your shopping is all over and done with, grab one and head off to a fire pit to warm your toes.
Toronto Christmas Market, Distillery District, Dec. 2-18
