Toronto Christmas Market fun

The Toronto Xmas Market takes place at the Distillery District.

Toronto's Distillery District glows each December with the lights and flavours of a European-style Christmas Market.  From traditional German sausage and schnitzel to Canadian favorites like pure maple taffy and poutine, there's lots to munch on as you stroll the brick-paved lanes and duck into the shops.
This year the atmosphere is even more convivial as the Market's liquor license is extended every Friday to Sunday to allow people to wander around with a glass of mulled wine, hot toddy or beer in hand.  Who would be up for lounging around an outdoor beer garden in December? we wondered.  Everybody, it seems, when most of the patios have hand-warming heaters!

Mill Street Brewery has won many awards for its handcrafted beers and ales.

The market is worth attending twice: once during the day when it's easier to access shops and admire the funky Victorian-era industrial architecture, then on a weekend evening to enjoy the lights, crowds and outdoor winter drinking culture.  If your tolerance for cold is limited, I recommend giving the Fair a once over as you head to a performance at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts or settle in for some live jazz at the Fermenting Cellar.  If you're the hardy type, just ask your friends to meet you at the clock and take it from there.  The 2012 market is on until Sunday, December 18.  Merry Christmas, with love, from Toronto.

Stalls sell everything from crafts to snacks.

There's a carousel, Ferris Wheel and more for kids.

Links:
Toronto Christmas Market
Distillery Historical District, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Get a fair map from the info booth near the clock.