Buffalo Swifties visit Toronto’s Winter Village

Toronto’s Distillery Winter Village has returned, bringing its unique charm, sparkling lights, and festive spirit to the city.

Running daily until Jan. 5, this event invites visitors to walk under twinkling lights, meet Santa, and admire a stunning 55-foot silver fir tree designed by Christian Dior.

Known for a variety of food, drinks, and holiday cheer, the market has already won the hearts of both locals and visitors during its opening week.

This year, the excitement surrounding the Winter Village coincides with another major occasion in Toronto: the arrival of Taylor Swift and fans for her widely anticipated shows.

Among these Swifties were Christy and Jillian from Boston, who stopped by the market just hours before their flight home.

“We had three hours to kill before our flight tonight,” Christy says. “I googled things to do in Toronto, and this came up. It was very fun, very friendly, very cozy and cute.”

The two took part in a Taylor Swift-themed scavenger hunt, a special part of this year’s market that is only available until November 24—the day of Taylor Swift’s final show in Toronto.

“They had seven different spots, each with a QR code. You’d scan it, and it gave you a clue to the next spot,” Jillian says. 

While the scavenger hunt promised friendship bracelets as a prize, demand was so high that supplies ran out. 

“Swifty’s are psychotic,” Jillian laughs,. “They already got through all of them. They have somebody working somewhere to make more right now.”

Despite not being able to get the promised friendship bracelets because of the high demand, they appreciated the event’s thoughtful idea.

For Christy and Jillian, the Winter Village was unique for its friendly atmosphere and simple layout.

“Everything was super interactive,” Jillian says. “There was always a place to sit down, warm drinks, fire pits — it’s a good balance of everything. You can see things, experience activities, or just grab a drink and some food.”

Compared to comparable markets back home, they both felt that the Toronto market exceeded their expectations.

“We have something like this in Boston, but it’s not as festive or inviting,” Christy says. “This gave you reasons to go into the stores.”

Among their highlights were the spiked beverages and friendly staff. 

“I had the Spiked Cider, and then the Spiked Hot Chocolate at Rudolph’s Tipple at Clooney’s,” Christy says. “Like, the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had. And it was alcoholic.”

“The staff at Clooney’s were delightful. They chatted us up and were honestly just sweet and cute,” Jillian adds.

While Christy and Jillian admit the Toronto cold might keep them from returning soon, they both agreed the Distillery Winter Village was worth the visit.

“If I lived in Toronto, I’d be here every day,” Jillian says.