he Toronto Christmas Market, rated one of the top 10 holiday markets in the world, returns to the Distillery Historic District this season.

Inspired by European Christmas markets around the globe, thousands of people visit each year to take in the sights (that tree!) shop, eat and drink.

The almost 10 foot tall Countdown to Christmas Clock – a new addition this year - and the 52-foot white spruce tree decorated with more than 18,000 lights and ornaments, make an arresting sight near the entrance.

his year’s market, taking place from November 18 to December 22, will feature beer gardens, lounges, food stands and wine stops.

Shop stores and vendors for everything from artisan Christmasornaments to Canadian-Made fleece clothing.

Purchase traditional German Christmas baked goods including such as shortbread, hutzelbrot (fruit and nut bread), spitzkuchen (chocolate gingerbread) and stollen (traditional bread). Dig into Dutch delicacies, such as Windmill cookies and Authentic Liège-style Belgian waffles with an array of decadent toppings.

Looking for something savoury? Tuck into Classic Quebec poutine with melted cheese curds and dark chicken gravy. Bite into a Käse-Sandwich (grilled cheese on artisan bread available in  classic,  Christmas Dinner, and Mexican varieties) and Wienerschnitzel Sandwich, a Vienna-style veal schnitzel topped with sautéed peppers and served on a warm pretzel bun.

Winter sippers are in abundance this year. Warm up with Glüehwein, German-style mulled wine, at the Pure Spirits Gluehwein Terrace. Stop by the El Catrin Winter Lounge for Sleeman Spiced Ale on tap, available exclusively to the market.

Head to the Holiday Spirits Square, located on the Archeo Patio, for samples of European Brandies, Dujardin VSOP and Marquis de Villard VSOP. There’s also Calvados Boulard Apple Brandy, Amarula Cream Liqueur and Tia Maria Liqueur, to keep you warm.

There’s also the Mill Street Beer Garden, Moosehead Lounge, and "Wines of the World" Holiday Lounge presented by Peter Mielzynski Agencies.

A host of activities also await you, including pet photos with Santa, and entertainment made especially for the kids –a life-sized gingerbread house, ferris wheel and carousel, and Santa’s house.

Admission is free of charge on weekdays, with a $6 (incl. HST) admission fee on weekends, starting at 5pm on Fridays. The Market is not open on Mondays, but the shops and restaurants of the Distillery Historic District remain open seven days a week.

For more info and to purchase tickets, visit the Toronto Christmas Market.