If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll remember that last December I wrote about the wonderful Christmas markets in Europe and how I’d love to visit them someday. But we’re lucky to have our own Christmas market in Toronto. It doesn’t have the history of the European markets but, only two years in, it’s one of my favourite things to do in December. This market features everything you’d want in an old-fashioned Christmas – an enormous tree, choirs singing Christmas carols, and several small streets lined with stalls featuring gifts and food from around the world.
I visited on one of the few cold days we’ve had this winter, but the hot apple cider kept me warm. (Another time, a visit to the Beer Gardens might do the same.) Artisan cheese, poutine and Oktoberfest sausage were just a few of the many delicious food items for sale.
The stalls were adorable with a great choice of gifts and personal items. I loved the carved wooden ornaments and fabric decorations. Another stall sold beautiful Christmas greenery, any of which I’d have gladly brought home. I couldn’t resist the soft wool mittens made from old sweaters, and they’ve kept me warm ever since.
I visited last week when my friend’s daughter was singing with her choir. These super-talented teenagers gave a short but brilliant performance of Christmas music. Their lovely voices brought shoppers from all directions to hear their Christmas message: "Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy".
30 comments:
Oh, I would love to visit this market. It sounds perfectly lovely.
I'm jealous! :) This is the sort of thing I love to do ... wish we had one here.
I haven't commented in a while, but I've been lurking ... you've been busy!
Looking at the photos, especially the marketplace with its stalls, they do have a European flair. What a beautiful place to explore and spend a little holiday time.
I've never heard of a Christmas market but it sounds like so much fun and all of the photos look so festive! :)
What a super place, so festive and fun!
What fun, Beth, and such a lovely way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Loved the photo of the greens AND the super square wreath. Lovely.
What lovely wreaths (and delicious-sounding food)!A setting like this is enough to put even the Grinchiest of people in the holiday spirit. :D
Now that sounds like a real holiday! It's too warm here to feel like it.
Such a lovely outing! That greenery looks amazing...I want to deck the halls and more with their offerings :)
wow all look amazing and beauty, what nice pictures:)
Confession: When I go to these sorts of markets, I end up eating the food and not buying anything.
Those wreaths look lovely though - I've been trying to find a nice winter-y (and not Christmas-y) wreath for the last two months to no avail. Boxwood is seeming promising though.
Oh I would love to go to this market. Beautiful photos!
Fun! I like the look of that market as opposed to the German open air one we have in Chicago. Then again, it could be that I've seen the Chicago one for several years on end.
Hi Beth-thank you for your kind comment! I noticed on your header post, you also present a beautiful huge Christmas tree...as do I!
Thanks for sharing your great photos of your town, and the celebrations. Those teenagers are sure to give everyone the "holiday spirit", and joy!
I am now following your blog, hope you will follow, as well!
wonderful pictures.
Sounds like so much fun! Love the pictures of the huge Christmas tree!
Oh, how wonderful! I would love to go to Europe any time of the year, but the Christmas markets sound so special. It looks like Toronto's market is quite fun (mmm, poutine)!
Gorgeous photos, you are very lucky!
That looks wonderful! I really like the display of greenery.
The market sings the season - with joy. At our recent visit to the Sprawl of America we stopped to listen to the middle school bands that filled the rotunda with such sweet music. We paused and I got teary-eyed with the flute solos - my daughter's instrument. And remembered. Looking at those sweet young ones singing - just made me feel all warm inside.
Looks like it was a fun day. I love this time of year with all the festivities. Your photos are beautiful. I hope you and your family have a very Happy Holiday!
These sound wonderful. I love Toronto at Christmas-time. We were there for New Years about 10 years ago and had a great time. Would have loved to stroll around this market!
This looks like so much fun. I wish we had something like that here.
I am so impressed with this Toronto Market; I am keeping this for a little trip to Toronto next year.
Rita
I would LOVE to go to a European Christmas market but your toronto one sounds love as well! how great that your daughter sang with her choir at it! Must have been a lovely experience.
This market looks so lovely. I love the idea of shopping while a choir is singing. We have lots of Christmas markets here in the UK, many of which provide a variety of great craft stalls and delicious foods. Lovely pictures.
Gosh Beth, they are such gorgeous markets, no wonder you wanted to go to them! Truly got that Christmas feeling when I read this.
What a lovely experience. I wish we had something like this here.
Have a wonderful Christmas, Beth!
Looks like a great market! I would love to do some shopping there.
I am not sure what I like better, the desserts or the people photos.
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