Toronto's Christmas Market Is Hiking Ticket Prices This Year To Prevent Overcrowding
The Toronto Christmas Market is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and everyone is eagerly anticipating the opening on November 14. However, it has been reported that the price will be doubling on weekends this year as a way to deal with overcrowding. Toronto Christmas Market prices will go up to $12 at the door from $6 last year, but remain free throughout the week. The organizers of everyone's favourite Christmas destination said in a press release that this year's market will be "the most magical yet." However, they are trying to space out the traffic more because of overcrowding and parking issues. Newstalk 1010 reports that 625,000 to 650,000 people attend the Christmas Market every year. About 60% of attendees come on the weekend, according to organizer Mathew Rosenblatt. "There's a lot of traffic backup, pedestrians all over the street outside of the Distillery and we want to do a better job managing that," he told Newstalk 1010.The price will be $8 for advance tickets and $12 at the door. Visitors can also pay a premium $30 ticket to skip the lines. Free admission will be granted on the first two opening weekends to anyone who brings cans of food to be donated to the Daily Bread Food Bank.
CTV News Toronto reports that a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales are donated to charities such as the Daily Bread Food Bank, Plan Canada, the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund, and the Yonge Street Mission. There are also some upgrades and improvements in store this year. "The 2019 Toronto Christmas Market will include the return of the iconic Ferris wheel, enhancements to the dramatic 100-foot light tunnel, unique shopping experiences, more holiday-inspired foods, warm beverages and seasonal spirits, and the installation of a Christmas tree which has been donated by Forests Ontario," says the news release. "The majestic tree will stand more than 50-feet above the Market."
Expect to see nearly 500 performers including carolers, choirs, dancers, musicians, holiday elves, and Santa himself.They are also implementing a new traffic plan this year, which will be fully released on November 1, according to their website. Enhanced transit, a formal passenger drop-off zone, designated event parking areas, and restricted traffic and parking zones are included as part of the strategy.
The Toronto Christmas Market is open Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday), from November 14 to December 22, 2019. It does not operate on Mondays.
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