Diversity is front and centre at this year’s annual Toronto Christmas Market.
The popular event, entering its seventh year, takes place at the Distillery Historic District between November 18 and December 22.
“We know that our visitors span from local to global, so it is important that our performers be diverse,” Matthew Rosenblatt, Executive Producer of the Market, said in a news release. “There is something new to experience every year at the market and we are proud to showcase the talents of First Nations, LGBT and Swedish communities, to name a few.”
A few of the performers new for this year include double-lung transplant recipient Alex Pangman, a local LGBTQ choir called Singing Out Choir and a Mohawk singer-songwriter, Logan Staats.
There will be three headlining acts featured at the tree lighting ceremony, which takes place on opening night, November 18, at 6 p.m. The ceremony will feature the Toronto Children’s Chorus, Juno Award winning gospel ensemble Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale and Lady Be Good, a local jazz act.
One of the new features of this year’s event is having a Santa that knows sign language. On Dec. 7, in honour of Deaf Association Day, children with hearing impairments can visit Santa at the market and converse with him in sign language.
Because of the market’s immense popularity and large crowds, festival organizers have announced an express pass costing $20 a person, which allows ticket holders to bypass any entry lineup into the festival.
The price of admission has gone up from last year to $6 beginning at 5 p.m. on Fridays. However, the market is free of charge on weekdays.
Admission will also be free on opening night, November 18.
The entrance fees for the market, a not-for-profit organization, will go towards helping to grow the festival and support three charities. The proceeds will go towards the Daily Bread Food Bank, Plan International Canada and the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund.
