Behind the counters of Toronto Christmas Market

By Pooja Rambaran

Employees share how the Toronto Christmas Market affects their work schedule

As soon as you step onto the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District, you're transported into the magic of the Toronto Christmas Market. 

From Nov. 14 to Dec. 22, the Distillery District is transformed into the Toronto Christmas Market an annual Christmas celebration, where food, sweet treats and gifts are displayed and sold.

Visitors walking around the Christmas Market in Toronto’s Distillery District. (CanCulture/Pooja Rambaran)

Visitors walking around the Christmas Market in Toronto’s Distillery District. (CanCulture/Pooja Rambaran)

Beneath the rows of lights that hang above the cobblestone streets, visitors buzz by the line of food booths and stores, clutching their hot chocolates and baked goods, as Christmas songs resonate through the air. 

But behind the magic are the many employees who face longer and busier hours during this month long Christmas extravaganza. 

“It’s definitely much more intense than during the rest of the year,” said Robbie Hatch, sales associate at Vom Fass, an oil and vinegar store at the market. 

Inside Vom Fass in Distillery District with Robbie Hatch standing behind the counter. (CanCulture/Pooja Rambaran)

Inside Vom Fass in Distillery District with Robbie Hatch standing behind the counter. (CanCulture/Pooja Rambaran)

But while the energy is higher and there is more staff on duty, Hatch doesn’t see the sales you may expect at this busy time of the year. 

He notes that the Distillery District has become increasingly “Instagrammable”, with a large focus being placed on building it up as a whole experience for people to come, enjoy and take pictures. 

“I think that’s affected a lot of the stores here in terms of sales, maybe negatively but definitely differently because you don’t have a lot of people necessarily coming in to buy Christmas gifts,” Hatch said.  

“I think what happens is you have people who hang out in the streets, they try out all the vendors and they don’t really pay too much attention to the stores.”

A glimpse of the Christmas tree at the Toronto Christmas Market. (CanCulture/Pooja Rambaran)

A glimpse of the Christmas tree at the Toronto Christmas Market. (CanCulture/Pooja Rambaran)

But the unmatched vibrancy and festivity keeps Hatch coming back to work seasonally, every Christmas.

“You have four or five [marriage] proposals a day right outside the Christmas tree. I’m probably in the background of so many selfies,” Hatch said. 

Over at the Tankhouse General boutique, sales associate Iyanna Croxen works two hours later around this time of the year. 

“It’s challenging if I’m working by myself and a lot of people come in at once, especially since we have two levels,” Croxen said. 

Inside Tankhouse General. (CanCulture/Pooja Rambaran)

Inside Tankhouse General. (CanCulture/Pooja Rambaran)

But Croxen says helping people find the perfect gift for the holidays is the most rewarding part of it all. 

“We’re definitely getting more sales,” Croxen said. “The Christmas Market definitely brings in a lot more people during the week especially.”

On the other hand, Cassandra Vinckers, sales associate at the Tartistry bakery, experiences things a little differently compared to Hatch and Croxen.

Cassandra Vinckers standing behind the Tartistry booth. (CanCulture/Pooja Rambaran)

Cassandra Vinckers standing behind the Tartistry booth. (CanCulture/Pooja Rambaran)

Vinckers has come to work specifically for the Christmas Market to promote The Queensway-located bakery. 

“We sell about 4000 tarts a day from now [until] Christmas so that would make our sales go way up,” Vinckers said.

While the small booth can get crowded at times, Vinckers doesn’t experience much difference in workload. 

“It just gives me extra money for Christmas,” Vinckers explained.

Michelle Lehane, sales associates at Yummi Candles, has seen her workload and hours doubled but noticed a boost in sales as well.

As many people stop by the booth throughout the day, Lehane is able to generate publicity for the store. 

Michelle Lehane standing behind the Yummi Candles booth. (CanCulture/Pooja Rambaran)

Michelle Lehane standing behind the Yummi Candles booth. (CanCulture/Pooja Rambaran)

“It’s a long day when it comes to the market but it’s a lot of fun too, so you can’t go wrong,” Lehane said. 

However, Lehane explained that "[t]he weather is most challenging because one minute it could be fine, the next minute it could be freezing cold.”

Luckily, Lehane said the heaters and the Christmas spirit keep her going.

Lehane, Hatch, Vinckers and Croxen are just a few of the many employees who work long hours at the market to bring visitors a quality experience.

The Toronto Christmas Market encapsulates the essence of the holiday spirit in the form of food, decorations and the overall joyous, festive ambiance that it invokes. 

Things to do over reading week that don't involve reading

By Mariah Siddiqui

With every semester, the time comes where students get a week off to study, or rather attempt to. For those of you who have been counting down the days until reading week, it is finally here!

If you find yourself with some time to spare while cramming for midterms and are in need of a break, here are some fun things you can do.

TIFF Next Wave Film Festival

The sixth annual TIFF Next Wave Film Festival will be from Feb. 17-19. The festival includes a Battle of the Scores competition, a Young Creators Co-Lab, free films for anyone under 25, a captivating movie marathon, and a whole lot more. If you are a big film junkie this is definitely the event for you.

Museum of Illusions

The end of the museum will have you doubting reality as the room twists and turns when you walk through it. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

The end of the museum will have you doubting reality as the room twists and turns when you walk through it. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

You will not believe your eyes when you walk through the rooms and observe each installation at the Museum of Illusions in Toronto. The tour includes a collection of holograms, optical illusions, and many more rooms that will be sure to drive your brain crazy trying to figure it out. Tickets can be bought here.

5th Annual Toronto Black Film Festival

This festival showcases outstanding, powerful black films and creates a safe space to discuss major cultural, social, and socio-economic issues. This festival celebrates Black History Month and gives unique voices in cinema a chance to express new and refreshing ways of viewing the world. It runs from Feb. 13-18.

Toronto Light Festival

The striking lights glow and catch your eye as soon as you walk through the entrance. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

The striking lights glow and catch your eye as soon as you walk through the entrance. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

This event will run until March 3 and will catch your attention the moment you arrive. You will see the Distillery District transformed into one of the largest open-air galleries in North America. Local and international light artists show off their innovative ideas in a visual journey. Walking through the brightly lit up neighbourhood will surely be unforgettable.

The Bentway Skate Trail

The Bentway sign can be seen when you walk under the Gardiner Expressway and onto the rink. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

The Bentway sign can be seen when you walk under the Gardiner Expressway and onto the rink. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

Whether you’re a pro-skater or the absolute opposite (like myself), I’m sure you wouldn’t mind falling once or twice on this amazing figure-8 shaped skate trail. It is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. on weekends and from 5 to 9 p.m. during the week. They offer skate rentals and skating lessons and you can even grab a snack or drink when you’re all done. The trail will be open until Feb. 18.

The Rec Room

The Rec Room building stands tall across from the Rogers Centre. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

The Rec Room building stands tall across from the Rogers Centre. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

Good Drinks? Tasty Food? Fun Games? Say no more, The Rec Room is the place for you. If you have a competitive side and like to have a good time with friends, this is the place to suggest when your group can’t decide on what to do. Between eating, the arcade games, and the various live acts, time will fly by. This classic venue is also hosting a Raptors vs. Spurs watch party on Feb. 22, so if you were going to watch the game you might as well do it here.

Denthreesixty

Denthreesixty, the GTA’s very first video game console arcade opened on Feb. 18. They offer dozens of games on game consoles or on classic arcade machines. If you are a video game lover make sure to check out this spot with your friends for a day of fun and some friendly competition.

Ice Breakers 2019 Art Exhibition

“Tripix” by Ryerson University stands out as a staple installation along the Harbourfront. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

“Tripix” by Ryerson University stands out as a staple installation along the Harbourfront. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

Go check out the five art installations along Queen’s Quay West from Harbourfront Centre to HTO West but make sure to bundle up! The theme of the exhibition is “Signal Transmission” and the installation, “Tripix” is by our very own Ryerson University.

Enjoy your reading week and make sure to check out some of these fun spots.