You don’t have go all the way to 1400’s Europe to experience the magic of a traditional Christmas market. The SHOP.CA Toronto Christmas Market (presented by American Express) opens today at the Distillery District, complete with entertainment, food and gifts from around the world, outdoor heated beer and mulled wine gardens, and a 52-foot white spruce Christmas tree decorated with more than 18,000 lights. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne will even be in attendance for the tree lighting ceremony tonight!

There will be daily caroling with the Candy Cane Carolers performing each night at 6 p.m., culminating in the World Caroling Challenge (December 21st at 5 p.m.) where event organizers will attempt to break the world record for most carolers singing in one place. There will be 240 free shows at the market, beginning tonight with an energetic evening of fiddling, dancing and singing by Doug Leahy and the Next Generation Leahy.

There will  be 36 vendors at this year’s market, so come ready to shop. Take some fun holiday photos at the interactive KINDER Smile Booth  (holiday surprises are in for store everyone who stops by), and visit the merci booth on Tankhouse Lane to sample from their finest assortment of European chocolates (and enter a draw to win a merci holiday gift basket). Also, check out the GLAD Gingerbread House to receive a free gingerbread cookie!

Toronto Christmas Market runs daily ’til December 21.