Your guide to The Well’s new Nordic-inspired holiday experience

Embrace the spirit of the season and discover an immersive Scandinavian-inspired winter wonderland. Located at Front Street West and Spadina Avenue, Holiday at The Well isn’t your traditional festive market with rustic stalls hawking handcrafted trinkets and lukewarm cider. The stunning space shines bright with a distinctly chic and modern aesthetic that will inspire a true sense of wonder—and offer plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. 

Hosted Thursday through Sunday from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31, the free outdoor holiday event will transform The Well’s 320,000-square-foot ground-level retail space into a frozen urban playground where friends, families and community members can come together for an unforgettable seasonal outing.

Dazzling displays

Sparkly vibes abound at The Well’s holiday experience, thanks to glistening icicle bridges and illuminated sculptural trees made of textured blond wood and layers of Lucite. Throughout the space, glittering artistic installations create a picturesque backdrop for capturing magical holiday memories.

Upon arrival, wander through a frosted forest under a canopy of glass, snowflakes and lights suspended from The Well’s interior bridges, which are designed to mimic a tundra of ice. The photo ops continue at the Stardust Bridge, an infinity-inspired space where visitors can snap a selfie or film a next-level reel surrounded by twinkling lights and iridescent crystal curtains.

Once the sun goes down, a colourful aurora borealis display illuminates the sculptural glass canopy over The Well’s open-air retail walk. Gaze up at the sky in awe as animated visual projections mimic the dancing beauty of the northern lights.

Eat, drink and be merry

No holiday celebration is complete without plenty of decadent culinary creations. Those looking to indulge are invited to embark on an adventure into a world of mixology and wonder at NORDIC by BarChef. This legendary destination, nestled away from the bustling city off Wellington Street West, invites you to enjoy a symphony of senses. Immerse yourself in the cozy yurt or relax in the warmth of the firepit lounge and be transported to a realm of reimagined holiday drinks. Be amazed by the mixologists’ artistry as they concoct beverages while you enjoy a musical stage performance. 

For those looking to sip a glass of holiday cheer in a swankier setting, wander the chic champagne lounge, proudly sponsored by Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne. While you raise a glass of the finest bubbly with friends, admire the incredible overhead glass canopy, well deserving of your appreciation.

When temperatures dip, chilly merrymakers can warm up in Scandi-inspired outdoor lounges equipped with firepits and heat lamps. Take advantage of the complimentary blanket service, offering loaner throws and doggie-sized blankets for furry pals. Four-legged companions can enjoy pup cups by Gay Lea and natural dog biscuits, which are available at various locations.

And with a range of exciting new retailers opening each week, it’s the ultimate spot to shop for gifts.

Catch the holiday beat

Festive programming is set to include family-friendly activities and live entertainment. Visitors can catch Toronto harpist Elena performing in a custom-built snow globe on Fridays. Towering stilt walkers will surprise and delight visitors each Saturday as they stroll through the retail walk, while on Sundays, professional figure skaters will wow audiences with their incredible skating exhibition, choreographed on The Well’s very own frozen rink. Skates will also be available to rent for those who want to take a spin on the ice, with all proceeds supporting the Out of the Cold program, which supports groups that provide safe havens for the poor and homeless.

On Saturday afternoons, emerging artists take the stage, followed by a live DJ set, presented by St. Royal Entertainment. Sunday afternoons will offer more musical acts by up-and-coming Warner Music artists, whose headquarters are at The Well.

From whimsical light displays to festive fare and stage shows, Holiday at The Well will delight visitors of all ages while capturing the true magic of the yuletide season. Check out Toronto’s newest can’t-miss holiday attraction for free at The Well, located at Front Street West and Spadina Avenue, Thursday to Sunday from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31.