The first sign of Christmas in the Distillery came when Trees Ontario donated a 45 ft. Christmas tree, erected right in the middle of the cobblestone courtyard. The tree is something to see, with sashes of mint green complementing shiny red decorations and over 12,000 reed switch component Christmas lights and at its peak is a shining Christmas star.

Gorgeous Christmas tree? Check. Next on the list was the installation of the antique clock. Believe it or not, this clock has been knocked over on more than one occasion by trucks delivering goods to the Distillery, so this was more like a re-installation. This time, the 15-foot clock tower was installed amidst a barricade of four metal poles to ensure that this antique clock is in the Distillery to stay. Good thing, too; the clock is beautiful, and adds a special ambiance to the area, and the Christmas Market in particular.

Stunning antique clock? Almost. As every good Toronto mortgage broker should know, the land beneath the Distillery’s cobblestones is wet and, elevation-wise, not any higher than Lake Ontario. The suction truck actually had to remove enough moisture from the ground before workers could pour cement and secure a foundation for a timekeeper that should stand the tests of time. Stunning antique clock? Check.

Next, a sound system was installed all around the Distillery to ensure that shoppers everywhere could hear the musical performances, carollers and well-wishers amplified from the central stage in the courtyard.

Lowe’s, the sponsor of the Market, donated more than fifty 1-room wooden huts, scattered throughout the Distillery. Each hut was transformed into a little outdoor shop, selling the likes of: fudge, schnitzel, pretzels, retro movie gifts, Dutch sweets, sports team scarves, apple cider made with organic ingredients and much, much more! The Distillery really did take on a ‘Santa’s workshop’ feel that day as forklifts whizzed around the village carrying miniature houses with them.

The final days of November saw the finishing touches added to the Christmas Market. ‘Elves’ in safety jackets were seen constructing a hedge maze that leads straight to Santa’s house! ‘Biergartens’ signs started popping up (yes, the entire neighbourhood is licensed for this holiday occasion) and there’s enough mulled wine, hot chocolate, candy canes, sugar pies and plums on offer to skyrocket the business of many a Toronto dentist.

Nn its second year, the Toronto Christmas Market has more street vendors, buskers and costumed performers, and a star-studded entertainment lineup. The Toronto Christmas Market is a European market style attraction that is, as well, its own uniquely Canadian festival. Don’t miss this year’s Toronto Christmas Market in the Historic Distillery District!

1. Take a day trip to a Pumpkin patch such as Pumpkinland. Since Halloween falls on a Monday in 2011 it’s a great year to have some family fun; make use of your time off on the weekend to take a drive through the country and pick out the perfect pumpkin. Pumpkinland hosts a variety of fun activities like a Pumpkin cannon, ‘Friendly Haunted Forest’ wagon ride and more.

2. Try your luck in social media contests such as Lenzr’s Homemade Halloween Costume photo contest. Lenzr is a Toronto-based serial photo contest website that rewards real prizes for the best photography. Contests are always free to enter and submitting is easy. The best photograph entered of a unique homemade costume will win $250 in your choice of cash or candy.

3. Get a history lesson with a spooky twist on Muddy York Walking Tours’ The Haunted Streets of Downtown Toronto. Departing from the ROM at 7 pm every night from Oct. 7 – 31, this two hour tour costs only $10 per person for groups of four or more people. Unbeknownst to its modern residents, the city of Toronto has a rich collection of mysteries, urban legends and horror stories. The tour moves south to Queen St. and then east to Yonge, exploring Queen’s Park, Old City Hall and Osgoode Hall along the way. “The final stop is one of the most notorious of Toronto’s haunted buildings,” says Muddy York Walking Tours’ website. “Several people have claimed to experience the unusual here.”

Guaranteed to be a hair-raising experience, you’ll never look at Toronto real estate (or Toronto mortgage brokers) the same way again.

4. The Boo at the Zoo Tundra Trek is taking place from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Oct. 29-30. Free admission granted for up to two costumed kids under the age of 12 who are accompanied by an adult. Participants will follow the Pumpkin Trail to trick-or-treat stations that lead through the Tundra Trek to Arctic wolves, foxes and polar bears (and more!) Daily ‘Critters and Costumes Parade’ will be taking place from 12 -2 pm. The annual Boo at the Zoo provides kids not only with an opportunity to celebrate Halloween outside of school and Halloween night, it is also a great way to experience the incredible 5-acre polar bear area (highlighted by an underwater viewing section).

5. Be anyone but yourself at one of Toronto’s impressive costume shops. Everyone, male or female, young or mature, loves the idea of being someone else for a day (or a whole weekend). From theatrical costume outlets renting out identities to high-end costumes at Malabar to sexy numbers from Seduction, Toronto’s retailers are hard at work on inventory management while the rest of us play dress up. For a listing of costume stores across the city, click here.

6. Get some real food prepared. If you have kids they’ll need something to combat all the sugar and if you have hips, you’ll want to avoid getting “Halloween hips.” These Halloween recipes, featuring festive organic ingredients like pumpkin and white beans, will keep your tastebuds happy without overloading your caloric intake.

7. Get to a party! There is no better time than Halloween to let loose on a dance floor. Marvel at the production planning of the Liberty Grand Halloween party as 5,000 witches, warlocks and Winehouses wriggle their way into the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex.

For a complete listing of Halloween howls, click here.