201. Toronto’s Christmas Market Dec. 2 to 18

Toronto will have another Christmas Market this year. The concept started in 15^th century Germany and has now spread to other countries.

Toronto’s market is not only German. It is multicultural, of course. Last year I bought cookies made in Holland and ate North African kofta while listening to Swiss singers. You’ll find the aroma of barbecued German sausages there too.

Entry is free, but it’s hard to resist tempting treats on sale from around the world. Still, if you don’t want to spend money, don’t take any. It’s fun just to soak in the atmosphere, look at the variety of Christmas items on sale, and enjoy the performances. The management is asking for donations of food for the Daily Bread Food Bank.

Be warned. The stage is out of doors. The seats can be cold. Bring something warm like a blanket to sit on if you want to watch the folk dances and other entertainment. Parking is not free.

Saturday, Dec. 3 at 12 & 3pm: Kodaly Hungarian Dance
Sunday, Dec .4 at 11 & 1pm: Lechowia Polish Dance Ensemble
Tuesday, Dec.6 at 6 & 7pm: Toronto Swedish Folk dancers
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 11 & 3pm: Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
Sunday, Dec. 11 at 11 & 1pm: Igranka Bulgarian Dance Ensemble
Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4 & 6pm: Ukrainian Academy of Dance
Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 & 4pm: Vychodna Slovak Dancers

Check www.TorontoMulticulturalCalendar.com for times and free shuttle bus, or see the Christmas Market’s web-site for details like vendors, performance schedule, map, and directions at http://www.torontochristmasmarket.com/.