Meet the woman who designs Toronto's Christmas Market

More than 18,000 lights on an almost 16.5-metre tall Christmas tree will brighten the night sky when the switch is flicked tonight for the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District.

• Large crowds at Christmas Market prompt $5 fee 

It's the moment Beth Edney looks forward to each holiday season. She's been the market's designer since its inception six years ago. 

"I tend to stand right by the stage opening night when they flick those switches on," Edney told Metro Morning host Matt Galloway on Friday.

"Oh my gosh, the gasp of the crowd makes it all worthwhile." 

This year Edney will experience that moment a week earlier than normal, as the market will be up and running for an extra week. Another big change this year is the addition of a $5 admission charge on the weekends, introduced to temper the large crowds on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Edney says those who wish to avoid the fee should "come during the week, it's wonderful."

'Dickens in the city'

When planning the decorations, Edney says the Distillery District itself is always at the heart of her inspiration. 

"It's a little bit of Dickens in the city because it's the largest collection of Victorian buildings, industrial buildings, in North America," she said. "We've made it like a Dickens Christmas down there."

This year, that means the cobblestone streets will feature red and gold decor and the giant Christmas tree will be lined with more than 1,500 metres of garland.

"I like to make it very classic," said Edney. "I want to make it an Old World experience because of the buildings and that backdrop, and it's lit up, it's illuminated everywhere and it makes people happy."

The Toronto Christmas Market starts in the Distillery District tonight and runs through Dec. 20.