Destination Markham proudly announces the return of the wildly popular Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest for its third year. Building on the success of the sold-out 2023 and 2024 editions, this year’s series promises even more memorable evenings celebrating the vibrant culinary and musical culture of the City of Markham. With six events planned from late January to March 2025, Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest continues to grow as a must-attend cultural experience in the Greater Toronto Area.

2025 Event Schedule:

• Series 1: January 21–25 | 2x-time JUNO Award nominee Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks at SMASH Kitchen & Bar
• Series 2: January 28–February 1 | 3x-time JUNO Award nominee Jill Barber at Essence of Unionville, Hilton Toronto/Markham
• Series 3: February 4–8 | 2x-time JUNO Award nominee Tanika Charles at Laz Authentic Cuisine
• Series 4: February 26-28I2024Grammy Award winner Nicole Zuraitis at“Draco” at Toronto Marriott Markham
• Series 5: March 4-8 I | 2x-time JUNO Award nominee Jay Douglas All Star Band at Rouge River Brewing Company
• Series 6: March 18-22 I MYSTERY GUEST & LOCATION

“Markham’s Jazzlicious WinterFest welcomes locals and visitors alike to experience Markham’s unique dining scene, while listening to world-class musicians,” says the Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Through the Tourism Growth Program, the Government of Canada is investing in unique experiences that showcase all that southern Ontario has to offer, driving tourism and strengthening local economies.”

“We’re thrilled to see Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest continue to grow,” says Andrew Baldwin, Executive Director, Destination Markham Corporation. “This festival represents everything that makes Markham unique – the intersection of culinary excellence and cultural richness. We are proud to create a platform that draws visitors and spotlights Markham as a premier destination for unforgettable experiences.”

Culinary Highlights:

• Hosted at SMASH Kitchen & Bar, guests will enjoy an exceptional menu crafted by Executive Chef Isaac Co, perfectly complementing the evening’s performances.
• Essence of Unionville, located in the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites, will feature a menu by Executive Chef Jitin Gaba, enhancing the soulful sounds of the evening.
• At Laz Authentic Cuisine, guests will be treated to a spectacular meal prepared by Executive Chef and Owner Diakhia Lezama, paired with outstanding jazz performances.
• At Draco, located in the Toronto Marriott Markham, guests will indulge in a thoughtfully curated menu by Executive Chef Bill Jewer, elevating the dining experience with his creative culinary expertise.
• Rouge River Brewing Company will offer an innovative beer and food pairing experience, featuring artisanal pizzas crafted by Brewery Owner and Head Brewer Jordan Mills, and Pizza Chef Jezza.

Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or simply love good food and great company, Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest is your perfect escape from the ordinary. Venture just north of Toronto’s downtown core to discover why Markham is rapidly becoming one of the GTA’s premier culinary and cultural destinations.

Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest is produced by Destination Markham Corporation in collaboration with the Markham Jazz Festival, and in partnership with Cosmo Music, Flato Markham Theatre, JAZZ.FM91 radio and, with funding provided by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Experience Ontario and Central Counties Tourism.

The perfect holiday gift, the 2025 edition of the Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest will now feature six musical and culinary pairings at signature venues across the city. Guests will be treated to a night of delicious meals prepared by some of Markham’s top chefs and live jazz performances by some of Canada’s brightest stars. 

Tickets for the 2025 Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest are on sale on December 13, 2024. For further information and to pre-register for series tickets, visit jazzlicious.ca. 

About Destination Markham: Destination Markham Corporation (DMC) is an arm’s length municipal corporation launched in April 2020 as the destination management organization (DMO) for the City of Markham. Its purpose is to promote Markham as a remarkable destination for visitors, including tourists, sport and festival attendees, meeting and conference delegates, and business travellers. The key tourism objectives are to research, develop, market, and grow Markham’s tourism/visitor economy. This initiative will collaborate with Markham’s hotel industry, festival-event conference-travel planners, attraction operators, cultural institutions, sports tourism promoters, entertainment and recreation providers, food service businesses and the City of Markham. Learn more at visitmarkham.ca.

 About FedDev Ontario: For 15 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our investment profiles, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.