Quite a shame that there are a lot of bad review based on the crowds, the pricey vendors and the parking but I think the Christmas market at the distillery district brings am important element of the Christmas spirit here. When I look around, I see friends, family, couples.. it makes my heart melt seeing that time of the year when loved ones gather and spend time together.
It's inevitable that the market has become really popular... When I went to the market while it was free on the weekend in past years, the crowds were unbearable. You could hardly walk without the fear of trampling a kid. This year, weekends and Fridays cost $6, which I think it's fair strategy to reduce crowds. Personally I went on a weekday and it was quite fun! I don't think it's worth it to pay an entry fee unless you can't make it.
There are only a few freebie booths- this year it is Campbell's soup and Hershey's kisses. There are a number of alcoholic winter drinks like mulled wine and cider. It feels pretty cosy as they have fire pits outside. To be honest, I think the food and drinks are like most food festivals in terms of pricing, which means it is probably not worth it. However it's still good to splurge once in a while.