Festive holiday markets in Ontario
Celebrate the festive season in a myriad of ways. Enjoy lively entertainment, holiday music, sparkling lights, hot cider and mulled wine.
Check off your shopping list with one-of-a-kind gifts and homemade treats. Santa Claus, the jolly man himself, may even appear at some of the Christmas-themed events.
Greater Toronto Area
The Distillery Winter Village
The Distillery Winter Village (formerly known as the Toronto Christmas Market) takes place each year in Toronto's picturesque Distillery Historic District.
Walk along the cobblestone laneways and admire the decorated vendor cabins, carollers and quaint shops. Enjoy a variety of outdoor entertainments with hot chocolate or stop by the beer garden for a brew.
At the centre of the market, the 15-metre-tall White Spruce Christmas tree, customized with bright lights and decorations, continues to be a popular attraction and one of the favourite spots to take pictures.
When: November 16 - December 31, 2023, the tree lighting ceremony will take place on November 16.
Where: Distillery Historic District, 51 Gristmill Lane, Toronto
Details: Tickets are required for specific days and times and must be purchased online in advance. Admission is free outside of the ticketed timeframes.
One Of A Kind Winter Show
The annual One Of A Kind Winter Show has become a downtown tradition for locals and visitors in Toronto.
Meet the makers of hand-crafted apparel, jewellery, art and many more unique products. Find inspiration for making creative meals and other fun demonstrations.
Sneak in some late-night shopping on December 1 or visit the show on One Of A Kind Family Day for an entire day of family programming. There’s something for everyone.
When: November 23 - December 3, 2023
Where: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes' Boulevard, Unit 1, Toronto
Details: Purchase admission tickets online. New this year, each ticket provides free re-admission for the duration of the show. GO Transit and ticket combo packages available.
Hogtown Flea Holiday Market
Enjoy a mini outdoor winter village with holiday tunes, roasted marshmallows by the fire, a holiday photo booth, over 50 food and drink vendors and vintage, handcrafted goods.
When: December 3 and 17, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Neighbourhood Studios, 24 McGee Street, Toronto
Details: Pay-what-you-can at the door
Holiday Fair in the Square
One of downtown Toronto’s most cherished holiday events is moving from Nathan Philips Square to Mel Lastman Square in North Toronto.
Experience the charm and nostalgia of a Christmas market with energy and spectacle of a winter carnival and light show. Shop for unique treasures in the artisanal marketplace, warm up with tasty drinks and snacks, including mulled wine and hot apple cider at the Polar Point Bar and enjoy exciting entertainment.
When: December 1 - 23, 2023
Where: Mel Lastman Square
Details: North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge Street, North York
Ottawa
Canadian Museum of History Christmas Market
One of Ottawa’s favourite holiday events returns to the Grand Hall of the Museum of History.
Browse 80 exhibitor and vendor booths for unique handicrafts like Christmas ornaments, wood crafts, blown glass, handcrafted jewelry and speciality food items.
When: November 23 – 26, 2023, Thursday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
Details: Admission is free
Ottawa Christmas Market
Get into the holiday spirit at the Ottawa Christmas Market in Aberdeen Square of Lansdowne Park.
Also known as the Lansdowne Christmas Market, the Ottawa Christmas Market is a traditional yuletide wonderland with pop-up shops, hot cocoa stands and spectacular Christmas lights that create the perfect festive atmosphere.
The event is complete with seasonal entertainment—including a visit by Santa, delicious food and lots of unique and personal gift-giving ideas.
When: November 24 – December 17, 2023 weekends only, December 20 – 23, 2023, Wednesday through Saturday.
Where: Lansdowne Park, 425 Marche Way, Ottawa
Details: Admission is free
Pibòn (Winter) Festival
Reconnect with the land while learning about Indigenous traditions. Experience authentic Indigenous programming, an Indigenous Makers and Farmers Market, interactive creative workshops, a taste of Indigenous winter comfort meals and a chance to meet the rare Ojibwe Spirit Ponies.
When: December 2 - 3, 2023
Where: 4420 West Hunt Club Road, Nepean
Details: Admission and parking are free, donations are welcome.
York, Durham and Headwaters
Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest
Canada’s favourite rollercoaster and theme park transforms into an immersive winter wonderland with live shows and entertainment, ice-skating, magical lights display and stunning Christmas trees.
In addition, there will be a bustling Christmas market where you’ll find unique hand-crafted products as well as festival treats, like baked goods and hot chocolate.
When: Select dates beginning November 17, 2023
Where: 1 Canada's Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
Details: Admission to the Christmas Market in the Courtyard is included with the purchase of Winterfest tickets, which can be purchased online.
Uxbridge Farmers’ Christmas Market
A trip to the Uxbridge Farmers’ Market in the Durham region makes a lovely excursion any time of the year. However, it’s extra special when it’s transformed into the annual Christmas market during the holiday season.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect candle, hand-crafted soap, herbal tea, pure honey or a particular piece of jewellery, you’ll find that and so much more at this inviting marketplace showcasing local handicrafts.
When: Check back for 2023 dates
Where: Uxbridge Arena Hall, 291 Brock Street West, Uxbridge
Details: Admission is free
Orangeville Christmas Market
Everything from baked goods and hand-crafted goods created by local artisans to food trucks serving your favourite treats will be at Orangeville Christmas Market.
Look out for the next generation of vendors at a special event for selecting a talented young person to sell their idea at this year's market.
When: November 18, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Orangeville Fairgrounds, 247090 Side Road 5, Mono
Details: Admission is free
Aurora's Christmas Market
Enjoy entertainment, workshops and vendors selling goods at the annual Aurora's Christmas Market.
Shop for everyone on your list. Learn to make Christmas cookies and wreaths. Take photos with Santa Claus and listen to stories read by Mrs. Claus.
When: December 1-3 and 8-10, 2023, from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Aurora Town Park at Larmont Street entrance
Details: Free admission, no admittance after 8:45 p.m.
Pingle’s Farm Market Christmas Fest
Don’t miss this unique holiday event with live music, treats, bonfires, wagon rides and even visits with Santa.
When: Weekends in December, 2023
Location: 805 Taunton Road, Hampton
Details: Tickets on sale now.
Niagara Region
Handmade Market
Over 200 Canadian makers will be in attendance at this year’s market, with thousands of unique hand-crafted gifts for sale.
Shop for handmade products such as comfortable gloves, cozy hats, baby clothing, beauty products, as well as art and crafts. Connect with the artisans and small businesses behind the products.
Enjoy the café and wine bar, gourmet food and live music.
When: November 17-19, 2023
Where: Niagara Falls Convention Centre, 6815 Stanley Avenue, Niagara Falls
Details: Tickets must be purchased in advance as no tickets will be sold at the door, sales start October 2023.
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Christmas in Paris
Find the best local handcrafted and original designs at this popular event hosted by the Kindred Spirits Artisans of Paris.
Paris’s creative arts community shines with artistic creations such as knitting, pottery, watercolour paintings, soaps and many more one-of-a-kind items on sale.
When: November 3-5, 2023, Friday from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Paris Fairgrounds, 139 Silver Street, Paris
Details: A voluntary admission fee of $2 is welcome at the door to support the arts
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Cambridge Christmas Market
Downtown Cambridge celebrates the season with its award winning Christmas Market, which has flourished since it first launched in 2012.
Enjoy the festive atmosphere and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and sampling the seasonal food from almost 60 local artisans, crafter and makers.
When: December 9-10, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday
Where: Cambridge Centre for the Arts, 60 Dickson Street, Cambridge and Civic Square, 50 Dickson Street, Cambridge
Details: Admission is free
Stratford Sparkles Christmas Market
Find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone one your list from the 50 craft vendors at this festival market. Enjoy delicious treats, entertainment and even surprise bags for customers (while supplies last).
When: November 11, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Stratford Country Club, 53 Romeo Street North, Stratford
Details: Admission price is $3
Christkindl Market
Modelled after medieval German markets, this annual holiday market has been named one of Ontario’s "Top 100" festivals and events.
Shop for all sorts of gifts, crafts and treasures. Sample Glühwein (mulled wine) and snack on a soft pretzel as you watch blacksmith demonstrations and take selfies with various folklore characters.
When: December 7-10, 2023
Where: Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West, Kitchener
Details: Admission is free, accessible by public transit and parking is available in the City Hall parking garage.
Sparkles
Marvel at thousands of bright and twinkling festive lights displayed throughout St. Jacobs Village during this annual shopping event.
Enjoy extended shopping hours as well as holiday festivities and entertainment.
Merry carollers dressed in Victorian costumes and local musicians add to the Yuletide celebration. And Santa himself will make an appearance.
When: November 16-19 and 23-26, 2023
Where: St. Jacobs Village Shops
Details: Admission is free
The Christmas Trail
Explore the charming downtown of Stratford and shop for gifts at the same time.
Purchase six vouchers at Destination Stratford or Bradshaws, then take a self-guided tour to over 20 participating stores along the trail, where you can exchange the vouchers for gifts. Vouchers can be used from November 1 to December 20 so you can take your time shopping and exploring the city.
When: November 1–December 20, 2023
Where: Various locations in Stratford
Details: Purchase six vouchers for $39.55 at two locations: Downtown Stratford, 47 Downie Street or Bradshaws, 129 Ontario Street
Bruce, Grey and Simcoe
Blue Mountain Christmas
Over 100 exhibitors and vendors will be showcasing a variety of handcrafted items and gifts at this vibrant Christmas market.
Browse body and wellness products, fashion and jewellry, home décor to seasonal crafts and gifts and tasty treats. Plus look forward to amazing door prizes.
When: November 25-26, 2023, Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Mountain Resort Village Conference Centre, 242 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains
Details: Admission $7 per adult, kids 12 and under free.
Christmas on the Bay
Georgian Bay's largest European-style Christmas market takes place in historic downtown Meaford.
This four-day festival features live music, light displays, outdoor fire pits and vendor stalls that showcase a variety of foods and artisan creations.
Fun activities include a cookie decorating contest, scavenger hunt and selfies with Santa. Visit the Red Apple at the market if you have any questions.
When: November 30 – December 3, 2023
Where: Meaford Market Square, 12 Nelson Street East, Meaford
Details: Free admission; free parking, overflow parking and parking for larger vehicles are available at Meaford Harbour.
Southwestern Ontario
Dresden Christmas Night Market
Downtown Dresden lights up the season with amazing shopping in the pedestrian-only streets, special entertainment and music, a pop-up bar and dining opportunities.
Don’t miss it!
When: November 25, 2023
Where: Downtown Dresden
Details: Admission is free.
Southeastern Ontario
MacKinnon Brothers Holiday Market
Celebrate the festive season in the old barn on the century-old farm of MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company.
The event features over 30 vendors, live music and Christmas carolling. Enjoy activities such as horse-and-buggy rides and gingerbread decorating.
When: November 25 – 26 and December 2 – 3, 2023
Where: 1915 County Road, Bath
Details: Check back for admission prices
The Kingston Holiday Market
The Kingston Holiday Market will be held at the Tett Centre for Creativity for the first three weeks of December. Check out great local vendors in the Malting Tower, Rehearsal Hall and The Gallery.
When: December 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17, 2023, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will also be an online market November 16-19, 2023
Where: 370 King Street West, Kingston
Details: Admission is free
Northeastern Ontario
Village Noel Temiskaming
Travel back in time to experience the ambiance and joie de vivre of a New France village during Christmastime.
Join artisans, craftspeople, musicians, dancers, lumberjacks and historical personalities at this lively Northern Ontario Christmas village that takes place at the New Liskeard Fairgrounds.
When: November 23-25, 2023
Location: New Liskeard Fairgrounds, May Street South, Temiskaming Shores
Details: Admission is free
Last updated: August 15, 2024