As the holiday season approaches, Southern Ontario transforms into a winter wonderland, with charming Christmas markets springing up across the region. These festive gatherings offer a magical experience for locals and visitors alike, combining the joy of the season with a unique shopping and culinary experience.
Southern Ontario’s Christmas markets are renowned for their inviting atmosphere, where twinkling lights, seasonal music, and the scent of holiday treats create an enchanting ambiance. From bustling city streets to picturesque small towns, these markets feature a diverse array of stalls and vendors, showcasing everything from handcrafted gifts and artisanal goods to delicious seasonal foods and beverages.
Visitors can explore a rich tapestry of local artisans, each offering one-of-a-kind gifts that capture the spirit of the season. Whether it’s handmade ornaments, cozy textiles, or unique home decor, there’s something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. In addition to shopping, market-goers can enjoy a variety of festive foods, including traditional Christmas cookies, mulled wine, and savoury treats that evoke the warmth and comfort of the holidays.
Many Christmas markets in Southern Ontario also feature entertainment and activities for the whole family. From live music performances and carolers to ice skating rinks and visits with Santa Claus, these events offer plenty of opportunities to create cherished memories with loved ones.
As Southern Ontario embraces the festive spirit, these Christmas markets not only provide a delightful shopping experience but also foster a sense of community and togetherness. They are a celebration of local culture, craftsmanship, and the joy of the season, making them a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the holiday magic.
October 24 · December 26, 2024
Sisters Touch of Christmas
St. Kosmas Aitolos Monastery, 14155 Caledon King Townline S. Bolton
www.thesisterstoc.com
The Sisters Touch of Christmas is an exclusive, fundraising, seasonal Christmas store featuring one-of-a-kind, hand painted ornaments by The Sisters. In addition to festive, gourmet, holiday bakery, the store is adorned with wreaths, garlands, illuminated décor, seasonal linens, nativities, timeless Christmas keepsakes and a large assortment of ornaments.
November 1 – 3, 2024
Barrie Christmas Arts & Crafts Show & Sale
Sadlon Arena, Barrie
www.barrieartsandcraftsshows.ca/arts-crafts-shows-c1bbg
Ontario’s most talented artisans and crafters come together this holiday season. Choose from pottery, stained glass, teddy bears, Christmas crafts, body care products, jewellery, clothing, woodcrafts, ceramics, and more, making Christmas shopping easy.
November 2, 2024 | 11 – 6 pm
Toronto Art Crawl Holiday Market
250 Fort York Blvd., The Bentway
www.torontoartcrawl.com
This free holiday market is a creative shopping dream. Come shop directly from the hands of 180+ amazingly talented Toronto artists and artisans in Toronto’s trendy King West, under the Gardiner Expressway, at the cool urban Bentway!
November 9 – 10, 2024
Merry Market – celebrating 5 years of handmade!
Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga
www.hellohappyhq.com/upcoming-events/24-merry-market-1
Support over 100 local businesses and shop small this holiday season. Hello Happy will be hosting a food drive during this event. All donations will be in support of a local charity.
November 13 – December 31, 2024
Distillery Winter Village
Distillery District, Toronto
www.thedistillerywintervillage.com
Visitors to the Distillery Winter Village (formally the Toronto Christmas Market) will be immersed in a unique atmosphere that brings Ontario’s best and most unique craftspeople, artists and artisans, together with an international roster of world-class vendors.
November 15 – 17, 2024
2024 Seasons Christmas Show
International Centre, Mississauga
www.seasonsshow.com
Whether you are looking for the latest in Christmas decor, the perfect stocking stuffers, or a unique handmade gift in the Makeful Market, the Seasons Christmas show will provide you with the opportunity to shop, taste, and experience the best the holiday season has to offer!
November 15 – 17, 2024
Markham Home for the Holidays
Markham Fairgrounds, Markham
www.homefortheholidays.ca
Whether you want to complete your Christmas shopping list, find that unique handcrafted decoration, or soak in the joyous atmosphere, this market has something for everyone.
November 15 – December 21, 2024
Niemi’s Christmas Market
Niemi Family Farm, Mount Albert
www.niemifamilyfarm.ca
Make your way to Mount Albert this holiday season to experience a magical outdoor experience with dozens of local vendors with incredible handmade products. Don’t forget to explore Santa’s workshop, Christmas land on the Polar Express Train and the farm animals before getting your Christmas shopping started.
November 15 – December 29, 2024
Holiday Hills at stackt market
Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst St
stacktmarket.com
This popular festive event features a 120-foot tunnel of lights, a 40-foot-long wish wall, a 20-foot tall holiday tree, a taco bar, vendor markets, one-of-a-kind holiday shopping pop-ups, and more.
November 16, 2024
Jubilee Christmas Market
Jubilee United Church, Toronto
www.jubileeunited.ca/jubileemarket
All home-based vendors and crafters of items not found in stores.
November 17, 2024 | 11 am – 5 pm
Deck the Halls
Niagara Falls Exchange, 5943 Sylvia Place
www.niagarafallstourism.com/events/deck-the-halls
The day will be packed with family fun, including a Polar Express train, kid’s activities, s’more station and of course, Santa Clause! Unique Christmas themed decorative items and holiday gifts, perfect for marketgoers wishing to complete their Christmas shopping lists. Free Entry.
November 21 – December 8, 2024
First Light
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Midland
saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/events/first-light
24th Annual Sainte-Marie’s First Light is a must-see holiday event with a great lineup of family-friendly activities, historical demonstrations, and musical performances, all illuminated by thousands of candles. Get a head start on your holiday shopping at our extensive artisan market. Get cozy and enjoy tasty food by the fire. Experience the joys of the season, wrapped up in history!
November 22 – December 8, 2024
The Indigenous Artisan Marketplace
The Native Canadian Centre, Toronto
www.ncct.on.ca/indigenous-artisan-marketplace
This free market will feature an array of Indigenous artisans and craft vendors for you to shop this season. Pick up an edgy acrylic painting or some beautiful beads. If you love live music make sure to check out one of the markets performances.
November 22 – 24, 2024
Holiday Market
Toronto Botanical Garden
www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca/enjoy/special-events/holiday-market-open-house
Do you have a green thumb? Head over to The Toronto Botanical Garden for an eco-friendly holiday experience. Check out a huge terrarium before indulging in some yummy eats from a food truck or roasting your own s’mores at an outdoor campfire.
November 23, 2024 | 10 am – 3 pm
Home For The Holidays Market
Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga
www.themommarketco.com/peel-region
The day is filled with holiday-themed workshops, gift-wrapping stations and over 80 local vendors, and will be the perfect kickstart to your holiday season shopping.
November 23, 2024 | 3 – 10:30 pm
CRAAF Holiday Market
Vic Johnston Community Centre, Mississauga
craaf.ca/events
This charming event is designed to bring the community together and celebrate the season, support local artisans and businesses, and foster a sense of community spirit.
November 29 – 30, 2024 | 5 – 9 pm
Holiday Market
Memorial Park, 2 Park Dr, Whitchurch-Stouffville
https://www.townofws.ca/play/events/holiday-market
Celebrate the holidays with our largest winter event of the season – Holiday Market! The event will feature a local artisan vendor marketplace, magical lighting displays, food and beverage, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa Claus, and more. In addition, live musical entertainment will happen throughout the weekend. All taking place in Memorial Park!
November 29 – December 1, 2024
December 6 – 8, 2024
Aurora’s Christmas Market
Aurora Town Square
www.aurora.ca/en/recreation-arts-and-culture/christmas-market.aspx
Held annually in the heart of Aurora, this festive event features twinkling lights, charming vendor stalls, delicious holiday treats, and live entertainment. Bring the family and enjoy a cozy, community-oriented celebration that captures the spirit of the season.
November 29 – December 1, 2024
14TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET
Niagara Falls Convention Centre
www.handmademarket.ca
The main attraction of this boutique market is the hand-crafted products created by artisans from across Ontario, Quebec and Canada’s East Coast.
November 30, 2024
Santa’s Elves’ Market
Great Lakes Brewery, Toronto
www.greatlakesbeer.com
Crack open a cold one and browse through amazing local vendors. If you are feeling social why not mingle and meet some new friends to snap a festive photo with? Make sure to bring non-perishable food items for the donation bin.
December 6 – 8, 2024
Aurora’s Christmas Market
Aurora Town Square
www.aurora.ca/en/recreation-arts-and-culture/christmas-market.aspx
Held annually in the heart of Aurora, this festive event features twinkling lights, charming vendor stalls, delicious holiday treats, and live entertainment. Bring the family and enjoy a cozy, community-oriented celebration that captures the spirit of the season.
December 1, 2024 | 12 – 5 PM
10th Annual Christmas POP UP
The Great Hall,1087 Queen St. W.
www.torontoartcrawl.com/christmas-pop-up-december-1-2024
Shop directly from the hands of 100+ amazingly talented Toronto artists and artisans, at the beautiful historic Great Hall on Toronto’s trendy Queen Street West.
December 6 – 15, 2024
Holiday Market
Niagara Pumphouse Art Centre, Niagara-On-The-Lake
niagarapumphouse.ca/events/holiday-market
The holiday market features a wide range of one-of-a-kind, handmade holiday gifts, ornaments, and decor by artisans. Christmas trees in our spacious Walker Room gallery will be decorated with handmade ornaments and products available for purchase.
December 6 – 23, 2024
Holiday Fair in the Square
Mel Lastman Square
www.fairinthesquare.ca
Stroll through the stalls of the artisan marketplace, warm up in the Fireside Lounge while sipping a hot chocolate or mulled wine and toasting your very own s’more, or enjoy a visit with Santa himself! Holiday Fair in the Square is a holiday tradition you don’t want to miss.
December 7, 2024 | 10 am – 7 pm
Home For The Holidays Market
Dixie Outlet Mall, 1250 South Service Rd., Mississauga
www.themommarketco.com/peel-region
The day will be filled with holiday-themed workshops, gift-wrapping stations and over 80 local vendors, and will be the perfect kickstart to your holiday season shopping.
December 13 – 15, 2024
Holiday Market
Toronto Botanical Garden
www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca/enjoy/special-events/holiday-market-open-house
Do you have a green thumb? Head over to The Toronto Botanical Garden for an eco-friendly holiday experience. Check out a huge terrarium before indulging in some yummy eats from a food truck or roasting your own s’mores at an outdoor campfire.
December 14, 2024 | 2 – 9 pm
Santa’s Village & Market
Essex, Ontario
www.santasvillageessex.com
Immerse yourself in the heartwarming spirit of Christmas in the beautiful downtown of Essex Centre, in the middle of Essex County.
