Located just over an hour from Toronto, Waterloo Region is a treasure trove of farm-fresh flavours and local markets, making it an ideal destination for those who love to shop local and cook with the freshest local ingredients, and just-in time for the holiday season.
With festive feasts and gatherings on the horizon, now is the perfect time to explore the region’s farms, markets, and culinary gems. Stock up on holiday treats, ready-to-serve meals, and unique gifts to make your season bright, delicious, and stress-free!
Kitchen Kuttings Cafe & Grocery Market
Where: 40 Arthur St S, Elmira, ON (View Map)
Start your holiday adventure in Elmira, ON, at Kitchen Kuttings Cafe. This local favourite is steeped in Mennonite traditions and offers a charming grocery market stocked with a mix of homemade and locally sourced goodies. Kick off the day with a hearty breakfast of eggs, homemade jam, and your choice of bacon or sausage. After your meal, browse their market next door, where you’ll find an array of holiday-ready treats, like fresh cheeses, deli meats, homemade jams, and their famous summer sausage. They also offer ready-made and heat-and-serve items— perfect for quick and easy holiday entertaining or cozy winter nights.
Fall Harvest Farm
Where: 1011 Gerber Rd, St. Agatha, ON (View Map)
Only 20 minutes outside the Kitchener/Waterloo core, the seasonal farm market at Fall Harvest Farm brings the spirit of the season alive. Open Thurday-Sundays until December 22nd, find a wide selection of seasonal greenery including cedar, white pine, spruce, balsam fir, and Fraser fir boughs, 25-foot cedar and pine garlands, and live balsam mix wreaths. Plus, explore festive Christmas décor and planters, with Christmas trees arriving soon! While picking up festive finds to decorate your home, don’t miss out on stocking up on locally made goods and freezer treats at the market like goat’s milk ice cream from Feast On® certified Udderly Ridiculous— perfect for hosting gifts and indulgent holiday treats!
Nith Valley Apiaries
Where: 1041 Christner Rd, New Hamburg, ON (View Map)
A family-run business for over 40 years, Nith Valley Apiaries specializes in sustainably produced, high-quality honey. Here, you can sample and buy honey made by bees set in different areas of the property, resulting in unique, seasonal flavours. Their Golden Wildflower Honey is customer favourite and the Cinnamon Creamed Honey makes a delightful holiday addition, whether for a breakfast spread or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Discover their range of flavours and stock up for the season!
Cafe Pyrus
Where: 305 King St W, Kitchener, ON (View Map)
Cafe Pyrus is a cozy community spot dedicated to local and sustainable ingredients, making it an ideal stop to fuel your holiday-inspired adventure. Indulge in their freshly baked goodies or enjoy a plant-based meal crafted with care. Start your day with breakfast options like organic tofu scrambles, fresh-baked breakfast sandwiches, and fair-trade coffee, or savour a hearty meal like the Reuben Soho sandwich—loaded with double tempeh bacon, caramelized onions, sauerkraut, and grainy mustard. Don’t forget to grab some of their baked treats to enjoy at home—they’re perfect for morning coffee breaks or festive gatherings.
Kitchener Downtown Market and St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market
Where: 300 King St E, Kitchener, ON (View Map) & 878 Weber St N, Woolwich, ON (View Map)
Open year-round, the Kitchener Downtown Market and the historic St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market offer endless options for holiday shopping and culinary inspiration. Visit the Kitchener Downtown Market’s food hall to shop local produce, artisanal goods, and international flavours perfect for your holiday feasts.
At the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, immerse yourself in the region’s rich farm-to-table culture, deeply rooted in Amish and Mennonite traditions. As Canada’s largest year-round farmers’ market, it’s a place where history meets community, with vendors offering everything from fresh produce and meats to handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind treasures.
Both markets are fantastic destinations for picking up local gifts, seasonal ingredients, and holiday decor to make your celebrations even more special.
Barrie’s Asparagus Farm & Country Market
Where: 1236 Kings Rd, Cambridge, ON (View Map)
Known for its fresh asparagus in spring, Barrie’s Asparagus Farm and Country Market offers a delightful holiday experience, too. Their on-site Blacksmith & Bean Coffee Company roasts high-quality, small-batch coffee, which is perfect for a festive morning brew or as a gift for coffee lovers. Stock up on their seasonal produce, pantry items, and coffee-infused chocolates to elevate your holiday festivities and gift-giving with a local minded touch.
Oakridge Acres & Country Meat Store
Where: 2132 Greenfield Rd, Ayr, ON (View Map)
For those looking to support sustainable and local agriculture, Oakridge Acres is a must-visit. This 175-acre bison farm in Ayr offers a farm market packed with fresh meats, local produce, honey, and baked goods sourced from over 40 regional producers. Their ready-made, heat-and-serve meals—including soups, entrees, and quiches, making holiday hosting a breeze, while their farm-raised bison products add a unique and delicious touch to any holiday table. Be sure to keep an eye out on your scenic drive up to the farm, to spot grazing bison.
Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery
Where: 1271 Reidsville Rd, Ayr, ON (View Map)
End your holiday farm-to-table journey with a delightful cocktail and meal at Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery, a must-visit destination known for its inventive spirits and cozy, rustic charm. Treat yourself to a tasting experience featuring their small-batch gin, whiskey, and an array of craft cocktails, including the fan-favourite Hibiscus Limeade.
The onsite restaurant elevates familiar favourites, offering wood-fired pizzas topped with a creative mix of sweet, spicy, and savoury flavours, as well as indulgent Confit Duck Wings—perfect for wrapping up your holiday shopping and prep in style.
Before you leave, pick up one of their unique spirits like their gingerbread gin— a great swap for whiskey in holiday hot toddies, or curated gift sets to share a taste of the Waterloo Region with loved ones, or to savour at home during the festive season.
Make Holiday Memories in Waterloo Region
This season, explore the incredible bounty of Waterloo Region’s farms, markets, and artisan shops. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast, shopping for local gifts, or simply looking to savour the flavours of the season, this region offers everything you need for a truly memorable holiday experience. So pack a cooler, bring your appetite, and discover the festive charm of Waterloo Region’s farms and markets!
