Strings of twinkling lights, Christmas carols, warm, spiced mulled wine and a leisurely browse through stalls filled with festive goodies… Christmas Markets are back again and they are better than ever! We’ve rounded up a few of the most magical markets in Ontario that are guaranteed to get you in the festive mood.
Distillery Winter Village
55 Mill St. Toronto, ON
The Victorian-era brick buildings and cobblestone streets of Toronto’s historic Distillery District provide the perfect setting for this popular Christmas market. The highlight, though, is its beautiful 55-foot Silver Fir Christmas tree, which is lit with over 60,000 twinkling lights. The market is open seven days a week, and features the city’s finest craftspeople, carolers, local shops, restaurants, and cafés.
Grab a warm beverage as you stroll the cozy lanes or head into a pub for a beer and a bite with friends before heading out to do some holiday shopping.
When: November 16th 2023 until the new year
Christkindl Market
Gaukel Sreet, Kitchener, ON
Now in its 26th year, Kitchener’s German-inspired Christmas Market is sure to get you in the festive spirit. Experience the magic and splendor of this outdoor village as you browse through over 20 wooden stalls selling Glühwein, baked goodies and adorable, handcrafted wooden gifts and decorations.
When: every weekend from Dec. 7-10, 2023
The Burlington Holiday Market
Burlington, ON
You can easily spend several happy hours following the trail of market stalls, festive displays, decorated storefronts, and glittering Christmas trees through the city center. To round off the evening, catch a Christmas concert or a traditional choir performance.
When: Date to be announced soon!
Ottawa Christmas Market
Landsdown TD Place, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa, ON
Ottawa’s Lansdowne Park is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of Christmas lights and sparkly decorations, local vendors, live entertainment, a site-wide liquor license and the tallest tree in town!
This year is going to be the biggest yet with over 50 local vendors. Don’t forget your skates!
When: every weekend from Nov 24-26; Dec. 1-3; 8-10; 15-17; 20-23
MacKinnon Brothers Holiday Market
1915 County Rd 22, Bath, ON
MacKinnon Brothers is hosting their annual outdoor Holiday Market once again this year featuring over 50 local artisans and food vendors, horse and buggy rides, outdoor games, gingerbread cookie decorating, Christmas carolers, fire pits, a live band and a photo op with ol’ St. Nick himself!
Please note: pre-booking for Santa pics is sold out but you are welcome to swing by the workshop to see if there is any time for walk-ins.
When: Nov 25 & 26, Dec 2 & 3
Lent Lane Holiday Market
Lent Lane, Downtown Port Hope, ON
For all your holiday shopping needs head down to Port Hope’s outdoor marketplace in Lent Lane. And if you tire of shopping, enjoy music in Memorial Park while strolling through magical light displays or take a classic carriage ride around the seasonally decorated, historic downtown.
When: Evening market on Nov 24, 2023 4-9pm; Port Hope Farmers’ Market – Christmas pop-up on December 2, 2023 10am-2pm
Kingston Holiday Market
Kingston, ON
This holiday market is online and in person so you can get all those cozy holiday vibes of supporting local Kingston artisans from across the province!
This local artisan online market offers you the opportunity to #supportlocal this holiday season from the comfort of your armchair. From woodwork to clothing to bath and beauty products, the market features over 90 local vendors under one (virtual) roof. Details for dates on this are coming very soon!
In person, you can shop the holiday market at the The Tett’s Malting Tower and Rehearsal Hall. This building is a stunning backdrop for the market which promises some truly festive magic.
When: December 2+3; December 9 + 20; December 16 + 17 (these dates are fro the in-person market)
Quayle’s Holiday Market
Coldwater, ON
This outdoor market at Quayle’s combines local artisans with fantastic craft beer. Wander the stalls of vendors and top it all off with a pint from Quayles! There will be over 60 local vendors offering up great food, drinks and plenty of holiday shopping opportunities.
When: Nov 18 & 19, 25 & 26, 2023
100 Kellog Merry Market
London, ON
A market of epic proportions, explore the Kellog factories many shops and restaurants as they’re decked out for the holiday and sprinkled with Ontario vendors selling everything from hot sauce and dog treats to handcrafted gifts and more. Then head out to the winter village outdoors for more awesome vendor stalls, speciality cocktails and time to spend at both Powerhouse Brewing and Paradigm Spirits.
When:
November 30th-December 3rd, 2023; December 7th-10th, 2023; December 14th-17th, 2023
HOURS:
Thursdays-Fridays: 6 PM-9 PM
Saturdays: 11AM-9 PM
Sundays: 11 AM-6 PM
Willibald Winter Market
Ayr, ON
Shop over 20 local vendors at Willbald Farm Distillery and Brewery at their annual winter market. Then don’t forget to stay for something festive like their gingerbread mule and a delicious bite from the farm kitchen! While entry is free, you’re encouraged to bring a canned good to donate to the Cambridge Food Bank.
When: November 25th and December 2nd
Bracebridge Festival of Lights
Bracebridge, ON
Enjoy a hot cocoa trail, winter shopping, local vendors, live music and more in Downtown Bracebridge! There will be fireworks, living window reveals, late night shopping, Christmas carols…what more could you ask for? They likely have it. We’re talking live entertainment, kids’ crafts and activities, local vendors, an Elf on the Shelf hide and seek, Santa Claus Parade and illumination of holiday displays!
When:
November 17, 2023 – Moonlight Shopping Party & Street Festival
November 24, 2023 – Self-Guided Activities
December 1, 2023 – Santa Claus Parade
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
