Strings of twinkling lights, Christmas carols, warm, spiced mulled wine and a leisurely browse through stalls filled with festive goodies… Christmas Markets are back this year – and they are better than ever! We’ve rounded up 10 of the most magical markets in Ontario that are guaranteed to get you in the festive mood.
[Note: The markets are subject to change due to the ongoing pandemic. Please check websites prior to your visit for the latest updates.]
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.
When: now until Dec 31
Christkindle Market
Gaukel Sreet, Kitchener, ON
Now in its 25th 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 1 to Dec 4
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: Dec 8 to Dec 11
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!
When: every weekend from Nov 25 to Dec 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 30 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!
When: Nov 26 & 27, Dec 3 & 4
Niagara Falls Christmas Market
Queen Street, Downtown Niagara Falls, ON
You’ll find over fifty decorated Christmas cabins selling everything from candy canes to handmade Christmas ornaments. along Queen Street in downtown Niagara Falls, plus enough twinkly lights to fill your Insta feed. Highlights include, glow swings, light-up seesaws, a human-scale interactive piano, fire pits with Muskoka chairs, street entertainment and nightly live music.
When: Every weekend Nov 12 to Dec 18
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 25, afternoon market on Dec 3, 10 and 11
Kingston Holiday Market
Kingston, ON
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.
When: Nov 17 – Nov 20, Nov 24- Nov 27
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!
When: Nov 19 & 20
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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: Dec 1-4, 8-11, 15-18
Willibald x Here to There Holiday 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!
When: Dec 17 and 18
Bracebridge Festival of Lights
Bracebridge, ON
Enjoy a hot cocoa trail, winter shopping, local vendors, live music and more in Downtown Bracebridge!
When: Nov 18, Nov 25 -27 and Dec 2
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
