+40 Dreamy Christmas Markets in Ontario Yule Love
Tis the season to get in the holiday spirit! And what better way to do that than to attend one of the many Christmas Markets in Ontario! Christmas markets have a long history dating back to the middle ages in Germany. They are a fabulous way to check off those on your holiday shopping list, enjoy a festive night out with friends or family, and celebrate the holiday season.
Every year I’m always on the hunt to check out new markets. I love supporting local artisans and think the are a great place to get unique gifts. Plus, who can resist all the fun photo-ops and seasonal treats like fresh Christmas baked goods and candy cane hot chocolate. So, I’ve compiled a list of the best holiday markets in Ontario that yule love. I’ve my list of markets covers north to south and east to west as well as big cities to charming small towns. So, let’s ring in the season with some elfish fun and holiday market hopping!
The Best Big City Christmas Markets in Ontario
It’s an annual tradition of mine to visit the Toronto Christmas Market. But I went on the hunt for more great big city Christmas Markets in Ontario and turns out there are plenty! Below you’ll find the top markets in big cities from southern to eastern Ontario. Raise your mug of mulled wine and get ready to start planning your next winter getaway to one of these holiday markets!
Distillery Winter Village
A holiday tradition for many is to head to Toronto for the famous Toronto Christmas Market in the historic Distillery District. Running for close to ten years, it’s the best Christmas market in Toronto! In 2020 it changed its name to The Distillery Winter Village but it still has that European Christmas Market atmosphere! You’ll find everything from fabulous food stalls to local goods, a beer hall, and festive light displays.
The Toronto Christmas Market is the perfect reason to head to Toronto for a dreamy winter getaway! It kicks off at the end of November with the tree lighting. With a giant Christmas tree, a countdown to Christmas day, carolers, elves, and Santa, this is one of the top festive things to do in Toronto! The atmosphere really amps up when the daylight fades and all the lights strung overhead turn on. This highlights the garland and adds a holiday glow. Plus there are always great photo-ops, like light displays and the Distillery’s classic big heart.
Weekends are extremely busy, so if you can I recommend visiting during the week. There is a cover charge after 4pm and every Thursday through Sunday December 12 – 31. But it’s free Tuesday through to Friday before 4pm. Check out the schedule before you go for opening hours and to purchase tickets.
Date: November 13, 2024 – January 5, 2025
More Toronto Christmas Markets: Holiday Fair in the Square & One of a Kind Christmas Show
Niagara Falls Christmas Market
Many people travel to Niagara Falls in the winter to see one of the best light displays in Ontario, the OPG Winter Festival of Lights. Along with the festival, there’s a host of things to do in Niagara Falls, from quirky attractions on Clifton Hill to the majestic falls.
Plan a fun weekend in Niagara to check out the new Niagara Falls Christmas Market for 2024 called Deck the Halls! Taking place at the Niagara Falls Exchange, there will be plenty of things to do and see for families and friends.
Kids will love all the hands-on activities and Polar Express train. Oh, and who can forget Santa Clause himself! Adults will enjoy all of the seasonal drinks and browsing over 30 vendors. You’ll find vendors selling everything from candles to jewellery as well as things for your pup and plenty of food to name a few.
If you’re coming from out of town, check the parking map before you go.
Date: November 17, 2024
Christkindl Market
Every year, dating back to 1997, Kitchener puts on one of the best holiday markets in Ontario! Christkindl Market is a multi-award-winning festival that brings a taste of European Christmas to Ontario. So, if you’re looking for a slice of Europe in Ontario this holiday season head to Kitchener at the beginning of December!
The Christkindl Market takes over downtown Kitchener with over 20 classic wooden huts outside as well as over 10 indoors. Usually, the indoor portion of the market takes place in the Kitchener City Hall but it is currently closed for construction. So instead you’ll find all the indoor vendors at Concordia Club along with free parking. You’ll find a ton of great gift ideas at the market, ranging from clothing to cute décor items.
One of the highlights is all the incredible specialty food to feed your Santa belly. So be sure to go hungry and leave with more to bring home! One of my favourites is the famous apple fritters from Das Fritter Haus. They are well worth the long line! Along with Canadian holiday favourites you’ll find all the best must-haves from Germany like schnitzel and Glühwein! On top of great food and shopping, there’s a Christmas tree lot, live entertainment, and more! For more information check out their website here.
Date: December 5 – 8, 2024
Ottawa Christmas Market
Our Nation’s Capital is home to a ton of festive things to do during the holiday season! Ottawa is definitely one of the top Ontario winter road trip destinations! There are all the incredible light displays, like Christmas Lights Across Canada at Parliament Hill. Plus there’s skating, concerts, a huge New Year’s Eve party, and of course, Christmas markets!
The best is the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne Park. The Market takes over the outdoor plaza at the park. It all starts with a magical tree lighting in front of the Aberdeen Pavilion. And for fifteen fun-filled days, including three 3-day weekends and a 6-day final stretch ending on December 22, the market is the place to be! In true European style, the Ottawa Christmas Market is decked out in thousands of twinkling lights, festive displays, and classic wooden huts.
The Ottawa Christmas Market is a candy cane licking good time! There are over 35 local vendors selling a ton of great finds like homemade soaps and cookies and toques. You can also enjoy warming up at Santa’s Shack with their famous mulled wine. If you need more fuel for your Christmas market exploring there’s the Blitzen Bar serving up a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Or pop over to the Candy Cane Chalet for some mouth-watering grilled sausages that will make you feel like you’re at a German Christmas Market. And if all that is not enough, the market also hosts workshops, a Silent Night Disco, skate with Santa, and live music.
Date: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Kingston Holiday Market
Another great place to head on a road trip this winter is Kingston! Along with all the incredible things to do in Kingston you’ll find a bounty of festive activities and Christmas markets. One of the favourites is the Kingston Holiday Market.
The market takes place at the Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning as well as online. With featured spaces in three different rooms across three floors of the building you’ll find a wealth of local artisans to shop from. Plus, if you can’t make it in person, they host an online market too!
Dates: Online Holiday Market November 14 – 17, 2024 – In Person Kingston Holiday Market November 30 & December 1, 7, 8 , 14 & 15, 2024
More Christmas Markets in Kingston: German Christmas Market at Amadeus Café, Mackinnon Brothers Outdoor Holiday Market, and Indigenous Holiday Market
The Best Small Town Ontario Christmas Markets
There are so many charming small towns in Ontario! Many of which put on the cutest holiday markets. Some small town markets are on a smaller scale than their big city counterparts but some are just as big and even more amazing! The following are my favourite small town markets.
WinterMarkt
One of my favourite local holiday markets near me is the WinterMarkt in Gilford. After a successful first year in 2023, they are back for 2024 and I’m so excited!
The WinterMarkt is run by Beach Road Markets, a woman-owned local business with a passion for celebrating local entrepreneurs. Held in the small town of Gilford, in Innisfil, is set along the waters edge of Lake Simcoe. It’s the perfect small town market for those looking for a day trip from Toronto.
I love the variety in the vendors! With over 50 to shop, there’s everything from unique holiday gift ideas to fab food. Plus, there’s a ton of things going on throughout the day. There’s story time with Santa, live music, and plenty of fun photo-ops.
As a foodie and coffee nut, I love that on site there’s a cozy café and a bistro to grab lunch and a warm beverage to fuel your browsing. The market even features a European-inspired tavern to grab a quick bite or get your picture drawn.
This is one holiday market you’re going to want to check out!
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 11 – 6pm
Stratford Christmas Market
Stratford is one of the top destinations in Ontario during the Stratford Festival season. But there are so many great things to do all year long, like fabulous foodie trails, awesome shops, and more! If you’re looking for an amazing place to get in the holiday spirit then plan a getaway to Stratford. You’ll find a sack full of fun and festive things to do in Stratford for Christmas!
The holidays in Stratford will make you feel like you’re in a real-life Hallmark Christmas movie! The streets and businesses are dressed in garland, Christmas lights, and holiday décor. A big draw during the season is the Christmas Trail where you can use your vouchers for festive gifts from participating local shops. Along with the awesome holiday Victorian vibe Stratford emits and the Christmas Trail there’s a Christmas Market that’s a must!
Stratford’s beloved Winter Wander-Land is back! This means visiting downtown, around Market Square, will be like wandering through a real-life Hallmark movie! There are festive food trucks, train rides, cozy fire pits, carollers, Christmas trees and so much more.
Date: November 30, 2024
More Christmas Markets in Stratford: Stratford Sparkles Christmas Market, Holidays Art Show & Sale, A Very Witchy Christmas Market
Blue Mountain Christmas
One of the most popular winter destinations in Ontario is Blue Mountain! There are numerous reasons to visit Blue Mountain Village. In the winter it completely transforms into a winter wonderland that will have you feeling transported to a Swiss mountain village.
One of the most popular things to do during the holiday season is take in their Holiday Magic. It’s one of the best free light displays! But the other popular attraction is the Blue Mountain Christmas holiday market.
The Blue Mountain Christmas takes place within the Village Conference Centre. Along with free parking, they offer shuttle service throughout the Blue Mountain Resort to bring you to the Christmas market. This annual event runs over a weekend in the middle of November and is home to over 100 vendors. You’ll find everything from antiques to unique gift ideas and of course, a ton of delicious treats.
Date: November 23 – 24, 2024
Niemi Farm Christmas Market
One of my favourite small-town Christmas markets in Ontario is becoming all the rage! And for good reason! The Niemi Farm in Mount Albert is a little gem of an Ontario farm. They are known throughout the area for their awesome baked goods. And dare I say, they have some of the best donuts in Ontario, a fresh and cinnamon sugar covered mouth-watering delight!
Niemi Farm Christmas Market is one of the best holiday events in Ontario that is reminiscent of holidays in Scandinavia. This adorable family farm has grown its market to include a whole Christmas Land with wagon rides, sparkling lights, and bonfires.
You’ll find a wealth of goodies at the market, most of which are hype local. There’s everything from ornaments to incredible wreaths, honey and maple syrup, and so much more! But the best part, in my humble sweet tooth opinion, is the fabulous treats! Be sure to grab a cup of their hot apple cider and some of their Scandinavian treats like pulla!
Niemi Farm is also one of the best places to get your Christmas tree! While they don’t offer cut your own tree like other farms, they do have a great selection of pre-cut trees.
Date: Fridays & Saturdays November 15 – December 21, 2024
Paris Christmas Market
One of the best small towns in Ontario is Paris! Set on the Grand River, there are so many things to do in Paris. There’s everything from food tours to adventure tours. Plus, it’s home to a bunch of great festivals and events throughout the year.
At the beginning of November, there’s Christmas in Paris. This market focuses on local artisans and after over 30 years it is a crowd favourite! Christmas in Paris takes place at the Paris Fairgrounds and showcases handcrafted items. You’ll find amazing pieces like paintings, jewellery, soaps, wreaths, and more. Plus, admission fees are donated to provide bursaries to high school grads that pursue a degree in the arts.
Another event is the Jingle Bell Market in downtown Paris. The market is put on by the Paris BIA and they take over the entire downtown core. The Jingle Bell Market kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony and continues with live entertainment ranging from buskers to music. Plus, the shops celebrate with no tax!
Dates: November 1 – 3, 2024
Muskoka Christmas Markets
Winter in Muskoka is a magical time of year to visit! With skiing starting up, frozen waterfalls, and a host of fun events across the region, there’s plenty of things to do. And one of the best places to go in the winter is Huntsville! There is a ton of fabulous things to do in Huntsville all year long! Plus, it’s in Huntsville where the big Muskoka Christmas Market takes place.
If you’re looking for Christmas markets in Muskoka then head to downtown Huntsville. It’s here where you’ll find the Muskoka Market: Holiday Edition! This annual festive holiday market is filled with shopping, fire pits, carolers, and more. Plus, the jolly man in red will be there too!
Date: November 30, 2024
More Christmas Markets in Muskoka: Christmas Market at Lake of Bays Garden Centre & Canvas Brewing Hoppy Market
Uxbridge Holiday Market
A great farmers’ market turned holiday market can be found in Uxbridge. This charming and historic town is known as the Trail Capital of Canada! But regardless of whether you’re a hiker or not, there is a ton of awesome things to do in Uxbridge. One of those things is visiting the Uxbridge Holiday Market series that is now held at the Uxbridge Arena, both inside and out.
The Uxbridge Farmers’ Market is transformed into a Holiday Market throughout November. The Holiday Market takes place every Sunday and is the perfect spot in the Durham region to find a little Christmas cheer. This market is filled with everything from delicious treats to gifts made by local artisans. And the cheery on the cake is the wonderful choir carolers whose angelic voices echo through the market.
Date: Sundays, November 3 to December 8, 2024
Unique Christmas Markets in Ontario to Check Out
The list of Christmas Markets in Ontario is mighty long! Dare I say, longer than Santa’s naughty or nice list?! In addition to the best big city and small town markets, I couldn’t resist adding a few more great ones to add to your holiday market circuit!
The Merry Market
Did you know the largest entertainment complex in Canada is in London, Ontario? The old Kellogg’s Factory is now a sprawling space that is home to one of the best holiday markets in southern Ontario, The Merry Market! Running throughout December, The Merry Market is both an indoor and outdoor Christmas Market with adorable names like Twinkle Town and The Winter Village for each section. The Merry Market is filled with charming wooden huts selling everything from jewellery to delicious baked goods from local vendors for all your Christmas gift ideas!
Pingle’s Christmas Fest
Pingle’s Farm‘s most popular event is their Fall Harvest Festival but be sure to visit for their Christmas Fest and Mistletoe Market. Pingle’s Farm is located in Hampton, just outside Oshawa. Pingle’s Farm’s Christmas Fest has a host of fun holiday things to do like pick your own Christmas tree, live music, and more. While the festival is a ticketed event you can visit their Mistletoe Market for free. The farm transforms its greenhouse into a festive holiday market. The market features artisans selling all the best gifts like soy candles, hand-knitted hats, local treats, and so much more!
Brooks Farms Festive Nights
This fun-filled farm in Mount Albert has been around for over 150 years. They are a great place for a family day out in the summer and fall thanks to pick your own strawberries and pumpkins. There’s so much to do and eat at Brooks Farms and now it’s a great addition to your holiday traditions with their Festive Nights. The Festive Nights runs from the end of November through to Christmas on select dates. The holiday festive has everything from light displays to photo-ops. Plus there’s a craft market with local artisans and so much more!
Markham Holiday Market
One of the top things to do in Markham is attending an event at the Markham Fairgrounds! The Fairgrounds host a range of fabulous festivals and events and have been doing this for over 175 years. It’s here you’ll find the Markham Holiday Market. The market is on the last weekend in November. You’ll find everything from holiday décor to unique artisan gifts, tasty treats and so much more!
STACKT Holiday Hills Markets
One of the best places to visit in Toronto for the holiday is STACKT Market! During the holiday season the crazy container market is transformed into a winter wonderland called Holiday Hills! Along with various festive events is one of the most unique Christmas markets in Ontario. The vendor market at STACKT runs Saturday afternoons from mid-November through December. It features a variety of interesting vendors selling everything handmade goods to fun flea market finds!
Toronto Zoo Holiday Marketplace
A perfect family-friendly holiday market is now at the Toronto Zoo! The Toronto Zoo Holiday Marketplace is taking place from the end of November through December on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as the week leading up to Christmas. The front courtyard and the Indo-Malayan one is where the zoo’s new outdoor holiday market. The market will be home to over 90 local artisans and producers throughout and you’ll also find fun photo opportunities and festive food and drink.
List of Holiday Markets by Region
Are you looking for holiday markets near you? Here is a list of more festive markets in Ontario by region, from Northern Ontario to the GTA and beyond.
Simcoe County Christmas Markets
Spice Holiday Market at the Maclaren Art Centre in Barrie – Dec 6 – 7, 2024
Quayle’s Christmas Market at the Quayle’s Brewery in Coldwater – November 16 & 17, 2024
Collingwood Christmas Market – Friday evenings November 29 to December 6, 2024
Grey/Bruce County
Artisans Holiday Show & Sale in Owen Sound – November 29 to December 1, 2024
Christmas on the Bay in Meaford – November 28 – December 1, 2024
Paisley Christmas Market – November 13 – December 23, 2024
York & Durham Region
Aurora Christmas Market – November 29 – December 1 & 6 – 8, 2024
Marques Family Farm Christmas Market in Newmarket – Not taking place for 2024
Market Brewing Christmas Market in Newmarket – November 16, 2024
Brooks Farms Festive Nights in Mount Albert – November 29 & 30 December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 – 23, 2024
Pingle’s Christmas Fest at Pingle’s Farm – Weekends between December 2 – 17, 2024
Old Fashioned Christmas at Sharon Temple Museum – December 8, 2024
GTA Christmas Markets
Distillery Winter Village in Toronto – November 13, 2024 – January 5, 2025
One of a Kind Winter Show in Toronto – November 21 – December 1, 2024
Holiday Fair in the Square in Toronto – December 6 – 23, 2024
Toronto Zoo Holiday Marketplace – November 16 & 17, 2024
Markham Holiday Market – November 15 – 17, 2024
Wellington County
Outdoor Holiday Handmade Market in Guelph – November 30, 2024
Christmas in Erin – November 16 & 17, 2024
Christmas Market at the Wellington County Museum – November 29 & 30, 2024
Holiday Markets in Northern Ontario
Handmade Holiday Market in Sudbury – November 9 & 10, 2024
Holiday Gift & Craft Show at Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre in Sault Ste. Marie – November 2/3 & 9/10, 2024
Village Noel Temiskaming in New Liskeard – November 21 – 22, 2024
Christmas Markets in Eastern Ontario
The Red Barn Christmas Market in Bloomfield – November 28 – December 1, 2024
Handmade Christmas Craft Show in Belleville – November 2, 2024
Holiday Market in the Village in Stirling – November 1, 2024
MacKinnon Brothers Holiday Market in Bath – November 23 – 24 & November 30 – December 1, 2024
Rotary Club of Gananoque Christmas Craft Fair – November 2 & 3, 2024
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