Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets in Simcoe County
It’s the most magical time of year when we don our Santa hats and get ready for some gift giving. And one of my favourite places to get gifts is at local holiday markets. Living in Innisfil, I’m always excited for November to roll around as there are so many amazing Christmas markets in Simcoe County.
With the biggest city at the heart of the County, Barrie is home to numerous holiday markets, big and small. But many of the small towns nearby, like Cookstown and Coldwater, also have magical markets.
So, whether you’re looking for a great day trip from Toronto this holiday season or are looking for things to do in Simcoe County during November and December, I’ve got the list for you! As a local I’m sharing all my favourite Christmas markets and holiday events in Simcoe County that you don’t want to miss.
Drysdale’s Christmas Market
If you’re looking for a small town Christmas Market that feels like a Hallmark movie then head to Drysdale’s Tree Farm!
This longstanding farm is one of the best places to grab your Christmas tree in Simcoe County. And to add to the holiday magic they run a Christmas market every year that’s free to visit.
The Drysdale’s Christmas Market takes place the first weekend of November. It features various vendors selling everything from baked goods to home décor.
It’s a fun family event that also boasts wagon rides, face painting, and bonfire for marshmallow roasting.
Along with the market, Drysdale’s is also home to one of the best Christmas stores in Ontario! It’s the perfect spot for holiday ornaments and other unique items.
Insider Tip: Bring cash for the vendors, sometimes service is lacking and there’s no on-site atm.
LOCATION: 6635 Simcoe County Rd 56, Egbert (MAP)
DATE: November 1 & 2, 2025
Friday Harbour Holiday Market
For something with more of European Christmas Market feel, plan a day trip to Friday Harbour. This lakeside resort and village is located in Innisfil, just south of Barrie.
I’m fortunate to live minutes away and have an annual tradition of going to their holiday market. And one of my favourite days to visit is when they light up their massive 40-foot tree that stands centre stage along the promenade. The celebrations are topped with a fireworks display!
Beyond the tree lighting, Friday Harbour’s Christmas market is free to attend, with free parking. There are European-inspired chalets for vendors that sell a variety of items and usually change up every week.
Plus, there’s festive dome lounges for warming up, photo opportunities with Santa and his elves, carolers wandering the promenade and kids’ activities.
One of my favourite features is Rudolf’s Lounge! This clear igloo dome has a fun bar where you can get delicious festive drinks.
Insider Tip: The market runs Friday through Sundays but also on the Monday through Wednesday the week of Christmas.
LOCATION: 3999 Friday Dr, Innisfil (MAP)
DATE: November 21 – December 28, 2025 (Friday – Sunday)
Cookstown Scandinavian Market
When it comes to Christmas market hidden gems – it’s the Cookstown Scandinavian Market! But that’s not to say that us locals know and love it and will be lined up out the door before it starts on Friday afternoon! (be warned!)
The Cookstown Scandinavian Market has been running for over 15 years and takes place within the Laestadian Lutheran Church. The event is free to attend and features an assortment of Scandinavian baked goods made by church members.
A few of my favourite items include the Pulla coffee bread, cookies, and the cinnamon donuts, which are totally worth the line! They also have some handmade crafts and imported candy.
Plus, there’s a hot counter where you can order a homemade dinner.
LOCATION: 5579 Simcoe County Rd 27, Cookstown (MAP)
DATE: November 7 – 8, 2025
Gilford Christmas Market
One of my favourite local holiday markets near me is the Gilford Christmas Market!
Held in Innisfil, along the shores of Lake Simcoe, the market sits on the grounds of the Gilford Local Eatery. This beloved love bistro has a sister café next door, Jean & Joy Café, that’s perfect to grab a warm beverage before browsing the market.
The Gilford Christmas Market features over 30 vendors to shop, with everything from unique holiday gift ideas to tasty treats. Kids will love photos with Santa while the adults jive to the live music.
Plus, you can get a fresh pre-cut Christmas tree too! It’s a great Christmas market for those looking for a day trip from Toronto, only an hour north.
LOCATION: 1096 Shore Acres Dr, Gilford (MAP)
DATE: November 29, 2025
Spice Holiday Market
My favourite Christmas market in Barrie is the Spice Holiday Market!
The Spice Holiday Market takes place at the Southshore Community Centre, located along Barrie’s waterfront, typically the first weekend in December.
Running for over 10 years, this market is home to over 40 wonderful vendors, many local. You’ll find a variety of items, from fab food to handmade gifts as well as body products and so much more.
This is a great market to do some local Christmas shopping! Plus, this year they are getting away from the set fee to enter and doing ‘pay what you may.’ A portion of the proceeds goes to support local charities.
LOCATION: 205 Lakeshore Dr, Barrie (MAP)
DATE: December 5 & 6, 2025
Outdoor Christmas Market at Quayle’s Brewery
One of the best Christmas markets in Simcoe County is at Quayle’s Brewery. Not only is one of my favourite stops on the Tap into Maple Trail in the spring, but I love their Outdoor Christmas Market that takes place over a couple of weekends in November.
The Outdoor Christmas Market at Quayle’s Brewery, located in Coldwater, features over 40 vendors, most with some of the most unique things I’ve seen at markets. You’ll find everything from tasty treats to local handcrafted items.
Last year I found a poetry book and cool sweater by a Muskoka gal and my friend picked up a pickle ornament. There’s something for everyone!
Along with vendors, it’s a great spot to plan a day trip for shopping and lunch at Quayle’s! Grab one of their epic smash burgers or mac and cheese and a pint.
LOCATION: 4567 Line 12 N, Coldwater (MAP)
DATE: November 15-16 & 22-23, 2025
Sugar Plum Fair
One of the biggest and oldest Christmas markets in Simcoe County is the Sugar Plum Fair. For over 40 years this beloved holiday event takes place at the Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston.
I love that they have a wide range of vendors packing into their over 20,000 square feet room. There’s a mix of returning vendors and new sellers, with items like candles, cookies, children’s toys and Christmas décor.
With over 100 vendors, all from Ontario, there’s so much to browse. Some of my favourite gifts for me that I’ve found include a stunning embroidered piece of art and an adorable Ontario ornament.
Along with the vendors, there’s a little snack bar with food and drinks as well as a place to site. Which is a perfect break from shopping.
A few things to note; there is a small fee to enter and its wheelchair accessible.
Insider Tip: Mornings are always crazy busy, try going after lunch for fewer crowds.
LOCATION: 6015 ON-89, Alliston (MAP)
DATE: November 15 & 16, 2025
More Simcoe County Holiday Markets to Check Out
The Coldwater Mill Artisan Christmas Market
While one of the most popular things to do in Coldwater is attend the Witches Walk in October. Come November it’s time for Christmas with their annual Christmas Market that takes place at the Coldwater Mill.
Insider Tip: The weekend before this market is the Children’s Christmas Market with items made by local kids.
DATES: November 15 and 22, 2025
Orillia’s Farmers Market Christmas
One of the best Christmas Markets in Orillia is the one that the Farmers Market puts on every year. It takes place at the Orillia Public Library and features a variety of local makers.
DATES: November 14, 21 & 28, 2025
Collingwood Christmas Market
A must-do in Collingwood during the holidays is attend their Christmas Market. The market takes place on Friday evenings along Hurontario Street in downtown Collingwood.
DATES: November 28 to December 19, 2025
Holiday Events in Simcoe County
CPKC Holiday Train
Every year the CPKC Holiday Trail travels across Canada and the US between mid-November through December. It makes various stops across the province, including right here in Simcoe County.
Typically, around noon the Holiday Train rolls into a section of railway just outside Barrie. If you arrive early, you can get a front row seat (well standing spot!) around the corner of Anne Street North and Wenden Court.
The train is decked out for the holidays with festive lights and there’s always a great band belting out classic Christmas songs.
In addition to a joyful experience, the train raises awareness of the need to support food banks during the festive season and donations of food are accepted to be giving to local food banks.
Insider Tip: Parking is available at Tree Nursery Sports Park, with shuttles. (MAP)
LOCATION: 1998 Anne St N, Minesing (MAP)
DATE: November 30, 2025 at 12:30pm – 12:55pm
Noella Festival
One of the best events in Barrie that’s fun and festive for the whole family is Noella Festival! It kicks off with the annual tree lighting downtown at Memorial Square.
The event takes place mid-November and boasts a variety of fun things to do and see. There’s live music, a kid’s craft station, local vendors, and the Santa Claus parade.
It’s also a great spot to grab a fresh Christmas tree, with proceeds going to a local charity.
Looking for more to do in the city? Check out my local’s guide to Barrie!
Magic of Lights
If you’re looking for fun holiday light displays to visit then you’re in luck! Magic of Lights takes over Springwater Provincial Park in Midhurst.
Springwater Park is located just minutes outside Barrie and for the past few years the park gets a light trail. Stretching around 16 km long, the drive through holiday light trail is a fun way to kick off the festive season.
The forests of the park come alive with digital animation of your favourite holiday characters and sparkling lights. Who can resist enjoying the wonders of lights and the forest from the cozy comfort of your car.
Insider Tips: Price is per car load and cheaper when you purchase tickets online for during the week.
LOCATION: 1331 ON-26, Midhurst (MAP)
DATE: November 21 – January 3, 2026
Barrie Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
While not a typical holiday market, the Barrie Christmas Arts & Crafts Show is very similar. The annual event, nearing 30 years, takes place in the Sadlon Arena.
The craft show is home to over 150 artisans from all over Ontario. You’ll find items ranging from holiday crafts to jewellery as well as pottery and clothing.
Please note there is an admission fee to enter.
LOCATION: 555 Bayview Dr, Barrie (MAP)
DATE: November 7 – 9, 2025
Looking for more holiday ideas?
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Where to Pick Your Own Christmas Tree in Ontario
+50 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Ontario
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