Christmas Markets in Ontario 2024: Toronto, York and More

One of the most important things to do on Christmas Eve in Western countries is to grab your friends and family and go to Christmas Markets ~ they usually open four weeks before Christmas and close the day before. In recent years, has seen the emergence of many Christmas Markets in Ontario also Toronto, so which ones are really worth your time?

A ‘Christmas Market’ is a kind of temporary market prepared in town squares and neighbourhood streets in time for Christmas. The market sells Christmas-related food, spiced wines, and other seasonal products in the open air, as well as Christmas decorative hangings, etc., and even local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Niemi’s Scandinavian Christmas Market

• Address: 18463 Highway 48, Mount Albert, Ontario
• Dates: 15 November & 21 December 2024, from 12 to 8 p.m

This Christmas, you can visit this amazing outdoor market located on a gorgeous Scandinavian family farm. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Toronto, but you’ll feel like you’ve entered a Scandinavian city! Stroll through a real-life Christmas paradise filled with pine trees, coloured lights and festive decorations. Discover handmade Finnish gifts from local suppliers that are sure to impress your friends and family.

Sample the delights at a cosy Scandinavian bakery and then meet Santa at his workshop! Don’t forget to hop on the Christmas train – it will take you around the magical farm to meet the farm animals while listening to the Christmas story.

Cambridge Christmas Market

• Address: Cambridge City Hall – 50 Dickson Street
• 14 December (8am – 4pm), 15 December (10am – 4pm)
• Admission is free

With over 100 local artisans, crafters and craft makers on four floors of the Guildhall and Cambridge Centre for the Arts, you’re sure to find the perfect Christmas gift at this award-winning indoor market! Enjoy free live entertainment, traditional festive music and a giant fire pit lounge. Sample seasonal treats from food trucks and support local vendors. Get your phone camera ready – Santa, Mrs Claus and ‘Willy Melt’ will be strolling through the market and you’ll want to snap a few photos for lasting festive memories!

Uxbridge Christmas Farmers’ Market

• Location: 291 Brock Street West, Uxbridge
• Dates: Sundays, November 3 to December 8, 10 am – 3 pm
• Admission is free

A visit to the Uxbridge Farmers’ Market in Durham Region is a wonderful excursion at any time of year. However, the experience becomes even more magical when it is converted into a Christmas market during the festive season.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect candle, handmade soap, herbal tea, pure honey or a particular piece of jewellery, you’ll find what you’re looking for and much more at this welcoming market showcasing local crafts.

Sparkles in the village of St. Jacobs

• Address: King St N, St. Jacobs, Ontario
• Dates: 14-17 November and 21-24 November
• Admission is free.

Stroll through the village hung with thousands of twinkling coloured lights and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a true winter wonderland! Enjoy the many unique shops and restaurants in St. Jacobs. Shop till you drop on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and join in the festive celebrations and entertainment! Traditional Christmas music will be sung by a quartet of performers dressed in Victorian costumes. You can also hop on a festive horse-drawn trolley and take a drive around the town or warm up with a glass of cider by the open fire! Before you leave, bring your family and friends to meet Santa at Home Furniture as he collects Christmas letters!

Markham home for the Holidays

• Address: Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Road, Ont
• Dates: 15-17 November
• Tickets: $14.00, Seniors: $12.00, Youth: $3.00, Children 12 & under are free: Free.

Experience the true meaning of Christmas at this much-loved annual tradition! Shop for unique handmade decorations and gifts (from jewellery to scented candles) in a joyous atmosphere. Sample freshly baked gingerbread, jams, jellies and shortbread, illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights and handmade stained glass. For Christmas carol lovers, the Baker Street Victorian Carollers will be back in their Victorian finery, singing classic songs.

Christkindl Christmas market

• Address: 200 King Street West, Kitchener, Ont
• Dates: from 5 to 8 December
• Admission is free

For four days in December, the streets of downtown Kitchener will be transformed into a Christmas tradition dating back 700 years! Here you will experience the sights, sounds, smells and spirit of a German Christmas. With over 35,000 visitors each year, this annual fair has been named one of Ontario’s ‘Top 100’ festivals and events (and you won’t want to miss it).

You’ll find all sorts of gifts, crafts and treasures. Come and taste the Glühwein (mulled wine) and enjoy a soft pretzel while watching blacksmith demonstrations and taking self-portraits with various folk characters.

Temiskaming Christmas Village

• Location: 10 May Street South, Temiskaming Shores
• Dates: 21 and 22 November
• Admission is free

Travel back in time and discover the atmosphere and joie de vivre of a New France village at Christmas.

Join craftspeople, musicians, dancers, lumberjacks and historical figures in this lively Northern Ontario Christmas village that comes to life at the New Liskeard Fairgrounds.

Toronto Distillery Christmas Market

• Location: 51 Gristmill Lane, Toronto
• Dates: 13 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
• Tickets: No on-site ticket office. Must be purchased online in thedistillerywintervillage.com!

The Distillery Winter Village (formerly known as the Toronto Christmas Market) is held every year in Toronto’s picturesque and historic Distillery District.

Stroll the cobblestone walkways and admire the decorated merchants’ huts, carol singers and charming boutiques. Take in a variety of outdoor shows while sipping hot chocolate, or stop off at the open-air brewery to enjoy a beer.

At the centre of the market, the 17-metre-high Christmas tree, adorned with bright lights and decorations, remains a popular attraction and a favourite photo spot.

Shopping enthusiasts can find a range of products from fashion to gourmet gifts and unique artwork at over 85 local businesses and seasonal vendors. This year, all vendor huts will operate cashless and only accept credit or debit cards.

This year’s Christmas Village will not only showcase its usual spectacular light show and festive decorations, but will also feature a host of new features. Attendees can explore the distillery’s Aurora Borealis – a Northern Canadian style light show.

You need to buy a ticket online in advance for certain dates and times. Admission is free outside the periods for which a ticket is required.

Ottawa Christmas Market

• Location: 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa
• Admission is free
• Dates: November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025

Also known as the Lansdowne Christmas Market, the Ottawa Christmas Market is a traditional wonderland of pop-up shops, hot chocolate stands and spectacular Christmas lights that create the perfect festive atmosphere. Enjoy seasonal entertainment including a visit from Santa, delicious food and unique and personal gift ideas.

Meaford Christmas Market

• Location: 12 Nelson Street East, Meaford
• Dates: November 28 to December 1

Georgian Bay’s largest European-style Christmas market takes place in Meaford’s historic downtown district. The four-day event features live music, twinkling lights, outdoor fire pits and vendor booths showcasing a variety of foods and crafts.

Fun activities include a cookie-decorating contest, treasure hunt and self-portraits with Santa. The tourist information centre is located at Pomme Rouge. Don’t hesitate to drop in if you need any help.

Admission is free and parking is free. Additional parking is available at Meaford Marina, where large vehicles can also be parked.

There are still super Christmas events, I will keep updating, remember to like and follow to get the first information about the events, yo!