Southwestern Ontario
London
London’s Merry Market is my favourite local Christmas Market. I have enjoyed both the outdoors Winter Village and indoor Twinkle Town for the past couple of years. Kicking off Thursday, November 28, 2024, and continuing through the following three weekends, the Merry Market will get you in the festive spirit to create memories right here in the Forest City. In its 5th year, the Merry Market promises to be bigger and better than ever before. They also are introducing the Eat, Drink and Be Merry: The Food and Wine Show (look for more details on the website).
Wander through the beautiful Winter Village and Twinkle Town to get the perfect selfie or photo of you and the family by the magical Christmas tree, ice sculpture, and the big red phone booth decked out for the holidays. The kids can write their letters to Santa and mail them into Santa’s mailbox on-site. It’s a one-stop shop! Admission is FREE.
When: Weekends in November 28th – December 1st, December 5th – 8th, December 12th – 15th
Hours: Thursdays/Fridays 6 pm – 10 pm, Saturdays noon – 9 pm, Sundays 11 am – 6 pm
📍Location: 100 Kellogg Lane, London
Instagram: @100kellogg
The Western Fair Market in Old East Village is hosting a Holiday Open House alongside its regular weekend market, featuring over 100 unique vendors. The first floor is home to a wide range of produce, baked goods, handcrafted cheeses, prepared foods, and more! The second floor features the best and most unique craftspeople, artists and artisans, together with an eclectic roster of distinctive and locally handcrafted products, fine jewellery, collectibles and one-of-a-kind services. Located in the heart of Old East Village, there is plenty to do at the market!
When: Holiday Open House, November 16 – December 1
📍Location: 900 King Street, London
Instagram: @themarketwfd
Hyde Park Business Association will host the Hyde Park Christmas Market on November 30th and December 1st. Head to Hyde Park Village Green (Fanshawe & Hyde Park) at 6:30 pm. for a community tree lighting and at 7 pm. on Saturday for a Christmas Fireworks Display!
There will be Christmas shopping, sitting by the fire to roast marshmallows, and having a bite to eat at one of the food trucks! There will also be a mailbox drop-off for children wishing to send their letters to Santa and live music to dance to all day.
When: Friday, November 30, 2 pm—9 pm and December 1st, 11 am—3 pm; fireworks at 7 pm.
📍Location: 1695 Hyde Park Road, London
Instagram: @hydeparkbia
St. Thomas
Join Horton’s Farmers’ Market for its Christmas Market on November 16th from 10 am to 4 pm There will be local food, artisan gifts, entertainment, and more! Kick off the holiday season in St. Thomas with your market favourites, find that perfect one-of-a-kind gift for everyone on your list, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
When: November 16, 2024 – 10 am – 4 pm
📍Location: 10 Manitoba Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3A2
Instagram: @hortonfarmersmarket
Kitchener-Waterloo
Christkindl Market transforms downtown Kitchener City Hall into a bustling medieval German market and has been named one of Ontario’s “Top 100” festivals and events. It features over 100 vendors, various music and entertainment options, and traditional German fare. Christkindl Market has a rich history in Kitchener and dates back to the 1500s in Germany. Sample Glühwein (mulled wine) and snack on a soft pretzel as you watch blacksmith demonstrations and take selfies with the various folklore characters milling about.
When: December 5 to 8, 2024, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday, December 10, 9 am to 4 pm
📍Location: Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West, Kitchener
Instagram: @cityofkitchener
Cambridge
Cambridge Christmas Market is located in downtown Cambridge and has celebrated the season since 2012. With almost 60 vendors, you will also be entertained by both choruses and choirs, Get into the festive mood by shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts and sampling the seasonal food offered at this favourite family attraction.
When: Saturday, December 14, 2023, from 8 am to 4 pm and Sunday, December 15, 2023, from 10 am to 4 pm.
📍Location: Cambridge Centre for the Arts, 60 Dickson Street & Civic Square, 50 Dickson St.
Instagram: @cityofcbridge
Paris
Christmas in Paris shines the spotlight on the arts community at this popular shopping event featuring artistic creations such as knitting, pottery, watercolor paintings, soaps, and many more one-of-a-kind items. A voluntary admission fee of $2 is welcome at the door to support the arts.
When: November 1–3, 2024, Friday from 1 pm to 8 pm, Saturday from 9:30 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.
📍Location: Paris Fairgrounds, 139 Silver Street, Paris
Instagram: @kindredspiritsartisans
Norfolk
The Norfolk County Fairgrounds will host a two-day night market on December 6th and 7th this holiday season. As part of the Norfolk County Agricultural Society’s expansion into hosting more special events throughout the year, the Norfolk Night Market – Christmas Edition is the right fit to get into the holiday spirit!
The Norfolk Night Market is a family–friendly, open-air night market held on the Norfolk County Fairgrounds. It features up to 75 curated vendors from the local area and Southwestern Ontario.
When: December 6 & 7, 2024, 3 pm – 10 pm
📍Location: 172 South DriveSimcoe, ON N3Y 1G6
Instagram: @norfolkagsociety
Windsor & Essex County
Tecumseh
Christmas in Tecumseh is back! The evening begins with the Santa Parade at 6 pm, starting at Lacasse Park and ending at Town Hall. Please note that the parade route has been updated for 2024! There will be complimentary warm refreshments available at Town Centre Park, which will be first come, first served.
After the parade, we will have lots of FREE family-friendly activities at Tecumseh Arena and Town Centre Park for you to enjoy! Activities include meet & greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, interactive hockey games, petting zoo, horse and carriage rides, marshmallow roast, arts and crafts, glow golf, and more! The event wraps up at 9 pm.
When: November 22, 6 pm – 9 pm
📍Location: Tecumseh Town Centre Park (12021 McNorton St., Tecumseh)
Instagram: @townoftecumseh
Windsor
From November 29, 2024 to January 7, 2025, Bright Lights Windsor will once again light up Jackson Park with thousands of lights and stunning displays! Mark your calendars for one of Windsor’s favourite holiday traditions!
📍Location: Jackson Park, Windsor
Instagram: @citywindsoron
The 7th Annual Mistletoe Market will be at a NEW location this holiday. Over 50 local makers will be set up at the Waters Edge Event Centre to start your holiday shopping. There will be one weekend, TWO levels of music, cash bar, food, shopping and FREE SWAG.
When: Website not yet updated for 2024
Details: $4.00 to support a local charity in need this holiday. Charity TBA. In partnership with CBC Sounds of the Season. Parking will be in the event lot on the corner of Drouillard and Riverside Drive.
📍Location: Water’s Edge Event Centre, 2879 Riverside Dr. E. Windsor, Ontario N8Y 4S7
Instagram: @twepi
Amherstburg
The Amherstburg River Lights Winter Festival has hundreds of customized LED light displays that light up the town’s two main parks every night. King’s Navy Yard Park, along the Detroit River, features traditional displays that showcase the warm hearted feel of the season with carolers, angels, soldiers and more.
📍Location: Toddy Jones Park & King’s Navy Yard Park, Amherstburg
Instagram: @VisitAmherstburg
Kingsville
Kingsville Fantasy of Lights kicks off with the Santa Clause Parade on Saturday, November 16th at 5 pm. Kingsville’s Lakeside Park has been wonderfully lit with coloured displays for the Christmas season—it’s the annual Fantasy of Lights!
Festive train rides will run from November 22, 2024, to December 22, 2024, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Lakeside Park.
The Christmas Artisan Market at Lakeside Park Pavilion supports local vendors selling handmade gifts, food, and more.
Fantasy of Lights – When: November 16th – January 2nd
📍Location: Lakeside Park
Instagram: @visitkingsvilleontario
Lasalle
Lasalle Holiday Lights & Heritage Nights. This beautiful outdoor light display will transform the area into a magical outdoor walk-through holiday wonderland, including numerous ornamental and holiday lighting displays and a forty-foot-tall walk-through tree. Every Sunday, there is a Holiday Night Market.
Night Market – When: Sundays – November 24, December 1, 8 & 15, 5 pm to 8 pm
📍Location: Event Centre, 970 Front Road
Holiday Lights – When: November 22nd – January 5th, 5 pm until 10 pm
📍Location: LaSalle Civic Centre, 5950 Malden Drive Location: Event Centre, 970 Front Road
Instagram: @town_of_lasalle
Niagara Region
Not a market but a Lights Festival, the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights (WFOL) will once again illuminate the city of Niagara Falls, Canada, for 51 Nights of Twinkling Lights. There are also 21 nights of fireworks and with over 3 million lights.
The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights Hot Chocolate Trail
Warm up with a hot beverage this winter season while exploring the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights. This new self-guided trail will lead you to delicious stops of chocolatey concoctions created by chocolatiers, chefs and mixologists at some of the area’s excellent restaurants and bake shops across Niagara Falls.
From classic combinations with mint, orange and s’mores to inventive cocktails like a Dulce De Leche or Naughty But Nice Hot Chocolate featuring unique homemade ingredients like flavoured marshmallows and even eyeball gummies. The Hot Chocolate Trail features more than 20 stops with over 30 unique and delicious flavours to sip and savour (both non-alcoholic and alcoholic options).
When: November 16, 2024 until January 5, 2025.
📍Location: various locations for both vehicles and pedestrians. An updated map should be on the website soon.
Instagram: @winterfestivaloflights
Handmade Market is held in the Niagara Falls Convention Centre, where over 200 Canadian makers have thousands of unique crafts for sale. Shop for handmade products such as comfortable gloves, cozy hats, baby clothing, beauty products, and more. Tickets will be available online starting November 1 (tickets must be purchased in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door)
When: November 29-December 1, 2024
📍Location: Niagara Falls Convention Centre
Instagram: @handmademarketniagara
Toronto and GTA
Toronto
You can say many things about Toronto’s Historic Distillery District: it is busy and crowded, but is it family-friendly? There are plenty of reasons to go, but at the right time. Try to go during the day, during the week for less people and to attend for free! Go to The Distillery Winter Village to see the lighting of the massive Christmas tree (Nov. 13 at 6 pm).
While walking around, find all the Insta-worthy backdrops. Stop in one of the many restaurants or at one of the village’s food cabins, which serve yummy treats and boozy holiday drinks. Keep an eye out for Santa as he roams the cobblestone streets—another great photo opp.
As busy as it is, try to get in the late afternoon to avoid the evening crowds and see the beautifully lit alleys. This truly is one of the best Christmas Markets in Ontario.
Tickets are required on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4 pm, Between December 12th – December 31 you will also need a ticket after 4 pm. Tickets start at $15-18 each (age nine years and under are free). At all other times, access is free of charge and tickets are not required. No on-site ticket sales. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
When: November 13, 2024 to January 5, 2025. The hours vary for free and paid entry, so it is best to check out the website for a full schedule and ticket prices.
📍Location: 55 Mill Street, Toronto
Instagram: @distilleryTO
The Holiday Fair in the Square is held in Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto’s public square. For the month of December, it is beautifully transformed into a winter holiday market. There will be delicious food and drinks at the Polar Point Bar, hot beverages, bright lights, artisans with unique wares to sell, and lots of midway games and entertainment. Enjoy activities like skating around the public skating rink, then warm up around the fire pits with your friends.
When: December 6–23, 2024, Tuesdays to Thursdays from 4 pm to 9 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 10 pm and Sundays from noon to 9 pm
📍Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto
Instagram: @holidayfairto
One Of A Kind Winter Show is more of a high-end artisan show than a cozy Christmas Market, but it is worth mentioning if you want to purchase unique items to put under the Christmas Tree. It has been many years since I attended, but I love this event’s beauty, variety and size – it is HUGE. Sneak in some late-night shopping on Nov. 28 from 10 am to 11 pm.
Tickets are on sale online, including multi-day, single-day and special tickets combined with a GO Transit fare; free admission for children under 4
When: Thursday, November 21 – Sunday, December 1, 2024
Monday – Wednesday & Saturday: 10am – 8pm
Thursday & Friday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Thursday, November 28: 10am – 11pm
Details: Purchase admission tickets online. New this year, each ticket provides free re-admission for the show’s duration. GO Transit and ticket combo packages are available.
📍Location: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Boulevard, Unit 1, Toronto
Instagram: @ooak_toronto
Vaughan
Canada’s Wonderland Christmas Market at WinterFest located at Canada’s Wonderland, it is full of outdoor activities (ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake), more than a dozen live shows and holiday entertainment, millions of spectacular lights, and hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees throughout the park, including two 50-foot Christmas trees on International Street. Admission to the Christmas Market in the Courtyard is included with the purchase of Winterfest tickets. Tickets from $29.99 can be bought online; admission is free for children under 3.
When: Weekends starting November 16, 2024 –January 4, 2025, Check the website for a full schedule
📍Location: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
Instagram: @canadaswonderland
Caledonia
Join us for a festive extravaganza filled with holiday cheer and delightful treasures at the Caledonia Christmas Market! Discover over 90 vendors offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods, perfect for everyone on your holiday shopping list. With a bake sale, greenery for home decor, specialty beverages, and a visit from Santa, this is a great family event in Caledonia.
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024 – 11 am-4 pm
📍 Location: Riverside Exhibition Centre (Caledonia Fairgrounds)
Instagram: @caledoniafair
Central Ontario
Mount Albert
Meet Santa in his workshop in the magical Christmas Land at Niemi’s Christmas Village in Mount Albert, Ontario. Santa spends time in His workshop on Fridays and Saturdays to meet children and adults alike. You can wander around to the different cabins, pick out a Christmas tree or sit by the bonfire and toast some marshmallows. It is genuinely a Scandinavian-style Christmas Market in Ontario! On a side note, this video reminded me of one of my favourite Christmas films – Home for Christmas – set in Norway. I’m obsessed with many Scandinavian series on Netflix.
When: November 15 to December 21, 2024, Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 8 pm
📍Location: 18463 Highway 48, Mount Albert
Instagram: @niemifamilyfarm
Mulmur
Visit the 20th Annual Holiday Treasures Craft Market at the Museum of Dufferin in picturesque Mulmur, Ontario! Shop the works of 68 vendors, makers and artists in the Main Gallery. From jewellery, pottery and woodworking to one-of-a-kind textiles and art, our market is the perfect chance to pick up handmade gifts. You can support small local businesses this season, all in one stop!
When: November 27th to December 8th, 2024 – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday- 10am to 4pm Closed: Monday & Tuesday
Details: Admission by Donation
📍Location: Museum of Dufferin, 936029 Airport Road, Mulmur, ON
Instagram: @niemifamilyfarm
Uxbridge
As the Uxbridge Farmers’ Market in the Durham region wraps up for the season, you can enjoy the beautiful transformation of the annual Holiday market during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking to buy the perfect candle, pure honey or a particular piece of jewellery, you’ll find that and so much more at this cozy marketplace showcasing local handicrafts.
When: November 2024, every Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm.
📍Location: Uxbridge Arena Hall, 291 Brock Street West, Uxbridge
Instagram: @museumofdufferin
Orangeville
Step into a winter wonderland at Downtown Orangeville’s NEW Joy & Lights Holiday Gift Market, inspired by the charming European Christmas markets! This magical outdoor market features artisan vendors, festive music and lights and a parade on Saturday! Come early for pre-parade entertainment on Broadway at 3:30 pm and enjoy an afternoon of holiday cheer with family and friends.
When: November 15-17, 2024, from noon on Friday to Sunday at 4 pm.
Location: Orangeville Fairgrounds, 247090 Side Road 5, Mono
Instagram: @downtownoville
Collingwood
This holiday season, three blocks of downtown Collingwood will light up for the Collingwood Christmas Market. Light installations will come alive with bustling local vendors, shops, entertaining buskers, live music and an appearance by Santa himself.
When: December 1, 2024 – 5 pm to 8 pm, December 8, 5 pm to 8 pm, December 15, – 5 pm to 8 pm
📍Location: Downtown Collingwood, 44 Hurontario Street
Instagram: @experience.collingwood
Blue Mountain
Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain: Enjoy merry holiday entertainment, Santa sightings, an illuminated winter trail, cozy dining experiences, and various festive shops offering unique gift ideas. All set against the breathtaking natural beauty of a snow-covered mountainscape.
When: November 16, 2024 – January 5, 2025
📍Location: Blue Mountain Resort Village
Instagram: @bluemtnvillage
Meadford
Christmas on the Bay Georgian Bay’s largest European-style Christmas market takes place in historic downtown Meaford.
This four-day festival features live music, light displays, outdoor fire pits, and vendor stalls that showcase a variety of foods and artisan creations.
Fun activities include a cookie-decorating contest, a scavenger hunt, and selfies with Santa. Visit the Red Apple at the market if you have any questions.
When: November 28 – December 1, 2024 – Nov. 28 & 29, 2 pm – 8 pm; Nov. 30, 10 am – 8 pm; Dec. 1, 10 am – 4 pm.
Details: Admission is free, and free parking, overflow parking, and parking for larger vehicles are available at Meaford Harbour.
📍Location: Meaford Market Square adjacent to the Meaford Hall and Cultural Centre (12 Nelson St East, Meaford)
Instagram: @christmasonthebay
Eastern Ontario
Ottawa
Also known as the Lansdowne Christmas Market, the Ottawa Christmas Market is a traditional yuletide wonderland filled with pop-up shops, hot cocoa stands, and spectacular Christmas lights. It is located in Aberdeen Plaza, surrounded by snow-capped heritage buildings and wooden chalets. Thousands of Christmas lights and decorations twinkle and sparkle to create a festive atmosphere accompanied by holiday entertainment, local flavours, and, of course, some holiday shopping with 50+ vendors to choose from!
When: Weekends from November 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025 – Fridays, 5 pm – 10 pm; Saturdays, 10 am to 10 pm; Sundays, 10 am to 8 pm. Except for the last week: December 26 – 30 and January 2-5, everyday 2 pm – 10 pm, December 31, 2 pm-midnight,
📍Location: The Ottawa Christmas Market is located at Lansdowne Aberdeen Plaza, just North of the Aberdeen Pavilion – 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON, K1S 3W7
Instagram: @ottawa.xmas.market
Kingston
The Kingston Holiday Market will take place in person at the Tett Centre for Creativity for the first three weeks of December.
When: Saturdays & Sundays in December – check the website for updated times
November 30th & December 1st
December 7th & 8th
December 14th & 15th
📍Location: The Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning, 370 King Street West, Kingston
Instagram: @kingstonholidaymarket
Northern Ontario
Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, Village Noël Temiskaming is a winter wonderland in northern Ontario. Travel back in time to experience the ambiance and joie de vivre of a New France village during Christmastime. Join artisans, craftspeople, musicians, dancers, lumberjacks, and historical personalities at this lively Northern Ontario event at the New Liskeard Fairgrounds.
When: November 22–23, 2024, Friday, 5 pm – 8 pm, Saturday, 9 am – 9 pm, Sunday, 9 am – 6 pm
📍Location: Fall Fair Grounds, New Liskeard
Instagram: @villagenoeltemiskaming
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Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.