Christmas Markets In Ontario | 15 Festive Fairs to Visit This Season
‘Tis the season to be jolly and spend your days strolling through the many holiday markets Ontario offers. Whether you’re looking for gifts, festive food, or just a place to soak in all the Christmas spirit, there’s a market waiting for you, and we have the top Christmas markets in Ontario waiting for you to discover!
We suggest you find the closest Xmas markets to you from the list below and discover just what the holiday season in Ontario is all about.
Where to Find Ontario Christmas Markets Near Me?
If you’ve planned a Christmas vacation in Ontario, browsing the nearby holiday markets is a great idea. Most cities and major towns will host a market of some form. Some will be large and loud, while others will be smaller and more intimate but just as festive.
You will, of course, find plenty of Christmas markets in Toronto and quite a few in Ottawa. But even if you’ve chosen to stick to the smaller towns and villages, Christmas markets will surely be found nearby.
Bring the whole family for food, drinks, and enchanting shopping nights under the stars. If you don’t have your own Christmas tree, check out the pre-cut trees you’ll find for sale at almost every market.
Just follow the twinkling lights and soft sounds of Christmas music. And if you happen to see a big man in a bright red suit, you should probably follow him too!
Ontario’s Most Festive Holiday Markets
Ontario has many markets throughout the province. If you are trying to visit them all, it would likely take up your entire month of December. But don’t worry, we have you covered. To help you narrow down your options, here is a list of the most mentionable ones, with information on where and when to find them.
Northern Ontario Christmas Markets
Muskoka’s XMUS Festival
Muskoka’s XMUS Festival not only has a pretty awesome festival name but also offers an impressive variety of things to explore, including lots of delicious treats, artisanal food vendors, unique gifts, gourmet foods, specialty products and plenty of holiday spirit.
Plus, there’s live music every day during the festival. If you’re interested in some holiday cheer, come check out our events at the Muskoka XMUS Festival!
Muskoka Region
Sault Ste Marie’s Silver Bells Christmas Market
The further North you go, the better your odds of having a white Christmas! Enter the Silver Bells Christmas Market located in downtown Sault Ste Marie.
It’s a great place to support local artists and businesses during the holidays. You’ll find handcrafted items, unique gifts, delicious food, live music and more. The entry fee is a donation; all proceeds go to The Kidneys Foundation of Canada.
Sault Ste. Marie
Mill Market, 35 Canal Dr, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5P4
Niemi Family Farm – Christmas Market
The stunning, Scandinavian-style market is ideal for families and couples alike.
Located at the beautiful Niemi Family Farm in Mount Albert, Ontario, this festive farm is definitely one of the “must-visit” Christmas markets in Ontario. Visitors can stroll through the trails of lights, warm up next to a roaring fire, and sip on hot cocoa.
It’s a great place to spend quality time with loved ones during the holidays. Plus, there are plenty of activities for children to keep them entertained.
Mount Albert
18463 ON-48, Mount Albert, ON L0G 1M0
Christmas Markets In Eastern Ontario
Ottawa Christmas Market
Open from late November to just before Christmas, this market is one of the most popular in the province. There are plenty of activities to participate in, from cocktails and crafts for the adults to breakfast with Santa for the kids.
Open on the weekends, with free and paid attractions, the Ottawa Christmas Market will have all visitors feeling festive as soon as you enter. Since there is so much to do here, planning ahead and booking your tickets for workshops and events before you go is a good idea.
Ottawa
Aberdeen Plaza (Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza) TD Place, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W7
Mackinnon Brothers Outdoor Holiday Market
Whether you’re based in Kingston or exploring the Greater Napanee region this December, a stop at the Mackinnon Brothers Outdoor Holiday Market is a must. This market is held on a brewery farm and promises a schedule of events for all.
There are more than 75 vendors typically found at the market, and Santa also makes an appearance before Christmas. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while keeping warm with cozy drinks or an adult beverage.
Bath, Greater Napanee
MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company, 1915 County 22 Road, Bath
The Kingston Holiday Market
This is a wonderful event if you live in Kingston, Ontario. You’ll find many unique items at this market, including handmade gifts, food, clothing, jewelry, artwork, crafts, antiques and collectibles. Plus, there are many holiday activities, like painting classes, cupcake sampling, and fun Christmas photo opportunities!
Kingston
168 Wellington St, Kingston, ON K7L 3E4
Ontario Christmas Markets Near Toronto (South)
The Distillery District Market
Address: Toronto Distillery District
When you speak of Toronto Christmas markets, the annual market held in the Distillery District is almost always mentioned. The cobblestone streets come alive yearly with Christmas lights and glimpses of elves and even Santa himself.
One of the big draws of this winter village market is the 55-foot tall Silver Fir Christmas Tree — adorned with charming decorations. For the ultimate festive ambiance, seek out the buskers and carolers who treat visitors to Christmas songs each night.
One Of A Kind Winter show
One Of A Kind is a Canadian arts and crafts fair held annually at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre during winter months. It’s a unique opportunity to shop local artists’ work, meet new people and enjoy live music performances.
Hundreds of vendors sell handcrafted goods, including jewelry, pottery, glassware, woodwork, clothing, accessories, paintings, photography, sculpture, furniture, candles, soap, food, gifts, and more. Many activities are available throughout the day, including workshops, demonstrations, children’s activities, and entertainment.
Toronto
Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
Holiday Fair in the Square
This Christmas fair takes place in Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto. There’s nothing like being in the heart of the country’s biggest city during Christmas!
Visitors can enjoy delicious food and drinks at The Polar Bear Bar, hot beverages, bright lights, artisan vendors selling unique items, midway games and entertainment, live music and more. Santa Claus will be at his booth, giving gifts to children and adults alike, including teddy bears, stuffed animals, and other small gifts.
Toronto
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1
Western Ontario Christmas Markets
Niagara Falls Christmas Market
Open from mid-November to mid-December, this is a stunning outdoor market set against the backdrop of Niagara Falls. The market includes a Niagara Falls Santa Claus parade, tree lighting, and Christmas movies.
You can visit this market on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. There are plenty of stalls, light-up activities, and live music performances each night. This is a great place to come with the whole family, and it’s free to enter, so it’s a great budget activity too.
Niagara Falls
4605 Queen St, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 2L7
Christkindl Market, Kitchener
Address: Kitchener City Hall, 200 King St. W
This German-inspired Christmas market has been running since 1997 and is one of the biggest in Ontario. There are over 140 artisans selling crafts and gifts, live music, and many food vendors selling traditional German foods.
Admission is always free, and besides the typical Christmas fun, visitors can also enjoy self-guided tours that delve into the history of Kitchener. This market is open from Friday to Sunday and is the perfect place to complete your Christmas shopping.
Burlington Holiday Market
Address: Between Elizabeth and Pearl streets
Burlington is a newer Christmas market in Ontario, first opening in 2021. However, the market is based on many others around the province. It’s set on a large lot, with more than enough space for vendors and stalls.
You’ll find holiday-themed art features, concerts and choirs, and many fun activities. The hope is to bring this market to life annually, so support it and attend for the chance to come back in the years to come.
Christmas in Paris
Address: Paris Fair Grounds, 139 Silver St, Paris, Ontario
This Paris, Ontario, Christmas market is a fun multi-day event. There is a $2 admission fee collected at the door, but that money is traditionally used to support the local arts scene by funding bursaries available to students at the area’s seven high schools. A donation box is also available if you would like to further contribute to the cause.
Over the three days of the market, you have the opportunity to browse one-of-a-kind handcrafted treasures, unique gifts, and festive décor, all made by local artists. This is the perfect solution if you’re struggling to get into the Christmas spirit.
Merry Market, London
Address: 100 Kellogg Lane, London, Ontario
Each year, this London, Ontario, Christmas market treats all who seek a little holiday cheer to an absolute wonderland that takes place in an old Kellogg’s cereal factory. The market has its outdoor Winter Village and indoor Twinkle Town, which is as magical as it sounds.
There are food trucks to indulge your festive appetites and more stalls than you could count. There’s also a donation drive that supports a local charity, so you’re contributing to those in need each time you support the market.
Bright Lights Windsor
Address: Jackson Park, 125 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, Ontario
Unlike most other Christmas markets in Ontario that we included on our list, this isn’t primarily a Christmas market. Bright Lights Windsor is a holiday light festival with over 50 unique displays, and a 64-foot Christmas tree choreographed to festive music. But it also offers an excellent opportunity to shop from local artisan vendors.
One area of the park is designated specifically for a market and festive “food court” where you can purchase delicious treats, holiday décor, and gifts for your friends and family. The festival also invites local community organizations and charities to set up a display, collecting food and cash donations to support those in need.
Experience Christmas in Ontario at a Market
While there are many winter activities in Ontario to keep you busy, you should schedule at least one visit to an Ontario Christmas market. Luckily, there are markets and festivals in nearly every city or town, from a Christmas market in London, Ontario, to a holiday event in Sault Ste. Marie. If your hometown isn’t covered on our list, we’re sure you can still find something nearby!
These Christmas events in Ontario offer a chance to meet a few businesses and support the local community to help keep them going.
There is also always a cheerful atmosphere found at these Christmas events in Ontario that helps you get into the holiday spirit. Enjoy the food and a few warming drinks, go shopping, meet Santa, and enjoy the overall vibe.
Do you know of a great winter festival in Ontario that we missed? Do you want to see your local event on our list? Tell us about all the Christmas markets in Ontario that you know and love in the comments!
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