12 festive holiday markets to check out in Toronto this year

Toronto is home to some spectacular holiday markets this season.

And whether you want to sip mulled wine huddled around an outdoor firepit, shop Scandanavian Christmas decorations, or just devour every Christmas cookie in sight, here are all the holiday markets happening in Toronto in the lead up to Christmas.

• See also:
  • The official 2019 Cavalcade of Lights schedule has been released
  • Toronto’s shipping container market is getting a holiday festival
  • Toronto is getting a brand-new Vegan Christmas Market this year

The Toronto Christmas Market

The Toronto Christmas Market returns to the Distillery District from November 14 to December 22 and in addition to the twinkling lights and holiday cheer, look forward to plenty of seasonal sweets and European-inspired eats.

When: On now through Sunday, December 22, 2019 (closed on Mondays)
Where: The Distillery District
Tickets: Available online

York Region’s Holiday Market

If you find yourself north of Toronto on November 15, hit up this holiday market to check dozens of vendors, photos with Santa, hot chocolate, crafts, and more.

When: November 15, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket

Home for the Holidays

Now celebrating 31 years, this Markham market returns for three days featuring thousands of gift ideas from 130+ juried exhibitors — plus all the Christmas food you can handle.

When: November 15, 16, and 17
Where: Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Road, Markham
Tickets: $9 for adults

The Trinity Bellwoods Flea: Christmas is Coming Market

Stepping it up this year for the holidays, the Trinity Bellwoods Flea is making it easy to give local, handmade, and one of a kind presents for the holidays. Visitors can shop from over 100 artisans, makers, crafters, and small businesses all in one place.

When: November 17, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 1087 Queen Street West
Admission: FREE

One of a Kind Winter Show

Whether you’re searching for the perfect one-of-a-kind item or seeking inspiration for the perfect gift, you’ll find everything you need (and more) at Toronto’s One of a Kind Winter Show. The shopping event will feature thoughtfully made items from over 800 artisans including thousands of festive foodie treats, home décor, artsy offerings and everything else you’ll need to get your festive shopping done.

When: November 21 to December 1
Where: Encare Centre Exhibition Place
Tickets: $15 for adults; seniors/youth (13-17) $8.50; children 12 and under are free

Holiday Hills

Toronto’s stackt market will be home to a new holiday festival this year. Here you’ll find a mix of two iconic Canadian past-times, crokinole and curling, in addition to an onsite eco tree farm where you can pick-up potted and cut trees. Visitors can also enjoy late-night ‘Sip and Shop’ events, allowing guests to enjoy a glass of wine or spirits and live music while shopping across stackt.

When: November 22 to December 22
Where: stackt market, 28 Bathurst Street

The Toronto Vegetarian Association Holiday Market

For the third year, the Toronto Vegetarian Association will be bringing together more than 30 local businesses for this one-day holiday market showcasing cruelty-free products ideal for Christmas gifting.

When: November 24
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street, Toronto
Tickets: $5

Christkindl Market

Canada’s original Christkindl Market returns. The annual holiday celebration has been taking over Kitchener’s city hall and will feature plenty of Gluhwein, sweet and savoury food, 100 vendors, choirs, bands, and dance groups.

When: December 5 to 8
Where: City Hall, Kitchener
Admission: Free

The Pleasures Seekers Market

This isn’t your typical holiday market. This December, The Lake is hosting a holiday gathering and curated market featuring items to add pleasure to your self-care routine.

When: Friday. December 6
Time: 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: Lovt Studio West, 888 Dupont Street
Admission: Tickets are available online for $15 for one or $25 for two

Swedish Christmas Fair

The Swedish Christmas Fair will transform Toronto’s Daniel’s Spectrum on Dundas into an epic holiday extravaganza this December. Stocked with Swedish folk art, design, and traditional Christmas decorations, this holiday shopping destination also boasts Scandinavian food imports, artisan crafts, unique Christmas décor, and Swedish design products. Foodies can look forward to a café featuring traditional Scandinavian open-faced sandwiches and pastries, too.

When: December 7 and 8
Where: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East
Admission: Free

Fair in the Square

The Holiday Fair combines the charm and elegance of a Christmas market with the excitement and allure of a thriving winter carnival right in the heart of the city. Cross off items on your holiday shopping list, spend the afternoon skating or enjoy a romantic evening drink at the ice bar… even Santa himself will make an appearance.

When: December 7 to 23, 4 pm to 9 pm from Tuesday to Thursday, noon to 10 pm from Friday to Sunday, closed Mondays
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Admission: Free

Green Christmas: Sustainable Beauty and Fashion Pop-up

Christmas is going to be green this year. This December, you can get all your shopping done (and pick a few things up for yourself) at this one-stop holiday shop, which will feature sustainable fashion and beauty brands.

When: December 8, 11 am to 4 pm
Where: 555 Richmond Street West, Unit 909
Admission: Free

With files from Kayla Gladys.