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Summary

8 Enchanting Spots To Holiday Shop In Ontario If You Want To Avoid Malls

Add some magic to your holiday shopping!
Lead Writer, Travel

T'is the season for shopping, and there's no need to hit up a mall in order to get it done.

Ontario's holiday shopping places are perfect for avoiding busy centres this year.

With twinkling storefronts and tons of festive charm, you can find unique gifts for everyone on your list.

You can even spoil yourself with a hot chocolate break at a quaint cafe.

Grab your gift lists and shop until you drop at these enchanting holiday spots.

Editor's Choice: Ontario's Christmas Village Has A Snowy Forest Full Of Bonfires & You Can Toast S'mores

Stratford

Address: Stratford, ON

Why You Need To Go: Stratford's historic downtown looks even more charming beneath a blanket of snow, and you can enjoy local shops and cafes. In December, the storefronts are getting luminous displays to add some magic to your shopping.

Elora

Address: Elora, ON

Why You Need To Go: The quaint town of Elora is like stepping into a snow globe, and you can find unique items at the local shops.

Niagara-On-The-Lake

Address: Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON

Why You Need To Go: This picturesque town is perfect for holiday browsing, and you can even visit a Christmas-themed store.

ByWard Market

Address: ByWard Market, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Nestled in the heart of the city, Byward Market offers a charming shopping escape. It's also worth popping by Tinseltown Christmas Emporium in Ottawa for an extra touch of magic.

Kingston

Address: Kingston, ON

Why You Need To Go: The historic downtown core of this city will give you old-time Christmas feels. Explore the many shops and sip warm hot chocolate at the cafes.

St. Jacobs Sparkles

When: November 12, 2020 - December 24, 2020

Address: St. Jacobs, ON

Why You Need To Go: Wander down glowing streets and enjoy a variety of promotions at the St. Jacobs Sparkles event.

Blue Mountain Village

Address: 156 Jozo Weider Blvd., The Blue Mountains, ON

Why You Need To Go: Find lots of goodies along the main street, and take a stroll through the dazzling holiday displays for an extra festive adventure.

Stackt Market

Price: Free

When: November 17, 2020 - January 3, 2021

Address: 28 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: The Holiday Hills event has over 20 shops to explore, as well as festive activities like themed cocktails and a tree farm.

Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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