11 Christmas Markets To Hit Up In Toronto This Holiday Season
With Halloween in the books and Fall quickly turning into chilly Winter weather, it's about time we start talking about Christmas! While I personally think it's never too early to start prepping for the best time of the year, you've got yourself a week and a bit before the festivities begin around the city.
Whether you are looking for shopping shows to get your Christmas gift shopping done, or markets that are just packed with decor, lights and Christmas cheer to get you hyped up, look no further! We've got you covered from mid-November all the way up until the big day, so get your Santa hat ready!
Bloor West Village Arts & Crafts Show // November 11th
Where: 432 Runnymede Road
Why you should go: Back for its 36th year, the Bloor West Village Arts and Crafts Show proves to be one of the best places to get your Christmas shopping done early! With jewelry, china, mid-century as well as vintage and antique items, it's the perfect place to go if you are feeling stumped on what to get as a gift for somebody in your life!
Toronto Christmas Market // November 16th - December 23rd
Where: 55 Mill St Toronto
Why you should go: The official Toronto Christmas Market is one of the most popular events Toronto hosts in preparation for the Christmas season, and the event's popularity is due to good reason. With the entire Distillery District transforming into what feels like an adorable small town that's obsessed with Christmas, the decked out yet still homey space will get even the biggest Grinch in the caroling mood!
Markham Home for the Holidays // November 17th - 19th
Where: 10801 McCowan Rd
Why you should go: The Christmas events don't start in just the downtown core! If you live in the Markham area or are passing by on the 17th-19th, look out for the Home for the Holidays event the area hosts to further hype up the Christmas season!
Seasons Christmas Show // November 17th - 19th
Where: 6900 Airport Rd
Why you should go: If you are continuing your hunt for the perfect Christmas gifts for your family, friends and/ or partner, check out the Seasons Christmas Show! They host 200 vendors that sell all sorts of gifts that would be perfect for the special people in your life. You'll be able to taste, shop and experience everything Christmas-related that this place has to offer!
Toronto Christmas Pet Expo // November 18th - 19th
Where: 6900 Airport Rd
Why you should go: Who said your furry friend couldn't get a gift if you wanted to get them one? The Toronto Christmas Pet Expo is all about finding the perfect gift for your four-legged pal and it's another great way to further hype up Christmas. From adorable pet items and delicious treats to mini stocking stuffers, head over to this spot to grab the perfect items to celebrate Christmas with your pet the right way!
Christmas Market & Cafe // November 18th
Where: 254 Sunset Blvd, Stouffville
Why you should go: This market and cafe hybrid is all about promoting local vendors and artisans during the holiday season through silent auctions, boutiques, and a bake sale. So if you are looking for something homemade and local to gift to the special people in your life, you should definitely check out this spot! Plus, with the bake sale on site, you can get yourself a gift or two while shopping!
Icewave for Sickkids Winter Green Beach Holiday Market // November 23rd - December 23rd
Where: Woodbine Beach, Lake Shore Boulevard East
Why you should go: If you are someone who appreciates Christmas SZN but secretly loves Summer way more, check out Icewave! They turn Woodbine Beach into a Winter Wonderland with light displays and crazy decoration all in the name of raising awareness for Sickkids- the perfect balance between Summer and Christmas!
Swedish Christmas Fair // November 25th - 26th
Where: 235 Queens Quay West
Why you should go: If you want a little slice of Sweden without actually traveling there, this is the perfect event to go to! This two day festival will feature carols, dancing, crafts and tons more (food samples included). It's the perfect way to experience a new culture and see if they have any gift items your family and friends would like to receive on the big day!
The Sip and Shop Queen St. Holiday Market // November 25th
Where: 1100 Queen St W
Why you should go: If you are still shopping for your friends and family, this is another great event to visit! Considering the event is focused solely on shopping with interactive entertainment is run throughout the experience. While you shop through the Twist Gallery you can sip on a hot chocolate to keep your warm- how much more Christmas-y can you get?!
Holiday Fair in Nathan Phillips Square // December 1st - 23rd
Where: 100 Queen St W
Why you should go: This is a great event to go to with your friends, your family or your partner! This Holiday Fair is loaded with things to do from drinks at the ice bar, skating, lunch and shopping. Plus, you'll be right by not only one massive Christmas tree at Nathan Phillips Square, but only a few minutes away from the other massive tree inside Eaton Centre if you want to go on a Christmas tree hunt!
Santa and Winter Market in the Junction // December 2nd
Where: The Junction
Why you should go: Every year people from the Junction collectively celebrate Christmas by hosting Christmas activities as well as shopping through the market that's set up on the street! It's a great way to celebrate if you are looking for a less main-stream occasion but still, want to get some shopping and Christmas celebration in before the 25th!
