8 Charming Christmas Shopping Spots Near Toronto That Aren't A Busy Trip To The Mall

Check off your gift list without getting lost in the crowds.

Lead Writer, Travel

Christmas is the time for giving, but a trip to the busy mall during the holiday season can leave you feeling far from festive.

If you still need to check off your gift list, you can head to one of these quaint shopping spots around Toronto. With local boutiques, cute cafes, and magical decor, these spots make great day trips during the holiday season.

Elora

Price: Free

Address: Elora, ON

Why You Need To Go: This historic town is brimming with Christmas magic, and you can enjoy special promotions during the Starlight Shopping events.

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Stratford

Price: Free

Address: Stratford, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can explore tons of quaint shops in this beautiful town. There's even a Christmas Trail running until December 20 where you can purchase vouchers and redeem them for gifts at stores along the tour.

Website

St. Jacobs

Price: Free

Address: St. Jacobs, ON

Why You Need To Go: You'll feel like you've stepped back in time at this quaint village. During the St. Jacobs Sparkles event, the entire area is lit with thousands of twinkling lights, and you can enjoy promotions at the shops.

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Collingwood

Price: Free

Address: Collingwood, ON

Why You Need To Go: Boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and more await along the main street, which looks extra festive at Christmas. There is also a market during certain days in December.

Website

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Price: Free

Address: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Why You Need To Go: If you want to get into the Christmas spirit, this is the place to be. This charming town has sweet shops, decorated windows, and tons of holiday events.

Website

Unionville

Price: Free

Address: Unionville, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can go on a shopping spree in the original Stars Hollow at this glittering village. The Holidays on Main event offers store promotions, activities, and more.

Website

Port Hope

Price: Free

Address: Port Hope, ON

Why You Need To Go: This old-time Christmas town is a magical place to do some gift-hunting. The historic buildings and quaint streets all add to the charm.

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Dundas

Price: Free

Address: Dundas, ON

Why You Need To Go: Boasting over 100 shops and streets lined with 19th-century buildings, you can forget the bustling crowds at this shopping destination.

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

  • 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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