Celebrate the festive season in a myriad of ways at these heartwarming, family-friendly seasonal events. Enjoy lively entertainment, holiday music, sparkling lights, hot cider and mulled wine. Check off your shopping list with one-of-a-kind gifts and homemade treats.
Santa Claus, the jolly man himself, may even appear at some of these Christmas-themed events.
Ottawa Region
Canadian Museum of History Christmas Market
One of Ottawa’s favourite holiday events returns to the Grand Hall of the Museum of History, the Haida Gwaii Salon and the W.E. Taylor Salon.
Browse vendor booths for unique handicrafts, including Christmas ornaments, wood crafts, blown glass, handcrafted jewellery and specialty food items.
Admission is free.
When: November 27–30, 2025
Where: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
Ottawa Christmas Market
Get into the holiday spirit at the Ottawa Christmas Market in Aberdeen Square of Lansdowne Park.
Also known as the Lansdowne Christmas Market, the Ottawa Christmas Market is a traditional yuletide wonderland with pop-up shops, hot cocoa stands and spectacular Christmas lights that create the perfect festive atmosphere. Enjoy seasonal entertainment, including a visit by Santa, delicious food and unique gift ideas.
Admission is free.
When: weekends, November 21–December 31, 2025
Where: 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa
Greater Toronto Area
The Distillery Winter Village
The Distillery Winter Village takes place each year in Toronto’s picturesque Distillery Historic District.
Wander cobblestone laneways and admire the decorated vendor cabins, carollers and quaint shops. Enjoy a variety of outdoor entertainment and sip a hot chocolate or stop by the beer garden for a brew. At the centre of the market, the larger-than-life holiday tree customized with bright lights and decorations continues to be a popular attraction and one of the favourite spots to take pictures.
Admission tickets are required for specific days and times and must be purchased online in advance. Admission is free outside of the ticketed timeframes.
When: November 13, 2025–January 4, 2026
Where: 55 Mill Street, Toronto
One Of A Kind Winter Show
The annual One Of A Kind Christmas Show has become a downtown tradition for locals and visitors in Toronto.
Meet the makers of hand-crafted apparel, jewellery, art and other unique products. Find inspiration for making creative meals and other fun demonstrations.
Themed days include a late-night shopping party on December 4, special perks for seniors and a candy cane competition.
Purchase admission tickets online. Each ticket provides free re-admission for the duration of the show. GO Transit and ticket combo packages are available.
When: November 27–December 7, 2025
Where: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Boulevard, Unit 1, Toronto
Holiday Fair in the Square
Experience the charm and nostalgia of a holiday market in Mel Lastman Square.
Shop for unique treasures in the artisanal marketplace, enjoy entertainment and warm up with tasty drinks and snacks, including mulled wine and hot apple cider at the Polar Point Bar.
When: Check back for specific dates
Where: 5100 Yonge Street, North York
Swedish Christmas Fair
The Swedish Christmas Fair is a festive celebration of Swedish culture with traditional food, Lucia (a festival of light), folk dancing, crafts, a book corner and a wide range of Swedish-designed products. It is held at the George Brown Waterfront Campus.
Pre-order popular Swedish foods and candies online for easy pickup at the fair.
Admission is free.
When: November 22–23, 2025
Where: 51 Dockside Drive, Toronto
York, Durham and Headwaters
Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest
Canada’s favourite rollercoaster and theme park transforms into an immersive winter wonderland with live shows and entertainment, ice-skating, magical light displays and stunning Christmas trees.
When: select dates, November 15, 2025–January 3, 2026
Where: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
Uxbridge Farmers’ Holiday Market
A trip to the Uxbridge Farmers’ Market in the Durham region makes for a lovely excursion any time of the year. However, it’s extra special when it’s transformed into the annual Holiday market during the festive season.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect candle, hand-crafted soap, herbal tea, pure honey or a particular piece of jewellery, you’ll find that and so much more at this inviting marketplace showcasing local handicrafts.
This event is held in the Uxbridge Arena Hall and admission is free.
When: Sundays, November 2–December 14, 2025
Where: 291 Brock Street West, Uxbridge
Markham Home for the Holidays
Embark on a festive journey at the 38th annual Home for the Holidays market at the Markham Fairgrounds.
Over 130 exhibitors will showcase their products across three exhibition buildings. From artisan ceramics, stained glass and jewellery to gourmet cookies, jams and chocolates, this market has something for everyone on your list.
Strolling Victorian carollers add to the ambiance and you may even see Santa himself while you shop.
Purchase tickets at the gate (cash only) or online in advance.
When: November 21–23, 2025
Where: 10801 McCowan Road, Markham
Stouffville Holiday Market
Celebrate the holidays at the most festive local winter event of the season, featuring an artisan vendor marketplace, magical lighting displays, food and drinks, live musical entertainment and Santa Claus himself.
When: November 21–22, 2025
Where: Main Street, Stouffville
Aurora Christmas Market
Enjoy entertainment, workshops, artisan and food vendors at Aurora’s annual Christmas Market.
Shop for everyone on your list. Take photos with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy a variety of interactive activities.
Admission is free.
When: November 28–30 and December 5–7, 2025
Where: 50 Victoria Street, Aurora
Pingle’s Red and Green Christmas Celebration
Pingle’s Farm is hosting a unique holiday event with live music, treats, a new animal barn and even photo ops with Santa. Swing by the Cindy Lou Who Cafe for festive food and drink and pick up a Christmas tree at the Mistletoe Market.
Purchasing tickets online in advance is strongly recommended.
When: weekends, December 6–21, 2025
Where: 1805 Taunton Road, Hampton
Niemi’s Scandinavian Christmas Market
Experience a Scandinavian family farm this holiday season and discover local vendors offering handmade gifts, Finnish products, Christmas trees and cozy cafes. Meet farm animals, visit Santa, enjoy a Christmas train ride and gather around a bonfire.
Admission is free; however, you’ll need to purchase tickets online for select activities.
When: Fridays and Saturdays, November 14–December 20, 2025
Where: 18463 Highway 48, Mount Albert
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Elora Christmas Market
Enjoy the magic of the holidays at one of Ontario’s most spectacular Christmas markets near Toronto.
Famous for its old-world European atmosphere, the town of Elora transforms into a winter wonderland with day and evening events and entertainment, twinkling lights, a sparkling Christmas tree, festive food and drink and local vendors offering unique seasonal gifts.
When: Wednesdays through Sundays, November 14–December 25, 2025
Where: Elora
Cambridge Holiday Market
Downtown Cambridge celebrates the Yuletide season with its award-winning Holiday Market at Cambridge City Hall, which has been a success since its launch in 2012.
Enjoy the festive atmosphere, shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and sample seasonal food from over 100 artisans, crafters and makers. Take a picture with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Willy Melt as they stroll around the market.
Admission is free.
When: December 5–7, 2025
Where: 50 Dickson Street, Cambridge
Christkindl Market
Modelled after medieval German markets, this annual holiday market held at Kitchener City Hall has been named one of Ontario’s “Top 100” festivals and events.
Shop for all sorts of gifts, crafts and treasures. Sample Glühwein (mulled wine) and snack on a soft pretzel as you watch blacksmith demonstrations and take selfies with various folklore characters.
Admission is free.
When: December 4–7, 2025
Where: 200 King Street West, Kitchener
Sparkles in the Village of St. Jacobs
Marvel at thousands of bright and twinkling festive lights displayed throughout St. Jacobs Village during this annual shopping event.
Enjoy extended shopping hours as well as holiday festivities and entertainment.
Merry carollers dressed in Victorian costumes and local musicians add to the Yuletide celebration. And Santa himself will make an appearance.
Admission is free.
When: November 13–16 and 20–23, 2025
Where: St. Jacobs Village
The Christmas Trail
Shop for holiday gifts in and around the charming community of Stratford.
Purchase six vouchers and take a self-guided tour to over 30 participating stores along the trail where you can exchange the vouchers for gifts. Check the map for participating shops.
Vouchers can be used from November 1 to December 20, so take your time and enjoy shopping and exploring the city.
When: November 1–December 20, 2025
Where: various shops in Stratford, St. Marys and Shakespeare and beyond
Bruce, Grey and Simcoe
Southern Georgian Bay Christmas Market
Held in the Alpine Ski Club, this vibrant Christmas market features over 100 vendors showcasing a variety of handcrafted items and gifts.
Browse body and wellness products, fashion and jewellery, home décor, seasonal crafts, gifts and tasty treats. Plus, look forward to amazing door prizes.
When: November 22–23, 2025
Where: 17-242 Arrowhead Road, The Blue Mountains
Christmas on the Bay
Georgian Bay’s largest European-style Christmas market takes place in historic downtown Meaford.
This four-day festival features live music, light displays, outdoor fire pits and vendor stalls that showcase a variety of foods and artisan creations.
The tourist information booth is located in the Big Red Apple. Admission and parking are free. Overflow parking and parking for larger vehicles are available at Meaford Harbour.
When: December 4–7, 2025
Where: 12 Nelson Street East, Meaford
The Gilford Christmas Market
Enjoy a festive open-air market on the shore of Lake Simcoe at Gilford Local Eatery.
Browse over 30 vendor stalls, enjoy festive treats, live music and entertainment.
When: November 29, 2025
Where: 1096 Shore Acres Drive, Gilford, Innisfil
Southwestern Ontario
Dresden Christmas Night Market
Experience the magic of Christmas at this award-winning night market. Downtown Dresden lights up the season with amazing shopping in the pedestrian-only streets, special entertainment and music, a pop-up bar and dining opportunities.
Admission is free.
When: November 29, 2025
Where: Downtown Dresden
Southeastern Ontario
MacKinnon Brothers Holiday Market
Celebrate the festive season on the century-old farm of MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company.
The event features over 50 local artisans and vendors, as well as cookie decorating and Christmas carolling. Get your photo taken with Santa and check out the new Red Fox Cocktail Bar.
Cash admission of $10 can be paid at the gate. Admission for kids 12 and under is free.
When: November 22–23 and November 29–30, 2025
Where: 1915 County Road, Bath
The Red Barn Christmas Market
Join over 60 vendors at The Eddie Hotel & Farm for one of Prince Edward County’s largest and most charming holiday markets.
The festively decorated nineteenth-century farm comes to life with a wide array of artisanal creations, including hand-spun fabrics and locally made candles. Shop for everyone on your list at this festive event.
When: November 28–30, 2025
Where: 15786 Loyalist Parkway, Bloomfield
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Grafton Outdoor Christmas Market
This annual festive event held at the Grafton Arena features over 70 talented artisans, musicians and food vendors.
For the most up-to-date information, follow the Grafton Christmas Market on Instagram or Facebook.
When: December 6, 2025
Where: 10766 County Road 2, Grafton
Northeastern Ontario
Village Noel Temiskaming
Travel back in time to experience the ambiance and joie de vivre of a New France village during Christmastime.
Join artisans, craftspeople, musicians, dancers, lumberjacks and historical personalities at this lively Northern Ontario Christmas village at the New Liskeard Fairgrounds. Admire the Christmas tree decorated with traditional natural materials.
Admission is free.
When: November 20–22, 2025
Where: 10 May Street South, Temiskaming Shores
No festive season would be complete without a visit to at least one of Ontario’s holiday markets.
credit – www.destinationontario.com
