The holidays are right around the corner, and browsing through festive Christmas markets for unique gifts is a beloved annual tradition for many. These markets are filled with handcrafted arts and crafts, cheerful Christmas carols, and delicious culinary treats, providing unforgettable holiday shopping experiences for the whole family! You donโt have to travel too far to enjoy them. Here are a few of the best Christmas markets in Southern Ontario:
Niemiโs Scandinavian Christmas Market, Mount Albert
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This Christmas, visit this magical outdoor market on a gorgeous Scandinavian family farm. Itโs just under an hour from Toronto but youโll feel like youโve entered a northern European city! Stroll through a real-life Christmas land filled with pine trees, lights, andย festive decorations. Discover local vendors offering handmade Finnish gifts that are sure to impress your friends and family. Taste delicious treats at the cozy Scandinavian bakery before embarking on a meet-and-greet with Santa in his workshop! Donโt forget to hop on the Christmas Train โ itโll bring you around the magical farm to meet the farm animals while listeningย to the Christmas Story. Begins Nov. 15, every Friday and Saturday until Christmas, 12:00-8:00 p.m. Select activities require tickets, check website for more details. 18463 Highway 48, Mount Albert, Ont.
Cambridge Christmas Market, Cambridge
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With over 100 local artisans, crafters, and craft-makers filling up over four floors at City Hall and the Cambridge Centre for the Arts โ youโre sure to find the most perfect Christmas gift at this award-winning indoor market!ย Enjoy free live entertainment, traditional holiday music, and a giant fire pit lounge. Support local vendors by sampling seasonal treats from food trucks. Have your phone camera ready โ Santa, Mrs. Claus, and โWilly Meltโ will be wandering the market, so youโll want to capture a few pics for lasting holiday memories! Dec.14 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Dec. 15 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Admission is free. Cambridge City Hall (50 Dickson St) and Cambridge Centre for the Arts (60 Dickson St), Cambridge, Ont.
Sparkles, The Village of St. Jacobs
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Wander through a village filled with thousands of twinkling lights โ youโll feel like youโve entered a true winter wonderland! Enjoy St. Jacobsโ many unique shops and eateries. Shop into the evening hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and take in the holiday festivities and entertainment! Traditional Christmas music will be performed by a strolling quartet of accomplished singers dressed in authentic Victorian costumes. Hop onto a festive horse-drawn trolley and take a charming ride through town, or warm up with a cup of cider by the open fire! Before you leave, bring your family and friends to Home Furniture to meet Santa, as he will be collecting Christmas letters! Nov. 14-17, Nov. 21-24. Admission is free. King St N, St. Jacobs, Ont.
Markham Home for the Holidays: Christmas Market, Markham
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Experience the true essence of Christmas at this beloved annual tradition! Take in the joyous atmosphere while shopping for unique handcrafted decorations and gifts (everything from jewelryย to scented candles). Munch on freshly baked gingerbread, jams, jellies, and shortbread under thousands of twinkling lights reflecting off handmade stained-glass pieces. For Christmas carol lovers, the Baker Street Victorian Carollers will be back in full Victorian garb as they sing the classics. Nov. 15-17. Tickets: Adults:ย $14.00 Seniors:ย $12.00 | Youth:ย $3.00 | Children 12 and Under: Free. Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Rd, Markham, Ont.
Christkindl โChrist Childโ Market, Kitchener
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For four days in December, the streets of downtown Kitchener will transform into a traditional Christmas festival that dates back 700 years! Savour the sights, sounds, smells, and spirit of the Christmas festivals found in Germany. This annual market has more than 35,000 visitors each year and was named one of Ontarioโs “Top 100” festivals and events (you wonโt want to miss it). This year, youโll discover Christmas trees in Carl Zehr Square and on Gaukel St near Charles St. Stop by to get a photo and see the dazzling lights! Dec. 5-8. Admission is free. 200 King Street West, Kitchener, Ont.
