MUST SEE CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN ONTARIO

By Natalie Wednesday, November 12, 2025

KEY TAKEAWAY: Ontario transforms into a sparkling holiday wonderland every year, with festive Christmas markets ranging from Toronto’s iconic Distillery Winter Village to cottage-country gems, countryside artisan fairs, and magical popup markets from Ottawa to Niagara. Whether you love twinkling lights, handmade gifts, or warm drinks by the fire, there’s a Christmas market for every style of holiday lover.

Plan ahead, make it a day trip, and check Summer Fun Guide Event Calendar for even more holiday experiences, Santa Clause Parades, light festivals, and winter getaways.

What Are The Best Ontario Christmas Markets?

Whether you’re seeking the hustle and bustle of city markets or the quaint charm of village festivities, the best Ontario Christmas markets are truly in the eye of the beholder.

Ontario offers an incredible mix of European-style markets, modern artisan fairs, and cozy rural holiday pop-ups. You’ll find everything from mulled wine and gourmet treats to handcrafted ornaments, carolers, igloos, live entertainment, pet-friendly nights, Santa’s villages, and unique holiday shopping you won’t find at the mall.

From the cobblestone charm of Toronto’s Distillery Historic District to the cozy Elora Christmas Market and the sparkle of Niagara Falls, Ontario’s holiday markets capture the magic of the season. Browse artisan gifts and handcrafted jewelry, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy seasonal entertainment that brings each market to life. Whether you’re exploring bustling city squares or quaint shops in small towns, these Christmas markets in Ontario offer the perfect way to celebrate Christmas across the province.

Where Can I Find Christmas Markets in the Niagara Region?

Niagara Falls Christmas Market

Now one of Ontario’s most popular markets! Featuring fire pits, live music, dozens of artisan vendors, light displays, festive cocktails, and incredible photo ops—steps from the dazzling Winter Festival of Lights.

Dates: Weekends Nov 12–Dec. 18, 2025
Where: 4605 Queen St, Niagara Falls

Where Can I Attend a Christmas Market in Kitchener Waterloo Region?

CHRISTKINDL MARKET

Experience the charm of a traditional European Christmas at the Christkindl Market in Kitchener. With its authentic German-inspired festivities, this market is a celebration of holiday traditions with live entertainment and a kid zone. Browse through wooden stalls adorned with handcrafted ornaments, stay warm with a mug of spiced Gluhwein and be serenaded by carolers dressed in classic German attire. Don’t forget to grab a warm pretzel or fresh baked Christstollen and Spitzkuchen gingerbreads to complete the experience.

Dates: Dec 4- 7, 2025
Where: Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West

Sparkles in the Village of St. Jacobs

St. Jacobs Village shines brightly each year as thousands of twinkling holiday lights illuminate the streets for this popular festive shopping event.

Stores stay open late, and visitors can enjoy seasonal entertainment and holiday activities throughout the village. Victorian-costumed carollers and local musicians fill the air with Christmas cheer, and Santa even stops by to join the celebration.

Admission is free.

Dates: Weekends. Nov 13-23, 2025
Where: 1430 King St North, St. Jacobs

What Christmas Markets Are There in Elora?

Elora Holiday Market

Experience the holiday season at one of Ontario’s most charming Christmas markets just outside Toronto.

Elora is known for its cozy, European-style ambiance, and during the holidays the entire town turns into a festive wonderland. Enjoy daytime and evening entertainment, glowing lights, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, delicious seasonal treats, and local vendors selling handcrafted holiday gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

Dates: Wednesdays through Sundays, November 14–December 25, 2025
Where: Bissell Park, Elora

What Is the Best Christmas Market in York Region / Mount Albert?

NIEMIS FAMILY FARM CHRISTMAS

Experience the Magic of Christmas at Niems Family Farm Christmas in Mont Albert, 45 minutes from Toronto. Tucked away in a charming setting, roam through the Christmas tree groves to find the perfect tree for your holiday celebrations. The farm also hosts a delightful array of family-friendly activities, from Christmas train rides to meet the farm animals and Santa. Warm up around a fire with a cup of hot cocoa, and shop for gifts and holiday treats. Niems Family Farm Christmas promises a cozy and enchanting experience that will leave you with cherished memories of the most wonderful time of the year!

Admission is free; however, you’ll need to purchase tickets online for select activities

Date: Nov 14th to Dec 20th Fridays and Saturdays 12pm to 8pm
Where: 18463 ON-48, Mount Albert

Are There Traditional Christmas Markets in Ottawa?

OTTAWA CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Ottawa Christmas Market is a magical experience in the heart of the nation’s capital. With its charming chalet-style wooden stalls, this market presents a perfect blend of European and Canadian holiday traditions. Visitors can shop for handcrafted gifts, indulge in seasonal treats, enjoy live music and entertainment, and take a spin on the outdoor ice-skating rink.

Date: Weekends, Nov. 21- Dec 31, 2025
Where: Aberdeen Plaza at Lansdowne, Marché Way, Ottawa

Where Are The Best Christmas Markets in Toronto & GTA?

THE DISTILLERY WINTER VILLAGE

The Distillery Winter Village is the epitome of holiday enchantment, transforming the historic Distillery District into a winter wonderland. Visitors can stroll through beautifully decorated cobblestone streets, explore a variety of unique artisan vendors, savor delicious festive treats, and enjoy live entertainment. Don’t miss out on the breathtaking Christmas tree and Santa’s cottage!

Admission tickets are required for specific days and times and must be purchased online in advance. Admission is free outside of the ticketed timeframes.

Dates: Nov.13- January 4, 2026
Where: Distillery District, 55 Mill Street, Toronto

One Of A Kind Winter Show

The One Of A Kind Christmas Show is a beloved Toronto tradition, drawing both locals and visitors every holiday season.

Browse hundreds of talented Canadian makers showcasing handmade clothing, jewellery, art, home décor, and one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Enjoy creative cooking demos, craft inspiration, and plenty of festive fun along the way.

Special themed days add to the excitement, including a late-night shopping event on December 4, seniors’ specials, and even a playful candy cane competition.

Dates: Nov. 27 – Dec. 7, 2025
Where: Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto

Burlington Holiday Market

Set beside the city’s massive waterfront light festival — great for combining holiday lights + shopping. Downtown Burlington is bustling like never before this season. Over three days, the downtown core is transformed with holiday displays, live music, tasty food vendors, a whimsical Christmas tree forest, and countless artisan stalls lining the cozy cobblestone streets. Best of all, the entire event is free and doesn’t require tickets.

2025 Dates: Dec. 8-11, 2025
Where: Spencer Smith Park area & Downtown Burlington shops

Where Can I Find Festive Holiday Markets in London, Ontario?

100 KELLOG MERRY MARKET

London’s fastest-growing free holiday market is back—and bigger than ever. Celebrate the season with incredible local vendors, immersive décor, eye-catching photo spots, and the iconic 35-foot Kellogg Christmas tree, complete with a surprise live performance during the tree lighting.

For the first time, the Merry Market is expanding to a fourth weekend and opening its fully accessible third-floor space, The Century Centre. Visitors can explore even more vendors, enjoy a Prosecco Pit and full bar, and step out onto the patio for a beautiful view of the sparkling Courtyard lights.

Dates: Nov. 27 – Dec. 18, 2025
Where: 100 Kellogg Lane, London

What Are the Best Christmas Markets in Kingston & Quinte West?

Kingston Holiday Market

An artisan-focused, indoor holiday market at Kingston’s Tett Centre, with local makers, crafts, pottery, and festive workshops.

Date: Nov. 29 – Dec. 14, 2025
Where: Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning

Quinte West Holiday Market

Date: Dec. 6-7, 2025
Where: Centennial Park, at 12 Couch Crescent, Trenton

What Christmas Markets Are There in Northern Ontario?

Village Noel Temiskaming – Temiskaming Shores

Step into a festive New France-inspired village complete with artisans, musicians, dancers, lumberjacks, and historical characters. This lively Northern Ontario celebration brings old-world holiday traditions to life at the New Liskeard Fairgrounds, featuring handcrafted goods, seasonal entertainment, and a beautifully decorated natural Christmas tree.

Admission is free.

Dates: November 20–22, 2025
Where: 10 May Street South, Temiskaming Shores

Find Amazing Christmas Markets This Upcoming Holiday Season with Summer Fun Guide

Ontario’s amazing Christmas markets make the festive season feel extra special, from sparkling city squares to cozy small-town streets. Use Summer Fun Guide to discover more Christmas events and plan your next holiday adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ontario Christmas Markets

When Do Christmas Markets Typically Start in Ontario?

Ontario’s Christmas markets begin appearing in late November and carry through December, some lasting into the first week of January. The season starts early in larger cities like Toronto and Ottawa, while smaller communities often open closer to early December. Dates can shift slightly from year to year, so it’s worth checking our event calendar before heading out.

Are Ontario Christmas Markets Free to Attend?

Many Christmas markets are free to enter. A few charge a small fee or sell tickets for special features, like rides, performances, exclusive tasting areas or between certain hours. Admission details are usually listed on each market’s website. Whether you’re attending a large downtown event or a smaller local market, the value lies in the atmosphere: warm lights, good music, and the smell of something sweet on the air.

Which Ontario Christmas Markets Are Free to Attend?

Ontario has some truly magical Christmas markets that are free to enjoy, making it easy to soak up the festive spirit without spending a dime on admission. These markets offer holiday lights, artisan shopping, seasonal treats, photo ops, and live entertainment—with no entry fee required.

Here are some of the best free Christmas markets in Ontario:Christkindl Market (Kitchener), Ottawa Christmas Market, 100 Kellogg Merry Market (London), Burlington Festival of Lights Market, Jacobs Sparkles, Niagara Falls Christmas Market, Village Noel Temiskaming, Elora Holiday Market, Distillery Winter Village (on select days and times)

What Are the Best Small-Town Christmas Markets in Ontario?

Ontario’s small-town Christmas markets are where the holiday magic truly shines. Cozy streets, heritage buildings, handcrafted goods, twinkling lights, and friendly local vendors create an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a Christmas movie.

Here are some of the most charming small-town Christmas markets worth visiting: Elora Christmas Market, St. Jacobs Sparkles & Niemi’s Family Farm Christmas Market

What Can I Buy at Ontario Christmas Markets?

Every market offers its own mix of local vendors and independent makers. Expect to find finely crafted Christmas ornaments, seasonal décor, and unique handmade gifts. Tables are filled with holiday decorations, gourmet foods, and baked goods that make ideal host gifts or indulgences to bring home. For many visitors, these markets are as much about discovery as Christmas shopping. They are your chance to meet artisans, sample festive food, and support small Ontario businesses.

Can I Bring My Dog to Ontario Christmas Markets?

Pet policies differ. Outdoor markets, like Niagara Falls Market often welcome dogs, while enclosed venues may not. Even when pets are allowed, it’s best to check event updates before visiting. Cold weather, crowds, and loud entertainment can be overwhelming for animals, so a short stroll early in the day is usually best if you’re bringing a companion.

Do Christmas Markets in Ontario Run in Bad Weather?

Most outdoor markets stay open through light snow and cold temperatures. It’s part of the charm. Severe weather, though, can cause delays or short closures. Dress for the conditions and check each market’s social channels before you set out. A little preparation goes a long way toward making the experience comfortable!

Wishing you all a very happy holiday season.

Natalie