The holiday season has a special atmosphere when spent in Canada. I don’t know about you, but I often feel like I’m in a Christmas movie. Not only because, if you’re lucky, you get to experience it in the snow. But also because Canada is often used as a backdrop for Christmas movies. If you’re interested, I’ve got an article on Christmas movies filmed in Ontario. To complete your Christmas experience in Canada, I’ve prepared a list of Christmas markets to visit around Toronto.
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Belleville
I had the pleasure of visiting Belleville at the end of November. What a beautiful little town. And they really have the Christmas spirit down there. Not only can you attend a Christmas market on the weekends in December before Christmas, but you can feel the magic of Christmas just about everywhere. Everyone gets into the spirit. We passed a group of Christmas choristers. I was smiling from ear to ear. You can also visit the park where the Festival of Lights is held. Following an accident in the late ’50s, a bereaved family started this Christmas tradition to pay tribute to their children.
- Find out more here. From November 17 to November 18, weekends only.
- Where is Belleville: Google Maps.
Elora
Yet another good reason to visit Elora! I told you about this village in my article on the 10 towns to visit around Toronto for the day. Well, I’ve got a new reason to add. The whole town has been decked out in lights to transport you to a Christmas movie. And the good news is that the Christmas market is open every day (although not all activities are available on all days)!
- More information on their website. From November 21 to December 29, 2024.
- Where is Elora: Google Maps.
Kingston
We continue our exploration of Christmas markets around Toronto with a town I’ve already told you about: Kingston. This city has a special charm. Since 2017, every December, the city offers a market of local artisans to find original gifts for Christmas. Grab a hot chocolate and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.
- More information on their website. The first 3 weekends of December.
- Where is Kingston: Google Maps.
Cambridge
Another village I particularly like in Ontario: Cambridge. Come and discover over a hundred local artisans on the premises of the town hall. Cambridge is often used as a backdrop for films, so take the opportunity to wander around and try to recognize some of the sites. With its old stone streets, you’re sure to feel like you’ve stepped on the other side of the screen.
- More information on their website. Saturday December 14 and Sunday December 15.
- Where is Cambridge: Google Maps.
Christmas at the farm
A change of scenery for this Christmas market around Toronto. Head for Pingle Farm north of Toronto. Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere surrounded by farm animals. You can have your photo taken with Santa, take a tour of the Christmas market or enjoy the music. A great activity for young and old alike.
- More information on their website. December 7 & 8 | 14 & 15 | 21 & 22
- Where is Pingle’s Farm: Google Maps.
Niemi Family Farm
Another option at the farm, but this one has a little train where you can listen to a Christmas story. I’m sure the little ones will love this visit. The train takes you through the farm, where you can meet the animals. If you’re lucky, you’ll even come across Santa Claus in his workshop! After your ride, you can discover local artisans and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
- More information on their website. Fridays and Saturdays between November 15 and December 21, 2024.
- Where is Niemi Family Farm: Google Maps.
London
For the 5th year, London, Ontario is ready to welcome you to its Christmas market. You’ll have a great time with family and friends. Grab a hot chocolate and stroll through the market to do your Christmas shopping.
- More information on their website. December 5 to 8 and December 12 to 15.
- Where is London, Ontario: Google Maps.
Collingwood
I recently told you about my visit to Collingwood. It’s a little town that I really enjoyed in summer. And I’m very curious to discover it in winter, especially with the Christmas market! Every Friday evening from late November to the last Friday before Christmas, you can enjoy the town as it transforms itself for the festive season. The lights, the dancers, Santa’s visit – everything is planned to ensure you have a great time.
- More information on their website. Every Friday evening until Christmas.
- Where is Collingwood: Google Maps.
Innisfil
This Christmas market takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December. Come and enjoy a fir tree over 12 meters high, with little booths where you can do your shopping. Stroll along the Promenade for a chance to meet Santa Claus or the carol singers!
- More information on their website. Friday to Sunday in December.
- Where is Innisfil: Google Maps.
I hope this list will inspire you to explore the Christmas markets around Toronto. Many take place over just one weekend and have already passed, but I’ll be adding them for the 2025 version next year.
