Holiday Markets Worth A Visit in Ontario in 2022
Millions of twinkling lights, gently falling snow and the amazing feeling of supporting small local artisans: what’s not to love about the annual holiday market? It’s likely that you already have your favourite, but in case you’re looking for something new this year, we’ve rounded up a few great ones from around Ontario.
These holiday markets make a festive addition to a pre-holiday weekend getaway: be sure to check out our Ontario Experiences for unique overnight options nearby or reach out to us to plan a customized getaway.
Toronto’s Distillery Winter Village
Stroll the cobblestone streets of Toronto’s historic Distillery District under a canopy of  twinkling lights, see the large Christmas tree and shop at one of the dozens of local vendors, restaurants and cafés. Throughout the season, you can except to see live entertainment, buskers and carollers all out to get you in the festive mood.
The market kicks off on November 17 with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and continues through to December 31 (closed Dec 25-26). Entry is free during the week but paid tickets are required on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights beginning at 4pm.
Niagara Falls Christmas Market
This year’s Niagara Falls Christmas Market is promising to be the biggest one yet with an expanded footprint and more holiday experiences than ever. You will be treated to live music, new lighting displays (including the always popular glow swings and seesaws) as well as characters such as Santa Claus and the Grinch. Vendors will be selling everything from candles to handmade jewellery so you can find lots of goodies to fill those stockings. And of course the incomparable Falls is just down the road, adding even more magic to the experience.
The market begins on November 12, with a Santa Claus parade through downtown Niagara Falls and runs every weekend (Fri-Sun) until December 18. Entry is free.
St. Jacobs Sparkles
St. Jacobs Village is wonderful any time of the year but takes on a magical glow during their annual St. Jacob Sparkles event. Â You can expect thousands of sparking lights, special sales and promotions as well as Saturday visits from Santa. There will be a hot chocolate bar, a mulled wine bar, fire-pits and live music. The Waterloo County Carollers will be out singing Christmas songs while dressed in traditional Victorian garb.
This year the event will run over two weekends from November 17-20 and November 24-27.
Kitchener’s Christkindl Market
Modelled after a traditional German Christmas market, Kitchener’s Christkindl Market is an annual favourite. Shop the local vendors for handmade gifts or festive trinkets to add to your own home decor, enjoy the festive ambiance and indulge in traditional German treats. Live music and twinkling lights will get you in the holiday spirit.
The market takes place from December 1-4.
Village Noël Temiskaming
For something a little different, head to Temiskaming Shores in Northern Ontario for their annual Village Noël . The event, which takes place at the New Liskeard Fairgrounds, is marketed as a Christmas Village with a New France Theme. You’ll find lots of local vendors selling handmade, quality items but you’ll also get unique events like axe throwing and log sawing. Temiskaming Shores is another 1.5 to 2 hours north of North Bay, but worth the drive if you’re up for some Northern Ontario holiday fun.
The event takes place this year from November 24-26.
Marché de Noël Ottawa Christmas Market
It really doesn’t get more festive than this: cozy wooden cabins, sparkling holiday lights, live music and the magic of Ottawa at holiday time. The annual Marché de Noël Ottawa Christmas Market has local vendors selling everything from alpaca products and handmade beanies to all-natural skin care and chocolate confections. You can easily spend the whole day browsing, sampling and mingling. The market is a lovely addition to an Ottawa or South Eastern Ontario weekend getaway.
The market is open on weekends (Fri-Sun) starting on November 25 until December 18 and then from December 20-23.
Meaford’s Christmas On The Bay
Celebrate the holiday spirit in European style at Georgian Bay’s largest outdoor Christmas market in historic Meaford. You can expect cozy fire-pits, tons of twinkling lights and some really great family programming at Christmas on the Bay. Local vendors will be selling locally made foods, artisanal products and hand-crafted gifts. The event is dog-friendly, family-friendly and completely free.
The market takes place from December 1-4.
