Christmas markets in Ontario to check out this festive season

Christmas markets in Ontario are aplenty this time of year. With November quickly approaching, and December right around the corner, the time is now for planning all merry excursions.

While we have the Distillery Winter Village to look forward to in Toronto, there are many holiday markets nearby in Ontario that will help you get into the festive spirit.

Here’s a round-up of Crhistmas markets you should know about in Ontario.

Uxbridge Christmas Market

If you’re gift shopping for someone who loves herbal teas or ‘artisan’ soaps, or maybe you are that friend, then a visit to Uxbridge should be in your plans soon. The Uxbridge Christmas Market specializes in all things ‘hand-crafted’ and local, so you should definitely be expecting to see some quality one-of-a-kind items. 

Admission is free for the market held in the Uxbridge Arena Hall, and it will run every Sunday from Nov. 3 until Dec. 8.    

Home for the Holidays

Christmas time in Markham wouldn’t be complete without the “Home for the Holidays” market, a mainstay for the community for 37 years. With an abundance of local vendors selling everything from handmade wool sweaters to specialty hot sauces, this is the place for you to find a gift for that one friend with acquired tastes.

The annual market will run from Nov. 15 to 17 and will be located at the Markham Fairgrounds. 

Niemi’s Christmas Market & Farm

If you’re looking for a spot with a European theme, Niemi’s Christmas Market is going to give you the true Scandinavian Christmas fantasy. 

You’re definitely going to want to check out the bakery with it being a Scandinavian market, and make time to see the adorable animals in the farm. It would be a genuine disservice to yourself and the friends you dragged out to Mount Albert if you didn’t see a single animal. 

This holiday event will take place every Friday and Saturday from Nov. 15 to Dec. 21, and it is free to check out. 

Dufferin Christmas Market 

If you’re looking for an all-day trip out of the city, then perhaps the 150 local Canadian artisans can keep you busy at the Dufferin County’s largest Christmas market. The one day festive space in Mono will have locally sourced beer and wine, along with food trucks to enjoy.

The market’s efforts are also admirable, working alongside the Orangeville Food Bank to give back to those in need in the local community.

You can check out this market on Nov. 23 and it will be at the OAS Event Centre, with adult tickets costing $3.

Gilford Wintermarkt

Looking for more European market options to give you the holiday feels? The Gilford Wintermarkt, hosted by Beach Road Market, in Innisfil might do the trick. 

The lakeside market will include a full-on Viking battle, and over 50 vendors, along with a “Bavarian infused hot menu,” says an organizer, and it will feel “like a Hallmark movie.”

Situated by the marina in the Gilford region, the market will open for one day only on Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Merry Market

Returning for its fifth year in a row at the old Kellogg factory in London, festival organizers promise this year will be “bigger and better than ever.”

The size of the festival has grown over the years, becoming a main meeting point for locals getting into the Christmas feel. 

This year, the ‘Merry Food + Wine Show’ will have live charcuterie board demos and, of course, lots and lots of food & wine tastings. 

Admission for the festival is free and will run from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, then will resume from Dec. 5 to 8. Another run will take place from Dec. 12 to 15. 

Aurora Christmas Market

The town of Aurora truly comes alive for the Chritmas season with their version of a holiday market. Full-on fire breathers will be in attendance for a full show, along with an abundace of community vendors for the mandated seasonal treat.

Located in Aurora’s Town Square, admission is free and it will run from Nov. 29 to Dec.1 before taking a brief hiatus. The market is set to return from Dec. 6 to 8. 

Pingle’s Farm Christmas Fest

If you’re looking for more of the ‘Christmas on the farm’ moments, then definitely head on over to town of Hampton this season.

The giant farm will host wagon rides, photo ops with Santa, live music, and an expansive market with a Christmas tree lot. 

Admission for the market is free, however a ticket will need to be purchased for access to various activities.  The festivities will run from Dec. 2 to 17. 

Christkindl Market 

You can’t forget German Christmas if you really want to get your drink on while eating some festive foods. Kitchener’s Christkindl Market, a place modeled after “medieval German markets,” provides that holiday setting to drink some mulled wine and demolish a giant, salty soft pretzel.

Blacksmith demonstrations and folklore characters placed around the festival will definitely make it feel like a Skyrim-themed Christmas.

Located at 200 King Street West, the market opens on Dec. 5 and will end on Dec. 8.