Canada’s Best Christmas and Winter Markets

Wednesday, November 22–Sunday, December 24

Experience the seasonal décor and Yuletide celebrations of Vancouver Christmas Market. With over 75 artisan huts, you’ll find gifts galore and trinkets for stockings. One of this year’s highlights is Canada’s first ever Walk-In Christmas Tree: a 30-foot tall tree covered with a spectacular display of 36,000 twinkling lights. Festive foodies won’t be disappointed with the menu either – sample Glühwein (mulled wine), bratwurst, gulasch, spätzle, schnitzel, kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), and strudels. Vancouver Christmas Market also has a special area for kids where they can ride a Christmas Carousel, take part in a scavenger hunt around the market, and put in some face time with Santa.

Thursday, November 16–Saturday, December 23

The Distillery District in Toronto is ideal for recreating the magic and romance of a traditional European Christmas market. Ranked as one of the top 10 holiday markets in the world, Toronto’s Christmas Market, now in its eighth year, was created in light of the city’s love for holidays, peace, friendship, and solidarity. This year’s live entertainment and interactive installations focus on spreading joy and coming together. Other highlights include Santa and his elves, one of the city’s largest real Christmas trees, heated outdoor beer and mulled wine gardens, locally handcrafted products, unique gifts from around the world, tasty European delicacies, Canadian food favourites, and festive drinks.

Thursday, November 23–Sunday, December 3

Friday, December 8–Sunday, December 10

Another place to pick up unique and thoughtful Christmas presents is City of Craft. Now in its 11th year, this collective brings together independent artists and craftspeople. It’s Toronto’s largest independently-run show and features installations as well as free workshops. This three-day festival strives to bring together the local DIY/indie-craft community and increase Toronto’s love and access to contemporary craft. For 2017, City of Craft has partnered with The Theatre Centre, a live arts hub and incubator that has two fully-accessible floors, and a green roof patio and café so visitors have a space to eat and relax throughout the show.

Thursday, December 7–Sunday, December 10

For an authentic German Christmas market experience, join 35,000 others who visit Christkindl. Kitchener, Ontario’s award-winning holiday market, was founded in 1996 and has been evoking the sights, smells, and tastes of German festivities for over 20 years. Downtown Kitchener comes to life with the honoured traditions of a candlelight lantern parade, lighting of the Christmas tree, a live nativity scene, and performances from choirs, bands, and dance groups. If you are just in it for the food then you won’t be disappointed! Prepare to drool over Belgian waffles, stollen, sausages, schnitzel on a bun, and traditional glühwein.

Thursday, November 23–Saturday, December 23

Another holiday market keeping with tradition is Quebec City’s German Christmas market, Le Marché de noël Allemand. Quebec City’s Town Hall square and gardens are transformed into a small village of European-style wooden kiosks with festive lighting. Once again you can expect delicious German treats like bratwurst, glühwein, and gingerbread, as well as choral singing, shows, and performances. It’s also another great place to buy original Christmas presents that are imported from Germany and crafted in Quebec.

Friday, December 1–Saturday, December 23

Enjoy European charm and a festive atmosphereat Marché de Noël et des Traditions in Longueuil, one of Quebec’s most authentic holiday markets. Located on the south side of St. Lawrence River in St. Mark’s Park, Marché de Noël celebrates Christmas traditions. Come for the music, glittering white lights, family fun and an opportunity to see artisans creating their goods in cute little timber cabins.

Friday, December 8–Sunday, December 10; Friday, December 15–Sunday, December 17

This holiday craft fair in Montreal is perfect for all your Christmas gift-giving. With live DJs and local artisans, the holiday edition of Puces Pop is a far cry from traditional craft fairs. Head to this winter market for handmade goods from up and coming designers, craft-makers and artists from Montreal’s creative community. When you need to chill, go to Puces Lounge, a relaxation space with a bar.

Friday, November 24–Sunday, November 26

Located in Canada’s first national park, this is not your average holiday market. Enjoy the rustic delight of this festive European tradition while surrounded by Canadian beauty and nature. Pick up gifts from Inuit carvers and local artisans, munch on BBQ food and homemade chocolate and stay warm by the fires or in the new Christmas Drink Bar from Park Distillery. The best thing about Banff Christmas Market is you can even take a magical sleigh ride through stunning scenery!