MY MEDALLION
‘Tis the season to embrace the holiday spirit. One of the most enjoyable ways to do that is to bundle up and head outdoors with a friend or two to one of the province’s many festive holiday markets. You’ll be surrounded by good cheer, stunning light displays, great gifts, and tempting treats, all while perusing the best wares local artisans have to offer and crossing items off your shopping list. Visit these Christmas markets in Ontario before it’s too late!
The Distillery Winter Village
It’s worth heading out to the Distillery Winter Village for the incredible atmosphere alone. The mix of cobblestone laneways, historic red-brick buildings, canopy lights, prettily decorated vendor cabins, and centrepiece Christmas tree creates an unforgettable sensory experience. In addition to the many artisan vendors on site—who sell everything from food, clothing, home decor, jewellery, and toys—the Distillery District is full of restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and boutiques that are also open for business.
Holiday Fair In The Square
You’ve never seen city hall quite like this, as it is utterly transformed during the annual Holiday Fair In The Square. Nathan Phillips Square becomes a true winter wonderland, with a massive, 55-ft tall Christmas tree, an ice rink full of skaters, a light display from the Cavalcade of Lights, cozy fire pits, and aisle-upon-aisle of vendors in the artisan marketplace. Pick up a one-of-a-kind treasure for that special someone on your list or treat yourself. This celebration is a holiday market and winter carnival rolled into one, and includes both a midway with rides for the kids and live entertainment in the form of magicians, carollers, holiday characters, and a brass band.
Picks & Giggles Handmade Market
The 6th annual holiday Picks & Giggles Handmade Market takes place at the Ajax Community Centre on the second weekend of December. Come out and support local handmade businesses, who conveniently gather under one roof to provide you with an easy and cheer-filled holiday shopping experience. There will be a wide array of vendors present both days of the sale, as well as live entertainment to enjoy.
Christmas Market Craft Sale
Make sure to stop by the Christmas Market Craft Sale at the Brampton Legion to mingle with other members of the community and shop for unique gifts. Vendors will be selling tasty food items, self-care products, jewellery, handknit and crocheted goods, clothing, holiday ornaments, and interesting trinkets for both kids and adults. It’s a great place to find stocking stuffers, gifts for teachers and Secret Santa exchanges, all the more so because everything you find here is original and handmade, not something you can buy at the mall.
41st Annual London Christmas Craft Show
You know a holiday market has proven popular when it lasts several decades. The 41st Annual London Christmas Craft Show is not to be missed, as it offers over 200 vendors. This tradition, held on the first weekend of December at the Western Fair District Agriplex, is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Another great option if you’re in the London area is the Merry Market, held in a unique venue indeed: an old Kellogg cereal factory. The grounds have been completely transformed with an outdoor Winter Village (home to local vendors selling food, drinks, and gifts) and Twinkle Town, which offers even more vendors and a donation drive drop-off, as well as a number of shops and restaurants to choose from.
These are truly just a sampling of the many beautiful Christmas markets being held across the province right now; we suggest you check out more than one to discover your favourite. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to follow the Medallion blog for more suggestions on how to make the most of the holiday season.
