Community & Current Events
10 oh-so-charming Christmas markets across Canada
Toronto Christmas Market
Community & Current Events
10 oh-so-charming Christmas markets across Canada
Our favourite holiday hotspots in our home and native land to shop local and get into the festive spirit.
Skip the mall this season in favour of Christmas markets with a seemingly endless array of handmade and Canadian-designed goods. You may even check everyone off on your list in just one stop—all while listening to tunes and noshing on tasty treats. Here are some of the best festive markets coast to coast.
1. Vancouver Christmas Market
November 22 to December 24, 2017
Inspired by traditional German holiday fairs called Christkindlmarkts, the Vancouver Christmas Market brings together food, shopping and music in the open air. The 75 wooden stalls sell goodies like patterned socks, Austrian tea, Turkish fruit soaps and German snacks including potato pancakes, schnitzel, gingerbread and mulled wine. Plus, the littles will enjoy a ride on the carousel and a chance to sit on Santa's lap.
Tickets: $5 to $10. Children six and under are free.
2. Craft Culture, Kelowna
December 9 and 10, 2017
This Okanagan craft fair features 175 B.C. makers of items such as wooden cheese boards, raw crystal jewellery and colourful artisanal chocolates. Find something for everyone on your list while sipping wine, listening to live performances by White Sails A Cappella Chorus and Farmer the Band and taking selfies at the photo booth. The first 50 people through the door each day get a swag bag filled with coupons and samples.
Tickets: $5. Children 12 and under are free.
3. Market Collective Cheer, Calgary
December 1 to 3, 8 to 10 and 15 to 17, 2017
If you're shopping for someone who's too cool for school (she's into local art, knows all the best bands and loves everything organic), you'll want to head to the Market Collective's winter fair in Inglewood for wall hangings, small-batch bath products, beanies and soy candles. While you're there, savour snacks from local food trucks, explore interactive installations and groove to live tunes and DJ sets.
Tickets: $5. Children 12 and under are free.
4. The Royal Bison Fair, Edmonton
November 24 to 26 and December 1 to 3, 2017
With different vendors each weekend, The Royal Bison Fair's winter market is worth two trips to Old Strathcona. Since it's aligned with the local independent arts community, there's a heavy dose of art and paper products, mostly made by Edmonton-based creatives. You'll even find great gifts for the men in your life. Expect it to be a little edgier than your average craft bazaar; their slogan is “Make Edmonton Weird.”
Tickets: $3. Children get in free.
5. Third + Bird Christmas Market, Winnipeg
November 25 and 26, 2017
Additional Pop-Up: December 2 and 3, 9 and 10, 16 and 17, 2017
Located on a single floor of Hudson's Bay Downtown, Third + Bird Christmas Market offers a carefully curated selection of gifts from more than 130 local makers. Snag healing crystals, home goods made from repurposed materials, leather baby shoes, Bronuts donuts and maybe even a manicure. If you can't make it out, Third + Bird will be hosting a pop-up shop at the Forks Market for three weekends in December.
Tickets: $5. Children 12 and under are free.
6. Toronto Christmas Market
November 16 to December 23, 2017
A holiday staple in the 6ix, the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery Historic District is a hub of activity morning and night. Browse the shops and temporary stalls in the cobblestoned neighbourhood, ride the ferris wheel and carousel, indulge in a beverage in the beer garden and enjoy award-winning performances. You can even get your pet's picture with Santa on Tuesdays from 2pm to 7:30pm.
Tickets: Free on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, as well as Friday before 5pm. $6 on Friday after 5pm, as well as Saturday and Sunday.
7. Canadian Museum of History's Christmas Market, Ottawa
November 30 to December 3, 2017
This four-day market hosted in Ottawa's Canadian Museum of History is home to more than 80 stalls with traditional craft-fair wares—think jams, Christmas decorations and pottery. That said, there are also a few quirky vendors, like Jack's Soda (for artisanal pop) and McCormick Wands (yup, there are carved wood wands available for Harry Potter fans). Finish your shopping early this year, then take a whirl through the museum.
Tickets: Free
8. Le Grand Marché de Noël de Montréal
December 1 to 24, 2017
The perfect destination for a family outing, the schedule for Montréal's Grand Marché de Noël is jam-packed with activities. Visit Santa's house and the elves' workshop, decorate cookies or make jewellery and sample cotton candy, beaver tails and European sausages. While the littles are occupied, you'll maybe even sneak in a bit of shopping for household linens, cozy slippers, herb-growing kits and stylin' kids clothing.
Tickets: Free
9. Le Marché de Noël Allemand de Québec, Québec City
November 23 to December 23, 2017
A German market in the Christkindlmarkt tradition, Le Marché de Noël Allemand offers a European experience with festive music, beautiful decorations and German food—all set in magical Old Québec. Enjoy choral singing, indoor and outdoor performances, the Lufthansa Group WinterBar and the Kindermarkt—a designated area with children's activities and, naturally, appearances by Mr. Claus.
Tickets: Free
10. Halifax Crafters Society Winter Market
December 1 to 3, 2017
Take a few hours to get to know the local artists and makers in the Halifax region at this winter shopping weekend. Since Halifax Crafters Society aims to showcase and support local established and emerging crafters, at least 80 percent of vendors are based in Nova Scotia. A jury selects participants (usually around 80 out of 150 applicants) and each market offers high quality, utterly unique gift options.
Tickets: Free
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