Toronto Christmas Market: The Complete Guide
Christmas is one of Canada’s grandest holiday celebrations, so it’s not surprising that Christmas preparations in Toronto start as early as after Halloween. It’s when stores start putting up large Christmas trees and beautiful ornaments and stocking beautiful holiday-themed products. When you go outside, you’ll notice the streets lit up with awe-inspiring lanterns and twinkling Christmas lights, while houses become colorful with lovely Christmas decorations.
One of the famous things to do in Ontario’s capital during the holiday season is to explore the Christmas markets in Toronto. It’s an incredible holiday tradition that locals and visitors shouldn’t miss. Every festive market typically features wooden huts and stalls selling a unique range of local goods, handmade gifts, and crafts. You can also sample homemade delicacies and sweets, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and other tasty treats.
If you book early for the Toronto Christmas markets, leave your baggage at a Bounce luggage storage in Toronto and collect your things later. You can buy gifts and splurge on different Christmas goodies without burden.
The Distillery Winter Village
Rebranded from the famous Toronto Christmas Market, The Distillery Winter Village is the largest Christmas Market in Toronto. It is located in the historic Distillery District and will take place from November 17 to December 31, 2022.
The Distillery Winter Village is a true winter wonderland with lots of holiday attractions along the cobblestone streets. This outdoor market, nestled in a charming historical setting, attracts the crowds with its Christmas ornaments, twinkling décor, numerous vendors, and plenty of food options to try. It also features Photo Walls for visitors to capture the perfect festive photo, a beautifully-decorated Distillery Christmas tree, snowman statues, and more.
An amazing lineup of carolers and buskers will spice up the holiday spirit. But the giant light tunnel and the spacious beer garden are among the event’s highlights. There are also cafes, microbreweries, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries worth exploring in the place.
What to do near The Distillery Winter Village
You’ll probably be occupied during your visit to one of Toronto’s best Christmas markets. But while in the area, check out the Young Centre for the Performing Arts or the Berkeley Street Theatre to watch a show or a live performance.
Swedish Christmas Fair
If you’re a fan of Swedish treats and products, one of the Toronto Christmas Markets you should visit is the Swedish Christmas Fair. It’s an annual event in the city that started in 1982. For many years, it was held in Harbourfront Centre at Queens Quay West until it was moved to Toronto’s Daniels Spectrum in 2019.
Swedish Christmas Fair is a two-day event from November 19 to 20 at Daniels Spectrum. After opening a Swedish Christmas Fair webshop in 2020 and 2021, SWEA Toronto will have a live event again in 2022. While Swedish food and sweets will only be available in the online shop, visitors can enjoy an array of traditional Swedish things at the live fair. These include Swedish Restaurants, Folkdancers, Children’s Crafts, and more.
What to do near Swedish Christmas Fair
You might be busy enjoying delicious food and treats at a Swedish café or watching presentations and shows as Swedish folk dancers and singers perform. But if you have time, don’t miss the chance to see the renowned CN Tower in Downtown Toronto. This iconic tower is only a short drive from the Christmas Fair’s venue.
Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market
Another Toronto Christmas Market that deserves everyone’s attention is the outdoor festive market organized by Toronto Art Crawl. Founded in 2013, Toronto Art Crawl is pleased to invite you to its seventh annual Christmas Market. It’s free admission, so it’s open for everyone looking to purchase unique products made by more than 120 talented local artists and artisans.
The Christmas Market opens on November 5, 2022, in the chic King West area, one of the city’s most trendy, vibrant, and lively neighborhoods. From 11 AM to 6 PM, the market is available to provide you with a great opportunity to buy home décor, jewelry, fashion items, sculptures, art, photography, and more. It also features food and drinks vendors, while DJ Kid Artik will bring the party vibe to the venue.
What to do near Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market
The setting for the Christmas Market is close to several famous city attractions. It includes the scenic Garrison Common, which is also a famous venue for events and festivals, and the iconic Fort York National Historic Site, a 19-century military fort in Toronto, Canada.
Holiday Fair in the Square
Expect amazing attractions and wonderful entertainment in the heart of Toronto. The Holiday Fair in the Square is finally back to combine the glamour and charm of a Toronto Christmas market with the appeal and excitement of a winter carnival. It’s a new favorite Christmas tradition in the capital of Ontario, featuring family-friendly rides, games, and adventure.
The Holiday Fair in the Square is a perfect place to spend time with friends and loved ones. Take them to the unique Polar Point ice bar and sip seasonal beer and liquor, spirits, and wine. If you want to shop, head to the Artisan Marketplace and find various hand-crafted items, gifts, and souvenirs. For food-loving visitors, you’ll enjoy wandering around the festive fare for warm drinks, tasty cuisine, and seasonal snacks.
This event will run from December 2 to 23, 2022. It is open from 4 to 9 PM between Tuesday and Thursday, 12 noon to 10 PM every Friday and Saturday, and closes at 9 PM on Sundays.
What to do near The Holiday Fair in the Square
Nathan Phillips Square is a captivating setting you’ll love year-round. If you’re here for the Christmas market, you can also swing by Toronto City Hall and Osgoode Hall, a heritage building with picturesque gardens.
Celebrating Toronto’s Holiday Season with Holiday Cheer
Christmas in Toronto is a special holiday when the entire city is lit up with lights, fireworks, and spectacular Christmas markets. These make it an ideal place to celebrate the yuletide season and feel the festive spirit in the capital.
It is brimming with culture, creativity, and artistic people you’ll meet at the traditional markets, offering one-of-a-kind gift items, souvenirs, and products, as well as memorable experiences.
Now you are ready to enjoy the Christmas Markets in Toronto. For more things to do in Toronto, check out these other guides:
Wine Tasting in Toronto: 11 Places You Have to Try