Christmas is just around the corner, and no one knows how to celebrate better than the citizens of the great, white north! Canadians love to ring in the season with mistletoe, plenty of snow and, of course, Christmas markets. From Victoria to St. John’s, our great nation is looking to nab a bargain on crafty items, festive gear, and great gifts. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the:
8 Best Christmas Markets in Canada
1/ Christmas by the Sea Market | November 24, 2018, in Lunenburg, NOVA SCOTIA
Christmas is extra special with a bit of fresh sea air, and the quaint, coastal town of Lunenburg has plenty of it! At their annual Christmas by the Sea Market, you’ll enjoy local crafts, food, art, and more all while strolling along the lovely King Street near the beautiful Nova Scotia coastline. If you get a chill, fill yourself up with the warmth of the season at one of their cozy warming stations, and grab a cup of hot cocoa to keep you going! If you’re making the trip, why not enjoy the annual Christmas Parade and tree-lighting at the Bandstand?!
2/ German Christmas Market | November 22 – December 23, 2018, in Quebec City, QUEBEC
Forget French and English, the most happening thing in the heart of Old Quebec this Christmas season is German! The annual German Christmas Market transforms this historical piece of the Quebec’s capital city into a festive paradise with a European flair. Indulge in German flavours like bratwurst, mulled wine, and gingerbread while shopping a magnificent selection of gifts to tune of choral singing and other outdoor entertainment. Kids will love the opportunity to visit Santa Claus and enjoy the family-friendly wares of the Kindermarkt.
3/ Christmas at the Glacier | October 17 – 22 2018 in the City of Mount Pearl, NEWFOUNDLAND
Christmas at the Glacier is one of most-attended craft fairs in the Newfoundland, and it’s no small wonder! With over 150 artisans from 7 provinces vending some of the most beautiful handicrafts and gift ideas of the season, Christmas at the Glacier is one you won’t want to miss. The 3rd floor Gallery and Elves Workshop invites families to take a break from shopping with balloon tying, face-painting, and lots of delicious seasonal eats! And you never know when you might catch sight of Man in Red!?
Photo Credit: Lucas Digital Art
4/ Toronto Christmas Market | November 15 – December 23, 2018, in Toronto, ONTARIO
Mix majestic carolers with stunning light displays, add a heap of sophisticated vendors, a giant Christmas tree and a dollop of the old world charm and you have a recipe for one of the finest Christmas Markets in the Northern hemisphere! The Toronto Christmas Market, located in Toronto’s Distillery Historic District, features local, handcrafted products from clothing and décor to tasty treats! Shoppers enjoy taking the Canadian chill off with mulled wine and hot toddies at the market’s hospitality lounges and beer gardens. Of particular interest to those who can’t get enough of those old Christmas tunes is Toronto’s World Caroling Challenge which attracts peerless voices from around the globe.
5/ Flock & Gather Winter Wonders | December 7 – 8, 2018 in Saskatoon, SASKATCHEWAN
Festive meets Chic at the Flock & Gather Craft Collective’s Winter Wonders Handmade Market. See St. Joseph’s Hall in the trendy Broadway District of Saskatoon transformed into a Winter Wonderland of the trendiest vendors of the season. Think knitting creations, local designer goods, handmade jewelry, original art, and delicately hewn handicrafts full of all the love and magic of the season.
6/ Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market | Weekends in November and December in Calgary, ALBERTA
Unleash your Christmas spirit in Cow-town this year! At the annual Spruce Meadows Christmas Market, you’ll discover a shopping experience full of entertainment, delicious food, and unique gift buying opportunities. Explore the impressive 300+ vendors in the festive comfort of the Spruce Meadows Riding Hall, Equi-Plex, Gallery on the Green, Reindeer Alley and Candy Cane Lane. The only thing better than the shopping is taking a break to enjoy LIVE dance, choral and instrumental performances.
7/ Royal Bison Art and Craft Fair | November 30 – December 2 & December 7 – 9 2018 in Edmonton, ALBERTA
It’s the craft fair so nice, they run it twice! The Royal Bison Art and Craft Fair features an array of locally-made goods and goodies including jewelry, home décor, holiday pieces, original art and delicious food to boot! This doozy of a festive affair takes place just north of the idyllic Strathcona Farmer’s Market
8/ Vancouver Christmas Market | November 21 – December 24, 2018, in Vancouver, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Jack Poole Plaza will take your breath away this festive season as it once again plays host to the Vancouver Christmas Market. This yuletide affair seeks to recreate the feel of an authentic German Christmas Market in the heart of Vancouver. Family, friends and strangers mingle and make merry as they stroll through row upon row of wooden huts hung with strings of lights in search of the perfect gift of crafty buy. Follow up your shopping with a succulent mouthful of German delicacies like sausage, Glühwein (mulled wine) and old world confections and enjoy live entertainment in a dazzling festive wonderland.
Heading abroad for the holiday season? You may want to get your Christmas craft fix at one of these exciting markets around the world.
Wishing you the very best of the season and Happy Shopping!
