It’s finally here! The season of limited edition menus, oodles of holiday trinkets and of course, those oh-so-cute Insta-moments in the snow. Winter Market season! Hidden gems are popping up all around the city during the holidays with food, gifts, and music to enjoy. Be sure to check out some of VIBE’s Ultimate Guide for Holiday Festivals and Markets in the 6ix this winter season.
Toronto Christmas Market
When: November 15 to December 23
Where: The Distillery District, Toronto
How much: $6 after 5pm Fridays
Located in the Toronto Distillery District, the Toronto Christmas Market is a must-see during a winter in the 6ix. Explore the Beer Gardens and their festive cocktails, beer and the famous mulled wine Glühwein. Enjoy over 400 free musical acts throughout the festival with a new theme each night of the week. The Toronto Christmas Market has activities for the entire family to enjoy. Oh, and don’t forget to take your pics with Santa!
Home for the Holidays
When: November 16 to 18
Where: Markham Fairgrounds, Markham
How much: $9 adult admission
Looking for something to do this Sunday afternoon? Owe mom a call perhaps? Home for the Holidays is your spot for a lazy afternoon strolling through the various vendors, getting unique gifts and catching up on life. Who knows what you’ll find there!
One of a Kind Winter Show
When: November 22 to December 2
Where: Enercare Centre Exhibition Place, Toronto
How much: $15 adult admission
The Holy Grail of festivals every season, the One of a Kind Winter Show is the mother of all holiday markets. Nice and cozy inside the Enercare centre, you can spend as much time as you want perusing the seemingly endless booths of gifts, food, fashion and decor. When you go, you should play a game: how many gifts can you knock off your list in one day?
Swedish Christmas Fair
When: November 24 and 25
Where: Harbourfront Centre, Toronto
How much: Free!
If you’re in the mood for some delicious sweets, head down to the Swedish Christmas Fair. Try some authentic Scandinavian food and drink, as well as homemade crafts and decor. While you’re there, be sure to check out the open skate at the Harbourfront Centre.
The Toronto Vegetarian Association Holiday Market
When: November 25
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, Toronto
How much: $5 admission
Calling all vegans and vegetarians! The Veg Holiday Market is your spot for local, plant-based, and ethical products this winter season. The market will also have presentations throughout the day on tips and tricks for plant-based living during the holiday season.
Aurora Winter Festival
When: November 29 to December 30
Where: Ontario Place, Toronto
How much: $19.99 for general admission
Aurora Winter Festival is new to the city this year and tbh looks so cool. The Ontario Place park will be transformed into four Mystical Worlds of the North Pole, each with their own customized attraction. To top it off, the 50’ LED dome is playing a projection of the Aurora Borealis…and you can go skating under the lights! It being the festival’s first year and all, we can’t say for sure if its VIBE approved, but we will definitely have to go find out if it lives up to the hype.
The Junction Holiday Market
When: November 30 to December 2
Where: The Junction, Toronto
How much: Free!
Live in the area? Take a walk down and check out the local holiday specials, as well as music and entertainment. With any luck, you’ll find your new go-to restaurant in your neighbourhood!
Fair In the Square
When: December 1 to 23
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto
How much: Free!
Fair in the Square is the one-stop-shop of holiday markets. They’ve got shopping, activities for the kids, great food, and the Jackson Triggs Wine Bar. Don’t forget that Insta-moment at the Toronto sign!
The New Old Fashioned Night Market
When: December 7 to 8
Where: 103 Dovercourt Rd., Toronto
How Much: Free, but RSVP is required.
Presented by Lot 40 Canadian Rye Whisky, The New Old Fashioned Night Market will showcase local artists and makers breathing new life into old traditions. Featuring local artists, vendors, live music and one-of-a-kind visual and interactive installations for you to enjoy! Be warned, this is not a family-friendly event; you must be legal drinking age to attend.
The Sip and Shop King St. Holiday Market
When: December 9
Where: 461 King St., Toronto
How much: Free!
Looking for a more luxurious holiday experience? The Sip and Shop King St. Holiday Market is an interactive shopping and entertainment experience. With warm, chocolatey drinks on hand, what more could you ask for really?
Hoame for the Holidays
When: December 9
Where: 430 Adelaide, Toronto
How much: $35/ea. or $60 for two
This is your zen, safe haven during the stressful Holiday season. There not only be vendors, but also yoga classes offered by lululemon and a meditation class by Hoame. Ticket price also includes a goody bag for you to take home!
Toronto Art Crawl Holiday Market
When: December 9
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W, Toronto
How much: $10 online and $12 at the door
Head over to Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market to see over 90 local artists showcasing everything from jewellery, to decor, to body care as well as a live DJ and full cash bar. It sounds like Art Crawl is where the party is this holiday season.
Winterlicious
When: January 25 to February 7
Where: Various locations in Toronto
How much: Meal prices vary
Winterlicious is Toronto’s winter culinary event series; restaurants in the 6ix introduce a special Winterlicious menu for us to enjoy! A full list of participating vendors has not been released yet, stay-tuned for that in mid-December!
With so many options to choose from this season, there’s no reason you shouldn’t go out and get festive! What are you waiting for? Text your friends, parents, siblings, everyone! Spend the holidays with the people who matter in your life, that’s what the holidays are all about.
Know of any other winter markets in your area? Let us know so we can add them to our Events Calendar!
