7 Christmas Markets Across Canada To Get You In The Festive Spirit
Photo, Toronto Christmas Market.
Between the vendors selling tradition gingerbread treats, the chorus of carollers singing in the background and the smell of pine, Christmas markets are a surefire way to get into the festive spirit.
The first Christkindlmarkts, held in Germany and dating back to the 14th century, were places where farmers came to buy and sell goods. Over the years the markets have evolved into the jubilant events we know today, filled with stalls selling seasonal food, decorations, clothing and housewares — the perfect place to cross a few names off your gift list!
Find Christmas markets all across Canada in November and December, from Vancouver to Dartmouth.
ChristmasMarkets
Toronto Christmas Market
In 2016, Fodor’s named this market one of the 10 best in the world. It’s held every year in Toronto’s historic Distillery district, and as you enter, you are immediately greeted by an over 50-foot white spruce decked out with more than 40,000 lights. After browsing through stalls selling unique items from all around the world, warm up in the heated outdoor beer and mulled-wine gardens.
Runs: Nov. 15 to Dec. 23
Vancouver Christmas Market
Located at Jack Poole Plaza (home of the Olympic Cauldron), the Vancouver Christmas Market features vendors from Germany that sell traditional foods like gingerbread, stollen, and Spätzle (a soft egg-noodle dish), as well as local makers and bakers. Santa will be available for photos and a stage with feature a variety of performances.
Runs: Nov. 21 to Dec. 24.
Marché de Noël Allemand de Quebec
Be transported back to traditional Old World European Christmas Markets at Quebec City’s Marche de Noël Allemand de Quebec. Enjoy the sweet sounds of the choral singers as you stroll among the quintessentially German wood stalls offering up treats like bratwurst and mulled wine. Be sure to check out the stall selling Lebkuchen Schmidt-brand gingerbread straight from Nuremberg — it’s one of the only places in Canada that sells these delicious and storied cookies!
Runs: Nov. 22 to Dec. 23.
Banff Christmas Market
Running for just one weekend in late November, the Banff Christmas Market combines the magic of the season with the magic of nature, being located outside of town in the park. With stalls selling art, jewellery, clothing and homewares as well as both sweet and savoury edible treats, you’re sure to find plenty of good gifts here. If you get cold, warm up in by the toasty fire in the outdoor lounge.
Runs: Nov. 22 to 25.
Jacques-Cartier Region Christmas Market
Find this Christmas market in historic Old Montreal at Place Jacques-Cartier. Featuring six local microbreweries, this market is a beer lover’s dream! You’ll also find over 50 other food vendors and artistisans selling their goods, as well as a light display, creative workshops for kids and outdoor activities for the entire family.
Runs: Nov.30 to Dec. 2 and Dec. 7 to 9.
Kitchener Chistkindl Market
Billed as Canada’s original Chistkindl Market, this one is not to be missed. It runs for just four days, starting the day of St. Nicholas (Dec. 6), and it market features over 90 vendors, a large skating rink, choirs singling carols, blacksmith demonstrations, a live nativity scene and of course, Santa himself.
Runs: Dec 6 to 9.
Alderney Landing Christkindle Market
Every year, Alderney Landing, a not-for-profit that promotes community and cultural programming located in downtown Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, holds a Christmas market at the beginning of December. The jam-packed three days feature the Maritime Marionettes‘ telling of the nativity story, vendors selling traditional German goodies and carollers carolling.
Runs: Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.
Originally posted November 2017; Updated November 2018.
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