The Best Holiday Markets Across Canada

The countdown to Christmas is on. And as December 25 inches closer, everyone has their own way of getting into the holiday spirit: some decorate their home with miniature Santas, others bake batches of tree shaped sugar cookies, and a few people watch The Holiday. (These people should be watching Love Actually, which is, without doubt, the superior Christmas romcom.)

One of the best ways to gear up for the big celebration is to attend a Christmas market. European markets get all the merit, but here in Canada, we have a few bazaars and pop-up city events that rival German traditions--or at least, do a pretty good job at mimicking them. For the best handmade gifts, tasty seasonal treats and hot mulled wine this side of the Atlantic, make sure to check out these six Canadian Christmas markets.

Toronto Christmas Market

Distillery District, Toronto, Ontario

The Toronto Christmas market offers all things festive and cheery: spiced drinks, twinkly lights, and over 600,000 people (!!!) trying to score the perfect tree ‘gram. Once you make it through the iron gates, shop the artisan huts for candles, shortbread and handmade gifts, then cozy up by the fire with a cup of mulled wine. Pro tips: visit on weekdays, make a pit stop at Deceim and buy a cup of BOKU Sushi’s Sake and hot apple cider. We promise you won’t regret it.

November 15 - December 23, 2018

Marché de Noël allemand de Québec

Place et Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, Quebec City, Quebec

It’s hard to imagine Old Quebec more romantic than it already is, but add a few strings of lights, a soft snowfall and a selection of warm German treats, and the heart of the city is a magical dreamscape. With traditional wooden kiosks, live Bavarian musicians and the heavily-hyped Lufthansa Group WinterBar.

November 22 to December 23, 2018

Vancouver Christmas Market

Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver, British Columbia 

Yuletide celebrations take over Jack Pool Plaza for Vancouver’s annual Christmas Market. With over 80 artisan huts, you’re bound to find gifts galore--and plenty of knicknacks to fill loved one’s stockings. There’s lots to offer festive foodies, with samples of traditional German holiday eats, including Glühwein, bratwurst, gulasch, spätzle, bratwurst, schnitzel, kartoffelpuffer, and strudels. And for the little ones, we hear Santa makes regular appearances.

November 22 - December 24, 2018

Village de Noël de Montréal

Corner of Atwater and St-Ambroise, Montreal, Quebec

The Montreal Christmas Village is back for it’s second year. The festive market features nightly shows, gourmet evenings, a series of outdoor film screening, local Quebec artisans and, of course, warm wine to sip on.

November 30 to December 23, 2018

Christkindl Market

City Hall, Kitchener, Ontario

Since 1996, Kitchener City Hall has been home to Canada’s original Christkindl Market. The city boasts one of Canada’s oldest and largest German communities, and it a community steeped in Bavarian folklore and Teutonic tradition. At the Christkindl Market, visitors can expect to spot Knecht Ruprecht, a companion of the German Saint Nicholas who carries sack filled with sweets for good children.

December 6 to December 9, 2018