Ontario hosts several of the most notable Christmas markets each winter. These events occur in diverse locations, from grand city squares and historic districts to quaint garden settings.
Every market possesses a distinct charm and provides visitors with handcrafted gifts, seasonal food, and festive lighting. Attending these markets facilitates memorable experiences. Visitors may search for unique gifts, enjoy mulled wine near a fire pit, or absorb the celebratory atmosphere.
This guide details the most significant Ontario Christmas markets for 2025.
The Distillery Winter Village
Location: The Distillery Historic District, Toronto
Dates: November 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Theme: Victorian-style holiday market in a pedestrian-only setting
Best for: Romantic dates and picture-perfect Toronto vibes
For a top-tier Christmas market, head to The Distillery Winter Village. It's a major seasonal hotspot from mid-November to early January. It sits in a location of Victorian industrial architecture that has been preserved, and the buildings have a lot of festive décor and illumination.
In addition to food and drink vendors operating throughout the market, visitors may tour a number of vendor cabins that offer crafts and goods made by local craftsmen. The primary landmark is a big Christmas tree.
The event further offers scheduled live entertainment and designated photo opportunities. This configuration promotes walking along the pedestrian-only streets. It directly encourages the purchase of food, drinks, and holiday items.
Ottawa Christmas Market
Location: Aberdeen Plaza, Lansdowne, Ottawa
Dates: Select dates from Nov 21 – Dec 31
Theme: German-style market with local charm
Best for: Families and anyone who enjoys European-style holiday markets
The Ottawa Christmas Market is a free, family-friendly event that takes place every Saturday throughout the holidays. Aberdeen Plaza is situated in Lansdowne, Ottawa's charming Glebe neighborhood.
There are hundreds of sparkling lights and beautiful wooden chalets in the market. In addition to seasonal cuisine and drinks like mulled wine and local specialties, the chalets sell handcrafted goods. Live performers complete the scene and give it a lively, European vibe.
Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market
Location: 777 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto
Dates: November 21–23 & 28–30, 2025 | Friday 2–6 pm, Saturday–Sunday 10 am–4 pm
Theme: Eco-friendly market featuring handcrafted and nature-inspired products
Best for: Shoppers interested in sustainable living and locally made gifts
Back for two weekends in late November 2025: the Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market. It features over 80 local sellers with handmade, sustainable goods, including jewelry, natural cosmetics, decor, and plants.
You can enjoy a calm garden market focused on eco-friendly shopping. Grab a bite from food trucks, relax by the bonfire, or listen to live music. There are kids' craft activities and free gardening demos from local experts. Entry is free for everyone.
One of a Kind Winter Show
Location: Enercare Center, Exhibition Place, Toronto
Dates: November 27 – December 7, 2025
Theme: A European-style Christmas market with antique finds to commemorate 50 years of Canadian workmanship.
Best for: Customers seeking out distinctive handcrafted presents, regional artwork, and festive culinary pleasures.
This winter, celebrate a huge milestone! From November 27 to December 7, 2025, Toronto's Enercare Centre will host the renowned One of a Kind Winter Show to commemorate its 50th anniversary.
The event features the finest of Canadian workmanship, including handcrafted toys, jewelry, apparel, artwork, and home décor. The expanded Flavors area offers gourmet goods, a European-style vacation market, and the new Vintage area.
This year also has 30% new producers and a Northwest Territories Pop-Up showcasing distinctive northern craftspeople.
Kitchener-Waterloo Christkindl Market
Location: Christkindl Market, downtown at Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West, Kitchener, Ontario
Dates: December 4th to 7th, 2025. (Open late Thursday to Saturday)
Theme: European-style market including an outdoor rink, German delicacies, live music, and wooden huts.
Best for: Shoppers and families looking for seasonal cuisine, crafts, and holiday fun.
Mark your calendars: the Christkindl Market returns to downtown Kitchener from December 4th to 7th, 2025.
You'll feel as if you've stepped into a traditional German Christmas market, with wooden cottages and dazzling lights. It's a terrific location to shop for unique handcrafted products and presents while listening to live music.
You may warm up with a festive drink and some traditional holiday foods, making this an ideal visit for the entire family. It's a beautiful local tradition that adds a touch of European holiday flair to Ontario.
Holly Jolly Holiday Market
Location: Covent Garden Market, 130 King St, London, ON
Dates: Nov 29 – Dec 22, 2025 | Fridays–Sundays
Theme: Festive market with artisans, food, lights, and fire pits
Best for: Families and visitors enjoying local vendors and holiday fun
From late November to December, it is open on weekends in Covent Garden, London. Both indoor and outdoor areas are devoted to artisan booths, and customers are served by neighborhood food merchants and a special Christmas Cocktail Garden. Warm fire pits, a big Christmas tree, and festive lighting adorn the space.
Families may take horse-drawn carriage rides, write messages to Santa, and decorate cookies and ornaments. An interactive LED area provides additional entertainment. Live music performances enhance the atmosphere. This downtown London event remains a popular holiday destination and offers free admission.
Christmas Theme Park
Many Ontario theme parks transform into seasonal attractions for tourists, offering festive experiences similar to outdoor Christmas markets Ontario 2025, with dazzling lights, local vendors, and a lively winter atmosphere.
Canada's Wonderland WinterFest
Location: Vaughan, ON
Dates: November 15, 2025 - January 3, 2026
Theme: Winter festival with lights, rides, shows, and festive treats
Best for: Families and thrill-seekers who enjoy holiday-themed amusement parks
Canada's Wonderland hosts a winter festival called WinterFest. The park grounds include a big Christmas tree, themed zones, and millions of lights. Snowflake Lake ice skating, live Christmas performances, light tunnel tours, and seasonal food purchases are among the activities. In the evening, several vintage rides are open.
With numerous photo opportunities, wandering carolers, and cheerful moments, the event combines holiday spirit with theme-park entertainment.
Santa's Village & Sportsland
Location: Bracebridge, ON
Dates: Select weekends late November – December 23, 2025
Theme: North Pole-style outdoor gathering including family-friendly games, Santa, and elves
Best for: Families with children looking for Santa-themed attractions
Santa's Village in Muskoka is transformed into a North Pole hideout every year. The children may see Santa in his warm house, chat with his animated elves, or just stroll around this lovely winter park.
Children enjoy the festive rides, particularly the Candy Cane Express. They may create cookies or play in this winter paradise, surrounded by lights and snowy trees.
It isn't about thrill rides; the emphasis is on imagination and pure kid amazement. It's the ideal venue for families with small children to experience Santa's simple, magical charm.
African Lion Safari
Location: Cambridge, ON
Dates: Select evenings November – December 2025
Theme: Drive-through holiday safari experience with massive light displays
Best for: Families, and anyone who wants a comfortable, car-friendly excursion
Safari Niagara is a park that blends education and enjoyment. With more than 1,000 animals available for visitors to see up close, it doubles as a zoo and adventure park. In addition to other activities, the park provides summer children's programs and behind-the-scenes excursions.
The park hosts a seasonal event called Safari Lights. This event turns the park into a drive-thru light show and has become a well-known local Christmas tradition. It allows family members and friends to create memories together.
Holiday Village
Location: Bracebridge, ON
Dates: Late Nov – Dec 2025 (weekends)
Theme: Winter park with tubing, lights, and family activities
Best for: Families and visitors who enjoy outdoor holiday fun
Bracebridge's Holiday Village provides a complete winter experience with both outdoor activities and a festive setting. Its main attractions include lit walking paths in the woods, sleigh rides, and snow tubing hills. The area is laid out with places for activities and places to rest, all set among pine trees and simple, rustic decorations. The park encourages socializing with fire pits, food, and a small market selling local crafts.
Families frequently make the excursion into a full Muskoka holiday day by dining or shopping in downtown Bracebridge. The park serves visitors who would rather engage in interactive winter activities than traditional amusement attractions.
Alight at Night Festival
Location: 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg, Ontario
Dates: Select nights from November 28 – January 3 (2026), 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Theme: 19th-century hamlet transformed into a winter paradise with lights, carriage rides, and Christmas shopping.
Best for: Families, couples, and individuals who want a relaxing, celebratory atmosphere.
Upper Canada Village is turned into a magnificent Christmas attraction with thousands of lights during the Alight at Night Festival. As they go around the ancient gardens, visitors may see decorated buildings and plants.
Santa pictures, a light show at Crysler Hall, a toy train, and horse-drawn carriage rides are the primary draws. The event has a pleasant and tranquil atmosphere.
Dress warmly because it is outside, and purchase tickets early for popular dates.