Christmas is coming and there are a number of local markets, bazaars and fairs happening to help you get in the festive spirit and check everything off your holiday shopping list.
Friday, Dec. 9
TSBC Christmas Market: Turkey Shoot Brewing Company's first annual Christmas Market takes place on Friday, Dec. 9 from 3 to 8 p.m. There will be seven local vendors, yummy snacks, hot drinks, and live music. Each vendor will also have a clue for the Christmas riddle that visitors can figure out to be entered into a prize draw. There will also be a kids' area to keep the young ones entertained. The event will be indoors and outdoors. Entry is free with a donation to the Georgina Food Pantry.
Saturday, Dec. 10
Holiday Pop-up Mini Market: The Maker's Mark in Newmarket is holding a holiday mini pop-up, featuring The Cardinal Atelier, Candles in the Country, Brainy Games, Fabrik and Fur, S3 Stitches and more. You can find items to brighten your home, freshen your style, and give the perfect gift. The pop-up starts at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 10 at 16655 Yonge St.
Artisans' Holiday Show & Sale: The curated show will feature 13 local vendors with lots of options to fill your gift-giving needs. There will be mixed media art, quilts, paintings, jewelry, ceramics, clothing and bags, wood crafts, pet wear, leather, ceramic tile art, cards and ornaments, bath and body products and cozy up-cycled mittens. The show runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11 at the Old Town Hall in Newmarket.
Holiday Market at Studio Three: Studio Three in Newmarket is holding a holiday market featuring local vendors and small businesses. On top of shopping local to find gifts for everyone on your list, you'll also be able to bring the family and take photos with Santa Claus from 9 a.m. to noon. The market will be at 16945 Leslie St. (upper level) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 10.
Royal Rose Holiday Market: The Royal Rose Art Gallery in Aurora is holding a holiday market Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be artists and vendors on hand for visitors to shop art and handmade gifts for everyone on their gift list.
Aurora Christmas Market: The second weekend of Aurora's annual Christmas market runs from Friday, Dec. 9 to Sunday, Dec. 11, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. each night. This is an outdoor market at Aurora Town Park. There are a number of local vendors, live entertainment, and festive workshops in the neighbouring Armoury. There is also a time each night to meet Santa. Admission is free, but some of the workshops require registration, which can be done online.
Merry Marketplace: Richmond Hill's Merry Marketplace sees Richmond Green Park transformed into an outdoor holiday experience with local artisans, live entertainment, food concessions, a dazzling display of winter lights and more. Santa himself will be there from 5:30 to 8 p.m. to take photos with people. Donations are being collected for the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank. The Merry Marketplace runs from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10.
Sunday, Dec. 11
Artisans' Holiday Show & Sale: The curated show will feature 13 local vendors with lots of options to fill your gift-giving needs. There will be mixed media art, quilts, paintings, jewelry, ceramics, clothing and bags, wood crafts, pet wear, leatherwork, ceramic tile art, cards and ornaments, bath and body products and cozy up-cycled mittens. The show runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11 at the Old Town Hall in Newmarket.
Aurora Christmas Market: The second weekend of Aurora's annual Christmas market runs from Friday, Dec. 9 to Sunday, Dec. 11, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. each night. This is an outdoor market at the Aurora Town Park. There are a number of local vendors, live entertainment, and festive workshops in the neighbouring Armoury. There is also a time each night to meet Santa. Admission is free, but some of the workshops require registration, which can be done online.
Bradford Artisan Market: An artisan market is coming to Bradford with 45 local small businesses and a wide variety of products including candles, jam, baked goods, home decor, children's clothing, dog treats and collars. Santa will also be on-site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be a toy drive collecting donations for local charities. The market is at 767 Simcoe Rd., Bradford from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 11.
Saturday, Dec. 17
Merry Marketplace: Richmond Hill's Merry Marketplace sees Richmond Green Park transformed into an outdoor holiday experience with local artisans, live entertainment, food concessions, a dazzling display of winter lights and more. Santa himself will be there from 5:30 to 8 p.m. to take photos with people. Donations are being collected for the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank. The Merry Marketplace runs from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17.
Other Christmas Markets
Marques Christmas Market: Marques Family Farm's Christmas is back with a festive setting and market full of gift-giving ideas, including stocking stuffers, wreaths, baked goods and other treats, jam, fresh produce, and more. Kids can drop off their letters for Santa. You can also step onto the set of a romantic Christmas movie as the barn was recently used as a filming backdrop for a holiday movie. The farm is at 365 King St., just west of Dufferin Street, and admission to the market is free. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sundays until Dec. 18.
Niemi Christmas Market: The Niemi Family Farm's annual Christmas market runs on weekends throughout November and December. The farm, located at 18463 Highway 48 in Mount Albert, is transformed into Christmas land with bonfires and smores. The Polar Express that takes visitors on a ride to see the animals, Santa in his workshop, and a Christmas market of vendors. Tickets are required and can be booked online. The market is open Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17, 20, 21, and 22.
The Distillery Winter Village: Toronto's popular distillery district is once again welcoming guests to its festive winter village this year. Along with the local shops and restaurants in the area there will also be vendor cabins featuring a number of unique artisans. Tickets are required on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4 p.m. but all other times you can access the village free of charge. The winter village runs until Dec. 31.
Festive Nights at Brooks Farm: Visitors are invited to experience the season of lights at Brooks Farms, at 122 Ashworth Rd., Mount Albert. The festive event features an enchanted forest, holiday displays, live music, a bonfire with marshmallows, holiday characters, a storytime wagon ride, a craft market with local artisans, gifts for the kids, festive foods and Santa. Tickets are required and can be bought online. Festive Nights runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 5 p.m. until Dec. 18 with two extra nights on Dec. 22 and 23.
Winterfest at Wonderland: Canada's Wonderland has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland for Winterfest, on select nights until Dec. 31. The holiday event includes a Christmas Market and other shopping opportunities as well as rides, live entertainment, seasonal activities, and tasty treats and food. Tickets are required and can be bought online.
