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. 2 to Wednesday, Dec. 7
Aurora Christmas Market: The first weekend of Aurora's annual Christmas market runs from Friday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 4, 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 to the market is free, but some of the workshops require registration online. The festivities kick off on Dec. 2 at 5:15 p.m. with the town's Christmas tree lighting.
Newmarket Legion Christmas Bazaar & Craft Sale: The Ladies Auxiliary of Branch 426 is hosting its annual Christmas sale. There will be baked goods, knitted gifts, holiday decorations, Legion merchandise, and local vendors. There is also a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. All proceeds will support veterans and the community. Doors open at 10 a.m.
Pickering College Holiday Boutique: The private school in Newmarket is opening its doors on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a holiday boutique and café. Vendors will be located throughout the historic campus featuring Christmas décor, art, pottery, baked goods, skin care products, handmade goods, jewelry, home décor, clothing, accessories and more. You can also enjoy lunch or some treats and festive music while you shop. Admission is free and parking is available on campus.
Old Fashioned Christmas Craft Show: The seventh annual Old Fashioned Christmas Craft Show is being held at the Newmarket Community Centre on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be over 60 crafters and artisans, music from the Dr. J.M. Dennison Secondary School school choir, a letters for Santa dropoff and a Christmas café by the Newmarket Swans. You can also sign a card for a senior and drop off donations for The Grandparent Connection's Birthday Bags for Seniors program.
St. Andrew's College Christmas Market: The St. Andrew's College Parents Guild is holding a Christmas Market in Aurora from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4. There will be seasonal decor, fresh floral arrangements, one-of-a-kind jewelry and gifts, stocking stuffers, luxury bags and clothes, and specialty bags and treats. It is being held in Staunton Gallery.
Canadian Martyrs Catholic School Christmas Market: The school, at 170 London Rd., is holding a holiday market on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be decor, specialty items, crafts, jewelry, candles, sweets, food, dog treats and more. Guest can also take a stroll down candy cane lane and get pictures with Santa. Admission is free with a donation to the Newmarket Food Pantry. The first 100 visitors will also receive a free swag bag.
Friday, Dec. 9 to Sunday, Dec. 11
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 2, 3, 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.
