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.
Saturday, Nov. 12
Jingle Bell Christmas Market: The third annual Jingle Bell Christmas Market takes place at the Newmarket Community Centre in Hall 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be 40 vendors with a variety of items including skin care, jewelry, custom gifts, art and more. There will also be a raffle in support of the Ontario SPCA. Admission is free.
New Roots Holiday Market: New Roots Garden Centre is hosting a holiday market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the centre at 17235 Yonge St. Local vendors have been invited to showcase their products and it is a good opportunity to get started with holiday shopping. Customers should come prepared as not all vendors will accept all forms of payment.
Saturday, Nov. 19
Northridge Christmas Artisan Marketplace: The Northridge Community Church in Aurora is holding an artisan market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will feature talented artisans, Victorian carolers and a tea room. The church is located at 15338 Leslie St.
Trinity Aurora Bazaar: The Christmas Bazaar is back at Trinity Anglican Church in Aurora. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. shoppers can enjoy a market of local vendors, baked goods, jewelry table, Clothes Closet thrift shop, a luncheon and more. Admission is free.
Saturday, Nov. 26
Newmarket Farmers Market Annual Christmas Market: The Newmarket Main St. Farmers Market is holding its annual Christmas market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall. This will feature local farmers, unique food items, artisans, and other handcrafted gifts. Guests are encouraged to bring a donation for the Newmarket Food Pantry.
Amica Newmarket's Annual Christmas Bazaar: Amica Newmarket is hosting its annual bazaar from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the retirement home at 275 Doak Ln. There will be 30 artisans and vendors plus a bake table, raffle and more. Guests can also enjoy free gingerbread cookie decorating, complimentary tea and coffee, and a free caricature artist. Proceeds from the event will go toward Amica's Helping Hands Charity, which helps seniors in need. Cash is preferred.
St. Paul's Yuletide Fair: The church, located at 227 Church St., is hosting its annual Christmas sale with a new name this year. It will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 26. It will include baked goods, jams and preserves, and soup, Christmas decor and crafts, and knit items. There will also be a silent auction and a gift basket raffle.
Trinity Bazaar: Trinity United Church at 461 Park Ave is holding its bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3
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.
Other Christmas Markets
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 Nov. 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 and 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. It will officially open on Nov. 17 with a tree lighting at 6 p.m. 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 from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31.
Festive Nights at Brooks Farm: Starting Nov. 25, 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. from Nov. 25 to Dec. 18 with two extra nights on Dec. 22 and 23.
