Between sacrificing weekends and squeezing in last-minute shopping after work, finding the right gifts for everyone on your list can be stressful. Thankfully, the best holiday markets in Toronto have you covered. Indulging festive fantasies and endless gift lists all in one stop, these are the top 10 holiday markets in Toronto.
Toronto Christmas Market
Nov. 18-Dec. 22, Distillery District
Tucked into the city’s historic Distillery District, the Toronto Christmas Market is for the believers. It’s brimming with festive cheer, complete with beer gardens, carnival rides, giant Christmas trees, carolers, twinkly lights, endless photo opportunities, and almost 40 vendors, all framed by the district’s industrial touches. FREE (weekdays)/$6 (weekends)
HOLIDAY FAIR IN THE SQUARE
Dec. 8-23, Nathan Phillips Square
Taking a page out of the Distillery District’s book, for 16 days in December, Nathan Phillips Square (already a hotbed for winter celebration) debuts a new holiday fair inspired by traditional European Christmas markets and winter carnivals, promising warm food, entertainment, a midway, one-of-a-kind shopping experience, and an ice bar.
Indie88 Elves will be at The Holiday Fair In The Square from December 16th – 18th and 21st – 23rd. Stop by the Indie88 Tent, located at the South East Corner of the skating rink for a chance to win gifts from Big Rock Brewery, Quesada and Topshop / Topman at Hudson’s Bay. FREE
ONE OF A KIND SHOW & SALE – 2016 CHRISTMAS EDITION
Nov. 24-Dec. 4, Enercare Centre
With more than 800 vendors, as well as supplementary skill workshops and demonstrations sprawling across the Exhibition Place’s massive Enercare Centre, this juried marketplace has something for everyone on your list. $13 advance/$15 doors
UNION STATION HOLIDAY MARKET
Dec. 5-16, Union Station
Toronto Market Co.’s Holiday Market streamlines holiday gift shopping for commuters by stocking Union Station’s Oak Room full of local vendors selling artisanal nosh, beauty products, clothing, and more. FREE
CITY OF CRAFT WINTER SHOW
Dec. 9-11, The Theatre Centre
Celebrating 10 years of community building in contemporary craft, Toronto’s City of Craft collective brings its juried craft show – complete with craft-based installations, free workshops, and more than 60 vendors – back to the Theatre Centre to celebrate its handmade decade. $3
THE ARTISANS’ GIFT FAIR
Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, Tranzac
Every weekend in December leading up to Christmas, the Tranzac opens its doors to holiday shoppers, offering handcrafted goods from more than 40 artisans. You’re bound to find something here for all ages. FREE
XPACE ANNUAL HOLIDAY ZINE+MAKER FAIR
Dec. 17, Xpace Cultural Centre
OCAD Student Union-supported artist-run centre, Xpace, returns this year with its seventh annual zine and maker fair, offering zines, comics, prints, t-shirts, tote bags, jewelry, crafts and other handmade multiples from more than 40 local emerging artists, makers, and designers. FREE
ETSY MARKET AT EVERGREEN WINTER VILLAGE
Dec. 10-18, Evergreen Brick Works
At Evergreen Brick Works, Etsy’s figured out a way to let you shop for antiques, clothes, accessories, jewelery, and home and garden solutions from over 30 makers – without the shipping. FREE
Bunz Flea Holiday Edition
Dec. 20, Gladstone Hotel
You know the drill: trade your trash for treasure from more than 25 local vendors. Don’t forget the tokens. FREE
@TorontoEtsyST here you go! event info is here: https://t.co/tIft3m7Ih1 pic.twitter.com/A0KiKUcvSJ
— BUNZ.COM (@bunztradingzone) December 2, 2016
TORONTO TOOL LIBRARY’S 4TH ANNUAL ALTERNATIVE GIFT SHOP
Dec 10-11, The Shore Leave
Extending the sustainably-minded philosophy of their open tool stock to the gifting season, the Toronto Tool Library’s annual alternative gift shop focuses on exchange over consumption. Simply bring gently used, gift-worthy items and trade them for new ones. FREE
