From traditional European markets to modern and unique craft fairs and expos, Canada is filled with spectacular Christmas markets to explore this holiday season. If you’re planning a trip, check out the best Christmas markets in Canada to make the most of the experience.
Toronto Christmas Market, Toronto
Located in the vibrant Distillery District of Toronto, the Toronto Christmas Market is an enchanting traditional European Christmas market. The event features mulled wine and beer gardens in heated outdoor areas, handcrafted gifts from local artisans, unique finds from artisans all over the world, traditional European delicacies, Canadian seasonal foods, festive drinks, and more. Some of the highlights include the lighting of the Christmas tree, live music entertainment, Distillery District Walking Tours, and a showing by Santa and his elves. You could also see the Heart of Christmas sculpture.
The Distillery Historic District
Vancouver Christmas Market, Vancouver
The Vancouver Christmas Market is a traditional Yuletide market with artisan huts, seasonal decor, and Christmas cheer. The stalls offer an array of traditional foods, such as mulled wine, gulasch, schnitzel, potato pancakes, strudels, and more. You could also find unique gifts from local craftsmen. If you’re bringing the kids, they’ll enjoy the scavenger hunt, the Christmas carousel, and a visit with Santa. You’ll also like the walk-in Christmas tree, a spectacular feature of the market with thousands of towering lights that form a Christmas tree.
Got Craft?, Vancouver
With its many holiday and Christmas events, Vancouver is one of the best cities for Christmas markets. The Got Craft? Market is an independent craft fair that celebrates handmade goods from local artisans. Throughout the fair, you can find food carts and stalls with goods from over 75 designers and artisans, as well as workshops to learn the crafts for yourself. If you’re looking for a unique gift, you can explore clothing, ceramics, jewelry, food products, paper crafts, and more to find something special.
German Christmas Market, Quebec City
The German Christmas Market in Quebec City is a celebration of the city’s strong German heritage. During this event, the town hall square and gardens are turned into a traditional village of wooden stalls with lighting, offering traditional seasonal foods like bratwurst, gingerbread, and glühwein. The event also features Christmas shows and performances, as well as live holiday music celebrations, choirs, and free activities for kids. Throughout the stalls, you can find unique Christmas gifts from German craftsmen and artisans in Quebec.
Banff Christmas Market, Banff National Park
The Banff Christmas Market is a must-visit on a trip to Banff National Park in winter. This unique event takes advantage of the park’s rustic beauty and the strong Inuit culture. You can find plenty of one-of-a-kind gifts at the market, such as reclaimed boat-wood decor, locally made jewelry, Inuit carvings, handmade clothing and accessories, and more. Other highlights of the event include a visit with Santa, a horse-drawn sleigh ride, homemade chocolate, and traditional drinks by the fire in an outdoor lounge bar.
Banff Gondola
One of a Kind Christmas Show, Toronto
The One of a Kind Christmas Show in Toronto is one of the largest craft shows on the continent. The show runs for 11 days and features hundreds of artisans and craftsmen presenting handmade gifts for the holidays. You can find gifts for just about everyone at the One of a Kind Christmas Show, such as handmade ceramics and jewelry, from the local crafting community. You can also attend workshops to learn crafting yourself, as well as presentations and fashion shows to see the latest designs from the artisans.
Christkindl, Ontario
Christkindl is one of Ontario’s most famous Christmas markets. Done in the style of European holiday markets, Christkindl features German-themed food and drink, such as Belgian waffles, sausages, schnitzel, glühwein, and stollen. You’ll also find plenty of artisans selling traditional gifts, and you can attend events such as a live nativity scene, a live lighting of the Christmas tree, and a candlelit lantern parade. Throughout the market, you’ll hear Christmas music from bands, choirs, and musicians to get you in the holiday spirit.
Calgary Expo Holiday Market, Calgary
Located at BMO Centre, the Calgary Expo Holiday Market is a great Christmas event to find local handicrafts and gifts or indulge in a little cosplay. The centre is transformed into a traditional Christmas wonderland with stalls from local vendors selling everything from classic memorabilia and collectibles to handmade toys and accessories. The event also features a live Santa to meet with the children, costumed characters and dress-up costumes for photoshoots, cosplay meetups, craft workshops, costume contests, and graphic novel artists creating unique artwork.
Calgary
Plan your holiday trip with Expedia
Whether you’re looking for a traditional holiday experience or something fun and unique, Canada has some of the best cities for Christmas markets. When you’re ready to plan your trip, visit Expedia to browse Vancouver vacations, Toronto vacations, or other Canada destinations and save.
