Written by Peya Mynoddin, Marketing and Communications Manager, pointA
Whether you’re travelling this holiday season or simply looking to explore how Canadian cities celebrate the holidays, check out our top five Christmas market picks. Be sure to let us know on X or Instagram which Christmas market you will be visiting with your friends and family this holiday season.
Toronto
Dates: November 13, 2024, to January 5, 2025
Location: 51 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3R6
Tickets: General Admission, Flex Ticket, Express Gate Entry, and Combo Ticket / Kids 9 and under are free
Every year, for the holiday season, Toronto’s historic Distillery District is transformed into a winter wonderland. This year it’s no different, the Winter Village is a sight to be seen. The main attraction is the 55-feet-tall Christmas tree, decorated by Dior, located in the heart of the district. It makes for an enchanting photo op for friends and families. Don’t forget to grab a photo with Santa and his elves too as they are present from 1PM to 8PM (until 9PM on Fridays and Saturdays) every day until Monday, December 23. Additionally, there are many featured attractions throughout the village, such as Santa’s Sleigh and the Holly ‘It’ Sculpture, that can make for fun and unique photo opportunities.
If you want to avoid crowds and save your money for holiday shopping, be sure to check out the Winter Village tickets page, as there is free entry on specific days and times.
Don’t worry if you’re unable to make it to the village before Christmas, starting December 26 there is live music every day from 4-8PM, a New Years themed event on December 31 from 9AM-12AM, and much more until the Winter Village officially closes on January 5, 2025. Keep in mind, though the Winter Village shuts down for the season, you’re still able to enjoy the attractions, stores, and eateries at Distillery District throughout the year.
Getting there: Due to heavy construction in the area, it is highly encouraged for visitors to take public transportation. Parking is also severely limited. If you’re visiting from within the GTHA, consider taking the GO Train to Union Station. From Toronto’s Union Station, take Line 1 Yonge-University subway and get off at King Station. From there, take the 504A Eastbound Streetcar and get off at the Distillery Loop. If you’re travelling with kids, check out our 10 Tips for Taking Public Transit with Kids.
Montreal
Dates: November 22, 2024, to December 30, 2024
Location: Place des Festivals, A quadrilateral bordered by Sainte-Catherine, Jeanne-Mance, Balmoral and De Maisonneuve Streets, Montréal, QC, H2X 1Z9
Tickets: Free Admission
The holiday season is cheerier than ever in Montreal as the town favorite Great Christmas Market (Grand Marché de Noël 2024) has made its much-awaited return after several years. The market has a fresh new look and is full of attractions, guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained. You can feel the holiday spirit with diverse new musical performances each day ranging from rock music to classic holiday tunes. Make sure to keep an eye out to spot your favorite song or musician as the programming is updated regularly. If you’re looking to do holiday shopping, the village is a great option with 40 chalets brimming with artisans. By attending you’ll also be uplifting and supporting local talent as 61 exhibitors are from Quebec. If you’re in the mood to shop while snacking, the market will keep you delighted as there are numerous food vendors throughout. Best of all, the market has free admission, so the fun doesn’t have to stop with one visit.
Getting there: Get on Santa’s nice list by being sustainable and taking public transportation to the market, as it is accessible by both the metro, and several bus lines. If you take the metro, transfer to Line 1- Green line and get off at Place-des-Arts or Saint-Laurent. Bus lines 35, 36, 101 and 108 will also get you to the market.
Vancouver
Dates: November 23, 2024, to December 24, 2024
Location: Jack Poole Plaza 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3L5
Tickets: General Admission, Single Season Pass, and Family Season Pass Available
The Vancouver Christmas Market has lots of exciting events and programming throughout December, making it perfect for friends, families and couples. Sip on beer or mulled wine at the chalet-style Alpen Haus and play Christmas trivia with your friends. This special event exclusively takes place on Thursday, December 12 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM UTC-8. If you aren’t able to join, there is also a special Christmas Karaoke Night taking place at Alpen Haus the next day, on Friday, December 13 from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM UTC-8. This is a great event for you to test your singing abilities or take in performances from other visitors. If you’re looking to get the kids involved, the whole family can take part in ‘The Scavenger Hunt’, which takes place every day during the market. The hunt is a great opportunity to fully explore all the hidden or the not so hidden gems at the market.
Keep in mind, unlike some of the other markets on this list, the Vancouver Christmas Market shuts down after Christmas Eve.
Getting there: There are several eco-friendly ways of getting to the market, including public transportation, cycling, and walking. If you’re cycling to the market, there are several bike racks located near the Jack Poole Plaza. If you take paths along the seawall, you’ll be able to enjoy the Christmas Market and a scenic walk! You can make a day out of it. If using the SkyTrain, you can get off at the Waterfront Station from Expo, Millennium, or Canada lines. The market is only a 10-minute walk from Waterfront Station.
Calgary
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, December 7 – 22, 2024
Location: 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W. Calgary, AB, T2V 2X3
Tickets: General Admission (16+), Child (3-15)
Calgary’s favorite holiday market, Once Upon A Christmas, is open for the season. This year the market has many exciting offerings for the whole family. At Once Upon A Christmas, you can enjoy wagon rides, indulge in freshly baked treats, or pick up holiday gifts for friends and family. With over 70 vendors you’ll surely find what you’re looking for. This holiday market is truly unique because it has a specially designed Kids’ Only Market which allows kids to shop independently with the help of Santa’s elves. While your kids shop, enjoy a much-needed break at the Parents’ Lounge.
There are opportunities for fun holiday photos at the market as there are model train displays and other cool spots around the park. Don’t forget to say hi to St. Nicholas himself, at Santa’s Station. Insiders suggest starting your visit with Santa and going on wagon rides as these are very popular attractions. As there are many indoor spots throughout the park, make sure you come dressed appropriately for the weather, so you’re able to take off or put on layers as needed.
As this event takes place at the historic Heritage Park, this makes for an unforgettable and unique holiday market experience. You can make it a whole weekend adventure, starting with exploring the Christmas Market and then getting warmed up at the Gasoline Alley Museum, located also conveniently inside the park.
Getting there: Due to the park’s convenient location, you can get there using public transportation and cycling. If using the bus, you can take 3 routes to the park, including Bus#20, the MAX Teal Rapid Transit Bus, and the MAX Yellow Rapid Transit Bus. These buses will drop you within walking distance of the park. If you choose to cycle, you can use the Glenmore Reservoir Pathway.
Ottawa
Dates: November 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025
Location: Aberdeen Plaza, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON, K1S 3W7
Tickets: Free admission
Get into the holiday spirit by visiting the Ottawa Christmas Market, which features over 50 vendors, live entertainment, a silent disco, and much more.
At the market, Santa’s workshop opens for little ones so they can take part in free craft workshops. Don’t worry, adults aren’t left out as there are special ‘Cocktail and Craft’ nights. Learn how to make exciting holiday themed crafts, such as a crochet wreath, owl wreath, wood bead wreath, and more. Please note, the adult crafting sessions are paid activities. For those who are looking to get their heart rate up and be active, there is DJ skate night every Saturday for all ages.
Be sure to attend the market on December 21 as there is a very special celebration for Winter Solstice, which is observed by Indigenous people everywhere. Winter Solstice is the day the sun is furthest from the equator, resulting in the longest night and shortest day of the year. The solstice will be celebrated by live performances from indigenous performers.
Getting there: The Ottawa Christmas Market is a clear standout on our list since to promote sustainability and reduce congestion, the market offers visitors FREE shuttle service from Carleton University. The shuttle service is approximately every 15 minutes. Additionally, there are convenient bus services to the market with visitors being able to take OC Transpo Routes 6 and 7. You can also walk or bike to the market using the multi-use pathway along Rideau Canal, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
