Holiday Markets to Visit with Your Family

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. After two years of finding creative ways to spruce the holidays while staying home, you and your little ones might be itching to get outdoors and bask in all the glory of the holidays. And while the gift-giving is fun, there’s nothing like making kitschy Christmas crafts, carolling, and meeting the man in red. Here are some holiday markets to visit with your family.

1. The Distillery District Winter Village

Date: November 17 – December 31
Location: The Distillery District (Downtown Toronto)

If you’re looking for an intimate holiday experience, Santa tucked the Distillery District Winter Village into the coziest pocket of Downtown Toronto. The village features local shops, one-of-a-kind crafts, and a unique dining variety you won’t find anywhere else. While the village hosts numerous picturesque locations to photograph your family, the 51-foot-tall white spruce Christmas tree is the star of the show. Designed by Dior, it took over 500 hours of labour to create, decorated with custom ornaments and thousands of twinkling lights. You just have to see it for yourself.

While the Distillery District Winter Villages is a ticketed event on weekends, there are some opportunities to attend for free. To learn more about this magical holiday experience blooming in the heart of the city, visit their website.

2. WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland

Date: November 18 – December 31 (Select nights)
Location: Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan)

The classic amusement park transforms into WinterFest, a celebration packed with festive fun for the whole family. Visit the North Pole Post Office, decorate ornaments at Sally’s Christmas Crafts, and go ice skating on Snow Flake Lake on International Street. Take some family pictures in the beautifully decorated park, with holiday magic around every turn. For an extra fee, you can also take photographs with Santa, visit Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, and hang out in your very own Igloo with concierge service.

To learn more about the event or to purchase tickets, visit the official website.

3. One Of a Kind Winter Show

Date: November 24 – December 4
Location: Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place (Downtown Toronto)

If you’re that special gift giver that puts extra thought and care into your gifts, this one is for you. More than 600 artisans from various Canadian regions gather here, at the One of a Kind Winter Show, to bring you a unique selection of handmade gifts.

To learn more about the event, check out the event website.

4. Holiday Nights of Lights

Date: November 25 – January 7 (Select nights)
Location: Assembly Park (Vaughan)

If your little ones are all about the lights, this immersive walk-through is a dream come true. The walk-through consists of giant ornaments, animated characters featuring your favourite Christmas characters, and festive music to boot. For its third year in business, the Holiday Night of Lights is bigger and better than ever. After you’ve completed the walk-through, check out the Fireside Lounge, the Blizzard Bar, and even throw some axes if you feel like it!

To purchase tickets or learn about the featured attractions, visit the event website.

5. Holiday Fair in the Square

Date: December 2 – December 23
Location: Nathan Phillips Square, Downtown Toronto

Visit the heart of Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square. Decorated and transformed into a magical destination for the holidays, the Square offers an artisan marketplace, a holiday midway, and of course, skating on the classic Nathan Phillips Square rink. For those looking to indulge in wintery goods, you can visit the Polar Point Bar and food trucks, take in the Christmas light display, and visit St. Nick himself.

To learn more about the fair, check out the event website.

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Kinder Buddies Oakville Child Care is a Quality First Daycare and Infant Care facility in Oakville, Ontario. We take care of children from the age of 6 weeks to 5 1/2 providing nutritious meals and fun activities all day long.