10 Best Christmas Markets in Canada You Must Experience

Did you know that there are lots of amazing Christmas markets in Canada? You don’t need to travel to Germany to get into the Christmas spirit! While there are many awesome Christmas markets in Ontario, there are beautiful holiday markets across the whole country.

I’m sure you’ve heard about the incredible Christmas markets in Germany. It’s an annual tradition there. Wander around brightly lit wooden stalls on a frosty evening, warming yourself up with mugs of delicious Glühwein.

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The festive glow, tempting aromas, and Christmas magic aren’t exclusive to Germany’s Christmas markets; the German tradition is alive and well in Canada. Authentic German Christmas markets happen annually in several Canadian cities. Here are the best German Christmas markets in Canada where the sights and sounds of the holiday are a treat to the senses.

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Christmas Markets in Canada: Toronto Christmas Market

The Toronto Christmas Market is the one closest to my home and I attend this one every year. It’s celebrated in the most dazzling location for a Christmas market in the city, Toronto’s historic Distillery District. Wander the cobblestone streets, closed off to traffic, and admire the twinkling displays of lights.

This year, there’s a slightly more intimate version called the Distillery Winter Village. It’s very similar to the original, though you will need to purchase timed tickets on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s free to visit on weekdays and anytime before 4:00pm.

There are dozens of open air stalls with handmade goods and treats. There’s a massive Christmas tree in the middle of the square, which looks even more magical against the backdrop of old, industrial buildings. If you’re lucky, you might hear some Christmas carolers or live music to put you right in the Christmas spirit.

There are patios with a variety of alcoholic beverages, including the traditional mulled wine. Toronto’s Mill Street Brewery is right in the heart of the Distillery District, so grab a beer if you should feel more inclined. The weather can be chilly; however, a warm glass of Glühwein, spending time with friends, and Christmas festivities will warm your heart! (And don’t worry, the outdoor patios are heated).

Christkindl Market in Kitchener

It’s no wonder that you’ll find an authentic German Christmas market in Kitchener, Ontario. Kitchener has Canada’s highest German population! It only makes sense that one of the best Christmas markets in Canada is located in the city of Kitchener.

This one is a little bit smaller than the one in Toronto as it’s held across one extended weekend in December. However, you’ll find an equal amount of Christmas spirit in the form of treats, handmade wares, and naturally, the mulled wine.

What sets Christkindl Market apart from other Christmas markets I’ve visited is that there are indoor and outdoor components. Yes, you can wander by the cute wooden stalls with all kinds of goodies for sale. But, you can also warm up indoors with an entire inside portion with food and locally made products.

In total, there are almost 100 vendors so it’s a great opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done. To round out the Christmas and winter celebrations, there’s an outdoor skating rink, live music, and a giant Christmas tree with thousands of twinkling lights.

While Christkindl Market might only run for one weekend, it’s certainly one of the best Christmas markets in Canada. If you’re looking for awesome Christmas markets in Ontario to visit, don’t miss Christkindl Market in Kitchener. It’s free to attend. Check out the official website for hours and event details.

Niagara Falls Christmas Market

The Niagara Falls Christmas Market is located in downtown Niagara Falls, Ontario. It’s the largest Christmas market in the Niagara region. You’ll find 50 vendors specializing in handmade goods. They operate out of the traditional Christmas cabins we all love to see at Christmas markets in Canada.

There are also over 30 Christmas light displays, including interactive exhibits. The Niagara Santa Claus Parade kicks off the event in mid-November. Then, you can visit the market every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the middle of November to December.

Ottawa Christmas Market: Marche de Noel Ottawa

The Ottawa Christmas Market has got it all: thousands of twinkling Christmas lights, local vendors selling their wares in wooden booths, holiday entertainment, live music, and Christmas-y flavours. There are 35+ vendors selling holiday gifts, unique food and beverage items, and handmade wares. Of course, you’ll have the chance to meet Santa as well!

There are also workshops (including online workshops), kids activities, and screenings of Christmas movies. This is one of the top Christmas markets in Canada, and it happens across four weekends leading up to Christmas.

Le Marché de Noel Allemand in Quebec City

What could be better than visiting one of the best Canadian Christmas markets with historic European scenery? Well, it might not be Europe, but it’s almost as close as you can get within Canada – Quebec City!

Quebec City has an amazing Christmas Market right in the middle of Old Quebec’s Upper Town called Le Marche de Noel Allemand. Bundle up in your winter coat and brave the elements for this traditional German Christmas market in Quebec City.

The collection of 57 wooden vendor stands, twinkling Christmas lights, crackling fireplaces, and spicy aromas of cinnamon and cloves contribute to a charming and enchanting holiday environment. There are unique handmade gifts created by talented local artisans.

The organizers take great care in bringing only the best products to the market. The vendors at the wooden booths sell winter accessories, jewelry, clothing made from recycled materials, Christmas ornaments, wooden trinkets, ceramics, and more. You’ll find local delicacies, such as flavoured vinegars and fruit jams from neighbouring Ile d’Orleans. Of course, there’s always lots of maple syrup!

Out of all the Christmas markets in Canada I’ve visited, this one had the best selection of food. There are typical German foods available, such as bratwurst, gingerbread, and huge pretzels. Justin and I also discovered handmade candy (labeled as vegan right on the packaging!), roasted chestnuts, and maple tea.

For those seeking a meal and a pint, head to the Restaurant BMW Alpine Chalet for authentic German specialties. You might also catch live music in there, too. At the Winterbar, taste mulled wine or eau-de-vie (brandy) imported directly from Germany.

The Quebec City Christmas Market is free and it runs for a full month, from the end of November right up until Christmas. For dates and times, please check out the official website.

German Christmas Bazaar in Montreal

This year, you can discover a traditional Germany Christmas market in Montreal. This one is hosted by the Montreal German Society and you’ll find the festivities at the Town of Mont Royal Town Hall. There will be German food and drink, decorations, a gift market, and live entertainment.

While admission is completely free, all of the proceeds from everything purchased at the event goes towards charitable organizations, like German cultural organizations, German language schools, and local charities in the Montreal area. So, don’t feel guilty drinking another mug of mulled wine!

The last German Christmas Bazaar took place in 2019, and it was postponed in 2020 and 2021. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that this one is back up and running in 2022.

Grand Marché de Noël in Montreal

The Montreal Christmas Market (Grand Marche de Noel) is a beautiful holiday festival happening on Sainte-Catherine Street. There are 30 wooden chalets featuring products by local or regional artisans, musical and theatrical entertainment, and the chance to enjoy some mulled wine.

It takes place from mid-November right through until the beginning of January. You don’t want to miss this beautiful outdoor holiday market that’s one of the best Christmas markets in Canada. In 2021, there are actually three amazing Christmas markets in Montreal: the Great Montreal Christmas Market, the Jean-Talon Christmas Market, and the Montreal Christmas Village.

Banff Christmas Market

Another fabulous holiday market in Canada is the Banff Christmas Market. Down at the Warner Stables, you’ll find over 80 vendors, live music, Christmas food and drink, and an outdoor fire lounge. There’s also a tree lighting ceremony on the opening night and lots of chances for photos with Santa.

You need to purchase tickets ahead of time for specific time slots through the official website. The Banff Christmas Market is one of the best holiday festivals in a beautiful setting, so you’ll need to add it to your bucket list.

Vancouver Christmas Market

Are you visiting the west coast of Canada (or are you a Vancouver native)? You get to celebrate with one of the best Christmas markets in Canada, too! The authentic German celebrations continue at the Vancouver Christmas Market for over an entire month, from the end of November right up until Christmas Eve. There are more than 80 wooden huts with goodies, trinkets, and sweets.

There’s a gigantic Christmas tree that you can even walk inside, with over 36,000 sparkling lights. The kids (and the kids at heart) will love the Christmas carousel. Take a romantic stroll under the mistletoe with your partner and add a love lock to the installation.

There are tons of yummy treats, German beer, and mulled wine. And Santa might make an appearance while you’re there, so I hope you’re on his good list! For ticket pricing details and hours, check out the Vancouver Christmas Market website.

Charlottetown Christmas Festival

Did you know that Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island has a Christmas market? The Charlottetown Christmas Festival has a Victorian Christmas Market, dazzling light displays, a Whoville-inspired village, walking tours, wine tastings, and more. There are a variety of events associated with the festival that take place throughout November and December.

While you should definitely make that trip to Germany to experience their traditional Christmas markets, you can capture the magic right here in Canada, too. From exploring the best Christmas markets in Ontario to exploring one in Quebec City with truly European vibes, you’ll certainly be feeling festive after attending these Canadian Christmas markets.