We’re officially in the full swing of all things festive, meaning we’re lacing up our winter boots and putting on our toques, ready to take in the holiday cheer that is currently being spread throughout Christmas markets across the country.
No matter where you find yourself this season, we hope you are holding a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate as you peruse the stalls and taste the seasonal goods and artisan products on offer.
From European-inspired Christmas villages to festive-themed celebrations, we’ve done the heavy work and scoured the lists to find the most delicious options so you don’t have to. Happy cozy season!
Québec has hundreds of Christmas markets taking place throughout the province. With an abundance of local producers to choose (and taste) from, you’ll be in good hands. While many markets have a certain European flair, the Québec City German Christmas Market in particular is worth visiting for pretzels, traditional Nuremberg gingerbread and authentic German stollen cakes celebrated alongside Québecois producers offering everything from distilled goods to wild game and maple syrup.
There’s nothing quite like the mountains to really take in that Alpine charm that snow-covered peaks and an enthusiasm towards winter that these communities bring. Taking place at the Banff Heritage Train Station, this market offers an assortment of artisanal products from the Bow Valley and nearby regions along with market classics like pretzels and mulled wine.
If you’re looking to continue the good fun, be sure to also set off on the Hot Chocolate Trail to discover the restaurants and cafés offering festive-themed hot chocolate or the Banff Cocktail Trail for a different kind of spirited experience.
As they say, this market offers a taste of Germany without the flights and we can confirm that Vancouver takes the Christmas market to a whole new level. Vendors with names like Das Schnitzel Haus, Das Strudel Hause, Das Brezel Haus and with other European fare like Austrian Gulasch and Swiss Raclette will ensure you’re well-fed as you wander through many a stall. Take a ride on the Christmas carousel and pop inside the Alpine-style Bier Hall to warm up and take in (or join!) karaoke, trivia, bingo and a host of workshops.
Atwater Market is already a foodie destination as it stands, so you know the holiday village will be worth the trek to discover an abundance of Québecois products. Free admission gives you access to over 60 local artisans as well as an Elves’ Kingdom offering an interactive experience to help the elves save Christmas.
Toronto’s iconic Distillery District is already notable for its ambiance. Now imagine those cobblestone lanes elevated to extreme coziness as it transforms into a winter village. This year, the new culinary addition of Chef’s Lane will see four of Canada’s top chefs offering a special holiday-themed dish only available on site. Once you’ve eaten your way through the lane, carollers, visits with Santa and his elves and special performances await.
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Part of the four week Evergreen Festival celebrating the winter season, the Evergreen Market is your opportunity to shop a variety of food and retail vendors from across the province on the Halifax waterfront. With everything from spirits and cider to sweet treats and local delights, this outdoor celebration is not to be missed!
A Community Experience for the Senses
It's clear that much thought, effort and intention goes into creating these magical market experiences for the limited weeks or days that they run for throughout the holiday season. We encourage you to visit whichever Christmas market you are able to get to from the smaller community markets to the larger celebrations. Whenever people gather to celebrate food, culture and local artisans, it's always worth a visit.
