It’s that wonderful time of year again, as the fall festivals in Toronto end and are replaced by the many holiday or Christmas markets. Enjoy vibrant entertainment, festive music, dazzling lights, warm cider, and mulled wine this holiday season.
Check off your Christmas list with one-of-a-kind presents and homemade snacks at these unique markets and events as you explore the city this holiday season.
Distillery Winter Village 2022
Of course, no list of Christmas events in Toronto could be considered complete without the city’s iconic Christmas market, which, to nobody’s surprise, will return in 2022.
The Toronto Christmas Market was renamed The Distillery Winter Village last year for a more intimate event with a greater emphasis on shopping and dining at over 75 different merchants and restaurants with heated patios in Toronto.
Every year, hundreds of people visit the market beneath the twinkling lights, dine on seasonal goodies, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, and browse for presents from local sellers.
A 15-meter white spruce Christmas tree that stands in the middle of the market is an iconic attraction and a favourite location for photos. It is decorated with brilliant lights and other festive elements.
Holiday Fair
The Holiday Fair is back in Nathan Phillips Square!
From December 2 to December 23, the Holiday Fair in the Square returns to Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square. The Fair will collaborate with the City of Toronto’s Cavalcade of Lights this year to convert Nathan Phillips Square into a magnificent winter paradise!
Holiday Fair in the Square features festive fun for everyone, whether you’re looking for that one-of-a-kind gift, bringing the family out for a day of skating, rides, games, and a photo with Santa, or enjoying an evening of seasonal drinks at the Polar Point Bar.
Holiday Fair in the Square is a Toronto holiday classic you don’t want to miss, combining the charm and elegance of a Christmas market with the thrill and intrigue of a bustling winter carnival and light display.
Cavalcade of Lights 2022
Since 1967, Toronto has used the Cavalcade of Lights to herald the start of the Christmas season. This glitzy event transforms Nathan Phillips Square and captures the wintertime spirit of Canada. The plaza is decorated with more than 500,000 LED lights, ice sculptures, and Toronto’s official Christmas tree, which is generally an 18 metre tall spruce tree. The Yonge and University subway lines and the TTC Queen streetcar make it simple to get there.
With a special focus on the city’s diversity, and appearances by well-known Canadian musicians, the opening ceremonies are well worth scheduling a trip to Toronto. In the past, bands like Golden Dogs and In-Flight Safety have graced the stage.
Enjoy fireworks, cultural festivities, art installations, and ice skating performances at the Cavalcade of Lights, making it a great choice among date destinations in Toronto this winter. The Cavalcade of Lights has included free Saturday night skate parties on the programme for the past 20 years, enhancing the participatory magic until after New Year’s Eve.
Swedish Christmas Fair
SWEA Toronto, the first Swedish Christmas Fair in Toronto, was held at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre for 37 years. They changed locations in 2019 and are now located at Daniels Spectrum in Toronto. This year, the Fair will once again open its doors to a live Christmas fair after being shuttered during the COVID-pandemic restrictions in 2020 and 2021.
The Lucia procession, the Swedish Folk Dancers and Choir, the Children’s Loft with Crafts, the Book Corner, the Annual Exhibit, and of course, the wide variety of goods designed in Sweden, draws thousands of visitors each year. The “Mathörnan” or “Taste of Sweden,” as it is commonly known, offers a wide variety of Swedish food, giving adventurous Canadians and the Scandinavian community everything they need for their Christmas Smörgasbord.
The event will be held November 19 – 20, 2022, at Daniels Spectrum, located at 585 Dundas St. East, Toronto.
One Of A Kind Winter Show
The One Of A Kind Winter Show has grown into a downtown tradition for locals and visitors, alike. This event takes place in the Enercare Centre from November 24 to December 4. Meet the creators of handcrafted garments, jewellery, art, and other one-of-a-kind items. Learn how to create unique meals, and watch other entertaining presentations. On December 1, sneak in some late-night shopping, or attend the show on One Of A Kind Family Day for a complete day of family programming. Everyone will find something they enjoy.
Last Chance Holiday Market
Looking for that last minute ideas? Find that unique gift to complete your holiday shopping at the Last Chance Holiday Market! This event, which showcases over 50 skilled Toronto craftsmen, is held in the lovely Great Hall in the centre of Queen West. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts, while also supporting nearby Toronto companies.
You’re likely to find the last-minute present you’re looking for at this holiday market, which features unusual items including leather works, stained glass, jewellery, bath & cosmetic products, candles, apparel, and more. Furthermore, a holiday VIP swag bag will be given to the first 30 early arrivals!
On December 18, this event runs from 11 am until 5 pm.
Christmas POP UP
The 8th Annual Christmas POP UP event is a free, one-day indoor market open to the public!
The Christmas POP UP offers you the opportunity to shop straight from the hands of 100+ incredibly brilliant Toronto artists and artisans on Sunday, December 4, 2022, from 11–5 pm at Toronto’s popular Queen West venue, The Great Hall.
You won’t want to miss this two-day market if you’re seeking art, photography, sculptures, jewellery, fashion, home decor, skincare, and other one-of-a-kind things.
There will also be food vendors and live music during the event!
