The holidays are a time to savour delicious food, spend time with loved ones, and engage in winter sports. Winter festivals and Christmas markets in Canada are popular holiday destinations. Most markets have extended hours from November to December, giving you and your family plenty of time to schedule a visit. Christmas markets are known for providing a more personal and well-chosen purchasing experience than mall shopping. The majority of the products are made in Canada, usually by artisans and small businesses. You may get into the holiday spirit by sampling some of the delectable Christmas delicacies, food, and beverages widely available at the markets, in addition to shopping and admiring the décor. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the best-liked winter markets by province, so you can enjoy the Christmas market holidays and spend quality time with your loved ones.
List of Best Christmas Markets in Canada
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Alberta
Holiday markets and winter festivities are set against the wonderful backdrop of Alberta’s breath-taking winter landscapes. These celebrations of community, handicrafts, and the season’s festive spirit go beyond ordinary shopping. The following are a few noteworthy winter festivals and holiday markets in Alberta:
|
Name of the Market/Festival |
Location |
Highlights |
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Banff Christmas Market |
100 Sundance Road., Banff |
A festive outdoor market featuring food, beverages, and Santa! |
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Calgary ZooLights |
210 St. George’s Dr NE, Calgary |
Numerous installations of art and lights seem wonderful. |
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Lions Festival of Lights |
Confederation Park, Calgary |
A 500,000-light drive-through extravaganza. |
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Winter Lights Festival |
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden |
An amazing paradise of light. |
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British Columbia
With various markets and events that capture the festive spirit with their distinct blend of natural beauty, cultural celebrations, and artisanal wares, British Columbia turns into a winter wonderland throughout Christmas. The following are a few well-liked winter festivals and holiday markets in British Columbia:
|
Name of the Market/Festival |
Location |
Highlights |
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Vancouver Christmas Market |
Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Pl., Vancouver |
It is referred to as the German Christmas Market. It is set out as a village with more than 80 huts. In addition to shopping, dining, drinking, and viewing the Christmas lights, you may also take in live entertainment. |
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Christmas at Canada Place |
Canada Place – 999 Canada Pl., Vancouver |
Savour the nostalgic atmosphere of the Avenue of Trees, blazing lights, and Woodward’s windows. |
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VanDusen Christmas Festival of Lights |
Vandusen Gardens, 5251 Oak St, Vancouver |
a botanical garden with a million lights or more. |
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Capilano Canyon Lights |
Capilano Bridge, 3735 Capilano Rd |
The tallest Christmas trees and lovely lights abound as North Vancouver Park comes to life for the holiday season. |
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Hycroft for the Holidays |
Hycroft Manor |
This has been a long-standing holiday tradition and is Vancouver’s oldest Christmas market. The ancient Edwardian Hycroft mansion, normally inaccessible to the public, is open for shopping and tours. |
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Manitoba
Holiday markets and winter festivals can be held in Manitoba, providing a warm yet energetic environment with dazzling snow and fresh winter air. These events, which feature regional artists, performers, and gastronomic treats, are a tribute to the province’s unique cultural fabric and sense of community. The following are a few well-liked Manitoba winter festivals and the best Christmas markets:
|
Name of the Market/Festival |
Location |
Highlights |
|
Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade |
Begins at Portage Ave. & Young St. |
Also known as the Santa Claus Parade by Manitoba Hydro. One of Winnipeg’s most cherished holiday customs. In addition, it’s the biggest parade held at night in Canada and the second-biggest parade overall. |
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The Annual Christkindlmarkt |
Fort Garry Place Mall |
It is the oldest operating German Christmas Market in Canada, also called the German Christmas Market. German chocolates, stolln, mulled wine (gluehwein), and numerous other delicacies are available here. |
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Canada’s Winter Wonderland |
Red River Exhibition Park |
Travel through 26 distinct themed zones comprising a million lights. |
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New Brunswick
There is a delightful assortment of seasonal markets and winter festivities in New Brunswick, a state known for its lively communities and gorgeous winter scenery. These celebrations highlight the province’s vibrant culture, handcrafted goods, and joyful atmosphere. The following are a few well-liked winter festivals and holiday markets in New Brunswick:
|
Name of the Market/Festival |
Location |
Highlights |
|
Wild Lights at the Magnetic Hill Zoo |
125 Magic Mountain Rd., Moncton |
An annual fundraiser that creates a shimmering wonderland at the zoo. |
|
Fredericton’s Frostival |
Several places throughout the province. |
It is the largest winter celebration in Atlantic Canada. More than 150 events are held there, ranging from craft and gourmet experiences to outdoor wonderlands and music festivals. |
|
Various Santa Parades |
Several places throughout the province. |
Watching Santa welcome the guests will help you get into the holiday spirit. Take in the array of floats and costumed figures. |
Newfoundland and Labrador
With their untamed landscapes and rich cultural legacy, Newfoundland and Labrador provide a distinctive and joyous holiday experience. The province is renowned for its strong sense of community, evident in the Christmas markets and winter celebrations. These gatherings are a great way to experience the festive spirit of the province because they feature regional cuisine, crafts, and customs. Popular winter festivals and holiday markets in Newfoundland and Labrador include the following:
|
Name of the Market/Festival |
Location |
Highlights |
|
Festival of Lights |
Bay Roberts |
Features two parades, one during the day and one at night, fireworks, concerts, the largest Nativity scene east of Montreal, and the province’s first intelligent light park. |
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Downtown St.John’s Christmas Parade |
Downtown St. John |
It is the province’s biggest parade. Watch Santa and various floats to get into the spirit of the holidays. |
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Northwest Territories
Canada’s Northwest Territories (NWT) are renowned for their vivid Indigenous cultures and stunning northern scenery. The NWT also offers the best Christmas markets and winter events that add colour to the lengthy winter months. These gatherings of people highlight regional customs, artwork, and handicrafts against the breath-taking backdrop of the aurora borealis. In the Northwest Territories, the following Christmas markets and winter celebrations are well-liked:
|
Name of the Market/Festival |
Location |
Highlights |
|
Santa Claus Parade |
53 Street, Franklin Avenue and 49 Street, Yellowknife |
Meet Santa and take in the various decorated floats. |
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Nova Scotia
With its lively communities and rich maritime history, Nova Scotia provides a magnificent backdrop for winter festivals and holiday markets. These gatherings, which feature regional delicacies, crafts, and customs, exemplify the joyous spirit and friendliness of the community. Here are a few well-liked winter events and holiday markets in Nova Scotia:
|
Name of the Market/Festival |
Location |
Highlights |
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Victorian Christmas at Citadel |
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site |
Discover a Victorian army garrison’s holiday season by observing staff members dressed in costume. Enjoy creating Victorian Christmas crafts, meeting Father Christmas, and dressing up for the Victorian photo booth. |
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Halifax Glow Gardens |
200 Prospect Road, Goodwood |
A nearly 90,000-square-foot indoor winter extravaganza illuminated by one million lights. |
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Father Christmas Festival |
Mahone Bay |
Witness the magnificence of the Winter Gardens Christmas Fantasy exhibit. |
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Ontario
The most populated province in Canada, Ontario, is a centre of joyous celebration and ethnic diversity, particularly around the Christmas market holidays. Seasonal celebrations and holiday markets abound throughout the province, from larger cities like Toronto and Ottawa to more rural settlements. Here are a few well-liked winter events and holiday markets in Ontario:
|
Name of the Market/Festival |
Location |
Highlights |
|
Cavalcade of Lights |
Nathan Phillips Square, downtown Toronto |
Toronto’s well-known Christmas tree in Nathan Phillips Square is lit up. includes a fireworks display, an outdoor skating party, and musical performances by some of Canada’s best musicians. |
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Distillery Winter Village |
Distillery District |
Located in the Distillery Historic District, the Market offers a joyous experience with local artisans, artisanal food producers, and stunning light displays. |
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Ottawa Christmas Market |
Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne |
Discover classic merchants offering hundreds of original gift ideas, or indulge in delicious pastries and flavorful beverages. |
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Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights |
Clifton Hill, Niagara |
The largest illumination festival in Canada, including over three million brilliant lights lining an eight-kilometre circuit, magnificent Christmas displays across the city, and exclusive Niagara Falls events, transforms Niagara Falls into a winter wonderland. |
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Prince Edward Island
Renowned for its charming scenery and close-knit towns, Prince Edward Island (PEI) comes to life with various lively markets and winter festivals during the holiday season. These celebrations allow locals and visitors to enjoy the season in true island fashion while showcasing the island’s rich cultural legacy, handcrafted goods, and sense of community. Prince Edward Island is home to several well-liked winter events and holiday markets.
|
Name of the Market/Festival |
Location |
Highlights |
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The Charlottetown Christmas Festival |
Across the City |
There will be a ton of festive activities, including wine tastings, retail trails, historic walking tours, carolers, cooking workshops, ice sculptures, Christmas movies, competitions to make gingerbread houses, live music, and kid-friendly entertainment, in addition to the Victorian Christmas Market, which is the festival’s main attraction. |
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Christmas Craft Fair |
Port Charlottetown, 1 Weymouth Street, Charlottetown |
The island’s first juried craft fair featuring more than 40 merchants. |
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Quebec
With its rich French history and dynamic culture, Quebec is well known for its joyous festivities, particularly around the holidays. The province is transformed into a mystical winter paradise and attracts tourists from all over with various holiday markets and winter celebrations. The following are a few well-liked winter festivals and holiday markets in Quebec:
|
Name of the Market/Festival |
Location |
Highlights |
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German Christmas Market |
Five sites in Old Québec |
Overindulge in delectable holiday fare like grilled sausages, gingerbread, mulled wine, and ornamental goods. |
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Toboggan, New Year’s Eve |
Québec City |
a three-day celebration with concerts by well-known DJs, folk musicians, and breath-taking pyrotechnics. |
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Christmas Market at Le Grand Marche |
250, boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel Québec City |
The ideal location to purchase regional delicacies for your holiday table. Enrol in a culinary class to learn how to make regional cuisine. Take in the folk dances, hear a local choir sing carols, or read Christmas stories. |
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Saskatchewan
Celebrate the winter season with various seasonal markets and winter festivities in Saskatchewan, a province renowned for its wide-open areas and energetic communities. These events infuse the cold months with warmth and joy by displaying regional handicrafts, cuisine, and customs. Here are some of Saskatchewan’s well-liked winter festivals and Christmas markets:
|
Name of the Market/Festival |
Location |
Highlights |
|
Saskatoon Santa Claus Parade |
Central Business District, Saskatoon |
A joyous procession includes numerous floats and Santa mingling with the audience. |
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BHP Enchanted Forest |
Forestry Farm Park and Zoo |
It is one of Canada’s greatest and longest-running Christmas light displays. |
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Light Up the Village |
Western Development Museum |
Experience the festive vibe as the Heritage Village comes to life for the holidays. |
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Christkindl Markt |
German Club, 1727 St John St, Regina |
Savour the flavours of the German Christmas Market with warm, spicy gluhwein, delicious pastries, and sizzling sausages. |
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Glow Gardens, Saskatoon |
503 Ruth St W, Saskatoon |
Savour all the enchantment and magnificence of an outdoor event held completely within a roomy and comfortable setting. |
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Yukon
Yukon welcomes the winter season with distinctive and best Christmas markets and festivities that showcase the territory’s rich cultural heritage and love of the festive season. The region is known for its stunning northern scenery and hardy people. Here are a few well-known Yukon seasonal markets and winter celebrations to check out:
|
Name of the Market/Festival |
Location |
Highlights |
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12 Days of Christmas Fireweed Community Market |
Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre, 1171 First Avenue, Whitehorse |
It is a neighbourhood indoor market with over 100 locally owned vendors selling handcrafted and farmed goods from Yukon. |
Numerous towns in church halls and community centres frequently hold smaller-scale holiday markets. To locate one in your neighbourhood, go via flyers and internet forums.
Conclusion
Canada’s well-known holiday markets are a lively representation of the nation’s diverse cultural heritage and joy-loving nature. These markets serve as sites for celebration and community participation in addition to being popular shopping places. These markets provide a mystical atmosphere filled with the aroma of festive goodies and the sparkle of sparkling lights, making it the ideal place to create holiday memories. Canada’s holiday markets offer a pleasant experience that captures the excitement and warmth of the season. Whether you’re seeking the ideal handcrafted present, can’t wait to indulge in gourmet treats, or just want to enjoy the festive atmosphere, it’s all there. These winter celebration activities give visitors a taste of the region’s lively customs, sense of community, and distinctive winter celebration methods. Canada’s holiday markets and winter festivities, situated against the breath-taking background of the northern wilderness, offer remarkable experiences ranging from artistic exhibits to community parades and historical celebrations.
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