Toronto transforms into a winter wonderland every December, with Christmas markets popping up across the city offering handcrafted gifts, festive treats, and holiday cheer. Whether you're hunting for unique presents, craving mulled wine, or just want to soak in the festive atmosphere, this guide covers every market worth visiting in 2025.
Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square
Toronto's FREE official holiday celebration! The city's flagship event features the lighting of Toronto's official Christmas tree, 300,000+ LED lights, free skating, and live performances right at City Hall.
- Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 7, 2026
- Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
- Admission: FREE
- Hours: Lights on nightly from dusk to 11pm
- Highlights: Official Christmas tree lighting, free skate rentals on select Saturdays (Dec 6, 13, 20, 27, Jan 3) 4-10pm, live music, figure skating performances
Don't Miss: New Year's Skating Party on January 4, 2026 (1-5pm) with free skates, hot chocolate, and family activities.
The Distillery Winter Village
The crown jewel of Toronto's Christmas markets. Set in the cobblestone streets of the Historic Distillery District, this European-style market features a stunning 55-foot Christmas tree, Aurora Borealis light projections, ice archways, and giant wreaths.
- Dates: November 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (closed Christmas Day)
- Location: 55 Mill Street, Distillery District
- Admission: Free before 4pm daily; $18+ on peak times (Fri-Sun evenings, Dec 15-31)
- Hours: Mon-Thu 12pm-9pm, Fri-Sun 10am-10pm
- Highlights: Mulled wine, hot sangria, international street food, live carolers, pet-friendly photo booths, Narnia-inspired Santa's Village
Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday afternoon to avoid crowds and save on admission. The tree lighting at dusk is magical any day of the week.
Holiday Hills at STACKT Market
A modern, Instagram-worthy market set in Toronto's coolest shipping container village with stunning CN Tower views.
- Dates: November 14 – December 28, 2025
- Location: STACKT Market, 28 Bathurst Street
- Admission: FREE
- Highlights: 100+ vendors, live music, creative workshops, festive cocktails, giant light tunnel, speakeasy bar
Pro Tip: Grab s'mores by the fire pit and snap photos with the CN Tower backdrop at sunset.
Winterfest Toronto at Harbourfront Centre
A free, family-friendly celebration right on the waterfront with skating, artisan vendors, and holiday magic.
- Dates: November 28 – December 31, 2025
- Location: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
- Admission: FREE
- Highlights: Lakeside ice rink, marshmallow roasts, artisan stalls, train rides, skyline views
St. Lawrence Market Winter Market
Toronto's beloved St. Lawrence Market hosts a charming winter market in its second year, featuring local artisans and festive treats.
- Dates: November 20 – December 21, 2025 (weekends)
- Location: 93 Front Street East
- Admission: FREE
- Highlights: Local artisan goods, hot drinks, live music, Santa photos
Evergreen Brick Works Winter Market
An eco-conscious market in a stunning heritage setting, perfect for sustainable shoppers.
- Dates: Every Sunday in December (Nov 30, Dec 7, 14, 21)
- Location: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue
- Admission: Pay What You Can
- Highlights: Lantern-making workshops, pasta classes, sustainable gifts, fire pits, live music, Christmas trees
Casa Loma Holiday Lights
Toronto's iconic castle transforms into a winter wonderland with dazzling light displays and festive performances.
- Dates: December 6, 2025 – January 3, 2026
- Location: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
- Admission: $45 (advance booking recommended)
- Highlights: 40-foot evergreen in the Great Hall, Santa's workshop, stunning light displays, performers
Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday ECOMarket
A nature lover's paradise with sustainable gifts and outdoor fires.
- Dates: November 21-23 and November 28-30, 2025
- Location: Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Avenue East
- Admission: FREE
- Highlights: 60+ eco-friendly vendors, wreath-making workshops, campfire, holiday selfie stations
Canada's Wonderland WinterFest
The amusement park transforms into a massive winter festival with millions of lights and holiday entertainment.
- Dates: Select nights November 15, 2025 – January 3, 2026
- Location: Canada's Wonderland, Vaughan
- Admission: Starting at $34.99
- Highlights: Millions of lights, live shows, skating, select rides, holiday market
Black Creek Pioneer Village Christmas
Step back in time to experience a Victorian-era Christmas with heritage buildings and traditional celebrations.
- Dates: December 6-23, 2025
- Location: Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway
- Admission: Free for members; $26.15 for non-members
- Highlights: Heritage buildings decorated, Christmas stories, guided tours, holiday dinners
Free Christmas Markets in Toronto
On a budget? These markets won't cost you a dime to enter:
- Cavalcade of Lights – Nathan Phillips Square, free skating Saturdays
- Holiday Hills at STACKT – Free admission, 100+ vendors
- Harbourfront Winterfest – Free skating and market
- St. Lawrence Market Winter Market – Free weekends
- Evergreen Brick Works – Pay what you can
- Toronto Botanical Garden ECOMarket – Free entry
- Mel Lastman Square Holiday Fair – Free family fun in North York
Tips for Visiting Toronto Christmas Markets
- Dress warm: Most markets are outdoors. Layer up and wear comfortable, warm boots.
- Take the TTC: Parking is limited. The subway connects to most major markets.
- Visit weekdays: Avoid weekend crowds, especially at the Distillery.
- Bring cash: Some smaller vendors don't take cards.
- Book Casa Loma early: Tickets sell out for peak dates.
Map of Toronto Christmas Markets
All major markets are accessible by TTC public transit. Nathan Phillips Square is at Queen Station, the Distillery District is a short walk from King Station, STACKT is near Bathurst Station, and Harbourfront is on the 509/510 streetcar line.
