The Elves Would Be Proud: Holiday Markets in South Eastern Ontario 2024

Rosanne Lake

The holidays are magical, and markets in South Eastern Ontario are treasure troves of unique handcrafted gifts for loved ones on your holiday lists. With lights aglow, delicious food for savouring, and the region decked out in its finest greenery and festive swag, local creativity is brilliantly showcased at holiday markets across South Eastern Ontario. Connect with hip artisans and take in stunning venues at these markets set to make Christmas 2024 shopping an event unto itself. 

This list is updated regularly- check back for newly added markets!

December 5: Merry Little Main Street in Bath 
Enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride through the village of Bath, visit Santa and pop into local shops, as well as market style shopping all under twinkling lights with live music and lots of celebration! Get your holiday shopping all cleared away early at Merry Little Main Street while celebrating the festive season in this beautiful little lakeside village. It’s all set for

Thursday, Dec. 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This festive holiday shopping party is a great way to support local and join in some community festivities!

Dec 7th Decanter Holiday Market, Wellington PEC

Two days of holiday shopping, sipping and socializing at the 3rd annual Holiday Market. A variety of artisanal vendors will be set up on-site featuring clothing (Kelley Derrett), jewellery (Bee&Sallie), wood crafts (Keith Proulx), dog treats (The Sniffery), natural skincare (Create Essentials), cocktail-making supplies (Jolly Cut) and more! And of course, you can also find a wide range of wines, beer & cider for every occasion, plus cheese, charcuterie fixings and a selection of products for gifting. Enjoy mulled wine and other samples at the bar while you shop.

December 7 Indigenous Holiday Market, Kingston

Flint and Maple, a local Indigenous art business, is hosting an Indigenous Holiday Market in the Modern Fuel space inside the Tett Centre. Come and shop hand-made items from Indigenous vendors, including painting, caribou tufting, quillwork, beadwork, pottery, and more.370 King St W.

December 7: Christmas at the Ranch, Athens
C&M Ranch welcomes all merry makers for Christmas at the Ranch on Saturday, December 7 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Look for pony rides, vendors, a petting zoo, photos with Santa or the Grinch and get into the Christmas spirit at the ranch before the Athens Santa Claus parade that evening! Admission is $5 per person, photo session is $15.

December 7: The Frontenac Farmers Holiday Market
This isn’t your average market! Be prepared for an epic holiday party filled with the goodness of Frontenac’s Farmers on Saturday, December 7 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. This incredible experience is fun for the whole family with fire pits, family photos, live music, onsite food and drink and more than 35 vendors to shop at Centennial Park in Harrowsmith. Meet your neighbours at the Frontenac Farmers Holiday Market!

December 7: Artisans Christmas Market, Portland
Meet some local makers and get creative gifts from across Rideau Lakes! Portland on the Rideau Historical Society is hosting an Artisans Christmas Market on Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Emmanuel Heritage Centre in Portland. Find all sorts of goodies and handicrafts in a beautiful heritage setting!

December 7: Christmas in Merrickville Market
The big Christmas in Merrickville event will be in full swing this weekend - be sure to check out the special artisan market at the Merrickville Community Centre on Saturday, December 7. Delicious homemade baked goods, wildflower honey, resin creations, jams and jellies, sauces and oils, original art and so many lovely products, handmade by local crafters.

December 7: North Dundas Vendor Show - Joel Steele Community Centre, Winchester 

With over 25 vendors offering a wide variety of unique products, there’s something for everyone! Join us for some festive holiday shopping and get a head start on your Christmas list before the parade begins! 9:00am-4:00pm 

Dec 7th - 8th Waring House Holiday Market, PEC

Kick the holidays off in the best way! Offerings from various vendors, crafters and artisans. 10 AM - 4 PM Saturday, December 7th & Sunday, December 8t.h Come see the decorated Inn and enjoy everything the Waring House has to offer. Double up the fun and enjoy a Christmas Afternoon Tea and delicious treats!

December 7 and 8: Iroquois Christmas Craft Show
Ho, ho, ho happy holidays! The Iroquois Christmas Craft Show on December 7 and 8, 2024 is held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 370 in Iroquois and features jewellery, paintings, honey, ornaments, woodwork, cotton candy, Christmas cards and much more! Get your jingle on from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

December 7 and 8: Quinte West Holiday Market
For two days only, visit Centennial Park and experience the Quinte West Holiday Market!  From December 7 to 8, 2024, Quinte West Pop-ups will be transformed into a holiday winter wonderland showcasing festive decorations, delicious food, winter-themed activities, entertainment and unique vendors. Listen to live music and visit with Santa. Ho ho ho!

December 7 and 8: Iroquois Christmas Craft Show, Iroquois Legion, Iroquois

An exclusive true crafters' show at the Iroquois Legion! Enjoy family fun with face painting and a convenient on-site canteen available all weekend. 10:00am-3:00pm 

December 7 and 8: Avonmore Christmas Art, Craft & Bake Sale, Tagwi Secondary School, Avonmore 

An annual Christmas Art, Craft & Bake Sale where you can explore a wide variety of vendors offering something for everyone. 10 AM to 4 PM

December 8: German Christmas Market
This is your chance to experience a famous German Christmas market – in the heart of downtown Kingston! On Sunday, Dec. 8 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. stroll over to Amadeus Café to sip a mug of Gluhwein, enjoy a pretzel and have a blast looking through the fare and crafts form local artisans. Sip a mug of hot gluhwein and enjoy a traditional Kriskringle market!

Dec 8th Wander the Resort Winter Wonderland, PEC 

Those who wander find the best surprises! Wanderland Holiday Market is back for its fourth year! Join Wander on Sunday, December 8th, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM for a day of seasonal festivities, with holiday shopping from local vendors, live music, bonfires, photos with Santa, plus a delicious market menu from Gather. Plus, the @noblebeastfarms alpacas will be back. 

December 8 Merry and Bright Stocking Stuffer Market, Cornwall

A holiday time pop-up market so you can shop some of your favourite local makers in person! They're bringing you the goods, with tons of stocking stuffer options under $20. Cornwall Square mall, 11 am - 4 pm

December 8: Akwesasne Travel Holiday Market

Come get your holiday treasures at this event, which features 60 local vendors selling fine art, traditional Indigenous artisan finds, jewelry and crafts, health and wellness, food, and more. It will be held from 11 am to 3 pm at The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort. 

December 14: Christmas Market and Craft Show - Maxville & District Sports Complex, Maxville 

The Maxville & District Chamber of Commerce will once again be hosting their Annual Christmas Market & Craft Show. Held in the hall of the Maxville & District Sports Complex. Get in the Christmas spirit, stop by, and shop for local handmade treasures. 10:00am-4:00pm

December 14: Iroquois Christmas Night Market - Iroquois Plaza, Iroquois 

The 2nd Annual Christmas Night Market is a magical evening filled with festive fun for everyone! Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, marvel at live reindeer, and enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides. Explore craft vendors, savour delicious food, and discover so much more to make your holiday season unforgettable! 3:00-7:00pm.

December 14-15 Holiday at the Farm & Market, Spencerville

A fun-filled holiday event the whole family will love! Shop at the indoor market with 40+ local vendors, face-pianting and holiday crafts to keep the kiddos entertained!

Hosted by Happy Little Farmstead 3418 Goodin Rd, Spencerville 10 am - 3 pm

December 14-15 Eastern Ontario Craft & Gift Christmas Market, Kemptville

It’s the most magical time of the year to visit Kemptville. 40 plus talented vendors offering a variety of products and services. Free admission/parking, wrapped gift for the first 50 kids, raffle, food & drinks available. Hosted by Municipality of North Grenville 285 CR-44, North Grenville, ON K0G, Canada. 10am - 3pm.

December 14 and 15: Busy Hands Holiday Craft Market
Get this: more than 50 local vendors with hand-made products. Yes, you read that right. This is a local fav market! Free admission, free parking, accessible – it’s the 24th annual Busy Hands Artisan Market and it’s going to be great at the Highline Hall in the Wellington Arena. Mark your calendar and bring a donation for the local food bank!

Various Dates- ongoing markets

Enchanted in downtown Belleville

Starting Nov 29, for three weekends, the Downtown District will be filled with Christmas cheer, holiday vendors, carriage rides, and more! There is something for everyone on your holiday shopping list in Downtown Belleville.

Cornwall Square Marketplace

The Square Marketplace is hosting its “Christmas Vendor Market” every Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well as the Monday and Tuesday before Christmas.  This year’s vendor market has a wide array of products available.  Come and support local and area vendors.

The Square Marketplace on the main level at Cornwall Square

Cornwall downtown - 12 Days of Holiday Cheer

Visit beautiful downtown Cornwall every Friday and Saturday from November 17 to December 23. Crafts, vendor offers and surprises! 

Brockville Farmer’s Christmas Night Markets

The Brockville Farmers’ Christmas NIGHT Market runs the first three Saturdays in December at the Aquatarium. Hop on the Aquatarium Holiday Express train to enjoy the River of Lights and do some Holiday shopping at the same time. Double the fun! Free admission to the Christmas Market and all Aquatarium exhibits. December 7, 14, 21  5 pm-8 pm. 

You’ll be on Santa’s nice list this year for browsing and shopping at local holiday markets in South Eastern Ontario!