The Elves Would Be Proud: 38 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 38 markets set to make Christmas 2024 shopping an event unto itself.

Christmas Markets - November

1. November 8 to 10: The Maker’s Hand in Wellington, PEC
This highly-anticipated Prince Edward County Arts Council signature event is celebrating 20 years! It will run over three bustling days from November 8-10, 2024 at Highline Hall, Lehigh Arena, Wellington. Look for a range of unique handmade goods by 40 artists. Also unique is an All Are Welcome Quiet Hour on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to ensure inclusive participation for people with sensory, mobility, and other special needs.

2. November 9: Rideau Acres Craft Sale
Start your holiday shopping and see what these talented crafters have to offer at the Rideau Acres Craft Sale. Both levels of the venue will be full with more than 40 vendors. The bar will be open to sip and shop and there’s plenty of free parking. Make sure to talk a stroll around the picturesque landscape while you’re there!

3, November 9: Monkland Christmas Craft Sale
Come out and enjoy the start of our holiday season shopping and photos with CC Squared Photography! Set for Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Monkland Community Centre, sip hot chocolate while getting a jump on the holidays!

4. November 10 and 24: Jack Frost Fair, Kemptville
Presented by the Kemptville Farmers Market, the Jack Frost Fair is set for Sunday, Nov. 10 and Sunday Nov. 24, 2024 at the Kemptville Farmers’ Market parking lot location in Old Town Kemptville. The holiday market will feature 40 vendors showcasing an array of local artisans, crafters, jewellers, food producers, bakers and much more to warm your heart before the holidays! Dress warmly and bring your Christmas list – admission is an item for the local food bank.

5. November 15 and 16: Wall Street United Church Yuletide Fair Brockville
Get ready for Christmas with the 24 vendors at the Yuletide Fair offering baked goods, homemade pies, gifts and crafts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Lunch also available!

6. November 15 to 17: A Gananoque Christmas at Pangea House
Turn your holiday dreams into reality with this package featuring outdoor markets, glittering lights, horse drawn carriage rides, spa services, artists, an overnight in a hip bed and breakfast with absolutely mouth-watering food prepared fresh for you – and much more. Kick your holiday cheer into high gear with a Gananoque Christmas November 15 to 17 – book now to experience all this and more in a picture perfect setting befitting a Christmas movie.

7. November 15 to 16: Museum Festive Market Glengarry Nor'Wester's & Loyalist Museum  
Join in for some holiday fun at the Museum Festive Market where you’ll find loads of amazing products including festive pieces, gifts, art, and stocking stuffers – all made locally, by hand.

8. November 16: Garden Party Christmas Market Winchester
Do you believe in Christmas Magic? The third annual Garden Party Christmas Market in Winchester is setting out to prove it’s real. With more than 80 artisan vendors you can start or finish your shopping here on November 16! See Mr. and Mrs. Claus, live music, carollers and more. This year the market will be located at Sweet Corner Park.

9. November 16: Closson Road Christmas Crawl, PEC
Stroll, food, unique gifts – sounds like the perfect festive occasion! Enjoy a festive Yuletide Stroll and Sample through delightful shops, a brewery, cidery, distillery, six wineries, a wood studio, and a lavender shop, while discovering unique gifts from talented producers and artisans.

10. November 16: South Alley Holiday Market in Gananoque
Magical market alert! The South Alley Holiday Market in Gananoque is set for Saturday, Nov. 16 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., showcases a vibrant vendor scene with more than 50 unique vendors, offering handcrafted goods. Savour food trucks, festive treats, local artists and children’s crafts – all under the twinkling lights of the South Alley in Gananoque. Be enchanted!

11. November 16 to 17: CFB Kingston Fall Craft Sale
This popular craft sale is back! Pop by Thompson Drill Hall, CFB Kingston on Saturday, Nov. 16 and Sunday Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to shop some handmade happiness. Admission is $3 per person, with children 12 and under admitted free. Proceeds go towards the Military Veteran Program Plus.

12. November 16 and 17: Brockville Christmas Makers Market
Mulled wine, gifts, food, lots of Christmas cheer… yes please! The Brockville Shopping Centre will be the place to be on November 16 and 17 for the Christmas market, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This outdoor event with free entry is the perfect way to meet sellers and get the unique goods to make this holiday season truly special.

13. November 16 to December 8: Holiday photos in the barn by ANDARA Gallery
Celebrate the upcoming festive season with a festive portrait session! Over four weekends from Nov. 16 to Dec. 8, 2024 noon to 4 p.m. the stunning century barn located at 54 Wilson Road near Bloomfield will be decorated to the nines and ready for capturing your special festive moment. Be sure to call ahead for reservations – photos will be taken by appointment only and with your own device. ANDARA Gallery’s owners will compose and take your festive photo using your phone camera in exchange for a donation to the PEC Memorial Hospital Foundation’s “Back The Build” campaign. Look for the giant 16-foot Christmas tree from Skootamatta Christmas Tree Farm!

14. November 16 and 17: Outdoor Christmas Market - Christmas on Campus Kemptville
Enjoy the works of talented local artists and artisans by stopping by Christmas on Campus: Outdoor Market and Art Show on November 16 and 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the W.B. George Centre, Kemptville Campus. Get a head start on your holiday shopping while revelling in the creativity of the North Grenville Arts Guild and My Local Markets.

15. November 17: Mistletoe Fair Kemptville
A fun, festive, friendly crafters' and producers' market! Groove to live seasonal music, shop until you drop while supporting local small businesses. Proceeds go to three local charities; admission by donation to the local food bank. Mark your calendar for Sunday, Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the North Grenville Municipal Centre!

16. November 17: Williamsburg Christmas Market
Here’s a sweet idea that will capture a memory for years to come: a market of all original wares! You’ve got an event planned on Sunday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Williamsburg IOOF Hall. Have a holly jolly time!

17. November 21 to 24: Kingston Potters’ Guild Holiday Sale
All things pottery! The Kingston Potters’ Guild Holiday Sale is ready to impress from November 21 to 24, 2024 at the Tett Centre. Everyone loves receiving pottery – especially creations made by local skilled artists. Every piece is a treasure and perfect for festive gift-giving… or keeping for yourself.

18. November 21 to 24: Fall Metal Rocks Show
Look here for one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewellery, rocks, minerals, home decor and gift ideas created by members of the Kingston Lapidary and Mineral Club. The show is being held in conjunction with the Kingston Potters’ Guild annual holiday sale, taking place November 21 to 24 at the Tett Centre. Admission is free!

19. November 22: Outdoor Artisans Christmas Market Westport
During the Westport Shop and Hop Events, be sure to look for the holiday edition of the Outdoor Westport Market in Friday, Nov. 22 from 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sugar and spice and everything nice! Then head over to Town Hall for the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Don’t forget to poke around the Westport Shop and Hop as the village welcomes the festive season with open arms – see carollers, a parade, gingerbread house contest, and many in-store events!

20. November 22 to 24: All Things Christmas Gifts and Art Sale
This fundraising event in support of the Kingston Symphony has your Christmas shopping covered! The Kingston Symphony volunteers will help find everything from jewellery to decorations to paintings to artisanal pottery to woodworking gifts from Nov. 22 to 24 at the Symphony Warehouse. There are even toys at this fun sale. Take a peek and you’ll be surprised what you find. It will be music to your ears!

21. November 23: Side Hustle Market
Third year for this new fav market, featuring more than 25 artisans from the Bay of Quinte Region! Held at Venue 1906 in Belleville, at 24 Victoria Ave. on Saturday, November 23, the Side Hustle Christmas Market is a great spot to discover heartfelt gifts within your budget – while meeting local creators. Sounds like the perfect Saturday to us!

22. November 23-24, November 30 to  December 1: Mackinnon Brothers Holiday Market
An event for all ages and stages of holiday cheer! Stop by the farm for good food, great brews and to cross a few gifts off your holiday list. Set for two weekends, Nov. 23 and 24, as well as Nov. 30 to December 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all days, the MacKinnon Brothers Holiday Market is spread over the big red production facility as well as the Old Barn with more than 50 different artisan and food vendors to shop each weekend. Admission is $10 but once inside the grounds all activities are free! That includes sleigh rides, Christmas cookie decorating, carollers, live music, fire pits and even photos with Santa. Find the market at 1884 County Road 22 in Loyalist.

23. November 29 to 30: Holiday Shop and Hop
Jump in the car and enjoy a festive country drive while visiting eclectic shops in 1000 Islands and Rideau Lakes area! This Christmas Shop & Hop on the calendar for November 29 and 30, 2024, features locally created items alongside those from around the world. Collect stamps for a chance to win at participating merchants in Lansdowne, Lyndhurst, Seeley's Bay, Delta and Elgin. Happy shopping and hopping!
 

24. November 29 to December 1: Red Barn Holiday Market at The Eddie
This one is Christmas card worthy! A decorated red heritage barn housing four dozen vendors for three days of handcrafted holiday shopping – sounds like an instant holiday spirit booster, right? The Red Barn Holiday Market is set for November 29 to December 1, 2024 at The Eddie Hotel and Farm, 15786 Loyalist Parkway with an ornament shop, Santa visits on Saturday and Sunday, decorating demos and much more. The most festive Red Barn holiday market yet!

25. November 30: Fat Goose Craft Fair
More than 50 top craftspeople will gather on Saturday, Nov. 30 to bring the local fav Fat Goose Craft Fair to life once again. The fair is being held at Grant Hall, Queen’s University from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be a part of something special, browse, buy and be delighted with everything from letterpressing to felting, ceramics to woodworking, button-making to beading, jewellery creations to hot sauce.

26. November 30: Dunvegan Christmas Market
Experience an outdoor market in the covered pavilion at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum. Local vendors will be selling everything from chocolate and baked goods, to handmade silver jewellery or ironware made by a local blacksmith. Dunvegan Gold Maple Syrup & Stonehouse Vineyard will be onsite. Look for fresh green wreaths, pots and garland and get decorating!  

27. November 30: St. Alban’s Centre Holiday Market, L&A County
Witness the church building filled with vendors selling everything from knitted mittens to birdhouses! Have photos taken with Santa, learn how to make your own grapevine wreath, check out the revamped garage or peruse the used book rooms in the old rectory. There will be something for everyone – and definite holiday spirit – so warm your heart with hot chocolate and holiday treasures.

28. November 30 to December 1: The Ivy Holiday Market
Local crafts, artisans, buffet brunch, comfort food or a hot bevvy. Sounds like a banner day! Get ready for the fourth annual Ivy Holiday Market on Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – a gift and art show to make your gift giving thrive. Find something unique for yourself or start your Christmas shopping early! With dozens of local vendors and artisans, The Coach House serving hot cider, coffee and pastries there will be something for everyone to enjoy.


Christmas Markets - December

So many markets, so little time! One thing’s for sure: South Eastern Ontario knows how to market. Grab a friend, hit your local communities and see what treasures you uncover at these luscious holiday gems in December.

29. 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!

30. December 1: Christmas Market at Arbru, Mallorytown
Mulled wine, sweet treats, locally-made brews, Santa visits, and lots of local vendors. Sounds like a fun day! It’s happening Sunday, December 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the ArBru Solar Brewery in Mallorytown. The market will showcase everything from foods to pottery, custom clothing to décor items, wood carvings to ciders and even hot chocolate! Stop by the ArBru Christmas Market for all the Christmas feels and prepare for delicious brew-inducing holiday cheer.

31. 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.

32. 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!

33. 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!

34. 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.

35. 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.

36. 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!

37. 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!

38. 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!

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