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 34 markets that make Christmas shopping an event unto itself. This is the first of two blogs featuring holiday markets! Stay tuned for more.
Read also: Get on the Nice List: 16 More Holiday Markets in South Eastern Ontario
Bay of Quinte
1.Side Hustle Christmas Market
It’s the second year for this new fav market, featuring more than 30 artisans from the Bay of Quinte Region! Held at Venue 1906 in Belleville, at 24 Victoria Ave., on Saturday, Nov. 25, 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!
Wow – everything from Santa to free horse-drawn carriage rides is ready to whisk you away at Belleville’s Enchanted Holiday Market! Happening from Thursday, Nov. 17 to Monday, December 18, 2023, the Enchanted Holiday Market is bringing the magic to Downtown Belleville. Ice skating, local shopping, dining, and artisans market will help boost your spirit and help you find unique gifts. The five-week event features new vendors every week on Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Don’t forget to stroll the streets and see the beautiful light displays!
Prince Edward County
Mulled wine by the fire. Live music. Unique vendors in a heated tent and warm fare to indulge in. Even raffles, games, and prizes, with proceeds going to the local food bank. Three Dog Winery’s Holiday Open House is back, baby! It may be chilly outside, but this event on Saturday, December 2, will warm your heart. Mark it on the calendar and stop by 1920 Fish Lake Road near Picton to enjoy community, local shopping, and, of course, fabulous wine. Cozy up to the holidays at Three Dog Winery!
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 Christmas Market is set for November 24 to 26, 2023, at The Eddie Hotel and Farm, 15786 Loyalist Parkway, with an ornament shop, Santa visits on Saturday and Sunday, decorating demos, and much more. We hear there will even be a Naughty Elf bar serving mulled wine!
Experience the beloved jazz soundtrack from A Charlie Brown Christmas at Base31 on Saturday, December 2, 2023, performed by the Brian Barlow Trio. This talented group is composed of award-winning Canadian musicians and delivers an unforgettable rendition of the cherished soundtrack that instills holiday spirit note by note.
4. Holiday photos in the barn by ANDARA Gallery
Celebrate the upcoming festive season with a festive portrait session! Over five weekends from Friday, Nov. 17 to Sunday, Dec. 17, from 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!
Lennox & Addington
7. 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 25 and 26, as well as Dec. 2 and 3, 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 100 different local vendors to shop. Admission is $10, but once inside the grounds, all activities are free! That includes horse and buggy rides, Christmas cookie decorating, carollers, live music, fire pits, and much more. Find the market at 1884 County Road 22 in Loyalist.
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 Very Merry Main Street while celebrating the festive season in this beautiful little lakeside village. It’s all set for Thursday, Dec. 7, 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!
Frontenac County
9. Wolfe Island Holiday Village and Makers Market
A fun-filled weekend of holiday activities awaits on Wolfe Island! From Dec. 2 to 3, 2023, there is lots of merry-making with The Blue Moose Market with German-style food and family festivities from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1277 Road 96. Next, The Maker Market will help you dash through the snow with more than 35 vendors across two locations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 3 at St. Margaret’s Hall and Hotel Wolfe Island. Be sure to stick around for the parade and the gingerbread house making.
Kingston
The holiday season is just around the corner, and the fourth annual Earthly Mama Bohemian Holiday Market is taking place Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fractal Workspace to help you have a holly, jolly boho festive season. This one-day, pop-up-style event is showcasing dozens of businesses from in and around Kingston with Bohemian at their core.
Local vendors, festive music, and decorations galore! Don’t miss the annual Home for the Holidays Gift and Craft Market on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 153 Van Order Drive in Kingston! Proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity Kingston Limestone Region’s Homebuilding Project to help with the current development. Feel good about your holiday shopping by giving back
12. CFB Kingston Fall Craft Sale
This popular craft sale is back! Pop by Thompson Drill Hall, CFB Kingston, on Saturday, Nov. 18, and Sunday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to shop for some handmade happiness. Admission is $3 per person, with children 12 and under admitted free. Proceeds go towards the Military Veteran Program Plus.
13. Kingston Potters’ Guild Holiday Sale
All things pottery! The Kingston Potters’ Guild Holiday Sale is ready to impress from November 23 to 26, 2023 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.
14. Fall Metal Rocks Show & Sale
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 23 to 26 at the Tett Centre. Admission is free!
15. All Things Christmas, Gifts & 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. 24 to 26 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!
More than 50 top craftspeople will gather on Saturday, Dec. 2, 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 letterpress to felting, ceramics to woodworking, button-making to beading, jewellery creations to hot sauce.
This is your chance to experience a famous German Christmas market – in the heart of downtown Kingston! On Sunday, Dec. 3 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.
1000 Islands Gananoque
18. South Alley Holiday Market
Magical market alert! The South Alley Holiday Market in Gananoque is set for Saturday, Nov. 18 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, treats, fun visits with Santa and children’s crafts – all under the twinkling light of the South Alley in Gananoque. Be enchanted!
19. European Christmas Market
The European Christmas Market at Furnace Falls Farm in Lyndhurst features a beautifully decorated, rustic barn and outdoor area filled with local vendors and unique gifts, live music, European-inspired food, evergreen wreaths, baked goods, preserves and more. Find the market November 24 to 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. We hear there will also be free mulled cider and popcorn!
Local crafts, artisans, breakfast, lunch, or a hot bevy. Sounds like a banner day! Get ready for the third annual Ivy Holiday Market on Nov. 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 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 25 local vendors and artisans, a Pump House Creamery pop-up shop, and a kids’ craft corner, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
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Including the grand opening of Candy Cane Lane on Friday, December 1, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Live entertainment and free goodies provided by the Town of Gananoque and local businesses. Lights continue 7 days a week until Dec. 31st.
1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
21. Westport Market Christmas Edition
During the Westport Shop and Hop Events, be sure to look for the holiday edition of the Westport Market on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sugar and spice and everything nice! Don’t forget to poke around the Westport Shop and Hop as the village welcomes the festive season with open arms. The gingerbread-themed event runs from Nov. 24 to 26 with outdoor markets, carollers, in-store events, an ugly sweater competition, and even a gingerbread contest!
22. 46th Annual Arts and Crafts Show Prescott
Find out why this show is always on everyone’s calendar! Friday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at South Grenville District High School, the sale is hosted by the John Howard Society of Kingston & District and Connect Youth. Admission is $5 for adults $3 for seniors and students, but children are free entry. Meet talented local artisans and vendors!
23. Wonderfall! Christmas on Campus Outdoor Market
Enjoy the works of talented local artists and artisans by stopping by Christmas on Campus: Outdoor Market and Art Show on November 18 and 19 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 reveling in creativity of the North Grenville Arts Guild and My Local Markets.
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. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the North Grenville Municipal Centre!
25. Spencerville Christmas Market
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Spencerville Christmas Market is your one-stop shopping experience with more than 30 favourite local makers under one roof. Located in the Drummond Building at 22 Ryan Street on November 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will also be a photo booth. It’s going to be full of festive fun!
26. Prescott RiverWalk Wonderland
This interactive holiday event is set for December 1 to 3, 2023, at the Prescott Pop-Ups on 191 Water Street East and promises vendors, craft classes, food, carolling, visits with Santa, and even wagon rides through Downtown Prescott! Stay on Santa’s nice list and plan to attend Prescott to go walking in a RiverWalk Wonderland.
Jump in the car and enjoy a festive country drive while visiting eclectic shops in the 1000 Islands and Rideau Lakes area! This Chrismas Shop & Hop on the calendar for December 1 to 3 features locally created items alongside those from around the world. Collect stamps for a chance to win at participating merchants in Lansdowne, Lyndhurst, the Outlet, Seeley’s Bay, Delta and Elgin. Happy shopping and hopping!
Brockville
28. Tincap Berry Farm Christmas Markers Market
Come down to the farm on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to enliven your lead up to the holidays! The Tincap Berry Farm Christmas Market will be hosted inside the barn market with a dozen local makers, coffee to sip on and wreath-making workshops! Feel warm and cozy while shopping – everything the season is about!
29. 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 25 to 26 for the Christmas market, from 11 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.
30. Brockville Farmers Market Christmas Markets at the Aquatarium
Join the Brockville Farmers Market for some special festive market days at the Aquatarium! Hear those bells jingling on December 2, 9 and 16 with free admission and lots of smiles while you meet local farmers and makers from across the region from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SDG Counties
The third annual Christmas shopping event in Alexandria! Taking place Thursday, Nov. 23, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. it’s the perfect chance for a night out with friends, dinner and shopping. Tackle your local shop list with unique finds in time for the holidays while experiencing good, old-fashioned Christmas shopping.
32. Garden Party Christmas Market
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 40 artisan vendors, you can start or finish your shopping here on November 18! This year, the market will be located on St. Lawrence Street between Church and Clarence in front of The Planted Arrow Flowers and Gifts.
33. Iroquois Christmas Craft Show
Ho, ho, ho, happy holidays! The Iroquois Christmas Craft Show on November 25 and 26 is held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 370 in Iroquois and features jewellery, paintings, honey, ornaments, gnomes and angels, Christmas cards, wood products and much more! Get your jingle on.
34. Williamburg’s PopUp Christmas Market
Here’s a sweet idea that will capture a memory for years to come: a Christmas market you can bring the kids to get a photo taken. Couple that with a market of all original wares, and you’ve got an event planned on Sunday, Dec 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 12389 Williamsburg IOOF Halls. Have a holly jolly time!
You’ll be on Santa’s nice list this year for browsing and shopping at local holiday markets in South Eastern Ontario!
