The holidays are a magical time of year, and no more so than when visiting a Christmas market surrounded by the glow of twinkling lights, fat snowflakes falling from the sky, and the atmosphere alive with merriment. 

Here are three wonderfully festive markets that have Santa’s endorsement. 

The Distillery Winter Village (thedistillerydistrict.com)

Everything is merry and bright in Toronto’s Distillery District during the holiday season. The cobblestone streets and heritage buildings are transformed into a magical Christmas setting for the 16th annual Distillery Winter Village (Nov. 13-Jan. 4). Drawing more than one million visitors each year, it is recognized as one of the world’s top Christmas markets. 

With good reason: Santa has blessed the 13-acre historic site with an extra dose of yuletide magic. Dazzling lights are everywhere, there are dozens of boutique holiday vendors, and the existing shops, cafés, and restaurants go all out with seasonal cheer. 

New features this year include Netflix’s Stranger Things 5 Immersive Experience, the Pura Vida Chocolate Experience, and the debut of Chef’s Lane, where leading Canadian chefs will present exclusive dishes alongside performances by The Tenors, the Canadian Opera Company, and others. No Christmas market is complete without a visit with Santa. Here, little ones pass through a wardrobe into a Narnia-inspired winter wonderland to meet the Jolly Old Elf. 

Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest (canadaswonderland.com)

Canada’s Wonderland

Winterfest at Canada’s Wonderland (Nov. 15-Jan. 3) is a Christmas market – one of the largest in Ontario, in fact – and so much more.

Merry making begins with shopping for that perfect gift: Canada’s Wonderland has you covered. The theme park comes alive with a traditional Christmas market featuring dozens of local artisans and craft vendors. Take the opportunity to browse the park’s shops for toys, ornaments, and holiday décor. 

Need some festive fuel to keep you going? Again, the park has you covered with a Santa list full of holiday fare washed down by hot cider and gourmet hot chocolate. 

Holiday cheer continues with a range of holiday activities. Skate on Snowflake Lake, surrounded by millions of twinkling lights on International Street and with a backdrop of the illuminated Wonder Mountain. Wander down Candy Cane Lane and watch brilliant light displays dance to holiday tunes. Take in the nightly tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy live shows. Capture family photos with Santa, and more 

Niemi Family Farm Christmas Market (niemifamilyfarm.ca)

A short drive north of the city leads to Mount Albert and yuletide bliss at Niemi Family Farm’s Christmas Market (Fridays and Saturdays,
Nov. 14-Dec. 20).

The market boasts over sixty vendors selling unique artisanal items, perfect for gift giving. Browse the Gnome Shop for tree ornaments, maple syrup, holiday décor, and local honey. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy specialty sweets and chocolates, and fresh baked goods. Ward off the chill with an apple cider, hot chocolate, or even a hearty soup. 

For an even more festive experience, purchase a ticket to Gnome Land for a visit with Santa, a ride on the Christmas Train, the opportunity to roast smores, and other family-friendly fun. 

Don’t leave without selecting the perfect Christmas tree upon which to hang sparkling lights and dazzling ornaments.