5 Christmas markets to catch this year in Toronto

Unique gifts are often best found at arts and crafts shows and Toronto has plenty coming up this year.

Christmas craft sales and markets often have a variety of homemade and creative gifts you can’t get anywhere else.

As the holidays are quickly approaching, Your City Within has rounded up some of the biggest and most festive sales coming up.

Here are five shows and markets in Toronto:

One of a Kind

Toronto’s largest holiday craft show has been around since 1975. The kicks off on Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place. It features over 600 Canadian artisans with everything from apparel to food, pottery and artwork. There are interactive workshops and theme days.

The show runs until Dec. 1. There is an admission fee, see more here.

Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market

This is an eco-minded, nature-inspired, relaxed shopping experience held at the Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave. E. The market features over 60 local vendors with planet-friendly and botanically-inspired products. The Garden Shop will offer a wide selection of holiday home décor, nature-based gifts, local artists, fresh seasonal twigs and greens, and over 40 varieties of amaryllis.

Admission is free and the market is on two weekends — Nov. 22 to 24 and Dec. 13 to 15. Learn more here.

The Distillery Winter Village

The Distillery District is decked out for the holidays from Nov. 21 to Jan. 5. Visitors can stroll the cobblestone streets under the canopy lights and festive sounds. In addition to the one-of-a-kind shops in the district, there are special holiday vendor cabins. Shoppers can take a break at the many restaurants, cafés and outdoor bars.

There is an admission fee after 4 p.m. on some days in December. Find out more here.

Holiday Hills 

Toronto’s Stackt Market at 28 Bathurst St. hosts the Holiday Hills event from Nov. 15 to Dec. 29. The market is bursting with epic holiday vibes and daily community events. Shoppers can find unique gifts with over 100 local vendors and exclusive brand pop-ups. There is also food and drinks.

Admission is free. Find out more here.

Holiday Artisan Market

This large market in The Great Hall on Queen Street features handcrafted jewelry, art prints, clothing and accessories—all made locally. The market is one day only, Sunday, Dec. 8 at 1087 Queen St. W.

Admission is free. See more here.

Lead photo: Clive Kim