Days get shorter, nights get longer, and festive winter holiday markets start popping up everywhere. Some holiday markets are understated, and others sprawl down streets, taking over entire city blocks. One doesn’t have to look hard to find holiday markets cropping up. In fact, on November 17th I attended the first one I’ve been to this year.

Christmas Market in the Creek

Christmas Market in the Creek, hosted by Lindsay Falconer and Cassie Brown at the Stoney Creek Lions Club, gave shoppers in and around Stoney Creek a chance to get out early, participate in ornament-building sessions, and support local businesses and charities. Although some vendors were there representing familiar names like doTERRA, Usborne Books, and Sweetlegs, there were also a number of independent entrepreneurs selling a variety of lovingly handcrafted wares.

The good people at Rustic Change offered a selection of cutting boards, charcuterie trays, and other finely crafted wooden wares. Andrea Daniel of Cotton Kisses was there selling clothes for babies and young children, and Waterdown’s own We Made Fetch Happen was there selling leashes and shirts while also promoting their dog-walking services.

Of course, no winter-holiday market would be complete without baked goods and hot beverages, so the Stoney Creek Lions Club was there to keep everyone well fed. Entry was free but festive attendees were encouraged to bring baby toys and other items for children to be donated to Essential Aid.

Christmas Markets Coming to Town

Christmas in the City

Hamiltonians can look forward to a number of holiday-themed markets in the next month. On November 23rd from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at McMaster Innovation Park, The Christmas Run Organization will host Christmas in the City. Admission is $4 and includes a free bag if you’re one of the first 100 visitors.

The Urban Christmas Market

The Urban Christmas Market, sponsored by Lost Craft Beer and Nellie James, will be taking over The Cotton Factory on November 24th and 25th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can expect access to 40 vendors as well as music, entertainment, and, of course delicious food.

The Pelham Outdoor Christmas Market

Outdoor markets often suffer from weather-related issues but there’s something special about shopping for Christmas presents outside, while guzzling down hot chocolate and hot apple cider, of course. The Pelham Outdoor Christmas Market takes over the streets of Fonthill on December 6th from 4 to 10 p.m.

The Toronto Christmas Market

No list of holiday markets would be complete without this one. Ranked as one of the best Christmas markets in the world, the Toronto Christmas Market offers attendees the opportunity to stroll through the Distillery District and take in the lighting displays while browsing the shops. There are always baked goods and hot, tasty beverages for all ages, and those looking to enjoy a little holiday cheer can look forward to enjoying a warm glass of mulled wine or a cold glass of craft beer. Santa will be there with some of his best elves, so make sure you get at the baked goods before he does.

Of course, one of the most festive features of the Toronto Christmas Market is its Ferris wheel. Riding a Ferris wheel in winter might seem like a strange idea, but just bundle up and ride with someone you can huddle with, and you’ll forget all about the cold. The ninth annual Toronto Christmas Market started on November 14th and will run until December 22nd. Admission to the market is free during the week until Fridays at 6 p.m.

It’s Not Just ChristmasI

Toronto’s Chanukah Market

Although Christmas markets tend to take up most of the festive holiday market real estate, there are a few Chanukah markets coming up that are worth taking a look at. Toronto’s Jewish Food Festival Noshfest will be presenting Toronto’s Chanukah Market on December 1st from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Artscape Wychwood Barns. The market will be a great place to celebrate Jewish culture, shop, and, like any holiday market, eat a lot of great food.

Have a great holiday season!

 Michael Bedford is a freelance editor, copywriter, and performer living in Mount Hope, Ontario. He can be reached at mbedford@editors.ca