10 lesser-known holiday markets
If you’re looking to avoid the crush of people in the Distillery District, here are some options, writes Debra Norton
Toronto’s holiday market season is kicking off with craft fairs, festivals T and a food. The spectacularly beautiful Distillery District’s Christmas Market and the perennially enticing One of A Kind Show, are seasonal stalwarts for craft lovers, but there is a plethora of other markets that have grown roots or are popping up across the city, offering another source for handmade goods and festive treats.
Here are 10 holiday markets happening in the Toronto area you may not know about that will help get you into the holiday spirit.
Makeology
Where: Art Gallery of Hamilton 123 King St. W., Hamilton
Date: Nov. 18, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. makeology.ca Take a road-trip to Hamilton and check out Makeology, a community of makers started by pattern designer Melissa Lowry. The curated, one-day shopping event features 40 vendors selling handmade goods at The Art Gallery of Hamilton,
Admission: $5, includes the market and gallery. Children under 12 are free.
Veg Holiday Market
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns 601 Christie St., Toronto
Date: Nov. 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. eventbrite.ca/e/veg-holiday-market-tickets-50879076688 The Toronto Vegetarian Association holiday market features 40 local plant-based and ethical vendors. Shop for vegan and cruelty-free gifts, holiday treats and learn tips about plant-based living.
Admission: $3.50.
Makeful Market at The Season’s Christmas Show
Where: International Centre, Mississauga 6900 Airport Rd. Mississauga (Hall 5) Date: Nov. 16 to 18, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Friday), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday) seasonsshow.com Tucked within the Season’s Christmas Show is The Makeful Market, a curated holiday marketplace that focuses on local craft and design that features more than 60 booths of handcrafted wares. The Makeful Workshop offers hands-on sessions — shoppers can register online — such as DIY gift toppers made from upcycled items to decorate holiday gifts. On the main stage, celebrity decorators include Colin and Justin, who will talk about holiday décor and entertaining. Admission: $15 adult, children under 12 are free.
The Leslieville Flea Holiday Market
Where: Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre 870 Queen St. E., Toronto
Date: Dec. 8 to 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. leslievilleflea.com The Leslieville Flea market moves indoors for its 6th annual holiday market. More than 55 vendors are selling a curated selection of vintage and handcrafted items. Visit the photo booth to take a retro selfie (proceeds go to CAMH), take part in a holiday tree lighting ceremony and listen to Christmas carols performed by The University of Toronto’s Glee Club.
Admission: Free
The Trinity Bellwoods Flea Christmas is Coming Market
The Great Hall, (lower level) 1087 Queen St. W., Toronto
Date: Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. trinitybellwoodsflea.com The Flea is a curated monthly shopping event featuring local makers, vintage, handmade and food vendors. It’s upcoming Christmas Market will feature 70-plus vendors, food and music Admission: Free. Four- l egged friends welcome.
Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market
Where: The Great Hall 1087 Queen St. W., Toronto
Date: Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. torontoartcrawl.com Popular for its outdoor summer art fairs, The Toronto Art Crawl brings it inside The Great Hall for the Christmas season. This year’s market features 90 local artists and designers selling photography, vintage finds, fashion and home décor, plus there are food vendors, a live DJ and a cash bar. Admission: $12 at the door, $10 online. Kids under 10 are free.