Posted : November 26, 2024
Our blog is chock full of great ideas for fun things to see and do in York Durham and Headwaters. We are always adding new content and updating old posts, but sometimes you might stumble upon something from our vault. If this article has inspired you to hit the road, be sure to double-check that the featured stops in this post are still welcoming visitors.
While some may say that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear, we think it’s by visiting some local holiday markets! We’re fortunate to have plenty of great ones across York Durham Headwaters as we enjoy the weeks leading up to December 25. Christmas is the time to be with the people you love so round up your favourite folks and check out these top holiday markets in YDH!
Top Holiday Markets
Niemi’s Christmas Market in Mount Albert
Dates: November 15-16, 22-23, 29-30 & December 6-7, 13-14 & 18-21, 2024
Immerse yourself in the magic of a Nordic Christmas at the Niemi Christmas Market! You’ll be transported to Finland as you peruse the plethora of Scandinavian-inspired goodies in their brand new Scandinavian Store. There will also be many other local and artesian good for sale perfect for any holiday shopping list. Don’t miss snagging some of their pulla, a Finnish pastry flavoured with Cardamom you won’t find anywhere else!
You can’t help but be merry as you stroll through Christmas Land and say hello to Santa. He’ll certainly be busy in his workshop getting ready for Christmas but he’s always ready to smile for a photo opportunity! Not to mention there are so many great spots to snap a picture that you just might snag the perfect photo for your family Christmas card. However, one of the biggest highlights in Christmas Land has to be the magical Christmas Train while you listen to a Christmas Story as it takes you to all the friendly farm animals that await!
All this festive fun will certainly have you working up an appetite. Settle in at the Niemi Family Farm’s market cafe for some delicious homemade goodies including soups and sandwiches that will warm you up from the inside out. Visitors will also want to stop by Mrs. Claus’ Bakery where you can decorate your own festive cookie.
Pingle’s Christmas Fest & Mistletoe Market in Clarington
Dates: December 6-7, 13-14 & 20-21, 2024
Santa Claus is coming to town and making himself at home at Pingle’s Farm Market! Alongside him you’ll find Mrs Claus and a number of his festive friends as they help you count down the days until December 25th at Pingle’s Christmas Fest. Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can snap some photos with everyone before enjoying other jolly activities like DIY Christmas crafts, cozying up by crackling bonfires, bopping to live music and holiday beats, enjoying the captivating tales as you grab a seat on the winter wagon ride, and more. Plus you’ll find an amazing marketplace filled with super unique and adorable food and goods.
For those with a sweet tooth, make sure to grab one (or a dozen!) of Pingle’s iconic apple cider doughnuts and see what local vendors have crafted at the Mistletoe Market. For something a little more hearty, you’ll certainly find some great eats at Rudolph’s Pancake Kitchen. Don’t forget to pop by the Pingle’s Christmas Tree lot if you’re on the lookout for your family’s perfect Christmas tree!
That’s not all the holiday fun to be had at Pingle’s though! If you’re looking for a festive date night idea, you’ll want to snag some tickets to their Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. This 19+ night features a festive all-you-can-eat menu full of merry treats as you cozy up by crackling campfires rocking out to festive tunes and sipping on unique Christmas cocktails to get you in the ‘spirit’ of the season.
Brooks Farm Festive Nights at the Farm in Mount Albert
Dates: November 29-30 & December 6-7, 13-14 & 20-23, 2024
As soon as you step into the Brooks Farms Christmas Forest, you can help but grin from ear to ear with all the festive cheer! Explore this magical wonderland bursting with beautiful holiday light displays and an abundance of photo opportunities. You’ll be tapping your toes to the live music presented by talented local musicians as you encounter iconic holiday characters like the Grinch, Elsa and of course, Santa!
Hop on the wagon ride as you’re captivated by iconic Christmas tales before you stop in at their large year-round market to see what new home goods, stocking stuffers, and amazing gifts you can find. If your tummy starts to rumble, pop over to the Hungry Hut for some festive eats and treats before snuggling up to one of the bonfires to toast some marshmallows. Kids of all ages will love the Festive Nights on the Farm!
Museum of Dufferin Holiday Treasure Craft Market in Mulmur
Dates: November 27-31 & December 4-8, 2024
Check off everyone on your list with unique gifts from the Museum of Dufferin’s Holiday Treasure Craft Market! Featuring one of the largest collections of local artisans within York Durham Headwaters, you’ll find everything including plenty of eats, treats, jewellery, textiles, pottery, woodworking and more! There’s no better spot to shop local this holiday season and support the incredibly talented artisans from the YDH community.
You can also sign up for some of their Holiday Treasures Workshops for both adults-only as well as family fun. Learn to make wreaths, soap, stained glass, and much more! Reserving your ticket will also give you entry into the craft market!
While markets are a must as we go full speed ahead into the festive season, we’d be amiss not to mention just how dreamy these YDH Christmas Tree Farms are! For those who are team real tree, it’s a no-brainer but for others, you will want to ensure these destinations are on your radar to take your yuletide cheer to the next level!
It Doesn’t Get More Hallmark Than a market at A Tree Farm
Elliott Tree Farm in Erin
Dates: November 16-December 22, 2024
Head to this sustainable family-owned Christmas tree farm where you’ll find some of the best Balsam, Canaan and Fraser Fir trees as well as Blue and Norway Spruce. Take a peek inside their charming tree cellar to see their variety of pre-cut trees or head into their fields to pick your own. During your visit, stop by their gorgeous Heritage barn where they house their market with local goods, natural Christmas décor, and homemade maple syrup (the best socking stuffer!) as well as the new Maple Syrup Museum.
Hockley Valley Tree Farm in Mono
Dates: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays starting November 16, 2014
Make your way to Dufferin County where you’ll find 90 acres of forest along the stunning Nottawasaga River. It’ll be tough to choose from all their gorgeous Balsam, Concolor and Fraser Firs, Blue and White Spruce as well as Scots Pine trees. Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, hot chocolate, and a lovely market located in their stunning barn.
Erin Hill Acres in Erin
Dates: November 15-December 22, 2024, Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Hunt through this enchanting Balsam and Fraser Fir forest to find the perfect tree for your home. Whether you want something cute and compact at just 3 feet or a colossal coniferous, there’s bound to be one that catches your eye! Though you won’t want to miss their custom tree shaker as it makes your tree dance to help remove dead needles and debris – it’s quite the sight to see! After exploring the amazing on-site market, be sure to say hello to their adorable Highland cows before you leave!
Hope’s Christmas Tree Farm in Enniskillen
Dates: November 16-December 22, 2024
Decorate your home for the holidays with a wide selection of Balsam and Fraser Fir as well as Norway and White Spruce trees along with an assortment of wreaths and greenery. Stop in at their Christmas Craft Fair for goodies from local artisans in their gorgeous 18th century barn.
Of course, that’s not all of the Christmas fun to be had in YDH! If you’re still looking for more holiday markets across the region, check out these events:
- Joy and Light Market in Orangeville – November 15-17, 2024
- Merry Marketplace in Richmond Hill – November 16, 23, 30 & December 7, 14, 2024
- Port Perry Holiday Market – November 23, 2024
- Holiday Open House at Alton Mills – November 23-24, 2024
- Aurora’s Christmas Market – November 29-December 1 & December 6-8, 2024
- Town of Stouffville Holiday Market – November 29-30, 2024
- Holiday Maker Market & Mingle at Applewood Farm Winery in Sunderland – November 30, 2024
- Old Fashioned Christmas at Sharon Temple – December 8, 2024
- Port Perry Lakefront Skate and Market – Early December to Mid-March
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