Christmas is quickly approaching! Start making plans to go to a Canadian Christmas market where you can take in amazing light displays, feast on seasonal fare, and shop for items to get you in the holiday spirit. You may start experiencing the enchantment of the holidays early by visiting some of Canada’s top Christmas and winter markets in 2022 when they open in November.
History Of Christmas Market: Maybe You Didn’t Know!
The December Market in Vienna throughout the middle times was the precursor to the Christmas market as we know it today. People first mentioned it in 1298 when locals were given permission to host an Advent Krippenmarkt. The first Christkindlmarkt was held in 1384, a century after the advent of open-air winter street markets in Germany, which became more closely associated with the holiday. This occurred in Bautzen, a highland town in eastern Saxony. These early markets initially just sold meat, but as time went on, they expanded to offer other necessities, seasonal sweets, decorations, and crafts, all to the accompaniment of singing and dancing.
When the teachings of German protestant reformer Martin Luther stated that the birth of Christ was a more suitable gift-giving day than other saints’ days, Christmas markets saw a significant increase in popularity in the 16th century. The churches eventually found themselves in competition with the markets for their congregation after initially encouraging markets to be held nearby to draw more people to services. Christmas gift shopping started to gain popularity at this time, and holiday markets have remained a staple ever since.
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10 Best Upcoming Christmas Markets In Canada 2022
Montreal Christmas Village Market
Dates: From November 24 to December 18, 2022
Location: 138 avenue Atwater, Montréal, Canada
The streets of the Montreal Christmas Village Market are lined with more than 50 chalets. Enjoy a sweet treat from one of the numerous food sellers while you listen to the choir sing your favorite Christmas carols.
There are additional attractions and merchants to see every Christmas at the Christmas Village, which is currently in its fourth year. Montreal Christmas Village Market is wheelchair and stroller accessible and provides fantastic family entertainment.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Dates: November 12, 2022, through December 24, 2022
Location: In Vancouver, British Columbia, at 1055 Canada Pl.
With a towering walk-in Christmas tree, live music, seasonal performers, and more. This German-inspired Christmas market is a holiday favorite in Vancouver.
Pretzels, bratwurst, waffles, and mulled wine beverage Glühwein are just a few of the festive German foods and beverages. It will be available at the market, which will be held in Vancouver’s Jack Poole Plaza.
Distillery Winter Village (Toronto Christmas Market)
When: November 17, 2022, through December 31, 2022
Location: 55 Mill St., Toronto, Ontario
The Toronto Christmas Market announced last year that it would change its name to the Distillery Winter Village. It transforming the neighborhood with carolers, sparkling lights, and more.
This year, Distillery Winter Village will have over 65 regional shops, eateries, and cafes in addition to seasonal “food cabins” and gift-shopping vendors. On November 17, the hamlet will hold its enchanted tree-lighting event.
Read more Top 6 Christmas Markets In Toronto That Make Your December Wonderful
Ottawa Xmas Market
Dates: November 25, 2022, through December 23, 2022
Location: 425 Marche Way in Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa’s European-style Christmas market made the city festive. It offers festive fare and libations, light shows, and entertainment.
Although the organizers have not revealed the specifics of this year’s market, last year’s market had more than 35 vendors offering Santa visits, unusual festive treats, gifts, and Christmas-themed merchandise.
Banff Christmas Market
When: from November 18 to 20, November 25 to 27, and December 2 to 4
Location: 100 Sundance Road, Banff, Alberta, Canada
The Banff Christmas Market is a typical European-style Christmas market. The organizers held the Christmas market in Banff National Park. It features a menu of drinks, pretzels, mulled wine, and sweets, in addition to a holiday market where you may buy gifts.
Along with free professional photos with Santa, the market will have live performances by regional musicians, a fire lounge for campfires and cocktails, and local performers.
Christkindl of Kitchener
When: From December 1 to 4, 2022
Location: Kitchener City Hall (200 King Street West)
The Kitchener Christkindl Market, the first German Christmas celebration in Canada, is back this year.
Every Christmas since 1996, Kitchener City Hall has been turned into a traditional festival. The market recreates all of the classic German festivals’ sights, sounds, scents, and spirits.
Every year, more than 35,000 people go to the well-known Christmas market, which sells a variety of goods like jewelry, toys, and handcrafted goods. This event is ideal if you’re trying to get into the holiday spirit because it has a strong emphasis on Old-World German themes and flavors.
Besides, over 30 concerts by choirs, bands, and dance troupes can be seen if you want to fly on a budget to Canada and visit. In addition to the live nativity and blacksmith demonstrations on the square, the market is free to attend.
Niagara Falls Christmas Market
When: From November 12 through December 18, 2022, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Address: Niagara Falls, Ontario, 4605 Queen St.
This year, the downtown location of the Niagara Falls Christmas market promises to be “bigger and better than before.”
Interactive light shows, food trucks, Santa and the Grinch appearances, and small business exhibitors offering items. For example, jewelry, handcrafted crafts, and clothing are all on the menu this year.
This year’s market will also include a brand-new addition: a skating rink with skates for hire that will be open every day.
Quebec City German Christmas Market
Dates: November 24, 2022, until December 23, 2022
Location: Old Quebec, Quebec City, QC, Canada
Even though all of the specifics of the German Christmas market in Quebec City are still unknown, attendees can anticipate much of the same events as last year. Such as a ton of bright light displays and more than 90 exhibitors with wooden kiosks offering gifts and holiday-related goods.
The massive market is open to the public and is held in and around Old Quebec. In November, more information regarding the market will be released.
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Edmonton Christmas Market
Dates: November 30, 2022, through December 18, 2022
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, 7000 143 St. N.W.
In addition to performances and seminars like a chocolate tasting and a course on making wooden decorations, the Edmonton Christmas Market will feature over 100 different rotating merchants where you can buy holiday presents and souvenirs.
Numerous food vendors selling cakes, donuts, pastries, mocktails, and a wide variety of other foods will be present at the market.
Glow Halifax
Dates: November 23, 2022, until January 2, 2023
Location: 200 Prospect Road, Goodwood, Nova Scotia
This light and holiday festival, which will take place at the Halifax Exhibition Centre, will feature towering displays and interactive lights (such as LED swings). The winter market, where you can buy festive food, beverages, and gifts.
Along with daily appearances from Jolly Old Saint Nick, there will also be musical performances by regional artists and an ice princess.
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