The Holiday season is a time for family, friends and fun. It’s also a great opportunity to check out some of the best Christmas markets Canada has to offer! These festive markets are a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, and they offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, delicious food or just some good old-fashioned fun, these Canadian Christmas markets have something special for everyone.
Let’s be real: there is no place quite like Canada during the Holiday season.
Bonus: We’ll list how you can travel to these incredible Christmas markets by bus or train!
Leave the car at home, it’s time to explore what each of these magical places has to offer – with a snowy window view to get you in that Holiday spirit before you even arrive to your destination.
Here is a list of 5 must-see Canadian Christmas markets: (some of which have been visited by our very own Busbud team!)
1- The Montreal Christmas Village at the Place du Marché Atwater in Montreal, Quebec
- Where: Place du Marché (Atwater), Saint-Ambroise Street, Between Sainte-Émilie Street and Green Avenue (Lionel-Groulx metro station)
How to get to Montreal by bus or train:
All other routes to get to Montreal
Photograph: @vincentnedelec
Discover one of Montreal’s many Christmas markets between November 24th and December 18th 2022. This year will be its 7th edition. There you’ll find vendors with beautiful handcrafted items. While you’re strolling through the market, don’t forget to try some delicious food. Warm up with a hot beverage and take it all in.
Busbud employee experience :
“Go visit the apple farmer “La tête dans les Pommes.” It was the best Apple juice and Cider I’ve ever had!”
-Charles
2- The German Christmas Market in Quebec City, Quebec
- Where: German Christmas Market, Place D’Youville, Quebec City
How to get to Quebec City by bus or train:
All other routes to get to Quebec City
Photo: Quebec-cite
Similar to the European Christmas markets, you can walk around and discover some cool local artisan shops with handmade products, and try a Bavarian style hotdog, chocolate churros, and drink mulled wine. This is a great place to find unique Christmas gifts for your friends and family.
It can get chilly though at night, so dress warm. It is Quebec City after all!
Busbud employee experience:
“I went a few years ago, and it was so much fun! We had some mulled wine (which was delicious) and walked around listening to music.”
-Nastassia
3- The Winter Village at the Distillery District in Toronto, Ontario
- Where: 55 Mill Street, Toronto, Ontario M5A 3C4
How to get to Toronto by bus or train:
Photograph: @distilleryto
What’s great about the Distillery District is you can experience a little bit of everything. There are tons of shops, lots of options in terms of food and drinks! Discover local merchants, restaurants and cafés, as well as uniquely curated seasonal items and gifts.
A few attractions to see once you get there include the photo walls to snap a picture , 7’ tall snowpeople and Santa’s sleigh!
Busbud employee experience:
I would say the number one thing that stood out was the decorations, all the lights, the huge tree, the entire Christmas theme! I remember there was this one vendor with really great poutine too. Get there early because the lines to enter were covering a whole street!”
-Moe
4- Winter Wonderland at the Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Where: 1 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L8
How to get to Winnipeg by intercity bus or train:
Photo: Heritage Winnipeg
It’s no wonder that the Forks is loved by locals and tourists all year round, this Christmas market is definitely worth visiting! The beautiful festive lights, decorations, and holiday music can be found throughout the site. They really do an incredible job for the holidays, transforming The Forks into a winter wonderland!
Just imagine sipping a nice cup of hot cocoa while skating on this beautiful lit up rink!
Busbud employee experience:
“The forks is like an old trading post/heritage market surrounded by museums and the riverside. It’s totally the best thing in that city – any event there or around is always great!”
-Zack
5- Once upon a Christmas at Heritage Park in Calgary, Alberta
- Where: 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary, AB T2V 2X3
How to get to Calgary by bus or train:
Photograph: @heritageparkyyc
If you’re looking for a perfect Holiday family day outing, this is it. This event has everything from horse-drawn carriage rides, activities for the kids, shows at the theatre, shopping, and one more important thing – a Christmas Breakfast feast!
Busbud employee experience:
“Horse-drawn wagon rides!!! Need I say more? They also have an amazing weekend brunch!”
-Emily
6- The Millarville Christmas Market in Millarville, Alberta
- Where: 306097 192 St W, Millarville, AB T0L 1K0
Photo: Millarvile Race Track
The Millarville Christmas Market was established in 1988, and is considered one of the premier craft and artisan shows in Alberta. You’ll be able to visit tons of local artisans, and tons of delicious food trucks to choose from! There is also a kids shop with local, affordable items perfect for Christmas presents. The profits of the Shoppe are then distributed to 6 local schools to assist with their hot lunch programs.
Busbud employee experience:
“There are some delicious treats and lots of shopping! Reindeers too!!!”
-Emily
7- The Banff Christmas Market in Banff, Alberta
- Where: Warner Stables, 100 Sundance Rd
How to get to Banff by bus or train:
Photo: @banffchristmasmarket
The Banff Christmas Market is where you’ll find some artisanal products of the Bow Valley and its surrounding regions. You’ll find some unique finds, some family-friendly entertainment, cocktails, pretzels, mulled wine, and something for your sweet tooth too. It’s the perfect outing for families during the day, and an adult atmosphere in the evening.
Busbud employee experience:
“Don’t forget to check out the reindeer and then cozy up by the fire!”
-Emily