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Torontos best holiday markets and pop-ups in December

While the hustle and bustle of schlepping shopping bags through a crowded mall might signal holiday cheer to some people, some of us would rather hide at home, hooked up to an eggnog IV, watching Love Actually on repeat.

For Toronto residents who would rather get their holiday shopping done in a more intimate, less chaotic environment, there are seasonal markets. These thoughtfully curated, pop-up experiences provide an opportunity to look for unique gifts and support local makers and businesses. Plus, most holiday markets, such as the Distillery Districts annual Toronto Christmas Market, offer more than just shopping. Theres live music, food vendors, a place to socialize and a chance to put down those heavy shopping bags to enjoy the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere.

With that in mind, weve rounded up the 12 best holiday markets and pop-ups in Toronto below.

Indigenous Christmas Craft Sale

The Native Canadian Centre (16 Spadina Road) hosts a Christmas market showcasing crafts by more than 40 Indigenous artisans on December 3. Find moccasins, paintings, beadwork, dream catchers, clothing, jewellery and more. Plus, enjoy First Nations tacos, refreshments and raffle prizes. Admission is free. See listing for details.

Pink Xmas

Pink Market, an annual queer craft, fashion, art and literature fair, hosts Pink Xmas at the 519 Community Centre (519 Church) on December 3 and 4. Shop for fun, offbeat gifts from over 35 local artists and creators while supporting Torontos LGBTQ community. Vendors include Afrodelik Klothing and Design, Book Nerd Embroidery, Come As You Are Co-op, Crass Stitches, NamasteFreund and more. Admission is free. See listing for details.

Visions Vintage Holiday Market

After a successful spring event at the Garrison last spring, the people behind the Visions Vintage pop-up are back at 533 College Street on December 4. Shop for rare gems and gorgeous finds from avid Toronto vintage clothing collectors while enjoying DJ’d music and a well-stocked bar. See website for details.

Merry Makers Market

East end residents can shop from 22 local makers at a holiday market spanning December 4, 9, 10 and 11 held at Pitchfork Company (1322 Gerrard East). Find ceramics by Karen Franzen, handmade baskets by Leslie Songer-Terry, honey and candles by Brian Hamlin, jewellery by Louisa La Barbera and even handmade dolls by Kathleen OToole. Sip hot apple cider and mulled wine, or toast to your health with kombucha and natural sodas. Admission is free and a gift wrapping station benefits the Glen Rhodes Food Bank. See website for details.

Bacardi Holidega Pop-Up

Picking out a Christmas tree seems much more fun when theres booze involved. Bacardi rum is hosting a two-day pop-up on December 5 and 6. Swing by the terrace at Brassaii (461 King West) to sample seasonal Bacardi cocktails and enjoy a festive atmosphere. Then pick up a tree for $10 to $20 to take home. Admission is free and open to ages 19+, and all proceeds will be donated to Second Harvest. See listing for details.

Holiday Makers Market

Evergreen Brickworks (550 Bayview) hosts more than 60 Etsy crafters, artists and makers from across Ontario in a pop-up market that runs from December 10 to 23. Find unique holiday decor, handmade accessories and original art in a covered outdoor area. Admission is free. See website for details.

Wholistic Artistic Show

A green Christmas awaits at this environmentally-minded market on December 11 at the Dundas West Medical Building (228 Dundas West). Shop natural cosmetics, homemade chocolates, beeswax candles, recycled clothing, medicinal mushrooms and more. Admission is free. See listing for details.

Gladstone Christmas Flea

Find something for everyone on your holiday list at this monthly market at the Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen West). Held on December 11, the market showcases unique handmade goods, fashion and accessories, vintage items, art and more. Admission is free. See listing for details.

Toronto Vegan Winter Market

Enjoy seasonal baking, holiday gifts and more at this vegan market on December 18 at the Great Hall (1087 Queen West). The event will feature local vendors with beauty and body care products, clothing and accessories, food and drink, artisan goods and crafts all free from animal-derived materials or ingredients. Tickets are $5 and kids 12 and under enter for free. Partial proceeds will be donated to Wishing Well Sanctuary. See listing for details.

Trinity Bellwoods Flea Holiday Market

Shop local gifts, seasonal treats as well as vintage and handmade wares at this two-day market from December 17 and 18 at the Studio Bar (824 Dundas West). Sixty artisans and sellers will be on hand, including a handful of food vendors. Enjoy jazzy holiday tunes as you sip mimosas or rum-spiked apple cider from the bar. Admission is free. See listing for details.

Crown Flora Holiday Market

If you cant attend Crown Flora Studios DIY terrarium workshops to make your own holiday gifts, consider swinging by their seasonal market on December 17 and 18. Hosted at their Parkdale location (1233 Queen West), the market features over a dozen local vendors including T-shirts and accessories by Crywolf, handmade bathsalts by Gold Apothecary, local honey by Alveole as well as enamel pins and art prints by Weekender Supply Co. If you work up an appetite while shopping, Parkdale neighbour Glory Hole Doughnuts will be there too. Admission is free. See website for details.

Bunz Flea Holiday Market

Shop last minute gifts without spending a dime at Bunz Fleas holiday market. Organized by Bunz Trading Zone (the cashless, Toronto-based trading group), this community market features over two dozen vendors spanning handmade jewellery to gluten-free baking at the Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen West) on December 20. There is also a large space dedicated to open trades, so bring your trash to swap for treasures. Admission is free. See website for details.

For more festive fun, check out NOW’s listings for ideas.

michelled@nowtoronto.com | @michdas

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