The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets in Durham Region 2024

Discover the joy of the holiday season in Durham Region! From vibrant Christmas markets to unique holiday events, these gatherings offer something special for everyone. Here’s your guide to the top Christmas markets in Durham Region for 2024.

November Christmas Markets

1. Uxbridge Farmers’ Christmas Market

• Dates: Sundays, November 3 to December 8, 2024
• Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Location: Uxbridge Arena Hall, 291 Brock Street West, Uxbridge
• Highlights: Find unique gifts from local artisans, including candles, soaps, teas, honey, and jewelry. This market is free to enter and perfect for early holiday shopping.

2. Bright & Merry Market in Oshawa

• Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
• Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Location: From City Hall (50 Centre St. S.) to Memorial Park (110 Simcoe St. S.), Oshawa
• Highlights: Enjoy Oshawa’s tree-lighting ceremony, local vendors, and live entertainment in a festive outdoor setting. Meet Santa and soak in the holiday spirit.

3. Downtown Whitby Christmas Market

• Dates: Friday, November 15, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Location: Celebration Square, 405 Dundas St. W., Whitby
• Details: The 6th Annual Downtown Whitby Christmas Market features an outdoor market with unique gifts, crafts, and holiday essentials from local vendors. Attendees can enjoy delicious eats from food trucks, live performances, holiday entertainment including carolers and photos with Santa, and free trolley rides around the event.

4. Christmas Market at Niemi Family Farm in Mount Albert

• Dates: Fridays and Saturdays from November 15 to December 21, 2024
• Time: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Location: 18463 Highway 48, Mount Albert
• Highlights: This Scandinavian-inspired market features handmade gifts, Finnish products, Christmas trees, and activities like a Christmas train ride and visits with Santa. Entry is free, with tickets required for certain attractions.

5. 13th Annual Christmas Craft Bazaar in Whitby

• Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024
• Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 112, 117 Byron St. S., Whitby
• Details: This annual bazaar showcases unique artisan crafts and gift items, providing a perfect opportunity to find special holiday gifts.

6. Holiday in the Hills in Orono

• Opening Date: Friday, November 22, 2024
• Location: 2 Princess Street,Orono, Ontario
• Highlights: This enchanting event includes Santa’s Mail Room, Elf School, and a Bear Factory. Tickets are required and available online.

7. Christmas in the Village in Brooklin

• Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
• Time: Activities throughout the day
• Location: Downtown Brooklin, Whitby
• Details: Experience the magic of small-town traditions with family and friends as we kick off the holiday season in Downtown Brooklin. Activities include a pancake breakfast, Christmas market, carol singing, family activities, and a free family skate.

8. Holiday Market by Community Living

• Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
• Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Location: 177 Dowty Road, Ajax
• Highlights: The Advocacy Alliance group from Community Living Ajax, Pickering & Whitby will be hosting a Holiday Market at 177 Dowty Road in Ajax. This event will take place on Saturday November 30th from 9am-3pm. All shoppers are welcome for free! They will be collecting non-perishable food items, mittens and new socks for local charities.

9. Bowmanville Christmas Market

• Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
• Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Center, Bowmanville
• Details: Get into the holiday spirit at the Bowmanville Christmas Market! Bring your holiday shopping list and explore unique gifts, festive treats, and plenty of options for everyone. This market promises a day full of fun and local shopping—perfect for finding special items to complete your holiday preparations.

December Christmas Markets

1. Pingle’s Farm Market Christmas Fest in Hampton

• Dates: Weekends between December 2 and 17, 2024
• Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Location: 805 Taunton Road, Hampton
• Details: Enjoy live music, treats, bonfires, wagon rides, and visits with Santa. Tickets should be purchased online in advance.

2. Moonlight Magic & Christmas Market in Bowmanville

• Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
• Time: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Location: Temperance Street, Historic Downtown Bowmanville
• Details: Join the annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony featuring children's entertainment, carol singing, and a visit from Santa. Enjoy complimentary horse-drawn wagon rides, shop for unique handmade items at the Christmas Market, and savor treats from local vendors. Downtown businesses will offer extended shopping hours for this festive evening.

Make Your Season Merry and Bright

These Christmas markets in Durham Region promise a festive shopping experience filled with local charm, holiday music, and seasonal cheer. Be sure to mark your calendars and make the most of the 2024 holiday season by exploring the best markets Durham has to offer!