Holiday Haul: 4 Seasonal Shopping Destinations
Find unique gifts for everyone on your list at these 2015 holiday markets and craft fairs
Discover the magic of Toronto’s holiday markets and craft fairs, where seasonal cheer meets creative craftsmanship. From handmade ceramics and cozy knits to gourmet treats and one-of-a-kind treasures, these markets offer something special for everyone on your gift list. Whether you’re strolling the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District or browsing local artisans’ work at boutique pop-ups, you’ll find festive inspiration around every corner.
Merino lap rug by Tania Bridge.
One of a Kind Show | Nov 26-Dec 6
Santa’s elves have nothing on the 800-plus skilled artisans selling Canadian hand-made items at this annual marketplace. Find striped cutting boards sure to charm future dinner-party hosts, patterned ceramic mugs for that caffeine-crazy co-worker and cozy knit blankets perfect for the bookworm in your life. Have a sweet tooth? A special section of the floor is dedicated to gourmet treats. $15, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd
Souvenir | To Dec 24
Last year’s hit holiday pop-up market now has a permanent home on College Street. The storefront is packed with charming gifts and homemade goods by emerging Canadian designers. Limited-edition items made exclusively for the shop are displayed alongside vintage treasures. Free, 1232 College St
Toronto Christmas Market | Nov 20-Dec 20
The Distillery District’s historic grounds provide the back-drop for this European-style winter festival. A 15-metre-tall white spruce dazzles in the central courtyard, while food and gift stalls line the romantic cobblestone streets. Stock up on blown-glass tree ornaments and teacup candles while sipping mulled wine and feasting on roasted turkey legs. Free. Tue-Fri; $5 Sat & Sun, Distillery District, 55 Mill St
Craft Ontario Holiday Pop-Up Shop | Nov 5-Dec 24
Shop charming glassware, ceramics, textiles and jewellery by forty-eight of the province’s most talented makers. One of our favourite gift ideas: Tinsel and Sawdust’s trivets-slash-serving boards. With one side clad in cork and the other in Corian, the heat- and stain-resistant paddles seamlessly from the kitchen to the dining room. Free. Craft Ontario Gallery, 990 Queen St W.
CONTEST ALERT: For a chance to win two free tickets to the 2015 One of a Kind Winter Show, subscribe to our weekly newsletter or tweet a link to this article and mention @designlinesmag. We’ll announce the winners on November 30.
