For a taste of a traditional German Christmas market, head 90 minutes west of Toronto to Kitchener, a city with deep German roots. Its Christkindl Market celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, and for the first time it’s expanding to two weekends.
Christkindl Market 2026 at a glance
| Detail | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 3 – 6 and December 10 – 13, 2026 |
| Where | Downtown Kitchener (see Christkindl.ca for the site) |
| Anniversary | 30th year |
| Expected visitors | More than 100,000 |
What to expect
- An artisan marketplace with handmade and holiday goods, favouring local makers
- Traditional German food: sausages, schnitzel, strudel, gingerbread and roasted nuts
- Live entertainment and cultural programming, from choirs to traditional music
- A festive, old-world atmosphere that recalls the markets of Germany and Austria
The market was named one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario in 2025.
Make it a day trip
- Morning: drive or take the GO train to Kitchener (about 90 minutes)
- Afternoon: explore the market and downtown Kitchener
- Optional: the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market and the Waterloo Central Railway’s Christmas trains are nearby. Santa train rides
- Evening: see the market lit up after dark before heading home
Getting there
GO Transit’s Kitchener line runs to Kitchener station; check weekend service. By car, it’s about 90 minutes via Highway 401.
What is a Christkindl market?
Christkindlmärkte are traditional Christmas markets that began in German-speaking Europe centuries ago. “Christkindl” refers to the Christ Child, the traditional gift-bringer in parts of Germany and Austria. The markets bring together crafts, seasonal food, music and festive decorations in a town square during Advent. Kitchener, originally named Berlin until 1916, has strong German heritage, which made it a natural home for Canada’s first Christkindl market.
German food and drink to try
- Bratwurst and other sausages on a bun with sauerkraut.
- Glühwein, hot mulled wine (in the licensed area).
- Lebkuchen, spiced German gingerbread.
- Stollen, a fruit bread dusted with icing sugar.
- Roasted almonds and other sweet treats.
- Schnitzel and potato pancakes.
Traditional crafts
Look for nutcrackers, wooden ornaments, candle arches, smokers (incense smokers shaped like little figures), glass baubles and handmade gifts from local and international artisans.
Make it a weekend
Stay overnight in Kitchener-Waterloo and explore:
- St. Jacobs, a nearby village known for its farmers’ market and Mennonite heritage.
- Uptown Waterloo for restaurants and shops.
- Elora, a short drive away, for its stone village and the Grand River gorge. Christmas in Elora
- Stratford for its Victorian downtown. Christmas in Stratford
Kitchener Christkindl Market: FAQ
When is the Christkindl Market in 2026? December 3 to 6 and December 10 to 13, 2026.
Is it free? Admission has traditionally been free. Check Christkindl.ca for any changes in 2026.
Can I get there by train? Yes. GO Transit’s Kitchener line runs to Kitchener station, which is close to downtown.
Tips
- Go on a weekday (Thursday or Friday) to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Dress warmly; much of the market is outdoors.
More: Ontario Christmas markets road trip · Christmas markets near Toronto · Christmas day trips from Toronto
