Leslieville, along Queen Street East, is one of Toronto’s favourite east-end neighbourhoods for holiday shopping and brunch, with a big local market, independent shops and easy access to the Distillery District.
Leslieville Christmas Pop-up Market
The neighbourhood’s biggest holiday market has run for more than a decade. In 2025, the 12th annual market took place on Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Carlaw Industrial Centre (388 Carlaw Avenue), with more than 60 local artisans, food and drink vendors, a Santa’s Village with photos, free hot chocolate in the afternoon, a DJ and face painting for kids. Entry was free with an RSVP. Watch for 2026 dates.
Neighbourhood holiday events
The Leslieville BIA has traditionally kicked off the season with a holiday celebration that includes a tree lighting in Leslie Grove Park at Queen and Jones, Santa and late shopping along Queen East. Check the BIA’s website for 2026 plans.
What to do
- Shop Queen Street East: home décor, vintage furniture, kids’ stores and boutiques. Shopping streets
- Brunch: Leslieville is one of the city’s top brunch neighbourhoods. Christmas brunch
- Hot chocolate and pastries at Bobbette & Belle. Hot chocolate
- Distillery Winter Village is a short streetcar ride west. Distillery
About Leslieville
Leslieville is an east-end neighbourhood along Queen Street East, between the Don River and Coxwell Avenue. Once a working-class area known for its brickworks, market gardens and film studios, it’s now one of Toronto’s most popular neighbourhoods for families, food lovers and shoppers. Its stretch of Queen Street East is lined with independent boutiques, home decor shops, vintage stores, bakeries and brunch spots, and it has a friendly, village-like feel.
Holiday shopping in Leslieville
- Home and decor stores for gifts and holiday decorations.
- Independent boutiques with clothing and accessories from local and Canadian designers.
- Kids’ shops with toys, books and clothing.
- Vintage and antique stores for unique finds.
- Bakeries and specialty food shops for holiday treats and host gifts.
Leslieville’s brunch scene
Leslieville is one of Toronto’s best neighbourhoods for brunch, with cozy cafés and diners along Queen Street East. Weekend brunch lines can be long, especially in December, so go early or try a weekday. See Christmas brunch in Toronto.
A Leslieville Christmas Saturday
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 10 a.m. | Brunch on Queen Street East |
| Noon | The Christmas pop-up market (on market weekend) |
| 1:30 p.m. | Browse the boutiques |
| 3:30 p.m. | Take the streetcar west to the Distillery Winter Village |
| Evening | Dinner in the Distillery or back in Leslieville |
Christmas in Leslieville: FAQ
When is the Leslieville Christmas market? It’s usually held on a weekend in late November or early December; check the organisers’ website for 2026 dates.
How do I get to Leslieville? Take the 501 Queen streetcar east from downtown.
More: neighbourhood holiday markets · Toronto neighbourhoods at Christmas
Getting there
The 501 Queen streetcar runs along Queen Street East; the 504 King and 503 streetcars serve the area’s southern edge.
