The Junction, a historic west-end neighbourhood along Dundas Street West, does a cozy, small-town style of Christmas, with independent shops, antique stores, breweries and cafés, and a neighbourhood holiday market with Santa.
Santa and Winter Market in The Junction
The Junction BIA has run a Santa and Winter Market in past seasons, bringing local vendors, Santa visits and festive activities to the neighbourhood. Check the BIA’s website and social media for 2026 dates.
What to do
- Shop Dundas Street West: antiques, vintage, home goods, books and independent fashion. Shopping streets
- Hot chocolate: Norm and Lenore is a chocolate café in the neighbourhood. Hot chocolate
- Panettone: Mattachioni in the nearby Junction Triangle bakes it for the holidays. Christmas bakeries
- Winter walk in High Park, just south of the neighbourhood. Winter hikes
About the Junction
The Junction grew up around the meeting point of several railway lines in the late 1800s, and its historic main street along Dundas Street West still has many of its original brick buildings. For much of the 20th century the area was “dry,” with no alcohol sold, until the early 2000s. Today it’s a creative, independent neighbourhood known for vintage furniture shops, design stores, cafés, bakeries and craft breweries, with a strong community spirit that shines at Christmas.
Holiday shopping in the Junction
- Vintage and antique shops for unique furniture, decor and gifts.
- Design and home stores with locally made goods.
- Bookshops and toy stores for kids’ gifts.
- Bakeries and specialty food shops for holiday treats and hostess gifts.
- Breweries selling gift packs and growlers.
A Junction holiday afternoon
- Start with brunch at a local café.
- Browse the shops along Dundas Street West.
- Visit the BIA’s holiday market and Santa if your date lines up.
- Stop at a brewery for a tasting (19+).
- Head to High Park nearby for a winter walk or skate as the sun sets.
Nearby
- High Park: trails, a seasonal skating rink and the High Park Zoo’s animals.
- Roncesvalles Village: Polish delis, bookstores and cafés, a short streetcar ride away.
- Bloor West Village: Ukrainian bakeries and boutiques.
Christmas in the Junction: FAQ
When is the Junction’s holiday market? Check the Junction BIA’s website for 2026 dates; it’s usually held in late November or December.
How do I get to the Junction? Take Line 2 to Keele or Dundas West station and walk north, or ride the 40 Junction bus.
More: neighbourhood holiday markets · Christmas shopping streets
Getting there
Take Line 2 to Keele or Dundas West station, or the 40 Junction bus.
1 Comment
Pingback: Toronto's Best Shopping Streets at Christmas (2026)