East and west of Toronto, Durham and Halton regions hold festive markets tied to tree lightings, village celebrations and light festivals. Here’s the 2026 line-up so far.
Durham Region
| Date | Market | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Nov 21 | Brooklin’s Christmas in the Village (market vendors, Santa, crafts) | Downtown Brooklin, Whitby |
| Mid-Nov (TBA) | Bright and Merry Market and tree lighting | Downtown Oshawa |
- Brooklin’s Christmas in the Village: a free celebration with market vendors, Santa visits and family activities. Whitby Christmas events
- Bright and Merry Market: Oshawa’s free downtown market with a tree lighting, entertainment, Santa in his igloo and a trolley. Oshawa Christmas events
Halton Region
| Date | Market | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Nov 28, 1 – 6 p.m. | Kerr Village Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Market | Westwood Park, Oakville |
| Early Dec (TBA) | Jingle Market at the Festival of Lights | Spencer Smith Park, Burlington |
- Kerr Village: Oakville’s long-running tree lighting with a holiday market. Oakville Christmas events
- Burlington Festival of Lights events: the Jingle Market was held on December 6 in 2025. Burlington Christmas events
Durham vs. Halton markets
Durham Region, east of Toronto, leans toward village celebrations and downtown markets: Brooklin’s Christmas in the Village, Oshawa’s Bright and Merry Market and small-town events in Port Perry, Uxbridge and Clarington. They’re often tied to tree lightings and parades, with a strong community feel.
Halton Region, west of Toronto, mixes lakeside downtowns with village markets, like Kerr Village’s tree lighting and holiday market in Oakville, Burlington’s waterfront events and holiday shopping in Milton and Georgetown.
What to buy at regional markets
- Handmade decorations and wreaths.
- Local honey, maple syrup and preserves from nearby farms.
- Baked goods, from butter tarts to shortbread.
- Crafts and gifts from local artisans.
- Farm-fresh treats like apple cider, pies and fudge at farm markets.
Make a day of it
- Durham: pair a market with a Santa Claus parade, the CPKC Holiday Train in Bowmanville or a tree farm. Christmas in Durham Region
- Halton: pair a market with Burlington’s Festival of Lights or Oakville’s Holiday Lights by the Lake. Christmas in Halton Region
Market tips
- Check dates and times on each town’s website, as they can change.
- Bring cash for smaller vendors.
- Arrive early for the best selection.
- Dress for outdoor markets, which are common in village settings.
- Take GO Transit where possible; both regions are on GO lines.
Durham and Halton markets: FAQ
What’s the best Christmas market in Durham? Brooklin’s Christmas in the Village and Oshawa’s Bright and Merry Market are local favourites.
What’s the best Christmas market in Halton? Kerr Village’s holiday market and tree lighting in Oakville.
More: Christmas markets near Toronto · market calendar
Farm markets
Several tree farms around the GTA have Christmas stores and markets, such as Springridge Farm’s barn in Milton. Christmas tree farms
