You don’t need a ticket to enjoy a Christmas market in Toronto. Here are the best free markets for 2026, plus how to visit the Distillery Winter Village without paying.
Free Christmas markets in Toronto 2026
| Market | Dates | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto Art Crawl’s Christmas Market | Sat, Nov 7, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd |
| Merry Market Christmas Craft Sale | Sat, Nov 7, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Leaside Presbyterian Church |
| St. Lawrence Market Winter Market | Thu – Sun, Nov 19 – Dec 22 | Market Street |
| Distillery Winter Village (free times) | Mon – Wed until Dec 13, and before 4 p.m. most days | Distillery District |
| Church and community bazaars | Weekends in November and early December | Across the city |
St. Lawrence Market Winter Market
The best free Christmas market in Toronto. The City’s outdoor market on Market Street runs Thursday to Sunday from November 19 to December 22, with local makers, seasonal food and drink, live music and free Santa photos on weekend afternoons. A weekend vendor market with 75+ makers and vintage sellers runs nearby under a big white tent. Full guide
The Distillery Winter Village for free
The Distillery Winter Village is free all day Monday to Wednesday until December 13, and generally free before 4 p.m. on other days. Kids 9 and under are always free. Arrive mid-afternoon on a free weekday and stay as the lights come on. When tickets are needed
Toronto Art Crawl’s Christmas Market
On Saturday, November 7, local artists set up under the Gardiner Expressway at The Bentway for a free one-day market. Great for prints, ceramics and design gifts.
Church and community fairs
Most church bazaars and community craft sales are free or a few dollars to enter, and often come with a bake sale. See Toronto Christmas craft fairs 2026.
Free markets near Toronto
Village festivals in Streetsville (November 20 to 21), Brooklin (November 21) and Oakville’s Kerr Village (November 28) all have free markets. Christmas markets near Toronto
More: free Christmas things to do in Toronto · Toronto Christmas markets 2026
Free markets around the GTA
Some of the region’s most charming markets are free and an easy trip from Toronto:
- Streetsville’s Christmas in the Village in Mississauga, a historic main street market in late November. Mississauga Christmas markets
- Brooklin’s Christmas in the Village in Whitby, a small-town celebration in late November. Durham and Halton Christmas markets
- Kerr Village and downtown Oakville holiday events in late November. Oakville Christmas events
- Community markets across York Region, including Unionville’s festive Main Street. York Region Christmas markets
See the full list: Christmas markets near Toronto.
How to enjoy a free market without overspending
- Set a gift budget before you go, and bring cash so you can see what you’re spending.
- Eat before you arrive, or share snacks; market food adds up quickly.
- Bring a reusable mug for hot drinks; some vendors offer a discount.
- Look, then come back. Do one lap before buying so you don’t regret an early purchase.
- Take transit: parking near popular markets can cost more than anything you buy.
Best free markets for families
- St. Lawrence Winter Market for its weekend Santa photos.
- The Distillery on a free weekday for the lights and the big tree; strollers are easier when it’s quieter.
- Community and church bazaars for affordable crafts, toys and baked goods kids can choose themselves.
Free Christmas markets: FAQ
Is the Distillery Winter Village free in 2026? It’s free all day Monday to Wednesday until December 13 and generally free before 4 p.m. on other days. Peak evenings and weekends need a timed ticket. Ticket guide
Are church Christmas bazaars free to enter? Most are free or ask for a small donation at the door.
Which free market has Santa? The St. Lawrence Winter Market has offered free Santa photos on weekend afternoons. See free Santa photos in Toronto.
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