November 2023
Looking for Holiday Gift Ideas?
You’ve made a list and you’re checking it twice: it’s time to find gifts for everyone who’s nice!
Find unique, one-of-a-kind and locally made gift ideas at these holiday markets in Waterloo Region. Meet the makers, enjoy the ambience, check off everyone on your list: who knows – you might find something special for you too!
Holiday Markets in Waterloo Region
Sip ‘n Shop Night Market | Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 1
Get ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market delightful Sip ‘n Shop event!
Sip and Shop in Style: Indulge in the ultimate retail therapy as you explore an array of handpicked vendors offering unique and exquisite gifts, perfect for everyone on your holiday list. Savor a delightful assortment of festive beverages specially crafted to add a touch of warmth and merriment to your shopping spree. Advance tickets are available.
Button Factory Arts Holiday Market | Nov. 17 – Dec. 23
Support art in our community at Button Factory Arts’ Holiday Market. The market is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 to 6, and Saturdays from 10-5 until December 23.
Brisk Ayr Market | November 18
More than 40 vendors will be sharing their unique offerings at the Brisk Ayr Market at the North Dumfries Community Complex. Along with the vendors there will be carriage rides, tarot readings, free henna, visits with Santa, and more! Admission is free.
Holiday Book Fair & Market at THEMUSEUM | November 18
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of literature, creativity, and festive cheer. Discover a wide range of books from various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s literature, and more. Whether you’re a bookworm or looking for the perfect gift, this event has something for everyone. Aside from the incredible selection of books, this market will also feature local artisans and vendors offering unique crafts, artworks, and other holiday goodies.
Wave Maker Brewery’s Outdoor Holiday Night Market | November 18
Join Wave Maker Brewery for its outdoor market starting at 6pm. Browse the booths of vendors and purchase your holiday gifts locally. Then head inside the brewery to grab a pint, a snack, and try a spiked peppermint hot chocolate (non-alcoholic available as well).
KW Famous Holiday Pop-Up Shoppe | November 22 – December 30
This Holiday Gift Shoppe pop-up in DTK features all things Locally-Made. Discover unique gifts for friends, family, or yourself, – all from local businesses! Plus, attend special events, take holiday photos in Instagrammable photo booths all while supporting Kitchener-Waterloo’s maker community.
Holiday Night Market Pop Up | November 24
This Holiday Night Market is coming to Downtown Cambridge at the pop-up Old Galt Holiday House! Come shop local businesses, artisans and The Bridge artists from 5-10PM.
The Gaslight District Christmas Market | Weekends from November 24th – December 17th
Join every weekend from November 24th – December 17th as the District Square comes alive with the spirit of the season for the first Gaslight District Christmas Market! Cross a few names off your list as you shop their selection of curated vendors, and enjoy festive fun and holiday activities throughout the square! Admission is free.
Bespoke Diwali Marketplace | November 25
The Ken Selling Waterloo Region Museum is transforming its space into a bespoke Diwali Marketplace. This multi-sensory celebration will mesmerize guests with an ambiance fit for Diwali celebrations along with the finest vendors just in time for all your holiday and Diwali shopping! Shop the carefully curated vendors in jewelry, fashion, home décor, food, signature teas, wellness products and more. Of course this Diwali celebration won’t be complete without a kids corner with treats and crafts, a photo booth, melodic Bollywood hits and entertaining Bollywood performances!
A Very Merry Indigenous Art Market | November 25 & 26
IAM Kitchener presents A Very Merry Indigenous Art Market where you can shop from more than 70 local Indigenous creators.
Bring your reusable bags, multiple forms of payment, masks and holiday spirit!
Willibald Winter Market | November 25 & December 2
Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery is extending its popular Winter Market to two weekends this year. It takes place outside on the farm in their large, heated tent.
Shop the one-of-a-kind vendors and sip a hot coffee or a spiked apple cider from the pasture bar. You are encouraged to bring a food item or monetary donation in support of The Cambridge Food Bank.
Belmont Village Holiday Market | November 25
Belmont Village’s Holiday Market features games, shopping, sales, prizes, food, drinks, and activities for all ages. And Santa will be making an appearance too. They will also be collecting food donations for the food bank, so bring along some non-perishable food items to support this vital work.
Yule Holiday Market | November 25
Are you looking for unique holiday gift? Neruda Arts Studio in St. Jacobs is holding its Yule holiday Market. It features fair trade, artisan made jewelry, vintage accessories & clothing, treats and drinks, live entertainment and much more.
Merry, Merry Market | November 30
Get a head start on the holidays and shop for local handmade gifts at Seven Shores Community Café! There will be a number of vendors who will feature everything from jewellery to woodworking to hand-knit items and more.
The Holiday Pop-Up Artisan Market | December 1 & 2
Uptown Waterloo is excited to once again present a Holiday Pop-Up Artisan Market, being held December 1 from 6-10PM and December 2 from 10AM-4PM at The Shops. Discover amazing, locally made items and meet the artists who create them!
Mini Merry Market | December 2
The new Willow River Centre will be hosting it’s first Indigenous market. Pop down and support some talented creatives: a list of vendors will be available closer to the market date. The Mini Merry Market will be just around the corner from the Kitchener Farmers’ Market which is hosting it’s Winter Artisan Market on the same date – making it easy for you to support two local markets at the same time!
Winter Artisan Market | December 2, 9, 16, 23
The Kitchener Market showcases a curated selection of some of the best artisan vendors in the region at its Winter Artisan Market. There will also be delicious food and drink favourites from the local vendors and restaurants that you love. Register for one of the festive cooking or crafting classes, gather with family and friends on the Market Piazza to enjoy s’mores over the fire, or enjoy some performances from local dance groups! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping in to visit with families throughout these four Saturdays in December. Admission is free.
Make a Difference Holiday Market | December 2
Make a Difference (MAD) Market is a one-day artisan and craft holiday market held at Conrad Grebel University College. Hosted by the Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) Undergrad Society, all funds collected from participating vendors, the silent auction and suggested $2 entry contribution will be donated to A Better Tent City, Waterloo. Fill your car with family and friends to make a difference while shopping for this holiday season!
Holiday Weekend Market | December 2
Discover a wide range of vendors from artists, soap and candle makers, book publishers, witchy vendors and so much more at a unique venue – Chicopee Tube Park!
Whether you’re a bookworm or looking for the perfect gift, this event has something for everyone. Explore the stalls, find one-of-a-kind treasures, and support local talent and small businesses. Chicopee Tube Park is easily accessible and promises a delightful experience.
Dog Friendly KW Paw-liday Festival | December 2
The DFKW Paw-liday Festival returns to Downtown Kitchener, a hyper-local festive holiday market with all kinds of activities and entertainment for you, your dog, and your family! The festival includes workshops, a kids’ craft station, photo pop-ups, festive food and drinks, and more. And, you can shop for the 4-legged members of your family at more than 24 different vendors.
Holiday Market at Farm League Brewing | December 3
Join Farm League Brewing for a festive celebration of local craftsmanship. Find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones, handcrafted with care and creativity. Feel the holiday magic with live music, spreading joy and merriment throughout the market. Enjoy a delightful shopping experience with a craft beer in hand. Bring the whole family for a day of festive fun, featuring activities for all ages.
Christkindl Market | December 7-10
For 4 days in December, the streets of Kitchener transform into a traditional festival of Christmas that dates back 700 years. Known as Christkindl Market, this event recreates the sights, sounds, smells and spirit of the Christmas festivals found across Germany. Shop at unique vendors located indoors and outdoors throughout downtown Kitchener. Sample the many food vendors, take in live entertainment, and go for a skate on the outdoor rink amid the lights and sounds of the holiday – the Christkindl Market is an event that is sure to become a family holiday tradition!
Cambridge Christmas Market | December 9 & 10
This award winning Christmas Market will be your one stop shopping destination for unique gifts, seasonal food and a great shopping atmosphere. This year will the market will offer almost 60 local artisans, crafters and makers. The Cambridge Christmas Market is part of Cambridge Winterfest.
Stitch & Kitsch Winter Handmade Market | December 16
KW’s oldest craft collective is back for its Winter market! The Stitch ‘n’ Kitsch Winter Handmade Market takes place at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) in UpTown Waterloo. You will find so many wonderful, handmade creations including pottery, jewelry, textiles, clothing & accessories, soap and body care, decadent treats, paper goods, art, woodwork, handmade dolls & toys, baby items & so much more! Come on out to meet the talented artists in our region while shopping local.
Eco-Friendly Holiday Market | December 19
Shop sustainably this holiday season at the Eco-Friendly Holiday Market. Held in Kitchener’s City Hall rotunda this market is focused on sustainable consumption and highlights local businesses in the area who align with one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.