Top holiday markets to visit in Kitchener this season

The holiday season is right around the corner and it’s time to start looking for the perfect holiday gifts for those we love. With a wide variety of artisans and vendors in Kitchener, it’s never been easier to shop local. In November and December, we have a variety of incredible holiday markets throughout the city where you can find one-of-a-kind handmade gifts for everyone on your list – and maybe even a treat for yourself too!

Plan a day out with family and friends, have a date night with a loved one, or browse solo. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you head to your local community centre or take a trip to Downtown Kitchener, here are the upcoming holiday markets you can’t miss this year:

Eco-Friendly Holiday Market

Square Peg, 200 King St. W.

Wednesday, Nov. 20 – Friday, Nov. 22, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 24, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

The final week of the Square Peg Micro-Market (running from Oct. 23 – Nov. 24) will be dedicated to the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre’s annual Eco-Friendly Holiday Market. Shop sustainably this holiday season with this market focused on sustainable consumption, highlighting local businesses who align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Admission is free.

DowntownKitchener.ca/SquarePeg

Winter Artisan Market

Kitchener Market, 300 King St. E.

Kick-off night market: Thursday, Nov. 21, 5 – 10 p.m.
Saturday artisan market: Saturdays Nov. 23 – Dec. 21, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Winter Artisan Market will showcase a curated selection of artisans from across the region, along with food and drinks from your favourite local vendors. This family-friendly event offers classes and workshops for all ages, song and dance performances, a visit with Santa, and more. This year, the celebrations will kick off with an all-new night market featuring live entertainment, local flavours and activities everyone can enjoy.

KitchenerMarket.ca/WinterArtisanMarket

The Rockway Christmas Market

Rockway Centre, 1405 King St. E.

Saturday, Nov. 23, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Shop from local vendors selling handmade crafts, original artwork, and unique gifts. Grab a festive treat at the bake sale, enter to win a door prize and more! Admission is free.

Kitchener.ca/RockwayCentre

Snowflake Bazaar

Breithaupt Centre, 350 Margaret Ave.

Saturday, Nov. 23, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Enjoy a festive day of holiday shopping! Find the perfect gifts while supporting local artisans. Admission is free. Purchases are by cash only.

Kitchener.ca/BreithauptCentre

KWFamous Holiday Pop-Up Shoppe

Square Peg, 220 King St. W.

Friday, Nov. 29, Tuesday, Dec. 24

Support the KW maker community and discover unique gifts for friends, family, or yourself. From home decor to jewellery, art, artisan creations and more, there is something for everyone on your shopping list. Admission is free.

KWFamous.com

Christkindl Market

Kitchener City Hall Rotunda, Carl Zehr Square, and along King Street in front of Kitchener City Hall, 200 King St. W.

Thursday, Dec. 5 to Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come experience all your favourite sights, sounds, and smells of a classic European market, and stay for the tasty treats, outdoor skating, live entertainment, KidsKindl activities, and warm Christmas ambience. Admission is free and all are welcome!

www.christkindl.ca

Even more markets you can’t miss:

• Paw-liday Festival: Saturday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Gaukel Block
• KrampusKINDL: Friday, Dec. 6, 5 - 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, 12 - 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., 44 Gaukel
• Indigenous Winter Market: Sunday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Victoria Park Pavilion
• Witch + Wellness Yule Night Market: Friday, Dec. 13, 4 – 10 p.m., Kitchener City Hall
• Holiday Indigenous Art Market: Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Kitchener City Hall

To stay up to date on holiday markets and holiday happenings in Kitchener, subscribe to www.kitchener.ca/calendar and visit www.downtownkitchener.ca/events .