Along with the holiday merriment at annual festive markets are famous storefront attractions, including the Christmas scenes that come to life each year in the Hudson Bay’s windows on Queen Street in Toronto. (Julia Pelish/Vacay.ca)
Story by Vacay.ca Staff
Well, here’s the bad news: There aren’t many festivals happening this month.
But here’s the good news: Christmas is just around the corner, and this month there are Christmas markets and light festivals in Canada that add even more holiday spirit to those people travelling the nation.
The Vancouver Christmas Market, Toronto Christmas Market 2013 and Christkindl Market in Kitchener-Waterloo are the big three this month for people hoping to enjoy a holiday shopping spree with good food, drink and music. Rounding out the action is Van Dusen Botanical Garden – Festival of Lights in British Columbia and The Museum’s Christmas Market at Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec.
Here is Vacay.ca’s list of the top festivals across the country for December:
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Van Dusen Botanical Garden – Festival of Lights
Vancouver
Dates: December 11, 2013 – January 4, 2014
A magical experience that features 1.4 million twinkling lights and attractions that your family will enjoy.
EDITORS’ PICK!!! The Vancouver Christmas Market
Vancouver
Dates: Until December 24, 2013
Stroll through the festively decorated outdoor Christmas village and be treated to row upon row of illuminated wooden huts offering handmade gifts and tempting treats. The market is located downtown at the corner of Georgia and Hamilton streets.
ONTARIO
An old-fashioned European Christmas market takes over Toronto’s Distillery District. (Julia Pelish/Vacay.ca)
EDITORS’ PICK!!! Toronto Christmas Market 2013
Toronto
Dates: Until December 15
Visitors to the Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market will be immersed in a unique atmosphere that brings some of Ontario’s finest craftspeople, artists and artisans together with an international roster of world-class vendors.
EDITORS’ PICK!!! Christkindl Market
Kitchener-Waterloo
Dates: 5-8
Savour the sounds and smells of an authentic German Christmas Market experience at Christkindl, where you will be welcomed by the oldest and largest German community in Canada — and by folkoric German Christmas characters like the Christkindl, Angels, Knecht Rurprect and Klaus the Organ Grinder.
QUEBEC
The Museum’s Christmas Market
Gatineau
Dates: 6-15
A great place to make your holiday purchases in a relaxed and festive atmosphere. Some 50 local food producers from the nation’s Capital Region and artisans await you, with stalls abounding in delicious edibles and unique handmade creations.