There's something magical about the holiday season in Guelph. The city comes alive with twinkling lights, local makers, festive treats, and community gatherings that remind us what this time of year is really about—connection, joy, and supporting one another.
Guelph Outdoor Holiday Handmade Market
Location: Riverside Park
Date: November 22, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Kick off the season at the Guelph Handmade Group's annual Outdoor Holiday Handmade Market at Riverside Park. Dozens of local artisans will be set up throughout the park, offering beautiful handcrafted goods perfect for gifting—or treating yourself. This dog-friendly event is free to attend and features hot drinks, tasty food, live music, and even a warming station to keep the cozy vibes going.
St. Jacobs Sparkles & Holiday Market
Location: St. Jacobs Village
Dates:
- Sparkles: November 20-23
- Sip & Shop Night Market: November 28
Just a short drive from Guelph, St. Jacobs transforms into a true Christmas village. Sparkles is a beloved annual celebration filled with extended shopping hours, festive storefront displays, horse-drawn wagon rides, and charming artisan pop-ups. The St. Jacobs Farmers' Market also joins the fun with both indoor and outdoor holiday markets offering handmade goods and seasonal treats.
Fergus Christmas Market at the Wellington County Museum
Location: Wellington County Museum & Archives, 0536 Wellington Rd 18
Dates:
- November 28, 4:00-9:00 PM
- November 29, 12:00-5:00 PM
Celebrate the season in Fergus with this family-friendly holiday market featuring artisan vendors, live musical performances, delicious local food, and a special visit from Santa. Enjoy hands-on activities like candle making, meet an alpaca, hop on a free horse-drawn wagon ride, and take in the festive community atmosphere.
Elora Christmas Market
Location: Elora
Dates: Every Wednesday-Sunday until Christmas, 12:00-8:00 PM
Elora—affectively known as “Ontario’s Prettiest Village”—glows brighter than ever during the holidays with more than 88,000 twinkling lights. Wander through designer chalet-style huts featuring artisan goods, warm comfort foods, and hot holiday drinks. Enjoy outdoor fire tables, live music, and festive matinee films at Ontario's oldest historic cinema. It’s one of the most atmospheric and magical markets in the region.
Guelph Farmers' Market: "Take Home the Holidays"
Location: 2 Gordon Street, Guelph
Date: December 17, 4:00-9:00 PM
A Guelph favourite, the Farmers' Market becomes a festive, bustling hub during its "Take Home the Holidays" evening market. Browse handcrafted ornaments, artisanal treats, fresh greenery, locally roasted coffee, and unique stocking stuffers-all while supporting local makers. It's a wonderful place to find meaningful seasonal gifts and pick up ingredients for your holiday recipes.
Tips for Making the Most of the Season
- Arrive early for the best selection (and prime parking).
- Bring reusable bags-you'll discover more treasures than you expect.
- Follow your favourite makers on social media to support them year-round.
- Turn holiday market-hopping into an annual tradition with friends or family.
Thinking of Making a Move This Winter? Holiday markets are one of the best ways to experience the heart of a community. If you're considering buying or selling in Guelph or the surrounding area, I'd love to help you make your next move with ease, clarity, and confidence. Reach out anytime-let's bring your next chapter home.
