Local holiday markets to hit this season
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Photo: Kari Shea
The holiday season is about to start and while it's easy (read: lazy) to check off your shopping list at the mall, there’s something extra thoughtful about giving a present that's been locally made, printed, sewn, painted, carved, baked, salvaged... you get the idea.
Toronto's east end is full of fun holiday markets flush with discoveries for inspired, one-of-a-kind gifts. Here are a few local markets and events to find that special something.
LESLIEVILLE FLEA HOLIDAY MARKET
Flea markets are havens for finding one-of-a-kind gems, and the Leslieville Flea is no different. Back this season with a two-day holiday market at Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre, over 65 vendors will be selling a curated selection of vintage and handcrafted items. The market will get a visit from Santa and feature food, drink and an old school photo booth.
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 7-8, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre, 870 Queen St. E
leslievilleflea.com
EVERGREEN'S WINTER VILLAGE AT BRICK WORKS
Don’t let the cold stop you from getting outdoors. Evergreen’s Winter Village is back at Brick Works with a season-long celebration that kicks off Nov. 30. Cozy up to campfires, enjoy delicious dishes from local food trucks and check off your shopping list at the holiday market. You can also skate on the outdoor rink and pick up a sustainably grown Christmas tree. Admission is free.
Saturdays-Sundays, Nov. 30 - Dec. 22, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
More on Evergreen's Winter Village
HOLIDAY POP-UP AT RAWSPACE
Head to RAWspace, the Leslieville jewellery studio and workshop, for a special one-day holiday pop-up on Dec. 8. There will be a diverse selection of wares from made-in-Canada artisans on display at its space on Carlaw Ave. Beyond the pop-up, RAWSpace offers bench rentals for expert jewellers, and classes for those who want to learn the trade.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
270 Carlaw Ave., unit 102
rawspace.info
LESLIEVILLE CHRISTMAS POP-UP MARKET
Enjoy a few days of holiday shopping sipping a drink, listening to some tunes and taking photos with Santa at the 6th Annual Leslieville Christmas Pop-up Market. The market, sponsored by Leslieville's The Vandenberg House, stretches over the weekend of Dec. 14-15 at a new location this year at Queen and Logan.
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 14-15, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
485 Logan Ave.
eastsideevents.ca
WITHROW’S WINTER MARKET
Withrow Park Farmers’ Market will once again transform Crow’s Theatre into an intimate community market. The pop-up Winter Market celebrates all things local from handcrafted goods and artisanal foods to local farmers, makers and crafters. It’s the perfect opportunity to ditch the madness of the mall and find those unique last-minute gifts and delicious holiday treats in a cozy marketplace. This is a family event and kids can look forward to holiday crafts and free festive face painting.
Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 22, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
345 Carlaw Ave.
withrowmarket.ca
Are we missing any other local holiday markets? Let us know in the comments.
