One of Burlington's next holiday markets is Saturday, Nov. 14: the Mistletoe Mart at Port Nelson United Church, where doors open at 9 a.m. and entry is a $4 donation. From there, shoppers have a market almost every weekend into December, from a Sunday craft show on the South Service Road to an evening vendor village at the Royal Botanical Gardens that runs until Jan. 3.
The run follows Craftadian's Burlington Holiday Market, held Nov. 7 and 8 at the Ron Joyce Centre, 4350 South Service Road, which the organizer billed as the kickoff of the city's holiday market season. Craftadian advertised 120 makers over the two days, with a lineup that changed from day to day, and says everything on its tables was made in Canada by the people selling it.
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Here is what's coming up. Admission runs from free in Aldershot to $7 at the door for STUFFED!, and one show takes cash only.
| Market | Date | Time | Where | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mistletoe Mart | Sat., Nov. 14 | From 9 a.m. | Port Nelson United Church | $4 donation |
| Artisan Bazaar Christmas in Burlington | Sun., Nov. 15 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Holiday Inn, 3063 South Service Road | $5, cash only |
| Aldershot Village Tree Lighting | Sat., Nov. 21 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | 355 Plains Road East | Free |
| Winter Wonders Vendor Village | Nov. 26-Jan. 3, Thursdays to Sundays and select nights | 5:30-10 p.m. | Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Road West | Not listed |
| Festival of Lights Sip & Shop | Thu., Dec. 3 | From 6 p.m. | Downtown Burlington shops | Not listed |
| STUFFED! | Sat., Dec. 12 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Founders Hall, Crossroads Burlington | $5 online in advance, $7 at the door |
The day after the Mistletoe Mart, Sunday, Nov. 15, the Artisan Bazaar, which puts on upscale craft shows spotlighting local artists and artisans, brings its Christmas in Burlington show to the Holiday Inn at 3063 South Service Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring cash: the $5 admission is cash only, and it comes with a chance at a door prize. The Artisan Bazaar began in 2017 as a small show with fewer than 30 artisans and, its organizers say, has grown into a thriving community.
Saturday, Nov. 21 belongs to Aldershot. The Aldershot Village Tree Lighting at 355 Plains Road East runs 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. with an outdoor vendor market, holiday treats and Santa, and the tree lights up at 6 p.m. It's free. Organizers ask visitors to bring a non-perishable food item or make a tap donation for a community food drive that helps local families.
If you see the tree lighting listed for Sunday, that's Discover Burlington, the city's tourism listings site. The organizers' own event listing and announcement both give Saturday, Nov. 21, so plan on Saturday.
Discover Burlington also lists a Holy Protection Christmas Market on Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From Thursday, Nov. 26, the Royal Botanical Gardens' Winter Wonders adds a Vendor Village in Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Road West. It's open 5:30 to 10 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays and on select other nights until Jan. 3, closed Dec. 24, 25, 26 and 31 and Jan. 1. One vendor lists its stall there Dec. 3 to 6.
That Thursday, Dec. 3, the Burlington Festival of Lights Sip & Shop keeps downtown stores open late, starting at 6 p.m.
Last on the list, STUFFED! brings more than 55 vendors to Founders Hall at Crossroads Burlington on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 bought online in advance or $7 at the door.
