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The Best Christmas Markets & Hallmark-Style Locations Close To London

Stewart Blair
Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets

The Best Christmas Markets & Hallmark-Style Locations Close To London

Holiday Getaways, Christmas Markets, & Hallmark Towns Within 2 Hours of London, Ontario

(Plus One Magical Weekend Destination You Can Fly To)

There’s something special about Christmas in Southwestern Ontario. Maybe it’s the glow of lights on historic streets, the smell of hot cocoa drifting from market stalls, or the thrill of discovering a new holiday tradition with your family. Whatever it is, this region offers an incredible selection of Christmas markets and Hallmark-worthy experiences—all within easy reach of London.

At Elevate Real Estate Group, we spend a lot of time exploring local communities, and every winter we hear the same thing from clients: “Where should we go this Christmas that feels truly magical?”
This year’s guide brings together our favourite festive day trips—plus one unforgettable weekend getaway you can fly to for a totally cinematic Canadian Christmas.

The Merry Market – 100 Kellogg Lane, London

You don’t have to leave the city to feel like you’ve stepped into a European Christmas village. Each holiday season, 100 Kellogg Lane transforms into The Merry Market, one of London’s most impressive holiday destinations.

Indoor and outdoor vendor markets, fire pits, twinkling canopy lights, oversized photo displays, artisan goods, and a towering Christmas tree all come together to create the perfect December outing. Grab a cocktail from one of the themed bars, listen to live music, and wander through beautifully decorated spaces that feel straight out of a movie set.

Why locals love it:

  1. Easy parking and plenty to explore

  2. Family-friendly during the day, festive and lively at night

  3. Restaurants, The Factory, and The Clubhouse are all steps away

Holly Jolly Holiday Market – Covent Garden Market, Downtown London

Rotary Square is the heart of London’s downtown Christmas scene, and during the Holly Jolly Holiday Market, it completely comes alive. With outdoor vendors, a giant lit tree, live music, fire pits, carriage rides, and indoor shopping upstairs, this market delivers classic holiday cheer.

Perfect for: spontaneous weeknight visits, pairing with skating at Victoria Park, or grabbing a warm drink before dinner downtown.

Christmas in Bayfield – A True Hallmark Village on Lake Huron

Distance from London: ~1 hour 20 minutes

If you’ve ever watched a Hallmark movie and thought, “Does anywhere around here actually look like that?”—yes, Bayfield does. This charming lakeside village turns into a glowing postcard every year during Christmas in Bayfield.

Expect decorated storefronts, evening shopping, live music, festive window displays, a Santa Claus parade, and plenty of small-town charm. Macaron shops, cafés, local boutiques, and historic inns make it an easy day trip or even a cozy overnight stay.

Hallmark moment: strolling along Main Street at dusk with snow falling and lights twinkling above you.

St. Jacobs Sparkles & Holiday Markets – St. Jacobs & Waterloo Region

Distance from London: ~1 hour 30 minutes

Few places do Christmas quite like St. Jacobs. For the Sparkles event, the village is adorned with thousands of warm lights, with late-night shopping, horse-drawn trolley rides, Victorian-style carollers, and beautiful streets lined with festive décor.

Before heading into the village, stop at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market for their holiday events, where you’ll find local artisans, seasonal treats, Christmas décor, and evening “Sip & Shop” markets.

A perfect full-day itinerary:

Santa & Polar-Express-Style Train Rides – Waterloo Central Railway

Distance from London: ~1 hour 40 minutes

For families looking for something truly memorable, Waterloo Central Railway runs Christmas-themed train rides each holiday season. Depending on the year, you may find a whole POLAR EXPRESS™ experience or a nostalgic Santa Train winding through the snowy countryside.

Kids love the storytelling, hot chocolate, cookies, festive staff, and meeting Santa on board. Adults love the nostalgia and the scenic winter views. These rides sell out quickly, so book early.

Christkindl Market – Kitchener City Hall

Distance from London: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Kitchener’s Christkindl Market is one of Ontario’s most famous Christmas markets—and for good reason. Inspired by traditional German markets, it features wooden vendor huts, handmade gifts, mulled wine, pretzels, live choirs, costumed characters, and a buzzing festive atmosphere.

Whether you go for the food, the shopping, or the evening glow of lights bouncing off City Hall, this is a must-visit for anyone who loves a classic European Christmas feel.

Cambridge Holiday Market & Winterfest – Cambridge

Distance from London: ~1 hour 30 minutes

Cambridge is steadily becoming a holiday gem. The Cambridge Holiday Market is packed with local vendors, food, and entertainment—and because it’s part of a larger city-wide Winterfest, you can often find additional concerts, light displays, and family activities happening the same weekend.

Bonus: The downtown Galt area looks exactly like a Hallmark filming location… because it is. Its historic stone bridges and riverside views feel magical at Christmas.

Stratford Christmas Trail & Lights On Stratford

Distance from London: ~1 hour

Stratford is known for its culture and architecture, but its holiday season is quietly spectacular.

During the Stratford Christmas Trail, visitors collect vouchers that can be exchanged for gifts at participating shops—turning holiday shopping into a fun, self-guided tour. In the evening, Lights On Stratford sets up large-scale glowing installations across the downtown. It’s a beautiful, walkable winter experience perfect for couples, families, or a night out with friends.

Additional Festive Favourites Right Here in London

If you prefer to keep things simple, London offers plenty of easy, close-to-home holiday fun:

These are great last-minute options when you want a dose of Christmas spirit without travelling far.

✨ Bonus Christmas Getaway Idea: A Weekend in Quebec City – Canada’s Most Magical Holiday Destination

Sometimes you want to go all-in on the Christmas experience—and for Canadians, there is no better December getaway than Old Québec.

Yes, you’ll need to fly (or drive 9–10 hours), but the payoff is incredible. Quebec City doesn’t just decorate for Christmas—it becomes Christmas.

Why Quebec City Is Worth the Trip

A Fairytale Old Town

Cobblestone streets, stone buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and the iconic Château Frontenac towering over the winter skyline. The setting alone is breathtaking.

German Christmas Market (Marché de Noël Allemand)

Arguably the best Christmas market in the country, with:

Pure Holiday Ambience

Québec City feels like stepping into a snow globe. Everywhere you turn: wreaths, garlands, lights, Christmas trees and warm cafés spilling out onto historic streets.

Perfect for a Romantic Trip or a Family Adventure

If you’re looking for a once-a-year, unforgettable holiday weekend, this is it.

How to Choose the Right Christmas Adventure

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a quick guide:

Make December Memorable—At Home and in Your Next Home

Living in London means having incredible Christmas markets, small towns, and winter attractions right at your doorstep. And if this season inspires you to start thinking about a new chapter—closer to family, closer to work, or simply closer to the places you love—the Elevate Real Estate Group is always here to help.

From festive day trips to finding the perfect place to call home, we’re committed to helping you make the most of life in our beautiful region.

Thinking of moving in 2026? Let’s talk.
We’d love to help you start the new year with clarity, confidence, and a plan that feels right for your family.

Elevate Real Estate Group

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