We found them: The best holiday markets in Ontario

Holiday markets are popping up all over the province. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift, or you’re just in the mood to enjoy a hot chocolate – or a hot toddy – surrounded by colorful lights, we’ve rounded up a few of our festive favourites that are well worth the drive. (For all, check websites for opening hours.)THE DISTILLERY WINTER VILLAGE, TORONTOUntil Dec. 31Stick close to home with a visit to The Distillery’s charming holiday market. This year’s 51-foot-tall tree, adorned with 70,000 twinkling lights, is a highlight. Stroll through the cobblestoned lanes with a piping hot apple cider, as you admire Santa’s sleigh and listen to carolers singing Christmas classics. New this year: the Great Gingerbread Hunt, which gives visitors a chance to win a weekly $100 gift card. GETTING THERE: The market is located at 55 Mill St.; those coming into Toronto can access it via the Don Valley Parkway or the Gardiner Expressway.FRIDAY HARBOUR CHRISTMAS MARKET, INNISFIL Until Dec. 23An hour-and-a-half drive north of Toronto, this market takes its cues from traditional European outdoor markets. Chalet-style cabins serve up festive treats and gifts, and Santa and his elves make regular appearances. When your toes go cold, recharge in one of the market’s warming huts. GETTING THERE: Head north on Highway 400; exit on Maple View Drive and head east. Turn north on Welham Road, then east on Big Boys Point Road to Friday Harbour.CHRISTMAS LAND, MOUNT ALBERT Until Dec. 22At the Niemi Family Farm’s Christmas Land —located about an hour north of Toronto — thousands of lights are just the beginning of the holiday magic. This Scandinavian-inspired market features cozy knit toques and artisanal soaps; glögg, a spicy Scandinavian mulled wine; and the Polar Express, a caboose-style train that takes visitors to see the farm’s horses.GETTING THERE: Head north on the Don Valley Parkway, then Highway 404. Drive east on Highway 31; continue north Highway 48.CHRISTMAS IN ANCASTER CRAFT SHOW, ANCASTER Nov. 26 and 27Taking place this weekend only, this holiday market — held at the Ancaster Fairgrounds — features more than 130 Ontario artisans. Held for more than 25 years, the annual sale is the perfect spot to find a great gift for the people on your list. GETTING THERE: Drive west along the Queen Elizabeth Way and Highway 403 just past Ancaster and exit at Highway 62, which turns to Trinity Road past Wilson Street. The fairgrounds will be on your right.HOLIDAY NIGHTS OF LIGHTS, VAUGHAN Until Jan. 7This winter wonderland is decorated with more than 1.5 million LED lights that have been synced with classic holiday tunes. Feeling some holiday stress? Four words: bumper cars on ice. Blow off some steam over a friendly battle before enjoying one of the decadent treats on offer from the on-site food trucks. GETTING THERE: Drive north of Highway 400 to Highway 7; the address is 80 Interchange Way.For the driveStream “Tis the Podcast” (available on Spotify), a wonderland of holiday content. The hosts discuss beloved Christmas movies, TV specials and seasonal music.