‘Tis the season once again in Kawarthas Northumberland—vendors are turning out in their holiday best to bring their goods to market at venues across the region. At a time when supporting local artisans couldn’t be more important (and shipping becomes more expensive!), the markets below are the perfect way to find a meaningful gift for friends and loved ones.
Peterborough County
Holiday Sip & Shop Market (November 14-16, Rolling Grape Vineyard)
The always-stylish Rolling Grape Vineyard in Bailieboro adds live music and over thirty vendors to their usual offerings this November. There’s no admission to this family and dog-friendly event, and you can grab a bite after you browse with the menu of charcuterie and wood-fired pizza. Exact hours and availability vary by day; see Rolling Grape’s website for more.
2025 Festival of Trees & Décor (November 21-December 10, Buckhorn Community Centre)
The Buckhorn Community Centre will get you in a festive mood with artisans, refreshments, and gorgeously decorated trees. Enter a raffle and you just might win a chance to take a tree or some holiday décor home. Be sure to check the schedule, because a variety of events are on offer from November 21 to December 10.
Lang Pioneer Village Museum Christmas Bazaar (November 22, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building)
Lang Pioneer Village Museum brings rustic elegance to the season with their indoor/outdoor Christmas market. With over 25 vendors, this is a perfect opportunity to bring home a handmade gift, or enter the raffle to win gift baskets or even a fully decorated tree. The market will be held in the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building; admission is by donation. Note there’s no ATM on-site, so you’ll want to bring some old-fashioned folding money.
Lakefield Farmers’ Market Holiday Market (November 30, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, Downtown Lakefield)
The Lakefield Farmers’ Market has long been an excellent source of locally produced delicacies, including baked goods, hot sauces, maple syrup and more. The Holiday Market, which takes place in the parking lot beside the Village Inn, adds ornaments and other handicrafts to the selection for a market bursting with holiday cheer.
City of Peterborough
Medieval Christmas Market (November 15-16, The Mount Community Centre, Peterborough)
Hark! It’s the sound of minstrels providing medieval entertainment at Peterborough’s The Mount Community Centre. In addition to 21 merchants selling their wares, the market will feature live music, a falconer, axe-throwing, and other fantasy-themed activities perfect for the medievalist in your life. The event is produced by local entertainment company Blades of Glory and set inside beautiful Austin Doran Hall at The Mount Community Centre.
Shop for Joy at the Art Gallery of Peterborough (November 20, 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Art Gallery of Peterborough)
Where better to find unique local art than the Art Gallery of Peterborough? The Gallery Shop at the AGP isn’t only a great place to shop for handmade Canadian items—by visiting you’ll also be eligible to win a holiday package inspired by local makers. Gallery members will receive 20% off non-consignment items.
Hutchison House Museum Christmas Market (November 22, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, The Hutchison House)
If you’re curious what life in Peterborough in the 1840s looked like, the historic Hutchison House is where to go. On November 22, you can find out what it tasted like too, with home baking, shortbread, preserves, and more.
First Friday Art Crawl: Holiday Market (December 5, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Bankers Common Courtyard)
Peterborough’s First Friday Art Crawl is always a good time, but on December 5, it’s also the perfect place to do a little holiday shopping. The December edition of the popular downtown event has partnered with The Neighbourhood Vintage Drop in to create an outdoor market in the Bankers Common Courtyard (383 Water Street). Also note the Art School of Peterborough will hold an art market of its own during the ‘Crawl from 6-9 pm, where you can browse a fascinating selection of jewelry, pottery, painting, and more (and if you can’t make to the Art School in the evening, you’ll have a second chance to visit on December 6 from 10 am to 4 pm).
Northumberland County
Christmas Magic: A Cobourg Holiday Tradition (November 21, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Downtown Cobourg)
Warm up with a hot beverage, enjoy live music, and take in the festive lighting of Victoria Hall as Cobourg celebrates the season on November 21. And of course, don’t miss the Holiday Market to find unique creations from local artisans.
Candlelight Festival Outdoor Artisan Market (November 28, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Lent Lane & John Street, Port Hope)
Port Hope is beautiful year round, and the Candlelight Festival is a chance to see it in all its winter glory. A candlelight walk, events at the Capitol Theatre, and holiday décor are all part of the experience, but savvy shoppers will want to make time for the Outdoor Artisan Market.
Hastings Trail Town Christmas (December 4-7, Lock 18, Hastings)
It’s no secret we love the Trent-Severn Trail Towns, and Hastings doesn’t disappoint. A variety of events will be taking place from December 4-7. Special promotions are on offer at participating business throughout town, and families will want to check out the Children’s Fest on Saturday, December 6 from 10 am to 1 pm. If you’re looking for one-stop shopping, head to the Gen Bridge at 14 Front St. E.
Warkworth Magic: Makers Market (December 12, 6 pm – 9 pm, Warkworth Old Town Hall)
Warkworth Magic Under the Stars is an annual event that sees shops stay open late Friday nights in December to create a festive small-town atmosphere. Horse and wagon rides, a beverage garden, and more make it worth the trip, but this year they’re going one further with a Makers’ Market you won’t want to miss.
Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes Festival of Trees (November 14 – 16, Kawartha Settlers Village)
Kawartha Settlers Village is one of Bobcaygeon’s most cherished attractions, and it’s a beautiful sight decked out for the season. The General Store becomes a Christmas Boutique, Wray House is packed with handmade items by the Settlers’ Village Quilters, and music will ring throughout the village.
Winter Makers’ Market (November 22-23, Kent Place Mall)
The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council presents a showcase of incredible local talent at the Winter Makers’ Market in Lindsay. Check out their website for profiles of the artists involved—the range of disciplines includes illustration, jewellery, woodworking, and writing.
Market On The Farm (November 16th, 11 am – 4 pm, Hollowbrook Highlands)
Hollowbrook Highlands is a rural paradise. On November 16, get up close with the resident goats and Highland cattle, hike the surrounding trails, and browse the wares of over fifty vendors selling unique goods. You’ll likely be tempted to grab a snack or a beverage and stay for the live music, too.
Bobcaygeon Mingle & Jingle Makers Market (November 15, 10 am – 4 pm, Bobcaygeon Arena)
On November 15, Bobcaygeon will be aglow with festive activities from workshops to tastings to live music. The Mingle & Jingle Makers Market might just be the centrepiece, but it’s worth checking out the complete Mingle & Jingle schedule, which includes five distinct vendors markets.
