Top 5 Things To Get You Into the Christmas Spirit in TBAY (A guide to feeling festive ASAP)
Amanda Bay
December 16, 2025
Holiday markets are such a win: You get to find all kinds of unique, well-crafted and beautiful items for everyone on your list (and maybe a few treats for yourself too), plus you support all the talented makers and entrepreneurs in our community. Add in the convenience of one-stop shopping in festive surroundings and it’s no surprise that holiday markets are so popular in Thunder Bay. Here’s the 2025 list of 15 of the top markets, both longtime favourites and exciting newer options!
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Country Christmas Craft Fair hosts more than 75 tables, in the all-decked-out-for-the-holidays surroundings of Vanderwees Garden Gallery. Shop for handcrafted décor items from a range of local artisans and vendors (tip: bring cash as a number of vendors are cash only). You can even pop out to the rear of the property to visit the animals at the year-round farm—there are alpacas, pigs, goats, chickens and guinea fowl.
2. Plan a trip to the waterfront for festive gifts
Holidays at the Station
Weekends in November and December
Free admission
Station Market is a new destination for shoppers, located in a picture-perfect century-old CN railway station right on the waterfront at Marina Park. On Saturdays and Sundays in November and December, they are complementing their in-house assortment of local goods with a select number (up to five per weekend) of pop-up vendors both indoors and out. It’s a great chance to do some shopping while taking in the holiday lights, skating, music and more at the waterfront.
3. Visit TBay’s longest-running juried craft show
Artisans Northwest
November 8-9
Admission by donation
Artisans Northwest is the OG craft show of Thunder Bay—in fact, it’s celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! Held at the Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre, this artist-run not-for-profit event is a juried show, meaning that its 50-plus artisans are selected based on their talent, mastery and originality. Here you’ll find everything from fine art photography and creative textiles to jewelry, woodworking, stained glass and more. In honour of their golden anniversary, organizers hint that some special surprises are in store too.
4. Head to the waterfront for a festive market
Sip N’ Shop Local Artisan Holiday Market
November 9
Free admission
If you find that shopping is better with a beverage, then the Sip N’ Shop Local Artisan Holiday Market is made for you! This third annual event at the Delta has a cash bar featuring both non-alcoholic and alcoholic options, perfect for enjoying while you take in the 55-plus local vendors. There’s also lots for kids to do at this family-friendly event: It has a children’s activity centre with a Christmas craft, music for dancing, a colouring contest, facepainting (for a donation) and a chance to visit Santa. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Boys and Girls Clubs Thunder Bay Holiday Food Hampers and you’ll receive a vendor coupon to use at the market.
5. Sprinkle some holiday magic at a wizarding market
November 9
Winter Wizarding Market
Free admission (silver collection at the door)
Put a magical spin on shopping at the third annual Winter Wizarding Market, hosted by ThunderCon at Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. Vendors, crafters, bakers and artists are all on hand at this Christmas market that is sure to delight anyone who likes their holidays with a mystical flavour. And, the Taproom will be open too for anyone who is interested in a TBay-made craft brew!
6. Soak in some classic holiday atmosphere
Creekside’s Holiday Market
November 15
Free admission
Creekside Nursery & Garden Centre celebrates the holidays with two markets. This edition in November is home to 40 vendors with lots of unique goods to discover, nestled into beautiful holiday displays and seasonal greenery adorned with twinkle lights. There’s holiday music and Santa too so bring the littles!
7. Find rustic arts and crafts, right on the waterfront
Hymers Agricultural Society Holiday Market
November 16
Free admission
If you love the classic charm of the Hymers Falls Fair, you’ll also love the Hymers Agricultural Society Holiday Market. Held at the Delta on the Prince Arthur’s Landing waterfront, this one-day fair hosts dozens of vendors who proudly display their expertise in baking, sewing, woodworking, crafting and more.
8. Discover 100+ artisans and crafters at a premiere event downtown
Holiday Craft Revival
November 23
Free admission
Craft Revival has been part of the TBay landscape since 2014, and was a smash hit right from the beginning. One thing that sets it apart is that it’s held in a variety of venues (check their website for a map to plan your route) in the Waterfront District and Prince Arthur’s Landing, meaning that you can wander into different historic buildings to find high-quality, handmade wares—maybe some cool candles in a tattoo studio or the perfect necklace in an artisanal soap boutique. Along the way there’s festive music, performers and holiday treats to enjoy too.
9. Shop LU’s new holiday market
3rd Annual Home for the Holidays Vendor Market
November 27-28
Free admission
Can’t manage a weekend show? Look to the 3rd Annual Home for the Holidays Vendor Market at Lakehead University, held over two days. There you can take your pick of handmade goods and one-of-a-kind products, right on campus at the Agora (a.k.a. the University Centre) overlooking Lake Tamblyn
10. Take your pick of gorgeous pottery
The Guild Christmas Pottery Sale
November 29-30
Free admission
The Thunder Bay Potters’ Guild is marking a major milestone with their 50th annual pottery sale. Held at Roots Community Food Centre, this annual sale showcases one-of-a-kind pottery dishes, ornaments and more, all beautifully crafted by expert local potters.
11. Explore the countryside, holiday-style
Salute to Christmas Craft Fair
November 29-30
Free admission
If you missed the first craft fair at Vanderwees, never fear: there’s a second one! At the Salute to Christmas Craft Fair, discover an assortment of arts and craft from local vendors. You can also stop by the Tulip Cafe for homemade soups and salads made with fresh local produce and check out the gift shop, boutique and greenhouses.
12. Drive past snowy fields to shop in the country
Creekside’s Holiday Market
December 6
Free admission
The family-owned Creekside Nursery & Garden Centre offers two markets each holiday season, and in December it’s featuring 40 completely different artisans from its November market. With Santa paying a visit, holiday music, festive décor, warm drinks and sweet treats, it’s the ideal way to find some special items for the special people on your list.
13. Shop three weekends of pop-up markets
Goods & Co. Market Holiday Pop Ups
December 5-7, 12-14, 19-21
Free admission
There are plenty of holiday vibes at Goods & Co., a Euro-style marketplace and event space housed in a historic former Eaton’s building in downtown Port Arthur. In addition to the 25 main year-round vendors, Goods is also hosting 40+ pop-ups with unique local gifts in the three December weekends (Friday to Sunday) leading up to Christmas. Shop, snack and stroll!
14. Check off your list and support a good cause
December Dreams Fine Arts & Crafts Show
December 6-7
Admission $2, children under 12 free
December Dreams hosted by Lakehead Rotary Club, has been a holiday staple in TBay for 16 years. Found in the CLE Coliseum building, it has up to 60 vendors displaying their wares, including fabric art, jewelry and woodworking. A nice touch is that each vendor has a booth to decorate, rather than long tables. Bonus: this show is a fundraiser that supports local organizations right here in our community.
15. Celebrate Indigenous culture at the region’s biggest show
Indigenous Christmas Market
December 13-14
Free admission
This annual show by the Aboriginal Artworks Group of Northern Ontario is bigger than ever, with approximately 200 exhibitors in two CLE buildings, the Coliseum and the Heritage. Drawing talented Indigenous artisans from across Ontario as well as Manitoba and the United States, this show is the largest in the province and is known for its variety and authenticity. Expect to find beadwork, jewelry, bags, regalia and apparel like leather and fur mittens, hats and moccasins. Traditional food like bannock will be in offer at concessions in one building while Ukrainian fare is available to purchase at the other.
Thanks to these holiday markets in Thunder Bay, shopping local and finding just the right gift has never been easier or more fun. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
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CEDC © 2025. All rights reserved.