A husky-border collie mix dog wearing a red and green plaid bandana sitting with a small shopping bag and a wrapped box of Christmas-themed dog treats. The backdrop is a large 5-point star and tree-like cone, both made of string lights, surrounded by evergreen branches on the ground.

Dog-Friendly Christmas Markets & Holiday Shopping in Ontario, 2021

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The holiday season is a time for family and friends, and our pets fall into both of those categories! So where can you bring your dog holiday shopping in Ontario? Here’s a list of dog-friendly Christmas Markets and shopping events happening across the province in 2021, plus some dog-friendly stores.

A husky-border collie mix dog wearing a red and green plaid bandana sitting with a small shopping bag and a wrapped box of Christmas-themed dog treats. The backdrop is a large 5-point star and tree-like cone, both made of string lights, surrounded by evergreen branches on the ground.
Sable posing in front of a display at St. Jacobs Sparkles, a dog-friendly holiday shopping event.

Please note that dogs must be on leash, generally limited to 4-6ft or 2m in length, at all of these events and stores.

Always bring waste bags with you and pick up after your pet. The more considerate we are as dog owners at events, the more likely the event hosts are to continue welcoming our furry friends!

The list of events is organized by region and then by date, but I’ve also listed all of the events chronologically if you want to search for a specific weekend.

A list of dog-friendly stores – locations that allow dogs inside while you do your shopping – is included at the end of this post.

Check back often – I will keep updating this list as more events get announced, and as hosts get back to me to confirm that dogs are welcome at their events.

Dog-Friendly Christmas Markets, by Region

Northern Ontario: Downtown Sudbury Holiday Market (Nov. 26-27)

Eastern Ontario: RSC Outdoor Holiday Markets (Ottawa, Nov. 13 & Dec. 4); Calabogie Winter Night Market (Calabogie, Nov. 20)

Central Ontario (outside the GTA):

Greater Toronto Area (GTA):

Hamilton Area: Caledonia Fair’s Christmas Market (Caledonia, Nov. 27); Lynden Winter Market in the Park (Lynden, Nov. 27); Pet Lovers’ Holiday Market (Ancaster, Dec. 4)

Niagara Region: Outdoor Handmade Christmas Market (St. Catharines, Dec. 4)

South-Western Ontario:

Dog-Friendly Christmas Markets, by Date:

November 6-7:

November 13-14:

November 20-21:

November 27-28:

December 4-5:

December 11-12:

December 18-19:


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Northern Ontario

Downtown Sudbury Holiday Market

Sudbury || Friday, November 26, 2021, 4pm – 8pm & Saturday, November 27, 2021, 11am – 6pm

Location: Durham Street, from the YMCA to the Cedar Street intersection.
Downtown Sudbury, Greater Sudbury, ON, Canada P3E 3M6 (Google Maps)

Enjoy outdoor activities, performances, and festive food and drink options while you browse the wares of over 60 handmade vendors at the Downtown Sudbury Holiday Market! Admission will be by donation to the YMCA.

Over 20 holiday displays will be set up for Instagram-worthy photo backdrops along “Holiday Main Street,” along Durham Street from the YMCA to Cedar Street. Be sure to use the hashtag #MerryInSudbury when you share your photos online to be entered in a draw for a Christmas Present Giveaway.

Children will especially love seeing Santa and other special characters, and watching festive cartoons outdoors between 5-8pm while they keep warm with hot cocoa and apple cider.

Adults may prefer a hot toddy, spiked hot chocolate or mulled wine from the Holiday Bar.

Bonfires will provide cozy places to tuck in and enjoy specialty smores kits and food truck options such as La Fromagerie and Beaver Tails.

You can follow the Downtown Sudbury Holiday Market Facebook Event for more details and updates.

Dog owners may also want to head just past the end of Holiday Main Street along Elgin Street for a visit to the Laughing Buddha, which welcomes dogs on its outdoor patio.

"Downtown Sudbury Holiday Market - November 26th & 27th" written above the logos for Holiday Market Downtown, Sudbury, Greater Grand Sudbury, and Bash Events North."
Image Source: Bash Events North on Facebook

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Eastern Ontario

RSC Outdoor Holiday Markets

Ottawa || Saturday, November 13, 2021, 10am – 3pm & Saturday, December 4, 2021, 10am – 3pm

Location: RSC: Rideau Sports Centre, 1 Donald Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1K 436 (Google Maps)

(RSC logo) "Kick off the Holidays. RSC Outdoor Holiday Markets. November 13 + December 4" (The Bridge Public House logo)
Image Source: RSC: Rideau Sports Centre on Facebook

Kick off your holiday shopping with gifts from local Ottawa vendors at the RSC: Rideau Sports Centre. In addition to the vendors, the RSC Outdoor Holiday Markets will have hot drinks, festive music, and more.

Not only can you enjoy the dog-friendly Christmas Market, but you can also have a drink or meal at the on-site, dog-friendly restaurant! Dogs are welcome on both covered patios at The Bridge Public House on the banks of the Rideau River. If you’re attending the event with a group (or your dog isn’t well-suited to patios), you can also consider booking a private wood-burning fire along the Rideau Winter Trail (RWT).

Follow the Facebook Event for RSC Outdoor Holiday Markets or check the RSC website for event updates as they become available.

Calabogie Winter Night Market

"Calabogie Winter Night Market. November 20th 2021, 4pm to 8pm, 574 Mill Street. 35+ Local Makers and Bakers. Live Music. Safe Santa Pics. Valley Animal Rescue Fundraising Table. Food Bank Donations Appreciated!"
Image Source: Calabogie Market on Facebook

Ottawa Valley  ||  Saturday, November 20, 2021, 4pm – 8pm

Location: 574 Mill Street, Calabogie, ON, Canada K0J 1H0 (Google Maps)

This one-night only event will feature over 35 local makers and bakers! Enjoy live music as you browse the Calabogie Winter Night Market and have some fun with activities for kids and themed face cut-out photo stations.

Donations will be accepted for the local food bank and Valley Animal Rescue.

You can learn more about the vendors and get sneak peeks of what will be available at the event by following Calabogie Market on Facebook.


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Central Ontario (Outside of the GTA)

Hockley Valley Farm Christmas Store

Dufferin County || Open beginning November 20, 2021, Weekends 9am – dusk, Weekdays 12pm – dusk

Location: 307509 Hockley Road Mono, ON L9W 6M9 (Google Maps)

"Hockley Valley Farm. Opening November 20. *Fresh trees *Christmas Store *horse-drawn wagon rides *tractor rides *hot chocolate +much more!!! Weekdays 12pm-dusk. Weekends 9am-dusk."
The Hockley Valley Farm Store transforms into a dog-friendly Christmas Market in late November. Keep an eye out for vendors selling dog treats!
Image Source: Hockley Valley Farm on Instagram

Visit the scenic Hockley Valley Farm to find your perfect Christmas tree or shop for handmade gifts and décor from local artisans in the farm’s Christmas Store. The farm is surrounded by rustic trails you can explore, over 90 acres of forest, and the beautiful Nottawasaga River, for plenty of Instagram-worthy backdrops.

You can select a freshly cut premium fir or walk through the Christmas tree fields to cut your own. Warm up by a bonfire while your tree is wrapped.

Enjoy a hot chocolate while you shop for a small donation, with proceeds going to a local charity.

On weekends, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides through the Christmas tree fields between 10am and 4pm. A food truck will also be serving sweets, hot drinks and hot food.

No tickets or advanced registration are required. You can follow Hockley Valley Farm on Facebook for event updates.

Warm Wishes & Wet Kisses Holiday Market in Support of K9Crusaders

Cobourg || Sunday, December 12, 2021, 10am – 4pm

Location: Columbus Community Centre, 232 Spencer Street East, Cobourg, ON, Canada K9A 1C5 (Google Maps)

A dog-friendly Christmas Market in support of the K9 Crusaders Animal Rescue will be held at the Columbus Community Centre in Cobourg, Ontario on Sunday, December 12th, 2021.

Admission will be free. To learn more as details are released, follow the Facebook Event for Warm Wishes & Wet Kisses Holiday Market in Support of K9Crusaders.

"Warm Wishes & Wet Kisses Holiday Market in Support of K9Crusaders Animal Rescue. Sunday, December 12th, 2021 - Columbus Community Center - 232 Spencer Street East, Cobourg, ON 10am to 4pm. This is a dog-friendly event! www.K9C.ca (K9Crusaders logo)"
Image Source: K9Crusaders on Facebook

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Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

The Barket Market

Toronto || Saturday, November 6, 2021, 12pm – 7pm

Location: The Parkdale Hall (indoors), 1605 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, Canada M6R 1A9 (Google Maps)

Toronto Dog Moms logo on a pink brick background with four dogs peaking over the bottom edge of the image.
Image Source: Toronto Dog Moms on Facebook

This one isn’t holiday themed, but it is a fun opportunity to do some shopping with your dog!

Shop over 30 local vendors with your dog at this indoor event (masks required) hosted by Toronto Dog Moms. The Barket Market is free to attend, with doors opening at The Parkdale Hall at noon. The first 20 attendees will receive a free swag bag. There will also be a raffle with proceeds donated to Sea Paws Rescue.

No tickets or advanced registration are required. You can find The Barket Market Facebook Event here.

The Handmade House Outdoor Holiday Market

"The Handmade House - Outdoor Holiday Market - New makers every week. Saturdays Nov & Dec 10:00am - 5:00pm. 460 Pearl St. Burlington"
Image Source: The Handmade Houses on Instagram

Burlington  ||  Saturdays in November (6th, 13th, 20th & 27th) & December (4th, 11th & 18th), 10am – 5pm

Location: The Handmade House, 460 Pearl St., Burlington, ON, Canada L7R 4G2 (Google Maps)

Every Saturday in November and December before Christmas, The Handmade House Burlington is hosting artisans from both its locations (Burlington and Dundas) for an outdoor holiday market series.

Find handmade holiday gifts and décor from over 125 small businesses and meet different creators each Saturday.

Dogs are allowed to browse the outdoor displays AND shop with you in-store!

You can follow The Handmade House Burlington on Facebook to stay up-to-date.

Uxbridge Farmers Christmas Market

Uxbridge || Sundays in November (7th, 14th, 21st & 28th), 10am – 3pm

Location: Uxbridge Farmers Market, 14 Victoria Street, Uxbridge, ON, Canada L9P 1B1 (Google Maps)

This year the annual Uxbridge Farmers Christmas Market is taking place outdoors with all the regular Uxbridge Farmers Market vendors, plus different one-time vendors each Sunday in November.

Shop local farmers, bakers, artisans and entrepreneurs – for healthy food, tasty treats, crafts, soaps, jewelry, art, one-of-a-kind gifts, and more! There will be four heating stations to help you warm up, but it is still important to dress for the weather to enjoy shopping during this outdoor event.

The organizers confirmed that dogs are welcome, but they ask you keep your pets on a short leash, clean up after them, and prevent them from relieving themselves on vendors’ tents.

You can follow the Uxbridge Farmers Market Canada on Facebook and its Holiday Market Facebook Event to stay up-to-date.

"(Uxbridge Farmers Market logo) Holiday Market Series: Farmers, Artisans, Gifts, Treats. Different vendors each week: November 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th, 10:00am to 3:00pm. Outdoors @ 14 Victoria St., Uxbridge. Shop Local This Season."
Image Source: Uxbridge Farmers Market Canada on Facebook

Toronto Christmas Pet Show (Canadian Pet Expo)

Toronto || Saturday, November 20, 2021, 9:00am – 6:00pm & Sunday, November 21, 2021, 9am – 4pm

Location: The International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, ON (Google Maps)

Canada’s largest family pet show is back this holiday season! The Canadian Pet Expo is an indoor event where masks are required and pets are welcome as long as you download, complete and bring a pet waiver form with you. Small pets may be more comfortable in a pet stroller or carrier.

The Toronto Christmas Pet Show will include a holiday marketplace with over 70 booths. Many of the vendors will be launching brand new products at the event, so it’s a great opportunity if you’re looking for the latest toys, pet clothing, strollers, treats, and novelty pet-related goods.

Santa will be in attendance for festive pet photos.

The Royal Canin Classic Dog Show, the TICA Cat Show and a grooming competition will also be taking place on-site.

Admission is divided by 9am entry and 1pm entry. Tickets are $20 per person ages 16-64 when pre-purchased online, or $22 at the gate. Youth ages 7-15 and Seniors aged 65+ are $15. Children ages 6 and under are free. You can find the Facebook Event for the Toronto Christmas Pet Show here.

"Toronto Christmas Pet Show. November 20-21, 2021. The International Centre. CanadianPetExpo.ca"
This holiday edition of the Canadian Pet Expo will be an opportunity to get a photo of your pet with Santa, but is admittedly more of a pet product showcase than a proper Christmas Market.
Image Source: Canadian Pet Expo on Facebook

Streetsville Christmas in the Village

"Christmas in the Village: Streetsville. November 27th - 28th, 10am - 6pm @ Streetsville Village Square. Christmas Market, Live Entertainment, Santa Claus, Activities and More! -- www.villageofstreetsville.com (Facebook and Instagram icons) @StreetsvilleBIA -- (Village of Streetsville logo)"
Image Source: Streetsville BIA website

Mississauga  ||  Saturday, November 27 – Sunday, November 28, 2021, 10am – 6pm

Location: Streetsville Village Square, 213 Queen St S, Mississauga, ON, Canada L5M 1L6 (Google Maps)

In 2021, Streetsville’s Christmas in the Village will be a two-day event! Attendees will be able to do holiday shopping while enjoying live entertainment. Photos with Santa Claus will be available on both days.

Saturday will be full of family fun including the Christmas Market, photo ops, activities for kids, and more to be announced. Sunday will feature the Hello Locals Christmas Market.

For more details as they are announced, check the Streetsville BIA events webpage or follow the Streetsville BIA on Instagram.

Pingle’s Christmas Fest

Oshawa || November 27 – December 19, 2021, Mistletoe Market open daily from 9am – 6pm.
Christmas Fest events Saturdays & Sundays only, 9am – 6pm (last entry 3:30pm).

Location: Pingle’s Farm, 1805 Taunton Road East, Hampton, ON, Canada L0B 1J0 (Google Maps)

Pingle’s Farm Market transforms its greenhouse into a winter wonderland where you can shop for Christmas trees, décor and artisanal gifts 7 days a week beginning in November. Find the perfect wreath and holiday planters made with real greenery, locally made Christmas ornaments and pottery, hand-knitted hats and mittens, sweet treats, and more. Christmas Fest tickets are not required to shop in the market.

"Introducing: Santa Paws tickets!" written next to a smiling dog with its tongue out, wearing a Santa hat and tinsel collar.
Image Source: Pingle’s Farm Market on Facebook

On weekends, shop in the Mistletoe Market, enjoy drinks and live music, take a wagon ride, and get a photo with Santa during Pingle’s Christmas Fest! Due to popular demand, dogs will now be welcome on all general admission days with a $10 Santa Paws ticket.

Children will especially enjoy the self-guided story stroll, craft station, story time with Mrs. Claus, and farm animals including goats, llamas and a mini donkey. Hot chocolate, coffee, baked goods, and a festive food and bar menu will be on offer.

It is highly recommended that you pre-book Pingle’s Christmas Fest tickets online to avoid disappointment at the gate. Admission is $10 per dog and $15 per person (ages 1 and up) for a 2.5 hour timeslot or $21 per person for a VIP ticket with no time restrictions. “Foodie Experience” and “Festive Date” packages are also available.

There will also be a special dog-friendly “Howl-idays Day” on December 11th, similar to Pingle’s HalloWOOF event in October.

Howl-idays Day at Pingle’s Christmas Fest

Oshawa || Saturday, December 11, 2021, 9:30am – 6pm (last entry 3:30pm)

Location: Pingle’s Farm, 1805 Taunton Road East, Hampton, ON, Canada L0B 1J0 (Google Maps)

As is annual tradition, Pingle’s Farm Market is having a special day for the dogs during Christmas Fest (see above). On December 11th, each $10 Santa Paws ticket will come with a free pupcake and special dog vendors will be on-site.

Stay tuned for more details!


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Hamilton Area

Caledonia Fair’s Christmas Market

"Calendonia Fair's Christmas Market. Shopping, Bake Sale, Craft Sale. Christmas greenery & trees. Visits with Santa Claus. Delicious Food, Specialty alcoholic beverages. Caledonia Fairgrounds, 151 Caithness Street East, Caledonia. November 27, 2021 11am-3pm. Admission by donation. (905) 765-6861 www.caledoniafair.ca"
Image Source: Caledonia Fair on Facebook

Near Hamilton & Brantford  ||  Saturday, November 27, 2021, 11am – 3pm

Location: Calendonia Fairgrounds, 151 Caithness Street East, Caledonia, ON, Canada N3W 1L3 (Google Maps)

The Caledonia Fair’s Christmas Market will feature over 50 vendors, delicious treats and hearty food, live Christmas trees and greenery, games and contests, a cash bar, Christmas music, and more!

Admission is by cash donation in support of the Agricultural Society. Parking will be free. Many of the vendors will be accepting cash only at the event.

The Caledonia Fair’s Christmas Market will primarily be outdoors, so you’ll be able to enjoy most of it with your dog! However, you may have to go inside to order from The Riverside Eatery or get a photo with Santa (pre-registration required), which may not allow dogs. Consider bringing a friend or family member so you can take turns staying with the dog in case they’re not allowed in a certain area you want to visit. More information is available on the Caledonia Fair website and Caledonia Fair’s Christmas Market Facebook Event.

Lynden Winter Market in the Park

"The Crafter's Hub Vinyl and More welcomes you to the Winter Market in the Park. November 27 2021, 11am - 3pm. Lynden Lions Park, 4070 Governor's Road, Lynden, ON. www.thecraftershub.ca -- Lots of fun to be had with: Carnival games, Coffee truck, Food truck, Amazing hand-crafted items! Great items for stockings! -- Toy Drive! Bring a toy to be donated to charity."
Image Source: The Crafter’s Hub Vinyl and More on Facebook

Greater Hamilton Area   ||  Saturday, November 27, 2021, 11am – 3pm

Location: Lynden Lions Park, 4070 Governor’s Rd, Lynden, ON, Canada L0R 1T0 (Google Maps)

Join The Crafter’s Hub Vinyl & More for their Winter Market in the Park! Enjoy the tasty offerings of a coffee truck and food truck while you browse up to 50 vendors’ tables for hand-crafted products and unique stocking stuffers. Kids of all ages will enjoy the carnival games.

Admission is free and no advance tickets are required. However, there will be a toy drive if you’d like to bring a toy to donate to charity.

You can get updates and more details as they become available by following The Crafter’s Hub Vinyl and More on Facebook, or the Winter Market in the Park Facebook Event.

Pet Lovers’ Holiday Market

Ancaster, Hamilton || Saturday, December 4, 2021, 10am – 4pm

Location: Concession Building (indoors), Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Road South, Hamilton, ON, Canada L0R 1R0 (Google Maps)

"Holiday Market. Saturday, December 4, 2021. Ancaster Fairgrounds. (Pet Lovers' Market)"
This event at the Ancaster Fairgrounds is not only a dog-friendly Christmas Market, but also a great opportunity to find pet-themed gifts for your animal-loving friends and family!
Image Source: Pet Lovers’ Market on Neigbur

The Pet Lovers’ Holiday Market is an indoor, dog-friendly Christmas market! Find gifts for your pet, animal-loving friends, and maybe yourself – vendors will be selling a wide variety of accessories, pet treats, health products, artwork, home décor and themed clothing. Local pet services are also participating.

Tickets can be pre-purchased online for $5 per person, or in limited quantities at the door (cash-only). There is no ATM on-site. Aisles will be extra wide to help with physical distancing and to accommodate on-leash four-legged friends.

For updates as they become available, you can follow the Pet Lovers’ Holiday Market Facebook Event.


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Niagara Region

Outdoor Handmade Christmas Market

St. Catharines  ||  Saturday, December 4, 2021, 9am – 3pm

Location: 54 Cecil St., St. Catharines, ON, Canada L2N 4B2 (Google Maps)

Sparrow Pottery Studio is partnering with several other talented local artisans for its 2nd annual Outdoor Handmade Christmas Market! The lovely organizer and her dog Ned will be happy to welcome you and your four-legged friends.

While you browse the wares, you can enjoy homemade apple fritters and fresh cut fries from Champs Chips.

Follow the Outdoor Handmade Christmas Market Facebook Event for vendor additions and other market updates!


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South-Western Ontario

St. Jacobs Sparkles

Waterloo Region || Friday, November 12 – Sunday, November 28, 2021, 10am – 8pm (Hours vary)

Location: The Village of St. Jacobs, King St N, St. Jacobs, ON, Canada N0B 2N0 (Google Maps)

Enjoy thousands of sparkling lights throughout the picturesque Village of St. Jacobs while you do your holiday shopping during the annual St. Jacobs Sparkles event.

There will be a photo booth, live music and various activities over two weeks – the event has been extended to more dates to avoid crowding. Several of the village’s stores will be open late on Friday and Saturday evenings so you’ll have more time to shop and enjoy the lights and village charm at your own pace.

Friday evenings will also feature the Waterloo County Carollers (Nov. 12, 19 & 26) from 5-8pm and hot apple cider (Nov. 12 & 19) courtesy of the local fire department, with donations accepted for Woolwich Counseling Centre.

Santa will be available for visits on Saturday afternoons (Nov. 13, 20, 27) from 1-4pm.

On Sundays (Nov. 14, 21 & 28), you can take a walking tour 11:30am – 12:45pm (must book in advance) and enjoy the Waterloo County Carollers from 2-5pm.

Many of the village’s shops are participating with special holiday offerings, art exhibits and drinks. You can find a complete list of dog-friendly businesses in St. Jacobs Village here. Your dog will especially like Spoil the Dog bakery, which is among the businesses open late on Fridays and Saturdays during St. Jacobs Sparkles.

No tickets or advanced registration are required. You can find the St. Jacobs Sparkles Facebook Event here.

"St. Jacobs Sparkles Holiday Shopping Event!"
St. Jacobs Sparkles is one of the most dog-friendly Christmas Markets in Ontario!
Many of the shops in St. Jacobs Village allow dogs inside year-round (complete list here).
Image Source: St. Jacobs Village website

Mistletoe Market: Christmas on The Farm

Near Stratford  ||  Saturday, November 13, 2021, 10am – 2pm

Location: 5185 Line 32, Mitchell, ON, Canada N0K 1N0 (Google Maps)

"Mistletoe Market: Christmas on The Farm. Saturday Nov. 13, 10:00am - 2:00pm. 5185 Line 32, Mitchell. Multiple vendors and crafters for all of your Holiday shopping! *Located just outside of Sebringville*"
Image Source: The Creative Touch on Facebook

Even more great vendors have joined the Mistletoe Market for 2021! Enjoy hot apple cider as you browse beautiful handmade crafts and other unique holiday gifts from women-owned local businesses.

This event is indoors, with a new farm building location just a 10-minute drive from Stratford (one concession over from Sebringville).

The organizers have told me they absolutely love dogs, but given this event’s past popularity, you may want to leave your dog at home if they are anxious in crowds, have trouble waiting in lines, or are prone to jumping up.

Check out the Mistletoe Market Facebook Event for updates and sneak peeks at what the vendors will be offering.

Paris Jingle Bell Market

Near Brantford  ||  Thursday, November 18, 2021, 10am – 9pm;  Friday, November 19, 2021, 10am – 9pm;  Saturday, November 20, 2021, 10am – 4pm

Location: Downtown Paris, Brant, ON, Canada N3L 0A1 (Google Maps)

The entirety of downtown Paris, Ontario becomes a Christmas market during this annual, no tax event! More details to come on the Jingle Bell Market Facebook Page and Event.

As part of the festivities, Dog-Eared Café will be open late on the Thursday and Friday. This bookish coffeehouse keeps its take-out window open year-round specifically for their dog-loving neighbours, so you can order drinks and snacks there until 9pm on November 18th and 19th.

You may need to bring a friend with you to take turns staying with your dog outside if you want to go inside any of the shops. Other than the Dog-Eared Café’s take-out window and its neighbour, The Paris Dog Parlour, I haven’t been able to find any dog-friendly stores in downtown Paris, Ontario yet.

"2021 Jingle Bell Market. Shop Local! Thursday, November 18th, 10am - 9pm. Friday, November 19th, 10am - 9pm. Saturday, November 20th, 10am - 4pm."
Image Source: Jingle Bell Market on Facebook

The Belmont Village Holiday Market

Kitchener-Waterloo || Saturday, November 20, 2021, 3pm – 7pm

Location: Belmont Village Kitchener, ON, Canada N2M 1N8 (Google Maps)

The inaugural Belmont Village Holiday Market will feature holiday music, a hot chocolate bar, and a fun scavenger hunt for the kids! With a focus on local gifts priced at $25 and under, it’s the ideal holiday shopping event to cross your Secret Santa off your list.

You’ll also enjoy the painted holiday windows designed by local artists, which could be prime photo backdrops as you walk your dog through the festivities.

While some participating businesses will have a setup outside for this event, there will likely be indoor areas where you are not allowed to bring your dog, so be sure to ask if it’s okay before entering. For example, All Things Tea cannot allow dogs inside but loves having doggy visitors at its outdoor tables. The only fully dog-friendly businesses in Belmont Village are Global Pet Foods and Gifted Waterloo.

Follow the Belmont Village Holiday Market Facebook Event for participating vendors and more details as they are released.

"All under $25. The Belmont Village Holiday Market. Sat., Nov. 20, 3pm to 7pm. Details coming soon - save the date!"
Image Source: Belmont Village Kitchener on Facebook

Guelph Outdoor Holiday Handmade Market

Guelph || Saturday, November 27, 2021, 10am – 3pm

Location: Riverside Park, 709 Woolwich St, Guelph, ON, Canada N1H 3Y8 (Google Maps)

This outdoor event at Riverside Park in Guelph will feature over 30 handmade makers. Admission to the market area will be free, and masks will be mandatory. An organizer confirmed to me that dogs will be welcome at the event!

For more details as they are announced, you can follow The Guelph Handmade Group on Facebook or the Guelph Outdoor Holiday Handmade Market Facebook Event.

"The Guelph Handmade Group. Guelph Outdoor Holiday Handmade Market. Saturday November 27th 10am - 3pm. Riverside Park, 709 Woolwich St, Guelph. Free Admission. Over 30 Handmade Makers."
Image Source: The Guelph Handmade Group on Facebook

Faithway’s Outdoor Christmas Bazaar

Woodstock  ||  Saturday, November 27, 2021, 10am – 5pm

Location: Faithway Baptist Church parking lot, 576 Brant St., Woodstock, ON, Canada N4S 5J7 (Google Maps)

Faithway Baptist Church is supporting local vendors and raising funds for the Salvation Army with its Outdoor Christmas Bazaar. Enjoy tasty offerings from food trucks while you shop the vendor tables and live Christmas trees. Kids will also have fun at the craft table!

An organizer confirmed to me that well-behaved, on-leash dogs are welcome provided that owners clean up after them.

For more details as they are announced, you can follow Outdoor Christmas Bazaar Facebook Event.

"Christmas Bazaar. Parking lot of Faithway Baptist Church, 576 Brant St, Woodstock. Saturday Nov 27 10am - 5pm. Food trucks. Fresh cut Christmas trees. Vendors. Free Admission. Proceeds going to The Salvation Army. www.faithway.ca"
Image Source: Faithway Baptist Church on Facebook

Ilderton Outdoor Christmas Market

Near London || Saturday, December 4, 2021, 4pm – 8pm

Location: Municipal Parking Lot, Ilderton Road, Ilderton, ON, Canada (Google Maps)

Join local artisans and the Ilderton & Area Business Association for a fun family event in the Village of Ilderton, near London, Ontario. Market vendors will be selling Christmas décor, seasonal treats and giftware.

Admission is free and food and drinks will be for sale. For updates, follow the Ilderton Outdoor Christmas Market’s Facebook Event.

"The IABA Presents an Outdoor CHRISTMAS MARKET, December 4. Christmas décor, Seasonal treats, Giftware. Free Admission. 4-8pm. Food & Drinks. Municipal Parking Lot, Ilderton Road, Ilderton."
Image Source: Ilderton & Area Business Association on Facebook

Jingle All the Way!

Near Guelph || Sunday, December 5, 2021, 10am – 3pm

Location: Jingle Bill’s Christmas Tree Farm, 7373 Concession 1, Puslinch, ON, Canada N0B 2J0 (Google Maps)

Over 40 local vendors will be setting up at Jingle Bill’s Christmas Tree Farm for this family-friendly, dog-friendly event organized by The Mom Market Collective Guelph.

Enjoy tobogganing and skating, visit with Santa and other fun on the farm. Jingle Deb’s Treat Tent will have hot chocolate, warm apple cider, and cookies.

Instead of an admission fee, donations of non-perishable items will be accepted.

Follow the Jingle All the Way! Facebook Event for more details and updates.

"jingle all the way - The Mom Market Guelph" written on a slightly faded background image of pink roses.
Image Source: The Mom Market Collective Guelph on Facebook

The Ulti-Mutt Holiday Market

Cambridge || Sunday, December 12, 2021, 12pm – 5pm

Location: Farm League Brewing, 295 Ainslie St S, Cambridge, ON N1R 3L3 (Google Maps)

This indoor, dog-friendly holiday market will have free admission! Join Dog-Friendly KW and your fellow dog-lovers for an afternoon of Christmas shopping and beer drinking at Farm League Brewing in Cambridge on December 12th.

In addition to local vendors selling wares for both pets and humans, there will also be dog-tag stamping with Elk & Hound, and claw paw-print making with Play With Clay at the event.

For more details as they are announced, follow The Ulti-Mutt Holiday Market Facebook Event!

"Dog Friendly KW -- Ulti-Mutt Holiday Market -- Farm League Brewing, December 12, 2021 12:00pm - 5:00pm -- Local vendors for pups and humans | Dog-friendly (duh) | DIY clay paw prints with Play With Clay | Dog tag stamping on site with Elk & Hound"
Image Source: Dog Friendly KW on Facebook

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Dog-Friendly Stores

Many of the retailers at the Niagara outlet mall – the Outlet Collection at Niagara – are pet-friendly! You can find a complete list of their dog-friendly retailers here.

Several “big box” chains have a neutral or pet-friendly policy, and leave it up to the individual locations to decide if they want to allow dogs into their stores. Locations inside malls are almost never allowed to permit pets inside. Those with outdoor storefronts have more autonomy.

You need to call your location in advance to make sure they are dog-friendly. Potentially dog-friendly retailers include:

Call your local store to check before visiting with your dog! Using the website links provided above, you can look up locations near where you live or will be shopping and can find that specific location’s phone number.

Of course, pet supply stores are almost always pet-friendly. You’re welcome to bring your dog into any location of the following retailers, if it has an outdoor storefront:


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Have I missed any dog-friendly Christmas Markets or other opportunities for pet-friendly holiday shopping?

Let me know in the comments or by direct messaging me on Instagram, @Sable_AdventureDog.


Comments

4 Responses to “Dog-Friendly Christmas Markets & Holiday Shopping in Ontario, 2021”

  1. Thank you sooo much for creating this list! It is amazing!!! Wish I had found it sooner. Missed a few in November. All the best to you!

    1. Thanks so much! Glad you found it helpful!

  2. As someone still navigating this field, I find your posts really helpful. My site is QH3 and I’d be happy to have some experts about Thai-Massage like you check it and provide some feedback.

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