Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you’re having a great December so far. I honestly can’t believe Christmas is just twelve days away. It’s been such a busy couple of months; I actually meant to post this a week ago (but better late than never, right!?) The days leading up to Christmas are some of my favourite days of the year. This is the perfect time to partake in all the fun holiday activities and events taking place across the GTA and Southern Ontario. And luckily, there are plenty to choose from!
Last December, I met up with two of my best friends, Bethany and Katie, to celebrate the season at Niemi’s Christmas Market. This annual holiday festival takes place at Niemi Family Farm in East Gwillimbury, just an hour north of Toronto. The family-run farm offers seasonal activities all year round, but they’re best known for their Scandinavian-style Christmas market, which runs every November and December. This year’s market runs until December 20, and you won’t want to miss it!
Niemi’s Christmas Market was inspired by the cozy charm of traditional Scandinavian Christmas markets, and it definitely brings the hygge vibes. Think of it as a smaller, quainter version of Toronto’s Distillery Winter Village – though don’t bank on it being less crowded! We came last year on a Saturday, and it was so packed that cars were parking on the side of Highway 48. The event has two parts: an indoor-outdoor market which is free to visit, and a ticketed “Gnome Village”. Gnome Village tickets cost $30 for adults, $20 for seniors, $20 for kids aged 2-12, and babies are free. The ticket includes Christmas train rides, Santa visits, s’mores roasting and other kid-friendly activities. Us 30-somethings decided to stick to the market and skip Gnome Village (though I’ll admit, the thought of s’mores nearly swayed me!)
Niemi’s Christmas Market has over 60 vendors selling everything from cute Christmas decor to unique handmade gifts to coffee, baked goods and hot food. Most vendors are located indoors in the large barn, while some others are outside in various cabins – and even repurposed grain bins! That’s my friend Bethany in the fur coat, hat and tartan skirt – a style icon if there ever was one.
At Papa’s Woodcrafts, you’ll find adorable wooden toy trucks and trains.
These woodland creatures by Clark’s Creations would be such a cute addition to a lawn or front porch.
When shopping for Christmas gifts, don’t forget about your neighbourhood birds!
I thought these engraved cutting boards were so pretty. I’m always on the hunt for the best chocolate chip cookie recipe, so I’ll have to give this one a try!
Subversive Sisters sells pretty vintage china with hilarious (and all too relatable) sayings.
These boho-chic floral bracelets from Peripeteia Jewelry are made from handmade needle lace.
Wouldn’t these pillows be perfect for a cozy Christmas movie marathon?
You know I’m all about local pride, so I absolutely LOVE these custom “no place like home” ornaments. This would make a perfect housewarming gift!
This art print would be the perfect “first Christmas married” couple’s gift.
The “Gnome Shop” has an extensive selection of Christmas decor: from ornaments to nativity sets to Santa mugs (and yes, lots and lots of gnomes!)
If you’re craving something sweet, you can indulge in cookies, croissants and cinnamon rolls, all freshly baked by Mrs. Claus herself.
This beautiful Christmas tree is the centerpiece of the market:
Niemi’s also sells their own Christmas trees. We have a fake tree at home – which I love for the convenience – but I grew up with a real tree every year, and still have a special place in my heart for them. Nothing beats that fresh Christmas tree smell!
If you want to experience a traditional Scandinavian Christmas market without leaving the country, make sure you pay a visit to Niemi Family Farm. It’s open tomorrow (December 13), Friday December 19, and Saturday December 20 from 12-8pm. If you do end up visiting, let me know how you liked it – I’d love to see what’s different this year! If you’re interested in more local holiday activities, click here to browse all my Christmas posts.
Wishing everyone a great weekend, and a very merry twelve days of Christmas!
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