Christmas can be a very stressful time for many due to the number of tasks that need to be completed before Christmas Day. Cleaning the house, decorating the tree, and baking for the holidays all demand time and energy. Christmas gift shopping, in particular, can put a strain, not only on resources, but on energy and imagination.
Christmas gift and craft shows in Toronto and the GTA provide a solution to the problem of what to buy family and friends by offering a wide variety of gifts, clothing and holiday decor under one roof. The following Christmas craft shows in the Toronto area will ease the stress load on the overburdened Christmas shopper:
Christmas Craft Sales Toronto
Toronto offers a wide selection of Christmas craft and gift sales at Exhibition Place, community centres, and churches, which are geared to both large and shoestring budgets:
- One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale 2011, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, November 24 to December 4, 2011, offers gifts that include clothing, jewellery, Christmas decor, weaving, stained glass, ceramics, and body care. Adults $14 ($12 online), Seniors and Students $7, Children 12 and under Free. Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Toronto Christmas Holiday Sale, Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave. E., 416-397-1340, happens oDec. 8, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and features fresh pine and cedar wreaths, outdoor/indoor container arrangements, cider and shortbread.
- Runnymede United Church Craft Show, 432 Runnymede Road (2 blocks north of Bloor St.), 416-767-6729, November 12, 2011, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., offers high quality seasonal gifts including jewellery, wood crafts, home decor, decorations, baking, chocolate. Admission $2.
- The Wandering Winter Craft Show hosted by Shop Cats takes place at the Church of the Holy Trinity, which is located behind the Toronto Eaton Centre beside Sears, on Sat. Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at the Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W., on Sat. Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You'll find knits, jewellery, art, glass, prints, scarves, dolls, candles, soap and Christmas cards, all of which are handcrafted.
- The Artisans' Gift Fair, Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Avenue, 416-923-8137, Nov. 26, 27, Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 2011, noon to 6 p.m., offers one of a kind, handcrafted gifts, including funky and classic jewellery, candles, and body care.
- Christmas in the Beach Craft Show, 1887 Queen St. E. (at Woodbine), runs Nov. 26, 27, Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and features new designers each week.
Christmas Craft Shows Markham, Uxbridge
Take a drive to Markham or Uxbridge and experience old-fashioned Christmas nostalgia at the following holiday craft and gift sales:
- Markham Home For The Holidays, Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Road, in its 23rd year, has over 130 exhibitors selliing Christmas decor, accessories, gift ideas, custom wreaths. Fri. Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. Nov. 19 and Sun. Nov. 20, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $9, Seniors $8, Children $2, Children 2 and under Free.
- Uxbridge Christmas Craft and Gift Sale, Uxbridge Arena Hall, 291 Brock Street West, November 12, 2011, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offers Christmas decor, jewellery, woodworking, hand-painted giftware, knitting, and chocolate. Adults $1, Children 12 and under Free.
Christmas Craft Sales Etobicoke, Mississauga
The following craft show is not only a sale of Christmas gifts; it also features home decor demonstrations and seasonal cooking seminars by CityLine, Canadian Living and Style at Home representatives:
- Seasons Christmas Show, International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, November 18, 19, 20, 2011, offers unique gifts including clothing and jewellery, Christmas holiday entertaining and decorating, gourmet foods, and presentations. Adults $14, Seniors and Youth $12, Children 12 and under Free. $2 discount for Adults if ticket purchased online. Free parking.
- 30th Annual St. Dominic's Christmas Bazaar & Craft Sale, November 5, 2011, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. features 70 vendors selling jewelry, home decor, organic health and beauty products, toys, books, knitwear, clothing. Raffle, tea room, bake sale. Free. St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church, 625 Atwater Avenue (Cawthra & Atwater), Mississauga.
- Winter Artfest at Neilson Park Creative Centre, 56 Neilson Drive, 416-622-5294 runs Sat. Nov. 26, and Sun., Nov, 27, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Christmas craft sale features festive decorations, woodcrafts, gifts, quilts, jewellery, pottery, and a silent auction.
Christmas Craft Shows Oakville, Burlington
It is not necessary to drive to Toronto for Christmas craft shows as Oakville and Burlington, in the southwestern GTA, have several local holiday gift sales:
- Burlington Kinsmen 20th Annual Christmas Craft Show, Mainway Recreation Centre, 4015 Mainway, Burlington, November 19 and 20, 2011, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. has ceramics, stained glass, wood crafts, candles, gift baskets, Christmas decor, and baked goods. Admission: Donation to the food bank.
Christmas can be a rushed affair, but by attending Christmas craft shows such as the One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale in Toronto, Seasons Christmas Show in Mississauga, Markham Home for the Holidays, or the Burlington Kinsmen 16th Annual Christmas Craft Show, Christmas shoppers will avoid having to run from store to store, and instead will find unique seasonal gifts such as jewellery, clothing, accessories, Christmas decor, wood crafts, ceramics, and stained glass all in one place.
For information on restaurants for Christmas office parties, read here.
For information on Christmas family events in Toronto, read here.
For information on where to go for afternoon tea, read here.
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