Barrie 
Meaford’s historic downtown is preparing for a festive takeover as Christmas On The Bay, Georgian Bay’s largest outdoor Christmas market, returns to transform the Market Square into a European-style holiday village.
Credit: Christmas On The Bay
Visitors can expect a lively mix of wooden stalls, twinkling lights, fire bowls, music, and local vendors offering everything from artisan foods to handmade gifts.
Beyond the main market, several nearby businesses and pop-up vendors are joining in, creating a town-wide celebration filled with art markets, performances, food features, and special draws.
What to See & Do
- Wander through a village of wooden kiosks surrounded by lights, live entertainment, decorated trees and fire bowls, where local makers present artisanal foods, beverages, crafts, and gifts, including items from vendors like Simply Unique Flowers & Gifts and The Keep Refillery.
- Explore additional markets such as the Craig Gallery Holiday Artisan Market, Country Girl’s Christmas Market with 50+ vendors, and Franny’s Mercato’s Misfit Market, each offering seasonal goods, original artwork, vintage items, and complimentary cider on select days.
- Enjoy performances from Mutable ARTS, Allan Johnson, Enya Dreams, Shjaane Glover and many more!
- Visit local shops including The Shoe Tree, Pom Pom ice cream and coffee shop, Jake’s Grab & Go, and The Dam Pub, many offering prize draws, special menus, weekend features, child-friendly deals, or festive promotions tied to Christmas On The Bay.
- Discover town-wide events through Meaford Wreath Wonderland, part of the A Magic Christmas in Meaford campaign, where storefront wreaths compete for votes alongside draws, a tree lighting ceremony, Santa Claus Parade, and a screening of One Magic Christmas (Disney movie filmed in Meaford) at Meaford Hall.
Trip Planning: Christmas On The Bay
Christmas On The Bay is an enchanting four-day outdoor European-style Christmas market with live music and entertainment, local artisan vendors, all set in the heart of historic Meaford.
When: Thursday, December 4, 2PM – 8PM
Friday, December, 2PM – 8PM
Saturday 6 December, 10AM – 8PM
Sunday 7 December, 10AM-4PM
Municipality of Meaford’s Tree Lighting: Thursday, December 4 at 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm @ South side of Meaford Hall (near the cenotaph)
Santa Claus Parade: Saturday, December 6 at 5:15 pm – 6:00 pm @ Sykes St (along market square)
Where: Meaford Market Square, 12 Nelson Street East, Meaford, ON N4L 1N6
How Much: Free
