A festive lineup of Christmas markets across the Outaouais, from the lively streets of Vieux-Aylmer to artisan halls in the hills, invites residents to support local crafters and discover handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and the warm spirit of community this holiday season. Photo: Courtesy of the Noël dans le Vieux-Aylmer Facebook page
Holiday markets put local crafters at centre stage
Tashi Farmilo
Local producers and artisans are fuelling the holiday spirit this season with festive markets offering handmade goods, gourmet treats, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Across the Outaouais, dozens of Christmas markets are inviting residents to buy local: supporting the entrepreneurs, farmers, and artists who give the region its character.
Noël dans le Vieux-Aylmer runs November 28 to December 7, transforming rue Principale into a pedestrian holiday village filled with more than 50 vendors, twinkling lights, and seasonal entertainment. The tree lighting ceremony takes place November 28 at 7 pm at 55 rue Principale, and on November 29, the Santa Claus Parade features over 30 illuminated floats starting at 6 pm along rue Principale, from Front to Wilfrid-Lavigne.
The Lord Aylmer Christmas Bazaar on November 29 at 116 avenue Frank-Robinson hosts over 40 vendors and young entrepreneurs from 9 am to 2 pm, along with a pancake breakfast, chili lunch, bake sale, raffles, crafts, and photos with Santa.
On November 22, the Marché de Noël du Plateau fills l’Agora at 35 allée de Hambourg with holiday cheer from 2 pm to 8 pm. A 30-foot tree lighting at 6 pm accompanies live music and seasonal treats. Donations of non-perishable items for the BASE food bank are encouraged.
Marché de Noël de Templeton, on November 23 from 10 am to 4 pm at 159 rue Maple, centres on traditional food and handcrafted wares. On November 30, Polyvalente le Carrefour hosts over 60 vendors from 9 am to 4 pm at 75 boulevard des Hautes-Plaines, offering winter wear, woodwork, preserves, and gifts.
From November 22 to December 24, the LPG Christmas Market at Les Promenades Gatineau features a rotating selection of local food producers and gift boxes in La Baie courtyard, 1100 boulevard Maloney Ouest.
At the Canadian Museum of History, the annual market runs November 27 to 30 with nearly 100 artisans set up inside the Grand Hall and Douglas Cardinal Salon. Entry is free, and hours extend into the evening Thursday and Friday, with weekend hours from 9 am to 5 pm.
Chelsea’s Centre Meredith Market returns December 7 from 10 am to 4 pm at 23 chemin Cecil, while Marché de Noël du Village Rivièra runs the same day from 10 am to 3 pm at École secondaire du Versant, 808 boulevard de la Cité.
Nesbitt’s Christmas Market takes place over two weekends, December 6–7 and 13–14, from 10 am to 4 pm at 147 chemin Eardley, offering live music, hot drinks, and local vendors in a family-friendly setting with free entry.
Le Groupe Maurice hosts its Grand marché de Noël on November 29 from 10 am to 3 pm at Résidence L’Initial, 300 boulevard Wilfrid-Lavigne. This event includes festive food, decor, and artisan goods.
Marché du bas de Noël at Centre Aydelu, 94 rue Patrimoine, is a stocking stuffer market highlighting gifts priced at $20 or less. It runs November 30, and December 6–7, from 10 am to 4 pm.
The season wraps December 14 with Wakefield’s outdoor market at Fairbairn House, 45 Wakefield Heights Road, featuring sleigh rides, hot drinks, and crafts from 11 am to 4 pm.
To explore even more local events, visit the full market listing at bulletinaylmer.com
Each purchase from these markets directly supports small businesses and helps preserve the craft traditions that make the holidays more meaningful, one handmade gift at a time.
