SPIRIT off the SEASON

Where to find the best festive handicrafts and homemade treats

Holiday markets are popping up all over the province. Whether you’re looking for the gift, or you’re just in the mood to enjoy a hot chocolate – or a hot toddy – surrounded by colorful lights, we’ve rounded up a few of our festive favourites are well worth the drive. (For all, check websites for opening hours.)

The Distillery Winter Village, Toronto Until Dec. 31

Stick close to home with a visit to The Distillery’s charming holiday market. This year’s 51foot-tall tree, adorned with 70,000 twinkling lights, is a highlight. Stroll through the cobblestoned lanes with a piping hot apple cider, as you admire Santa’s sleigh and listen to carolers singing Christmas classics. New this year: the Great Gingerbread Hunt, which gives visitors achance to aweekly $100gift card.

Getting there The market is located at 55 Mill St.; those coming into Toronto can access it via the Don Valley Park way or Gardiner Expressway.

Friday Harbour Christmas Market, Innisfil Until Dec. 23

An hour-and- a- halfdrive north Toronto, this market takes its cues from traditional European outdoor markets. Chalet-style cabins serve up festive treats and gifts, and Santa and his elves make regular appearances. When your toes go cold, recharge in one of the market’s warming huts.

Getting there Head north on Highway 400; exit on Maple View Drive and head east. Turn on Welham Road, then east on Big Boys Point Road to Friday Harbour.

Christmas Land, Mount Albert

Until Dec. 22 At the Niemi Family Farm’s Christmas Land — located about an hour north of Toronto — thousands of lights are just the beginning of the holiday magic. This Scandinavianinspired market features cozy knit k toques and artisanal soaps; lögg, a spicy Scandinavian mulled wine; and the Polar Ex- a caboose- style train that takes visitors to see the farm’s horses.

Getting there Head north on the Don Valley Parkway, then Highway 404. Drive east on Highway 31; continue north Highway 48.

Christmas in Ancaster Craft Show, Ancaster

This weekend

Taking place this weekend only, the Ancaster holiday market Fairgrounds — held at — features more than 130 Ontario artisans. Held for more than 25 years, the annual sale is the perfect spot to find a great gift for the people on your visit.

Getting there Drive west along the Queen Elizabeth Way and Highway 403 just past Ancaster and exit to Trinity at Highway Road 62, which Wilson Street. The fairgrounds will be on your right.

Holiday Nights of Lights, Vaughan

Until Jan. 7 This winter wonderland is decorated with more than 1.5 million LED lights that have been synced with classic holiday tunes. Feeling some holiday stress? Four words: bumper cars on ice. Blow off some steam over o oying a friendly one of battle the before decadent en- treats on offer from the on-site food trucks. Getting there Drive north of Highway 400 to Highway 7; the address is 80 Interchange Way.