Experience the magic of the holiday season at Richmond Hill's Merry Marketplace. Wander through a sparkling winter wonderland illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights, creating a festive glow each evening until 10 p.m.
Discover unique handcrafted gifts from local artisans, savour delicious seasonal food and beverages, and gather around the fire with family and friends. It's the perfect place to celebrate the season, embrace holiday traditions, and create lasting memories.
No holiday celebration is complete without a visit from Santa! Join us every Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. for a special meet-and-greet with Santa Claus. Be sure to bring your phone and snap a festive Santa selfie.
Please note: The lineup closes promptly at 7:30 p.m.
Help make a difference this holiday season by donating non-perishable food items at the Information Booth, located near the entrance. Every donation earns one ballot entry per week for a chance to win a holiday prize pack.
Dates: Saturday, November 14, 21 & 28, December 5, 12
Location: Richmond Green Park
Event Details
| Weekly Schedule |
Celebrate the season with complimentary photo opportunities throughout the week, including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, photos in Santa's Sleigh, and a stop by the Reindeer Pen. Gather around the fire pit, enjoy festive activities, and take part in holiday-themed contests inside Agricultural Building #2. For details on weekly attractions and programming, select a week below.
*Schedules are subject to change. Please check back regularly for updates.
| November 14: Grinchmas |
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Get ready for a little holiday mischief at Grinchmas! Enjoy festive meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, interactive workshops, magical entertainment, lively performances, and a mini holiday parade. Keep your eyes peeled for the Grinch as he roams around stirring up trouble and spreading a little Whoville-style cheer. There’s festive fun for the whole family around every corner!
Grinchmas Schedule
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Meet and Greet with Santa (line closes at 7:30 p.m. sharp)
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Meet and Greet with Mrs. Claus
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Community Performer: Joey Than
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Event Partner Activations
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Post Office Booth: Stop by the Post Office Booth and write your letter to Santa!
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Featured Workshop: The Grinch Who Stole...What? Create a mischievous Grinch character and bring their latest holiday heist to life through art.
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Strolling Performance: The Grinch is on the loose! Snap a photo and see what trouble he's stirring up.
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Featured Workshop: The Grinch Who Stole...What? Create a mischievous Grinch character and bring their latest holiday heist to life through art.
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Community Performer: Macleod landing
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Featured Entertainment: Experience Spencer Scurr’s interactive magic and holiday wonder!
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Community Performer: Macleod landing
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Featured Entertainment: Experience Spencer Scurr’s interactive magic and holiday wonder!
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*Please note: Spots for featured workshops are limited. Attendees interested can register inside the Agricultural Building #2 on event day.
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| November 21: Frosty Festivities |
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Celebrate the magic of the season at Frosty Festivities! Enjoy winter-inspired activities, festive entertainment, creative workshops, and special holiday moments with Santa and Mrs. Claus. From enchanting performances to cozy fireside fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this winter wonderland celebration.
Frosty Festivities Schedule
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Meet and Greet with Santa (line closes at 7:30 p.m. sharp)
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Meet and Greet with Mrs. Claus
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Event Partner Activations
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Post Office Booth: Stop by the Post Office Booth and write your letter to Santa!
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Featured Workshop: A Snow Adventure! Bring a snowy adventure to life by designing your own winter characters, animals, homes, and magical discoveries.
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Strolling Performance: TBC
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Featured Workshop: A Snow Adventure! Bring a snowy adventure to life by designing your own winter characters, animals, homes, and magical discoveries.
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Featured Entertainment: Be enchanted by Bex in Motion's festive blend of movement, artistry, and holiday wonder.
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Featured Entertainment: Be enchanted by Bex in Motion's festive blend of movement, artistry, and holiday wonder.
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*Please note: Spots for featured workshops are limited. Attendees interested can register inside the Agricultural Building #2 on event day. |
| November 28: Penguin Polar Party |
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Waddle into winter fun at the Penguin Polar Party! Enjoy festive activities, exciting entertainment, creative workshops, and magical holiday moments for the whole family. With plenty of frosty fun and seasonal cheer, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Penguin Polar Party Schedule
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Meet and Greet with Santa (line closes at 7:30 p.m. sharp)
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Meet and Greet with Mrs. Claus
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Event Partner Activations
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Post Office Booth: Stop by the Post Office Booth and write your letter to Santa!
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Featured Workshop: Design a Penguin Party! Dress up your penguin for a winter celebration with colourful outfits, wacky accessories and plenty of personality.
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Strolling Performance: TBC
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Featured Workshop: Design a Penguin Party! Dress up your penguin for a winter celebration with colourful outfits, wacky accessories and plenty of personality.
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Community Performer: Chorus York
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Featured Entertainment: Scarlett BlackRock the holidays with Steve Goodtime's action-packed mix of circus thrills, comedy and festive fun!
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Mini Holiday Parade led by Stars United
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*Please note: Spots for featured workshops are limited. Attendees interested can register inside the Agricultural Building #2 on event day.
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| December 5: Gingerbread Lane |
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Step into the sweet magic of Gingerbread Lane! Celebrate the holiday season with festive activities, creative workshops, enchanting entertainment, and joyful moments for the whole family. From holiday fun to sweet seasonal surprises, there’s something magical waiting around every corner!
Gingerbread Lane Schedule
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Meet and Greet with Santa (line closes at 7:30 p.m. sharp)
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Meet and Greet with Mrs. Claus
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Event Partner Activations
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Post Office Booth: Stop by the Post Office Booth and write your letter to Santa!
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Featured Workshop: Build a Gingerbread World
Rather than making identical gingerbread houses, each child designs their own building for a magical Gingerbread Lane—a bakery, toy shop, candy store, home or anything they imagine
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Strolling Performance: TBC
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Community Performer: Matthew Giordano
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Featured Entertainment: Experience the wonder of Scarlet Black, captivating audiences with stunning glow and flow artistry.
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Mini Holiday Parade led by: TBC
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Community Performer: Matthew Giordano
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Featured Entertainment: Experience the wonder of Scarlet Black, captivating audiences with stunning glow and flow artistry.
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*Please note: Spots for featured workshops are limited. Attendees interested can register inside the Agricultural Building #2 on event day.
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| December 12: Reindeer Round Up |
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Giddy up for holiday fun at the Reindeer Round Up! Enjoy festive activities, lively entertainment, creative workshops, and magical holiday moments for the whole family. With seasonal surprises and plenty of Christmas cheer, it’s time to gather your loved ones and celebrate the magic of the holidays.
Reindeer Round Up Schedule
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Meet and Greet with Santa (line closes at 7:30 p.m. sharp)
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Meet and Greet with Mrs. Claus
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Event Partner Activations
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Featured Workshop: Meet My Reindeer! Dream up Santa’s newest helper by giving your reindeer a name, character and magical holiday skill.
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Strolling Performance: TBC
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Featured Workshop: Meet My Reindeer! Dream up Santa’s newest helper by giving your reindeer a name, character and magical holiday skill.
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Featured Entertainment: Be amazed by Bella Magic’s enchanting blend of magic, juggling and whimsical family fun.
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Featured Entertainment: Be amazed by Bella Magic’s enchanting blend of magic, juggling and whimsical family fun.
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*Please note: Spots for featured workshops are limited. Attendees interested can register inside the Agricultural Building #2 on event day.
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| Artisans, Community Holiday Displays and Vendors |
| Browse and shop handcrafted goods, festive displays and one-of-a-kind finds from our marketplace vendors each week. Vendor participation and availability change weekly, making every visit a unique experience.
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| Artists' Co-Op Richmond Hill |
Located inside the historic Boynton House, step into the Holiday Art Gallery and Shop and immerse yourself in a world of artistic ingenuity and expertise.
The Artists' Co-Op Richmond Hill will showcase the diverse talents and creativity of Richmond Hill's rich artistic community. The showcase features beautifully crafted woodturning, cozy knitwear, exquisite pottery, dazzling jewellery, fused glass wonders, captivating textiles and awe-inspiring fine art.
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| Additional Contests and Draws |
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Donation Draw in support of the Richmond Hill Food Bank
Drop off a non-perishable food item at the Information Booth in support of the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank for a chance to win a holiday prize pack!
*One entry per person per week. One winner will be selected at random on December 13.
Spot Rita, the Richmond Hill Elf
Explore Richmond Green Park to see if you can spot Rita, the Richmond Hill elf, hiding throughout the Merry Marketplace. Drop into the Agriculture Building #2 to pick up your entry form.
*One Entry per person/per week. One winner will be chosen weekly to receive a prize pack.
Theme Contest
Details TBC
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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What is the cost of admission?
Admission to the event is free. Fees will apply for any vendor purchases.
There are various public parking lots throughout the venue for parking. Parking attendants are on-site to help direct traffic through the parking lots.
Can I bring my dog to the site?
Yes, Pets are welcome on the Richmond Green Park grounds. Please refrain from bringing pets into the food and beverage area.
Does the event close due to inclement weather?
The event continues rain, snow or shine. In case of extreme inclement weather where safety is of concern, updates will be made accordingly on this webpage and Twitter @myRichmondHill
No, there is no ATM on site.
Where is the main entrance located?
The main entrance is located at the start of the north walkway of the park just southeast of the Richmond Green Sport Centre.
Yes, we will be accepting and mailing letters to the North Pole. There is also a Santa Letter station inside the Agricultural Building #2 if you wish to write your letter at the event! Cutoff date: December 5 at 8 p.m.
Is this an indoor or outdoor event?
Most of the event offerings will be outdoors and visitors are encouraged to dress according to the weather. However, weekly contests and activities will be located inside the Agricultural Building #2 and the Artists Co-op Richmond Hill will be inside the Boynton House.
How can I request an accessible parking accommodation?
There are a number of accessible parking spaces available at Richmond Green Park. Any additional accommodations should be requested 24 hours prior to the event by emailing events@richmondhill.ca.
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Photo Gallery: Merry Marketplace will appear here on the public site.
Thank you to our 2026 Partners:
Presenting Partner
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| Series Partners |
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Is your business interested in being a part of the Richmond Hill Events as a Partner? Visit our Partnerships and Advertising page for more information.
Stay up-to-date on Richmond Hill Festivals and Events!
See what other events we have planned at RichmondHill.ca/EventServices.
