Updated on Nov 22
Fourth Annual Merry Marketplace Launches
Richmond Hill — The fourth annual Merry Marketplace drew a great turnout today, with crowds of families filling Richmond Green Park. This year’s event felt especially family-friendly, with performers, including a lively Grinch character, engaging enthusiastically with children throughout the day.
Unlike holiday events at Toronto’s Distillery District, the Merry Marketplace is free to attend, removing the worry of entrance fees and the disappointment that sometimes comes with them. Visitors flocked to the magic show, while the Agricultural Building offered a cozy spot for arts and crafts.
The atmosphere had a strong sense of community, with locals mingling and enjoying the festive programming together. While the event had plenty to see and do, some attendees noted that food options were limited compared to larger venues like the Distillery District.
Running weekly until mid-December, the Merry Marketplace continues to offer artisan vendors, themed entertainment, and seasonal activities, making it a highlight of Richmond Hill’s holiday season.
The Merry Marketplace has become one of Richmond Hill’s recurring winter events, drawing families and residents looking for seasonal activities as the holidays approach.
Back to Tradition: What Makes the Merry Marketplace Special
This year marks the fourth annual Merry Marketplace, run by the City of Richmond Hill. The seasonal program operates for five Saturdays — November 15, 22, 29, and December 6 and 13 — from 4 to 8 p.m.
Under a canopy of twinkling lights (which stay on until 10 p.m.), the market features a rotating weekly theme: from “Reindeer Games” to “Grinchmas,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Santa’s Village,” and a “Gingerbread House” finale.
Each weekend offers a lineup of artisan vendors, live performances, and family activities. The Agricultural Building (#2) hosts drop-in crafts, themed contests, and featured crafts each week.
There’s also a cozy fire pit warming station where people can gather and warm up. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are on site every evening, with public meet-and-greet opportunities until about 7:30 p.m.
On the community side, the event also supports the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank: non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at the information booth, and each donation gives you a chance to win a city-supplied prize pack.
Vendors, Crafts & Entertainment
A wide variety of artisans and community booths are featured throughout the Marketplace, from handmade knitwear and pottery to local paramedic services and youth action committees. Inside the historic Boynton House, the Artists’ Co-Op presents a Holiday Art Gallery and Shop, with rotating live demonstrations each week — including fused glass, basketry, and felting.
Weekly entertainment is robust: jugglers, musicians, marching bands, and performances themed to the week keep things lively. There are also photo-ops with inflatables, like a Winter Snow Globe, and themed contests such as “Pin the Nose.”
Food and drinks are available via a handful of vendors — though as noted, the selection isn’t huge. Some of the food options include Churricos, GTA Kettlecorn, Pampa y Patagonia, Snowflake Pretzel, and Tiny Tom Donuts.
A True Community Celebration
What sets Richmond Hill’s Merry Marketplace apart is how grounded it feels in community. There’s no commercialization overshadowing the charm — just a genuine holiday gathering where residents come together. The free admission helps keep it accessible to all, and the mix of local artisans, performers, and family programming reinforces that community spirit.
Looking Ahead: If you missed it today, the weekly events continue every Saturday until mid-December — with themes, crafts, and performances scheduled each week.