Step into a winter wonderland and join us at our fourth annual Merry Marketplace. The spirit of the holiday season will come alive under the twinkle of thousands of lights, which will illuminate daily until 10 p.m.
Discover the perfect gift from one of our many artisan vendors, cozy up by the fire and grab some food or a warm beverage and create memories with friends, families, and loved ones. Of course, no holiday experience would be complete without a meet and greet with Santa Claus! Santa is excited to greet you each Saturday night from 4 - 8 p.m. (lineup will close at 7:30 p.m. sharp) so don't forget to bring your cell phone to capture your Santa selfie!
We are also collecting non-perishable food at the Information Booth (located near the entrance) in support of the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank. When dropping off your food donation, be sure to fill out a ballot for your chance to win a prize pack. *1 entry per donation, per week * Five winners will be selected after December 13. Prizes include a one of a kind prize made by a local Richmond Hill artisan, made possible by the Artist Co-op.
Dates: Saturday, November 15, 22 & 29, December 6, 13
Time: 4 – 8 p.m.
Event Details
| Weekly Schedule |
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Each week will include a number of free photo opportunities from Santa and Mrs. Claus to Santa’s Sleigh and the Reindeer Pen. Make sure to stay warm by the fire pit, visit the Agricultural Building #2 for fun activities and contests! For detailed weekly schedules, please click through each week below.
*Schedules are subject to change. Please check back regularly for updates.
*All activities and contests are on a first-come, first-serve basis as supplies are limited.
| November 15: Reindeer Games |
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Get ready to prance, play, and be merry and enjoy the Richmond Hill Reindeer Games. Visitors of all ages are invited to embrace the festive spirit with fun-filled activities and whimsical charm. Don your finest reindeer antlers and join the holiday cheer as Trulee Odd dazzles the crowd with his high-energy juggling performance. It’s a celebration of laughter, light, and lively entertainment you won’t want to miss!
Reindeer Games Schedule
| Time | Details |
|---|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Meet and Greet with Santa (line closes at 7:30 p.m. sharp) |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Meet and Greet with Mrs. Claus
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Community Performer: Joey Than
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Fire Pit Warming Station |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Event Partner Activations |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Featured Offering: Inflatable Winter Maze |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Drop-In Arts and Crafts (Letters to Santa) - Inside the Agricultural Building #2
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Featured Craft: Reindeer Christmas Ornaments! Inside the Agricultural Building #2
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Featured Contest: Reindeer Games – Pin the Nose - Inside the Agricultural Building #2
|
| 5 – 8 p.m. |
Strolling Performance: Winter LED Performer |
| Main Stage |
| 4:15 - 4:45 p.m. |
Community Performer: Kendall Lily
|
| 5 – 5:30 p.m. |
Featured Entertainment: Trulee Odd
|
| 6 – 6:30 p.m. |
Mini Holiday Parade Led by York Mills Collegiate Institute Band and Stars United Baton and Dance |
| 6:30 – 7 p.m. |
Community Performer: Kendall Lily |
| 7 – 7:30 p.m. |
Featured Entertainment: Trulee Odd |
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| November 22: Grinchmas |
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Who says the Grinch can’t party? Week Two of Richmond Hill’s Merry Marketplace brings the mischievous magic of Grinchmas! Come meet the Grinch himself as he roams the market with his signature sass and holiday spirit. Adding to the festive fun, the hilarious Funny Waiter returns—this time as the majestic Candy Cane King, delivering sweet laughs and royal charm.
Grinchmas Schedule
| Time | Details |
|---|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Meet and Greet with Santa (line closes at 7:30 p.m. sharp) |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Meet and Greet with Mrs. Claus
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Community Performer: Joey Than
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Fire Pit Warming Station |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Event Partner Activations |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Featured Offering: Step into an inflatable Winter Snow Globe & test out the Naughty or Nice Striker |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Drop-In Arts and Crafts (Letters to Santa) - Inside the Agricultural Building #2
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Featured Craft: Grinchy Creations (Decorate Your Grinch) - Inside the Agricultural Building #2
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Featured Contest: Candy Cane Collector - Inside the Agricultural Building #2
|
| 5 – 8 p.m. |
Strolling Performance: The Mean One - Mr.Grinch and Cindy Lou Who |
| Main Stage |
| 4:15 - 4:45 p.m. |
Community Performer: Chorus York - Choir Performance
|
| 5 – 5:30 p.m. |
Featured Entertainment: Funny Waiter, Candy Cane King
|
| 6 – 6:30 p.m. |
Mini Holiday Parade Led by Macleod's Landing Public School |
| 6:30 – 7 p.m. |
Community Performer: Chorus York - Choir Performance |
| 7:15– 7:45 p.m. |
Featured Entertainment: Funny Waiter, Candy Cane King |
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| November 29: Frosty The Snowman |
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Bundle up and embrace the chill—Week Three of Richmond Hill’s Merry Marketplace brings the frosty magic of Frosty the Snowman! Keep your eyes peeled for the enchanting Jack Frost as he strolls through the market, spreading winter wonder and icy charm. Visitors are encouraged to dress in frosty-themed attire—think snowflakes, sparkles, and cool blues—to join in the seasonal fun. It’s a snow-sational celebration you won’t want to miss!
Snowman Schedule
| Time | Details |
|---|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Meet and Greet with Santa (line closes at 7:30 p.m. sharp) |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Meet and Greet with Mrs. Claus
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Community Performer: Joey Than
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Fire Pit Warming Station |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Event Partner Activations |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Featured Offering: Polar Plunge Slide |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Drop-In Arts and Crafts (Letters to Santa) - Inside the Agricultural Building #2
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Featured Craft: Chilly Creations: Build your own Snowman - Inside the Agricultural Building #2
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Featured Contest: Snowball Toss - Inside the Agricultural Building #2
|
| 5 – 8 p.m. |
Strolling Performance: The Frost Man - Jack Frost |
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Main Stage
|
| 4:15 - 4:45 p.m. |
Community Performer: Kendra Gabriel
|
| 5 – 5:30 p.m. |
Featured Entertainment: Spencer Scurr, Juggler
|
| 6 – 6:30 p.m. |
Mini Holiday Parade led by 778 Banshee Squadron followed by the Official Welcome |
| 6:30 – 7 p.m. |
Community Performer: Kendra Gabriel |
| 7– 7:30 p.m. |
Featured Entertainment: Spencer Scurr, Juggler |
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| December 6: Santa's Village |
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Step into the magic of Santa’s Village during Week Four of Richmond Hill’s Merry Marketplace! The festive fun continues with a towering Toy Soldier on stilts, delighting guests as he strolls through the market with holiday cheer. On stage, get ready for a lively performance by the one and only Steve Goodtime, bringing music, laughs, and unforgettable energy to the celebration.
Santa's Village Schedule
| Time | Details |
|---|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Meet and Greet with Santa (line closes at 7:30 p.m. sharp) |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Meet and Greet with Mrs. Claus
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Community Performer: Toby Ho
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Fire Pit Warming Station |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Event Partner Activations |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Featured Offering: Take a ride on the Holiday Train! |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Drop-In Arts and Crafts (Letters to Santa) - Inside the Agricultural Building #2
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Featured Craft: Cotton Claus - Build Santa's Beard - Inside the Agricultural Building #2
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Featured Contest: The Jolly Old Toss - Inside the Agricultural Building #2
|
| 5 – 8 p.m. |
Strolling Performance: Major Merry - The Toy Solider |
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Main Stage
|
| 4:15 - 4:45 p.m. |
Community Performer: Matthew Giordano
|
| 5 – 5:30 p.m. |
Featured Entertainment: Steve Goodtime
|
| 6 – 6:30 p.m. |
Mini Holiday Parade led by 778 Banshee Squadron and 883 Air Commodore Leonard Birchall RCACS |
| 6:30 – 7 p.m. |
Community Performer: Matthew Giordano |
| 7:15– 7:45 p.m. |
Featured Entertainment: Steve Goodtime |
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| December 13: Gingerbread House |
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We’re wrapping up Richmond Hill’s Merry Marketplace with a sweet celebration—Gingerbread House is the theme for our grand finale in Week Five! Delight in the whimsical charm of strolling gingerbread characters and enjoy the mesmerizing entertainment from Scarlet Black, bringing high-energy performances that will dazzle and delight. It’s the perfect way to end the season—festive, fun, and full of flavour!
Gingerbread House Schedule
| Time | Details |
|---|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Meet and Greet with Santa (line closes at 7:30 p.m. sharp) |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Meet and Greet with Mrs. Claus
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Community Performer: Toby Ho
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Fire Pit Warming Station |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Event Partner Activations |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Featured Offering: Pose with our Gingerbread statues |
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Drop-In Arts and Crafts (Letters to Santa) - Inside the Agricultural Building #2
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Featured Craft: Gingerbread Creations - Decorate Your Gingerbread friend - Inside the Agricultural Building #2
|
| 4 – 8 p.m. |
Featured Contest: Sweet Toss Showdown - Inside the Agricultural Building #2
|
| 5 – 8 p.m. |
Strolling Performance: Gingerboy |
|
Main Stage
|
| 5 – 5:30 p.m. |
Featured Entertainment: Scarlet Black – Gingerbread Circus Show
|
| 6 – 6:30 p.m. |
Mini Holiday Parade Led by the Toronto Signals Band |
| 6:30 – 7 p.m. |
Community Performer: Moraine Hill P.S. |
| 7:15– 7:45 p.m. |
Featured Entertainment: Scarlet Black – Gingerbread Circus Show |
|
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| Vendors, Artisans and Community Holiday Displays |
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Artisans, Vendors and Community Holiday Displays
Over the span of five consecutive Saturday's, enjoy visiting the many artisans, vendors and community booth displays onsite! Participants will vary each week.
Food and Beverage Vendors
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Artists' Co-Op Richmond Hill
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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.
Each week from 5 - 7 p.m. be sure to stop by and checkout a different live demonstration every week from various artists:
- Karen Pasieka: Polymer Clay (November 15)
- Wendy Emery: Fused Glass (November 22)
- Michelle Zikovitz: Basketry (November 29)
- Laurel Shugarman: Precious Metal Bronze Clay (December 6)
- Elena Molev: Wool Felting and Victor Molev: Drawing and Painting (December 13)
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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. Five winners 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 Agriculture Building #2 to pick up your entry form. *One Entry per person/per week. Five winners will be selected at random on December 13.
Theme Wear Contest
Help us enhance and celebrate Merry Marketplace each week by coming dressed in a costume or apparel that matches our weekly theme! Drop into Agriculture Building #2 to pick up your ballot for a chance to win.*Five winners will be selected overall on December 13 at random.
- Reindeer Games (November 15): Dashing through the holiday – show us your best reindeer costume! Hint: Arrive early for your chance to earn your extra antlers...
- Grinchmas (November 22): Dress up as the Grinch and show us your mean, green side!
- Frosty The Snowman (November 29): Bundle up and bring the chill—show off your frosty flair in your all white attire!
- Santa’s Village (December 6): Bring your joy, jolly beard – show off your best Santa Claus look!
- Gingerbread House (December 13): Spice up the season – show off your sweet style in your brown/white/colourful bows!
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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.
Where can I park?
- 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 X (formerly Twitter) @myRichmondHill
Is there an ATM on-site?
- 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.
Can I bring my letter to Santa?
- 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!
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 2025 Partners:
Presenting Partner
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See what other events we have planned at RichmondHill.ca/EventServices.
