The Ritz-Carlton Toronto Holiday Market Returns in 2026 With Free Admission
The Ritz-Carlton Toronto Holiday Market returns to EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace from November 5 to December 30, 2026. Admission is free, with food, drinks and gifts available to purchase.
The open-air pop-up takes its cue from European holiday markets, pairing local makers with seasonal food and photo spots. A giant snow globe, Santa visits and evening shopping give downtown Toronto another option for the holiday season.
You can stop in for a quick browse or pair the market with dinner nearby. The hours and reservation rules, however, are worth checking before you go.
Ritz-Carlton holiday market 2026: Quick details
| Dates | November 5–December 30, 2026 |
| Hours | Monday–Saturday, 4–10 p.m.; Sunday, noon–5 p.m. |
| Where | EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace, The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto |
| Address | 181 Wellington Street West, Toronto |
| Admission | Free; food, drinks, gifts and select activities cost extra |
| Entry | Reservations recommended; walk-ins subject to space |
| All ages | Yes; Santa visits on select Sundays |
A holiday market on EPOCH’s winter patio
EPOCH is turning its winter patio into a shopping-and-snacking spot with local artisans and specialty vendors. Visitors can browse gifts and seasonal goods alongside holiday lights and decorative displays.
This is a hotel terrace market rather than a sprawling street festival. It works well as one stop on an evening downtown, although space and seating are different from a regular restaurant visit.
The official event page does not list every participating vendor. If you are shopping for a specific maker, check closer to your visit rather than counting on a particular stall.
What to know about the holiday food and drinks
The market will offer seasonal savoury bites, sweets and drinks for purchase. EPOCH says it has a dedicated market menu, but its official holiday page does not yet provide a complete dish list or individual prices.
That distinction matters if you are planning dinner. Market visitors cannot order from the full EPOCH restaurant menu without making a separate restaurant reservation.
Free entry also does not include food, beverages or gifts. You can spend time browsing without buying anything, then choose what to order once you see the stalls.
Santa Sundays and a giant snow globe
The market welcomes families, and EPOCH lists Santa visits on Sundays from November 29 through December 20, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Those visits fall within the market’s shorter Sunday hours of noon to 5 p.m. Anyone going specifically to see Santa should check the schedule again before heading out.
There is also a giant snow globe for photos. If you want a group picture or are visiting with younger children, allow a little extra time rather than planning a rushed stop.
Do you need to reserve a spot?
Walk-ins are welcome when capacity allows. Still, EPOCH recommends making a reservation for busier periods, and its official page says reservations guarantee entry.
A reservation does not guarantee a seat. The terrace is set up mainly for browsing, with limited seating and gathering space. Standing areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can check availability and book through EPOCH’s official Holiday Market page. For weekend plans or larger groups, checking ahead is easier than arriving without a plan.
Practical tips before visiting
The market takes place outside, so dress for Toronto’s late-fall and winter weather. A warm coat is still a good idea, even if you are stopping by for a short visit.
Coat check is available at EPOCH’s entrance. The hotel also offers valet parking at its prevailing rates, but that is a separate expense.
Outside food and beverages are not permitted. Keep in mind that the market follows its own opening hours, which differ from EPOCH’s regular restaurant hours.
Because seating is limited, this is better suited to a browse-and-snack visit than a guaranteed sit-down meal. Anyone hoping for a full dinner should book a restaurant table separately.
More holiday events at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto
The hotel has other seasonal plans beyond the terrace. EPOCH is offering festive afternoon tea, and the hotel’s media announcement also mentions a Toy & Tea event.
TOCA has Christmas dining and New Year’s options, while LANO is planning gingerbread decorating. New Year’s Eve events are also listed for EPOCH, TOCA and LANO.
These are separate activities with their own schedules and booking details. Check The Ritz-Carlton’s seasonal events page before making plans, particularly for dining or ticketed activities.
For a casual visit, try a weekday evening to browse the stalls or a Sunday afternoon if Santa is the main draw. If your plans depend on a specific time, make a reservation and confirm the market schedule before heading to Wellington Street West.
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