As December edges closer and frost begins to trace its art on our windows, the region’s coziest shopping tradition quietly returns: holiday markets hosted by local schools.
From Barrie to Innisfil, Oro to Orillia, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is alive with the spirit of giving — and creating. These markets aren’t just events; they’re fundraisers powered by students, teachers, parent councils, and volunteers who turn hallways into holiday wonderlands. With handmade crafts, student-baked goodies, artisan vendors, and festive music, these pop-ups bring community and cheer under one gymnasium roof.
So skip the mall and support your neighbourhood instead. Here’s your guide to Barrie school holiday markets 2025 and the surrounding area.
Barrie School Holiday Markets 2025
Barrie’s public schools are pulling out all the stops this year. Whether you’re in the east end, west end, or downtown core, there’s a festive fundraiser near you.
West Bayfield Elementary School
📅 Dec. 17 | 🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
This late-season event is great for last-minute gifts and student entertainment.
Bear Creek Secondary School
📅 Nov. 15 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The west-side holiday staple, known for student vendors, music, and raffles.
Cundles Heights Public School
📅 Nov. 15 | 🕘 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
A north-end gem featuring handmade ornaments, prize draws, and books.
Mapleview Heights Elementary School
📅 Nov. 22 | 🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Excellent baked goods and sweet gift bags for teachers, coworkers, or neighbours.
Portage View Public School
📅 Nov. 28 | 🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Evening market with local artisans, live music, and a cozy indoor atmosphere.
Andrew Hunter Elementary School
📅 Dec. 6 | 🕑 2:00 PM
Midtown Barrie brings out holiday crafts and warm apple cider — don’t miss the kids’ art section!
Algonquin Ridge Elementary School
📅 Dec. 11 | 🕓 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Known for sustainable, student-made gifts and cheerful caroling.
What You’ll Find at These Markets
Each school event is unique, but you can expect to see:
🧁 Baked goods made by students and parents
🎨 Handcrafted gifts and ornaments
🧦 Knitted winter accessories
📚 Used books, teacher gifts, and more
🎟️ Raffles and Penny Tables
🎶 Holiday music performed by students
Innisfil & Alcona Markets
Down in Innisfil, community warmth and school pride shine through these well-loved seasonal markets.
Nantyr Shores Secondary School
📅 Nov. 22 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Great for holiday jewelry, candles, and hand-sewn winter accessories.
Alcona Glen Elementary School
📅 Dec. 2 | 🕔 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Grab-and-go gifts, teacher thank-yous, and local crafters in the gym.
Goodfellow Public School
📅 Nov. 29 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Budget-friendly stocking stuffers and an excellent student baking table.
Oro-Medonte & Springwater Markets
The rural charm of Oro-Medonte and Springwater is alive and well in these warm, welcoming events.
Warminster Elementary School
📅 Nov. 22 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Family-friendly with activities, a bake sale, and a Penny Table.
East Oro Public School
📅 Nov. 22 | 🕘 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wide variety of handmade crafts and holiday décor from local vendors.
Orillia School Markets
Orillia’s schools are taking holiday fundraising seriously this year — and inviting the whole town.
Orillia Secondary School
📅 Dec. 6 | 🕘 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
One of the largest student-run markets with dozens of vendors and performances.
Couchiching Heights Public School
📅 Nov. 29 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
From snowman crafts to gift baskets, this one’s packed with festive spirit.
Ramara & Severn Area Markets
Smaller communities, bigger heart — Ramara’s schools know how to deliver cozy charm.
Rama Central Public School (held at Longford Mills Community Centre)
📅 Dec. 6 | 🕘 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
A full-day holiday fair with food, crafts, and a community raffle.
Uptergrove Public School (held at Ramara Centre)
📅 Nov. 15 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Perfect for locally made holiday signs and baked goods.
Cookstown Central’s Holiday Tradition
Cookstown Central Public School
📅 Dec. 4 | 🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
A long-standing community favourite. Expect everything from homemade jams to holiday wreaths, plus a room just for kids’ crafts.
Top Reasons to Visit School Markets This Season
- You enjoy festive community spirit — for free!
- You support local education and school programming
- You get meaningful, handmade gifts
- You help students learn entrepreneurship
Cash or Card? How to Prepare
💵 Many vendors are cash-only
📦 Bring your own shopping bag
🎁 Some schools accept e-transfers for larger purchases
💡 Bring smaller bills and coins for raffle tickets or baked goods
Accessibility & Inclusion Notes
- Most events are held at accessible schools, and many offer:
- Quiet rooms for overstimulation relief (call ahead to confirm)
- Wide walkways
- Accessible entrances
- Stroller- and wheelchair-friendly layouts
Shop Small, Gift Big
From the first sight of construction paper snowflakes to the last sweet bite of sugar cookies, these school holiday markets offer something truly special: community. They’re built by volunteers, powered by students, and loved by families — the perfect blend of shopping and giving.
So this year, skip the big-box lines and support your local school. You’ll leave with your arms full of treasures, and your heart a little fuller too.
Can’t Make It? Here’s How You Can Still Support
🌟 Share the event flyers on social media
🎟️ Buy raffle tickets in advance (some schools sell through parents)
🎁 Donate a prize or gift basket item
🛍️ Order pre-packed gift bags or frozen meals if available
📌 Save this guide
📷 Tag @BarrieUncovered in your event photos
🔁 Share this list with someone you want to attend with
FAQs: Barrie School Holiday Markets 2025
