Here’s How a Real Local Does St. Lawrence Market in the Winter
As the temperatures drop across the city, navigating St. Lawrence Market in the winter becomes a beloved seasonal tradition for true Torontonians. While summer crowds flock to the outdoor patios, winter is the ultimate time to grab a hot peameal sandwich, shop for holiday dinners, and browse antiques while escaping the freezing winds off Lake Ontario. Whether you are hunting for artisan cheeses or exploring the newly rebuilt North Market, here is your updated 2026 guide to mastering the historic culinary complex like a local.
Editor’s Note: With holiday food shopping peaking in December, weekend mornings at the market can get exceptionally crowded. Therefore, we highly recommend visiting on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings if you want a relaxed experience chatting with the vendors.
Navigating the Market Buildings
The Historic South Market
- Location: 92 to 95 Front Street East, Toronto
- Hours: Tuesday – Friday (9:00 AM – 7:00 PM), Saturday (7:00 AM – 5:00 PM), Sunday (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Closed Mondays.
This iconic, two-level brick building is the beating heart of the complex, housing over 120 specialty vendors, butchers, fishmongers, and bakers. It is your go-to destination for everyday gourmet groceries and winter comfort food.
Tip: Head to the upper level to visit The Market Gallery, housed in the original 1845 Toronto City Hall council chamber, for a free and quiet escape from the cold.
The Brand New North Market
- Location: 125 The Esplanade (across Front Street)
- Farmers’ Market: Saturdays (5:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
- Antique Market: Sundays (9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, except the last Sunday of each month)
Opened in 2025 after a massive $128 million rebuild, this four-storey glass and orange metal structure hosts the legendary Saturday Farmers’ Market where serious cooks arrive at sunrise for the best local winter produce, alongside the famous Sunday antique sales.
Tip: Bring plenty of reusable bags and cash, as some independent antique dealers and small farm stalls prefer cash transactions over cards.
Winter Comfort Food Counters
Carousel Bakery & St. Urbain Bagel
- Location: Upper Level, South Market
When the temperature drops, bypass the generic grocery store and head straight to Carousel Bakery for their world-famous, hot peameal bacon sandwich. Afterwards, grab fresh Montreal-style wood-fired bagels or the viral TikTok “Craigle” (a croissant-bagel hybrid) from St. Urbain.
Tip: Eat your hot sandwich immediately while walking the aisles; the peameal bacon is best enjoyed piping hot right off the griddle.
Scheffler’s Deli & Kozlik’s Canadian Mustard
- Location: Lower and Upper Levels, South Market
Warm up with Scheffler’s hot turkey pepperettes and browse their exceptional counter of imported cheeses. Then, stop by Kozlik’s to sample dozens of handmade mustard varieties, which make perfect host gifts for winter dinner parties.
Tip: Ask the staff at Kozlik’s for recommendations on which mustard pairs best with your specific holiday roast or charcuterie board.
Holiday 2026 Events & Adjusted Hours
Winter Market on Market Street
- Location: Market Street (adjacent to the South Market)
- Dates: Thursday to Sunday (November 20 – December 22, 2026)
Enjoy this festive outdoor event featuring seasonal eats, cozy drinks, and over 75 makers and vintage sellers on weekends. You can also catch free photos with Santa every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Tip: Grab a hot cider from a Market Street vendor to keep your hands warm while browsing the outdoor artisan stalls.
Practical Planning Notes
Driving downtown in the winter is notoriously expensive, but locals utilize a specific parking hack. The City of Toronto Green P parking lot, known as the St. Lawrence Garage (located just south of the market at Lower Jarvis Street and The Esplanade), offers a special rate. On Saturdays between 5:00 AM and 6:00 PM, market shoppers pay just $1.00 per hour for the first two hours, making it the most affordable way to haul your winter groceries home. Note that the market is completely closed on Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26), and New Year’s Day (January 1, 2027).
