Ontario has an authentic Scandinavian holiday market at a family-run farm and it all began as a childhood dream
Some claim the most festive Christmas markets exist in wintry Finland. But being in Ontario, there is no need to leave the country to experience an authentic Scandinavian holiday market. A slice of yuletide Finland exists at Niemi Family Farm in Mount Albert, an hour north of Toronto.
As a country, Finland wears its passion for Christmas proudly on its sleeve. Disputing global opinion that Santa resides at the North Pole, the Finns believe their country to be St. Nick’s official residence. The Arctic town of Rovaniemi, deep in Lapland, proudly declares itself the official home of Santa.
Little wonder that Marjo Niemi, the Finnish-born owner of Niemi Family Farm, should deeply love the holiday season.
“My Christmases growing up in Finland were magical. I love the season and its traditions,” she says, the passion evident in her voice. “The peacefulness of candles and a fire, the food — all of it.”
And the Christmases Marjo knew growing up come alive again at their family farm’s annual Christmas Market, which is now open on Fridays and Saturdays until Dec. 20. Marjo — the self-described “mother of the farm” — ensures the experience is so enchanting that only those with a heart of ice could fail to be captivated by the festive ambience.
Niemi Family Farm, like its Christmas event, is the result of Marjo’s dreams and passions.
Marjo was raised on a farm in Finland with 13 siblings. When her parents gave her a small plot of land on which to start her own vegetable garden she was hooked, and she promised herself that one day she would have her own farm.
Marjo moved to Canada, married fellow Finlander Peter, and kept herself busy raising 10 children. The farm dream was put aside, but never forgotten. Then, in 2004, Marjo and Peter purchased a 25-acre farm in Mount Albert where they grew vegetables, fruit, Christmas trees, and flowers. Marjo’s dream was realized.
In recent years, Niemi Family Farms entered the growing agri-tourism industry by hosting public events between the rhythms of the farming season — Mother’s and Father’s Day Festivals, Monarch Release Festival, and the autumn East Gwillimbury Farm to Fork Tour, among others.
But the event that is closest to Marjo’s heart is the Christmas Market.
“It was a dream of mine to have an authentic Scandinavian market,” she explains. “That dream came true in 2018, and it has grown bigger and better every year.”
This year, the farm’s Christmas Market is divided into two zones, one free and the other with an entrance fee.
Christmas Market
Free is the market itself — both outdoor in traditional wooden stalls draped in greenery and indoors out of the elements — where you can browse the offerings of more than 60 local vendors selling unique artisanal items, perfect for gift giving.
Ward off the chill with holiday-themed drinks like hot chocolate, an apple cider that Marjo swears is the best in Canada (don’t even try to pry the recipe from Marjo; it’s a closely guarded secret), and glogi, a delightful warmed Finnish drink that is like mulled wine but non-alcoholic. The Soup Kitchen provides a heartier way to chase away the cold, with soups made on-site from vegetables grown in fields not far away.
The Christmas Market has more than 60 local vendors selling unique artisanal items.
Follow your nose to the bakery and its assortment of cookies, gingersnaps, and other sweets. You must try pulla, Marjo’s specialty. A Finnish braided holiday sweet bread, it that smells as heavenly as it tastes. “We bake everything ourselves — if you’re looking for me, I’m in the kitchen where I spend my days,” Marjo says.
There are yet more shopping experiences. Those with a sweet tooth will want to visit CandyLand, with its shelves lined by specialty sweets and chocolates from both Europe and North America. The Scandinavian Store is filled with tastes of Finland, and the Gnome Shop is filled to overflowing with Christmas tree ornaments and decor, gift items, maple syrup, and local honey.
If you’re not careful, you’ll leave Niemi’s with a Santa sack full of purchases.
Gnome Ville
For an even more festive experience, purchase a ticket and follow a beautifully lit trail to Gnome Ville, the second market experience.
Here, admission is $29.99 for adults, $19.99 for children (2-12) and seniors, infants enter free. A family pass (two adults, two children) is $79.99.
The Gnome Ville name is a nod to Marjo’s upbringing. “Gnomes play an important role in Finnish culture so it wouldn’t be an authentic experience if we didn’t include them,” she explains.
Gnomes — tonttu as they are known in Finland — are deeply rooted in Finnish folklore, spirits of the home and the natural world. Over time, once Finland embraced the idea of Santa Claus, they have come to be associated with Santa’s elves.
While visiting Niemi Family Farm, you can explore a secret forest.
Admission grants access to a wide range of family-friendly activities. Ride the farm’s Christmas Train, which takes you around the farm while playing the Christmas Story; explore a secret forest where the tontuu reside; take photos at any number of festive vignettes; head over to the workshop to enjoy a visit with merry Santa Claus; and decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus. A story time at the top of each hour features traditional Scandinavian Christmas stories that will entertain young and old alike.
Barnyard animals played a prominent role in a traditional Finnish Christmas. Farmers gave their livestock gifts, both in gratitude for what they provide and to appease Joulupukki, the frightening “Christmas Goat.” As such, it’s fitting that the experience at Niemi’s Family Farm includes barnyard animals — sheep, goats, and bunnies — for you to visit.
There are crackling bonfires spread around Gnome Ville.
There are also crackling bonfires spread around Gnome Ville that can be booked online in advance. While seated on stumps covered in felt for comfort, roasting a s’more or two, relive cherished holiday memories, and sing joyful carols.
Don’t leave Niemi’s without selecting the perfect Christmas tree upon which to hang sparkling lights and dazzling ornaments. The farm has a huge selection of pre-cut trees to choose from.
Marjo is proud to have fulfilled her dream of creating an authentic Scandinavian Christmas Market here in Ontario. With snow crunching underfoot and fat flakes falling to the ground, you’d be excused for believing you had somehow been transported to Finland.
Niemi Family Farm is truly wrapped in holiday cheer this time of year. Hitch up the team and point your sleigh for Mount Albert to find your Christmas spirit.
