Caribbean Christmas Village - in Little Jamaica
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto Launches First-Ever Caribbean Christmas Village in Little Jamaica
A Six-Day Cultural Celebration of Island Food, Holiday Vendors, Music, and Family Activities
Location: Fairbank LRT Station Plaza — Eglinton Ave West & Dufferin Street
Dates: Friday, December 19 to Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Toronto, ON — This holiday season, Little Jamaica will come alive with the first-ever Caribbean Christmas Village, a six-day celebration of Caribbean culture, food, music, and holiday shopping — set to transform the NEW Fairbank LRT Station Plaza into a vibrant winter marketplace. Tiny wooden vendor cabins and touches of the Caribbean will add to the ambience of this exciting new space.
Running December 19–24, the Caribbean Christmas Village is a new cultural highlight for the city, created by community advocate and cultural producer Lori Beazer. This high-impact event brings together local vendors, artists, culinary talent, and families to celebrate the spirit of the islands right in the heart of Eglinton West.
The event’s vendor marketplace will feature holiday-ready gifts from Black and Caribbean makers — including books, candles, artisan crafts, beauty and wellness products, and unique stocking stuffers for last-minute shoppers.
A major attraction will be the Taste the Caribbean Food Sampling Hub, where visitors can enjoy a rotating menu of traditional island dishes, this is first come first served. The sampling hub will feature::
Pepperpot Soup
Haitian Soup Joumou
Caribbean Cornmeal Porridge
Rum Cake
Opening Night Feature: Caribbean “Cocoa Tea”
The Village also brings star power to Little Jamaica with a special guest appearance by “Kente Claus” — a Caribbean-inspired holiday icon bringing joy, storytelling, and festive cheer.
Opening Night, Friday December 19, titled “Light Up Little Jamaica,” runs from 6pm to 10pm and features a powerhouse live performance by Nichelle Bernard. During the week reggae musicians and steel pan artists who will keep the plaza glowing with Caribbean rhythm and warmth.
On Sunday, December 21, Toronto arts organization ArtStarts will lead the Children’s Charm Making Workshop for Culture & Family Day, where kids can decorate pre-cut holiday charm shapes using paint markers. Finished charms can be used as backpack accessories, keychains, tags for lunch bags, or festive ornaments.
Also on Christmas Eve, the Caribbean Christmas Village will host Toronto’s first “Caribbean Christmas Gingerbread House Competition” competitors will be judged on creativity and originality.
Following Opening Night, the Village hours are:
Saturday, December 20 to Tuesday, December 23: 11am–8pm
Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve): 11am–5pm
Beyond being a festive attraction, the Caribbean Christmas Village plays a vital role in revitalizing Little Jamaica after years of LRT construction impact. By drawing Toronto residents and visitors back to the neighbourhood, the Village boosts foot traffic, uplifts small businesses, and celebrates the rich Caribbean heritage that defines Eglinton West.
“Little Jamaica deserves celebration, investment, and joy,” says organizer Lori Beazer. “This Village brings back what makes this neighbourhood special — community, culture, food, music, and pride.”
The Caribbean Christmas Village promises to be a standout holiday experience — a cultural gift to Toronto and a milestone moment for Little Jamaica.
We are still looking for musical artists to help us animate the town square, so please reach out to us!
Media Contact:
Lori Beazer
416 454-3848