Cold snap not keeping Ottawa residents away from Christmas markets

Hundreds flock to Lansdowne Christmas Market The Ottawa Christmas market at Lansdowne is busy with people searching for unique holiday treats. CTV’s Kimberley Johnson reports.

The final weekend before Christmas means it's a busy time at Ottawa's Christmas Market in Lansdowne.

"We are here for the toasted marshmallow coffees and hot chocolates," said Brittany Krouse, who's spending the day at the market with her family.

In its fifth week, the market has people coming out enjoy to warm drinks in cold weather. The first day of winter is expected to be the coldest of the holiday season so far, with temperatures feeling like -24 with windchill.

Le Cheesecake Bar's booth has been busy since their foamy hot chocolate drinks went viral online.

"We've had line ups every weekend," said Micheline Karam. "It has been phenomenal."

Just days left until Christmas, the market can be a big one for the more than 50 venders who set up shop both inside and outside the Aberdeen Pavilion.

Meg Egerton owns Meg's Pottering. She says the last five weeks are important for her business.

"I would say this season accounts for almost 40 per cent of my business," said Egerton. "So, it's a big deal."

After eight years, she says it goes beyond that now.

"It's always really special to me when someone comes along and says, this is part of my Christmas tradition coming down here and getting an ornament from you or picking up a mug."

Andrew Bottiglin and Emma Jorge say it's their third year coming to the market.

"We always like to do some Christmas shopping, enjoy the treats and get some treats for the dogs," said Bottiglin. "It's a great tradition."

"It seems like it's growing every year," said Jorge.

Caner Hamdullhpur with Barkley's Apple Orchard, located in Morrisburg, has set up their booth for the last six years.

"It's been really cold, so we're expected to sell our hot apple cider today – 1,000 cups," said Hamdullhpur.

He says anyone can expand your customer base on days like this.

"The fun thing about it is you're being social, you're getting to know all the people, they are getting to know you, too," he said.

The market will be on until Sunday but will return for an extended season starting on Dec. 26 to Jan 5.