CHOCOLATO: The Toronto Chocolate Event Returns
November 22, 2026 | 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga
Highlights: Tastings, speakers, workshops, pairing class, drinking chocolate bar and holiday shopping
Chocolate lovers can mark November 22, 2026 on their calendars as CHOCOLATO: The Toronto Chocolate Event returns for its second year. The one-day celebration takes over the historic Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., bringing together chocolate makers, chocolatiers, artisans and small businesses.
Created for chocolate enthusiasts from across the GTA and beyond, CHOCOLATO combines tasting and shopping with education, speakers, workshops and pairing experiences. Visitors can also discover chocolate-related foods, holiday gifts and products from both local makers and international influences.
A Celebration of Chocolate in All Its Forms
CHOCOLATO is designed to delight both devoted chocolate enthusiasts and casual sweet tooths alike. Throughout the day, guests can browse vendor booths filled with handcrafted chocolate creations, including truffles, pralines, bars, bonbons and unique cocoa-inspired treats.
Many participating vendors are artisan chocolatiers who focus on small-batch production, high-quality ingredients and imaginative flavour pairings. Visitors may encounter everything from classic dark chocolate confections to inventive combinations infused with spices, fruits or unexpected savoury notes.
In addition to traditional chocolate bars and boxed sweets, attendees can expect decadent desserts such as brownies, pastries, chocolate-dipped delights and other imaginative cocoa creations.
Meet Local Makers and Discover Unique Treats
One of the highlights of CHOCOLATO is the opportunity to meet the talented creators behind the treats. Many vendors are passionate small business owners who love sharing their craft and the stories behind their products.
Visitors can learn about different cocoa origins, chocolate-making techniques and the artistry involved in creating handcrafted confections. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to support local makers while discovering new favourite sweets to take home.
Whether you are shopping for holiday gifts, seeking a unique culinary experience or simply treating yourself, the event offers plenty of irresistible options.
Tastings, Workshops and Chocolate Education
CHOCOLATO goes beyond browsing and shopping with a programme focused on tasting and chocolate education. The 2026 event includes speakers, workshops, a pairing class and a drinking chocolate bar, giving visitors several ways to explore chocolate beyond the finished bar or bonbon.
Some Cacao Pod workshops require an additional ticket alongside general admission. Children under 12 are not permitted in these workshops, although families are welcome at the main event.
A Historic Setting by the Lake
The Small Arms Inspection Building provides a unique and atmospheric backdrop for the event. Originally constructed during the Second World War as part of Canada’s wartime manufacturing effort, the building has since been transformed into a vibrant cultural space hosting exhibitions, performances and community events.
Its spacious interior and industrial character create an ideal environment for a lively indoor food event. Located near Mississauga’s waterfront, the venue also makes for a pleasant autumn outing, allowing visitors to enjoy the nearby waterfront before or after indulging in chocolate delights.
A Perfect Outing for Food Lovers
CHOCOLATO offers a relaxed and welcoming environment that appeals to a wide audience. Couples, friends and families can all enjoy the festive atmosphere while sampling sweets and browsing gourmet products.
With the event taking place in late November, CHOCOLATO also doubles as an early holiday-shopping destination. Visitors can browse holiday and special gifts, discover products from small businesses and see a festive Christmas tree decorated with original chocolate ornaments.
The event’s one-day format encourages guests to savour every moment — from sampling chocolates and meeting makers to discovering new flavours and enjoying the vibrant marketplace atmosphere.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive hungry and ready to explore. With numerous vendors and a wide variety of chocolate-based creations on offer, the event promises something new to discover around every corner. Whether you prefer silky milk chocolate, rich dark varieties or adventurous flavour combinations, CHOCOLATO offers an unforgettable celebration of the world’s most beloved dessert ingredient.
Few things bring people together quite like chocolate, and CHOCOLATO captures that joy perfectly. This one-day celebration is more than a marketplace — it’s a showcase of creativity, craftsmanship and passion for one of the world’s most beloved flavours. From elegant truffles to imaginative chocolate desserts, visitors will discover an impressive range of treats crafted by talented makers. Whether you’re searching for gourmet gifts or simply looking to indulge your sweet tooth, CHOCOLATO offers a warm, welcoming and delicious way to spend a November afternoon.