Free holiday fun, local shopping and hands-on activities under one roof
Woodstock is adding a new stop to its holiday season this year, with the Winter Lights Market bringing local shopping, festive treats and family activities into a vacant downtown building. The city-owned space at 478–484 Dundas Street has about 10,000 square feet of main-floor space.
City of Woodstock Downtown Development Officer Kerry Baird says the idea is to give people another reason to visit downtown, enjoy the holiday atmosphere and discover the businesses already there.
The market will open during the Lighting of Museum Square on November 20 and continue through the Santa Claus Parade on November 21. It will return for two more weekends in December, running December 10 to 12 and December 17 to 19.
Visitors can expect local vendors, live entertainment, festive snacks and drinks, pictures with Santa and plenty of opportunities for holiday selfies. There will also be a chance to meet the Grinch — so you might want to wear green.
The Woodstock Museum and Art Gallery will also be bringing some hands-on holiday fun to the market, including opportunities for visitors of all ages to make their own Christmas ornaments and take home something they created themselves.
The goal is to give families a place where different generations can shop, enjoy a treat and take part in activities together, without having to spend a lot of money to enjoy the experience.
Entry is free, and activities including pictures with Santa are free as well. You'll only pay for food, drinks or items you choose to buy from vendors.
The market is also an opportunity to support local makers. Shopping with independent vendors keeps more spending in the community and gives visitors a chance to find something different from the usual high-street shopping.
Organizers are also looking to connect with crafters and makers in Tillsonburg and the surrounding area who would like to take part in the market and introduce their work to Woodstock shoppers.
Vendor spaces are available for local businesses, artisans, and makers to showcase their products and connect with shoppers at the Winter Lights Market. If you would like to be a part of the festivities, and show your wares under the holiday lights, you can apply here.
The market will be open Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons during its December dates. Downtown parking is free for three hours until 6 p.m., with free parking after 6 p.m. and all day Saturday.
...and if you do take a selfie, make sure you check if the Grinch is smiling.
