Exciting news! The holiday season is in full swing along Ontario’s West Coast, and so many incredible activities are happening that will fill you with the holiday spirit! Grab the full 2025 Celebrate the Holidays in Huron Guide.
SANTA CLAUS PARADES
Saturday, November 16
11 a.m. | Main Street
Organized by the Exeter Lions Club
6 p.m. | Main Street
7:15 p.m. | Downtown Goderich
Friday, November 22
7 p.m. | Main Street
7 p.m. | Main Street
Saturday, November 30
11 a.m. | Main Street
Sunday, December 1
6:00 p.m. | Main Street
Friday, December 6
Organized by the Clinton Kinsmen and Kinettes
7 p.m. | Main Street
Saturday, December 7
5 p.m. | Main Street
Saturday, December 14
11 a.m. | Main Street
SEASONAL LIGHT DISPLAYS
Wingham Lighting of the Lights
November 15 | 6:30 p.m. | Cruickshank Park
Enjoy this lighting of the lights celebration.
November 15 | 6:45 p.m. | MacNaughton Park
The annual Exeter Lighting of the Park in partnership with the Exeter Lions Club is the official kick-off to the holiday season and is a great event for the entire community.
Christmas in Bayfield Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 15 | 7 p.m. | Clan Gregor Square
Enjoy the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Winter Wonderland and Santa will greet children after the tree lighting in The Gazebo.
November 15 and 16 | Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. | Harbour Park and Downtown Goderich
Friday: The lighting of the Angel Tree at Harbour Park.
Saturday: The official Lighting of the Lights and kick-off to the Holiday season in Downtown Goderich.
Jessica’s House Hospice Tribute Tree Memorial Event
November 17 | 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Jessica’s House Hospice
Let’s come together to create meaningful memories and celebrate the lives that have touched ours. You will have the opportunity to create a tag in honour of someone you may have lost in the past and place it on our tree for display in our house throughout the holiday season.
November to January | Main Street
Seasonal display in the Light Tunnel and watch for the Radar Antennae to be lit up for the holiday season.
GIVING BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
The Huron County Christmas Bureau provides gift cards for the provision of groceries and gifts for children, ensuring every family in Huron County has access to food on the table and presents on the holidays. Donations and fundraising efforts from the community fund the Huron County Christmas Bureau. Please consider donating to them this holiday season to support this very special Huron County holiday tradition. If you’re experiencing hardship this year, there are resources in Huron County that can help.
HOLIDAY MARKETS & SHOPPING
November 7 | 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Clinton
Save the date and tell your friends. Ladies Night is back in downtown Clinton, and you don’t want to miss it!
November 14 | 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Downtown Goderich
This annual event invites ladies to enjoy extended shopping hours, special promotions, draws, and more. See why this night is such a huge hit.
Ladies Night in Blyth and Londesborough
November 15 | 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Greyhaven Gardens, Nature’s Nest, The Old Mill and The Blyth Inn
These local businesses are partnering to offer a fun night out of great shopping & dining do gather your friends and make the trip to Londesborough and Blyth!
November 15-17 | Village Merchants
Visit Bayfield and enjoy shopping, live entertainment, and complimentary horse buggy rides.
November 15-16 | St. Andrew’s United Church, Bayfield
Support the Bayfield Agricultural Society’s Annual Wreath Sale.
November 16-17 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Brussels Four Winds Barn
Get a head start on your holiday shopping or treat yourself to over 70 vendors, food trucks, and more!
Zurich Agricultural Society’s Holiday Market
November 16 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Zurich Arena & Community Centre
Step into the magic of the season at this holiday market extravaganza featuring unique gifts, seasonal treats, and a joyful atmosphere. This event has something for everyone!
Hensall Horticultural Society Craftshow, Penny Sale and Plant Sale
November 16 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Hensall Arena & Community Centre
Annual craft show and penny sale with plant sale, lunch, and potential demonstrators.
November 16 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Trivitt Memorial Anglican Church
There will be a silent auction table, a homemade goods table, and many friendly faces to help you ring in the festive time of year.
November 16 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Downtown Exeter
The historic downtown shopping district is getting ready for Christmas and inviting you all to come on out and start your shopping.
November 16 | 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Egmondville United Church
Annual bazaar featuring baking, preserves, crafts, Christmas seasonal decor, and more. All welcome.
Holiday Market at Dark Horse Estate Winery
November 17, 24, and December 1 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Dark Horse Estate Winery
This event is free entry, and wine will be available for purchase. Come to shop local vendors with wine in hand and find unique gifts for your loved ones!
Christmas in the Country Market
November 22-23 | Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Birch Creek Greenhouse
You do not want to miss the Christmas ambiance in the greenhouse with so many makers ready to help you get into the holiday spirit!
Annual Toy and Craft Show and Sale
November 23 & 24 | Saturday – 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday – 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Seaforth & District Community Centre
Get your holiday shopping underway with this long-standing show and sale!
2nd Street Light Estate Winery Christmas Market
November 24 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 2nd Street Light Estate Winery
Visit the winery for an afternoon featuring incredible local vendors, sweet treats, wine, and live music.
November 24 | 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Clinton Legion
Avon, Scentsy, 3-D printing, Gel Moments, Crystals, Beeswax, Sewing, Paintings, and so much more!
November 29 | 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Downtown Blyth
This family-friendly event is the perfect start to the holiday season. Shops will offer samples, treats, and special deals.
Coastal Coffee Holiday Markets
November 30 and December 7, 14 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Coastal Coffee
Christmas shop unique local artisans and vendors enjoy holiday treats and delicious beverages.
Goderich BIA Christmas Open House
December 1 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Downtown Goderich
Get moving on that holiday shopping list by visiting Downtown Goderich where you’ll find special deals and a lot of festive cheer!
December 5 | 5 to 9 p.m. | Downtown Seaforth
The street and shops will be bustling in Seaforth with fun and great deals and even some sweet treats and a chance to win prizes.
Dungannon’s Annual Christmas in the Country
December 7 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Dungannon Agricultural Hall & Dungannon Community Centre
Find gifts, goodies, and more! There will be a kid’s shopping corner, twoonie draw, and a lunch booth.
Oakwood Resort’s 6th Annual Artisan Christmas Market
December 7 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Oakwood Resort
Experience the Magic of the Holidays at Oakwood Resort! Explore a curated selection of artisanal treasures by talented artisans from the community.
5 REASONS TO SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
- Supports Job Creation Locally
Small businesses in Canada employ 10.7 million individuals which is almost two-thirds (63.0%) of all employees. By comparison, businesses with 100 to 500 employees, employed 3.6 million individuals (21.0% of employees) and businesses with more than 500 employees employed 2.7 million individuals (16.0% of employees).
- Puts Money Back into Our Community
Shopping local contributes tour community. For every $100 you spend locally, $63 remains in the community — compared to as little as $14 from some big box stores and online retailers.
- It’s Better for the Environment
Shopping locally offers benefits the environment by reducing carbon emissions, conserving energy, preserving natural resources, and supporting sustainable practices.
- Support for Local Community Groups and Non-profits
Local businesses are more likely to invest in their people, join local fundraisers, support sport teams, and run campaigns that benefit their community than their national counterparts. Small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to local non-profits and community causes.
- Healthier and Tastier Holiday Meals
Huron County produces a lot of food! Purchasing ingredients for your holiday spread from local producers and growers provides a fresher, healthier, and tastier way to indulge and entertain this season.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
November 30, 2024
Take part in this special day to celebrate shopping and dining locally during the busy holiday season.
Poinsettia Festival, Candlelight Evenings
November 13-16, 20-23, 27-30, and December 4-7 | 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Huron Ridge Greenhouses
The greenhouse is lit entirely by thousands of Christmas lights and candles. You have to see it in person to experience this event’s festive and cozy nature.
A Children’s Christmas Musical
November 16 | 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. | Bayfield Town Hall
Spend the afternoon enjoying interactive songs for young children and a gift of child-approved musical instruments to take home.
November 22 | 7 p.m. | Kingsbridge Community Centre
Spend the evening with a group of talented musicians spreading holiday cheer with an evening of Christmas music.
Howick Township Festival of Lights
November 23 | 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Howick Community Centre
Enjoy many holiday-inspired activities like the Winter Olympics, an alumni hockey game, glow skating, and fireworks.
Elvis Wonderful World of Christmas Graceland Edition
November 23 | 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Huron Country Playhouse
Celebrate the holidays with a yuletide spectacular that will have you dancing in your “Blue Suede Shoes”!
November 23 | 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Trivitt Memorial Church
Paul Grambo Artistic Director and the London Pro Musica Choir will be presenting Handel’s Messiah, a classic Christmas Treasure.
November 24 | 3 p.m. | Lakeshore United Church
An afternoon of beautiful music featuring the Goderich Laketown Band and Meghan De Jager that will surely help you find your Christmas spirit!
Winter Wonderland Dinner & Dance
November 30 | 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. | Belmore Hall
Gather your friends and enjoy an evening out this festive season while supporting the Belmore Homecoming 2025!
Huron County Museum Holiday Open House
December 1 | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Huron County Museum
FREE admission to the museum, custom cookie decorating, live music & family activities!
December 1 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Varna Nature Trails
Walk through the accessible Varna Nature Trails to collect candy canes, then enjoy a hot chocolate when you are done with your hunt!
December 1 | 2 p.m. | Northside United Church, Seaforth
Enjoy music from Crystal Gage, country singer & Ryan St. Dennis, Canadian Fiddler, and the Southbound Classic Country Band.
Sounds of Christmas
December 1 | 2 p.m. | St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Goderich
Enjoy music from a string trio!
South Huron Community Choirs Christmas Concert
December 6 and December 8 | 7 p.m. and 3:30 pm | Exeter United Church and Oakwood Resort
Experience the magic of the holiday season with sing-alongs, handbells, and a performance from KidsChoir.
Vanastra’s Christmas in the Village
December 6-8 | Events happening throughout the Village
Enjoy a village Christmas lights contest, a Christmas lights walkabout, a visit with Santa and the Elves, winter crafts workshops for kids, and free swim passes for Christmas break.
December 7 | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Huron County Gaol
Join us for a guided tour of the Huron Historic Gaol and attached Governor’s House! Visit this national historic site during the off-season and hear true stories about what the holiday season was like for its inmates and staff between 1841 and 1972.
Breakfast with Santa – Clinton
December 7 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Clinton Legion
Come and enjoy a traditional breakfast with Santa!
Breakfast with Santa – Seaforth
December 7 | 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Seaforth and District Community Centre
Enjoy breakfast and photos with Santa!
Breakfast with Santa – St. Joseph
December 8 and 15 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. | White Squirrel Golf Club
Book your table for Breakfast with Santa in St. Joseph!
Breakfast with Santa – Bayfield
December 8 | 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. | The Albion Hotel
Santa Claus has time in his schedule to come down from the North Pole to visit Bayfield!
December 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Blyth Festival
Holiday havoc comes to Blyth on Friday, December 13th! Comedian and storyteller JUSTIN SHAW will be at Blyth Memorial Hall with his comedy solo show A CREATURE IS STIRRING.
Breakfast with Santa – Goderich
December 14 | 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Christian Reformed Church
Enjoy breakfast, and crafts, and meet with Santa for photos!
December 14-15 | 2 p.m. | Huron Country Playhouse
Huron Waves presents This Season of Magic: An Afternoon with Susan Aglukark and special guests The Flight Children’s Choir.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks by Blyth Community Betterment
December 31 | 6:30 pm | Blyth Fairgrounds
Start your new year with a bang! Join Blyth Community Betterment at the Blyth Fairgrounds for fireworks.
PROTECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH FROM HOLIDAY STRESS
Holidays aren’t magical for everyone. That’s because the “most wonderful time of the year” can be fraught with challenges and situations that affect our mental health. Be prepared. If you’re dreading the holidays, don’t let them just happen to you. Get out in front of them. And take good care.
If, despite your best efforts, you feel overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety or sadness, or if your negative feelings are persistent or get in the way of your daily life, you should reach out for mental health support: