Experience the Holiday Season in Wellington County
Warm up in Wellington County this holiday. Our cozy, friendly communities transform into festive, wonderful winter wonderlands and offer unique experiences for all ages and interests.
We're known for local food and gifts - and for good reason! Here are some scrumptious ways to treat your taste buds this holiday season:
1. Order a Holiday Farmers’ Market Box
2. View the Taste Real Holiday Food and Gift Guide
3. Centre Wellington Chamber's Love Local Holiday Gift Guide
Enjoy Festivities Across the County
Discover Wellington County's many festive season highlights - from outstanding Holiday shopping to Christmas tree farms and local events. Explore all the exciting holiday happenings for each community.
*Please check with individual locations as opening hours may vary.
Holiday Happenings in Fergus and Belwood
Visit Fergus and Belwood for unique shops, wintery views, and tasty dining experiences.;
Holiday Shopping made easy
Find personal items and home décor at the One and Only Handmade Marketplace or Home Basics just up the street. Shop sweets at the Fergus Scottish Corner Shop, Made in Holland, or see how chocolates and other confections are made at I Love Chocolate! Find unique pieces for that special someone at Kitras Art Glass and Local Pieces Art Gallery. You can even design your own blown glass ball or take an art class! Don’t forget the kids – head up to Brighten Up Toys and Games for a variety of STEM activities, crafts, puzzles, and more. They are even offering pictures with Santa!
Warm up while Downtown
Stroll the riverwalk to see lights in Templin Gardens and enjoy refreshments during your outing at The Vault Coffee and Espresso Bar, dinner at one of the Breadalbane Inn restaurants, or grab a pint at The Outpost Bottle Shop. Psst… they are also offering craft beer advent calendars!
Butter Tarts and Alpacas
Make a note to stop into Belwood Country Market just outside of town and pick up one (or a dozen – we don’t judge) of their infamous butter tarts. While there pop over to Harmony Meadows Alpaca and get close up close and personal with some furry animals. Be sure to book in advance!
Holiday Events
- November 29, 30: Christmas Market at The Wellington County Museum and Archives. Ring in the holiday season with a handmade market, live musical entertainment, delicious local food, a visit from Santa Claus, and more family fun!
- December 6, 13, 20: Late Night Sip and Shop downtown Fergus. Stores will be open for late night shopping. The event showcases tree lighting, horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, Santa Claus, a holiday DJ, and even food trucks.
- December 7: Fergus Santa Claus Parade. A traditional float and walking parade through the downtown streets of Fergus. Food bank donations are being accepted during the event.
Holiday Happenings in Elora
Wander the winter wonderland of Ontario’s most beautiful village - Elora.
Boutiques and Specialty Shops
Pick up festive treats and stocking stuffers such as candies, chocolates, and butter tarts at Sweet Distractions. Seasons Home and Gift is a home and lifestyle destination, and they go all out for Christmas! They carry a variety of home décor, gifts, and cozy fashion. At Karger, they have travelled the world to offer customers a curated selection of modern and eclectic furniture and home accessories, jewellery, and fashions. Visit the quaint shop of Magic Pebble Books for a variety of books and gifts for all ages. Be sure to stop and pick up a glass candy cane for your tree, or gift someone a private glass-blowing class from Blown Away Glass.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
The Lost and Found Café is where the community comes together. Warm up with a steamy beverage or enjoy their all-day breakfast. The Wild Tart offers the finest café style dining, exquisite afternoon teas, delicious light fayre, bubbles, and cocktails. Stop for dinner at the Elora Mill, a one-of-a-kind destination, and pick up a spa certificate for that special someone while you are there. Join Elora Brewing Company for farm to table experience; grab some beers from their retail shop, or check out a concert or activity night. Taste and pick up handcrafted spirits infused with local flavours at Elora Distilling Company. They also offer cocktail classes - a unique gift!
Holiday Events
- November 21, 22, 28, 29: Starlight Shopping in downtown Elora. Enjoy in-store promotions, and festive entertainment, and be sure to stop at one of the many restaurants to warm up with a cozy lunch, dinner, or beverage.
- November 30: Elora Santa Claus Parade, a spectacular light parade through Elora's historic streets.
Holiday Happenings in Erin
Visit the Town of Erin for Christmas tree experiences, festive window displays, and boutique shopping.
Shop
There's no shortage of unique gift shopping in Erin! Sample and purchase artisanal, farm-crafted ciders at Heartwood Farm and Cidery. Debora’s Chocolates has been making handmade chocolates, candy, and fudge for 20+ years - only the freshest ingredients and preservative-free! Amorettos is the place to shop for wraps, capes, shawls, and one of a kind, chic clothing. Brighten Up Toys offer quality, affordably priced toys, games, puzzles, brainteasers, and more. And The Weathervane offers an imaginative selection of gifts and home decor for life's many special celebrations.
When you get Hungry
At Tin Roof Café, find locally roasted coffee along with a selection of rotating cookies, squares, and other goodies baked from scratch in house.If tea's more your thing, Maddy Hatter Tea Room has an extensive selection along with fabulous lunches (and yes, they do high tea). Stay into the evening and enjoy a pint, live music and a fresh, made in-house menu at The Busholme. Jess For You Café is in Hillsburgh, but well worth the trip for one of THE best butter tarts (in the world?) and a great breakfast.
Christmas (Tree) Experiences
With Christmas Trees (cut your own or freshly cut), the Heritage Barn gift shop, winter bonfires, and more, Elliott Tree Farm is a winter destination.
Erin Hills Acres comes alive with a festive atmosphere during November and December - take tractor rides, make smores, and take in holiday-themed events - and pick out your Christmas tree.
Holiday Events
- November 9: Orton FallFest Christmas Market. This event offers many local vendors selling handmade goods, and preserves.
- November 15: Window Wonderland. Gather around on Main Street to unveil the beautiful window displays and enjoy all the amazing local shopping for everyone on your list
- November 16: Erin Hill Acres' Holiday Market is an outdoor market at an iconic Christmas tree farm. There will be many vendors, live music, childrens play area, wagon rides, fire pits and more. Come enjoy Christmas traditions with family and friends in a Hallmark movie like setting.
- November 30: Erin District Lions Club Santa Claus Parade. This year’s theme is 'Christmas Around the World'!
Holiday Happenings in Guelph/Eramosa
Explore Guelph/Eramosa Township for outdoor adventures and tasty treats.
Unique Shopping
What could be better than spending a cold winter's day in front of a roaring wood fire while drinking delicious wine? Cox Creek Cellars offers award-winning wines and ciders located on a picturesque farm. Visit for a tasting or to pick up that perfect dinner-warming gift. Stop by Styll Gallery down the road, a destination gallery with unique and beautifully made gifts. Visit during regular business hours or book a private shopping experience. Rural Roots Artisan Shop offers one-of-a-kind wares and gifts-everything is handmade within an hour of Rockwood! Don’t forget Yolanda’s Fashion Boutique, they carry unique fashion and accessories with a personalized experience. Shop handcrafted clothing, leather accessories, jewelry and gifts at Hides in Hand, and you can get a taste of Greek at Tithorea. Grab someone (or yourself) fresh cooked meals, desserts, honey, spices, pottery, and so much more.
When you get Hungry
Warm up and fill up in the town of Rockwood.Chompin' at the Bit Bar and Grille, is the perfect spot to relax, laugh, and enjoy while they serve comforting food, drink, and hospitality. Looking for spice? Bunty's Indian Cuisine offers authentic Indian taste with a wonderful dining experience. If you prefer a coffee and dessert destination, Eramosa River Café is an excellent rustic spot for breakfast and lunch. They also have great vegan options!
Holiday and Christmas (Tree) Experiences:
A great way to start your Holiday Season, bring the family to enjoy a truly unforgettable day in the country.
Head over to Madeira Farms, grab a sled, and select your own unique Christmas Tree. Visit their shop to browse beautiful wreaths, sturdy tree stands, and their selection of beautiful pre-cut trees. Evergreen Tree Farm offers cut your own trees, fresh cut or simply browse through the gift shop. Choose from a selection of fresh wreaths, green arrangements, birch poles, and urn fillers. Their shop features the work of local artisans and includes chocolate, candy, and preserves in a warm and inviting barn gift shop. Enjoy outdoor firepits where families are invited to roast marshmallows, relax and enjoy the warmth. Try something different and visit All In Alpacas. Get an up-close experience, and while you are there you'll have an opportunity to visit a fibre studio, sink your hands into the luxury of alpaca fleece and learn how it's prepared for processing. Please note: advance bookings only.
Events
- December 12: Rockwood Farmers’ Santa Claus Parade of Lights celebrates its 32nd year. Floats are provided by local farmers, and you can expect the country roads to be lit up to guide Santa. Rain, snow or shine!
- December 24: Fireside Stories at the Wellington County Library - Rockwood Branch. Listen to stories, participate in activities, and have holiday-themed fun for the whole family.
Holiday Happenings in Mapleton
Visit Mapleton Township for rare finds and unique baked goods.
Mapleton’s Organic Dairy is worth a visit year-round (is it ever actually too cold for ice cream?). They also offer gift cards for the local food lover on your list, or you can pick up pastured pork, certified organic chicken, turkey, and eggs, as well as organically raised beef and lamb.
Jolley’s Farm Toys in Alma carries a wide selection of farm and construction toys, plus collectibles, including many one-of-a-kind items and rarities, or stop by Paul Noonan's Antiques on your way for additional treasures.Moorefield's The Pretty Penny is a women’s consignment boutique offering current and in-season ladies' clothing and accessories, bath and body care, locally made goods, and decorative pieces for your home.
Refreshments during Shopping
Drayton's A La Mode Café loves all things local, from suppliers to the ingredients in their food. They cook most items from scratch, from homemade soups, ice cream cakes, and waffle cones to the dressings on salads, wraps, and sandwiches. They're also passionate about good coffee.
Stop by The Right Spot in Alma for delicious homemade comfort food and famous homemade baked goods. The Moorefield Dinerprides itself on serving delicious country-style portions at affordable prices and has a great all-day breakfast. Drayton Chop House will satisfy your dinner craving with thoughtfully crafted dishes, daily specials, and refreshing drinks.
Events
- November 28: Drayton Kinettes Sip and Shop features a holiday handmade market with over 30 vendors, delicious dinner options, and bar.
- December 6: Drayton Santa Claus Parade. Join Santa for this evening parade.
- December 22: Alma Santa Claus Parade. Along with Santa, this daytime parade hosts decorated tractors and farm implements, volunteer fire department trucks and township snowplows, a troupe of unicyclists, heavy horse hitches with wagons pulled by Percherons and Clydesdales, and ponies prancing down Main Street.
Holiday Happenings in Minto
Visit the Town of Minto for specialty toys, decor, and a holiday street party!
Things to Shop and Explore
Alpaca Time, between Clifford and Harriston, has built a reputation of manufacturing premium alpaca products since 2005. Shop for quality outerwear, yarn, gifts, and more. Pop into The Barrel House for woodwork, decor, and barrel-aged ingredients used in Pete’s products.
Oranje Grove in Palmerston sells a wide assortment of top-quality Dutch specialty food, imported from Holland. Clifford Country Store sells locally and regionally grown produce, bakery items, prepared foods, meats and eggs, artisan cheeses, and pantry items. Plus, they support local artisans by providing a brick-and-mortar venue to showcase their work including pottery, textiles, glass, and jewelry.
Find timeless antiques for that someone special at The Roosters' Perch in Clifford, Davie's Antiques in Harriston, or Palmerston's What’s the Occasion has a variety of giftware, handmade candles made on-site, helium balloons and so much more.
The Teenie Tiny Tots Children Shop in Palmerston is the area's leading provider of new and gently used children’s clothing, toys, equipment, and maternity wear. Kidding Around offers a destination to find innovative and interesting toys and board games.
Regenerate while Shopping
When you're in need of a bite to eat, May's Cafe at the Old Post offers baked-in-the-building sweet treats, made-to-order drinks, and healthy lunch options, or stop by Feel Alive Wellness Station and choose a thoughtfully curated winter drink. For the coffee lovers, they use only premium espresso beans. Also available are freshly made smoothies loaded with fruit, veggies, and other superfoods. Looking for dinner? Harry Stones Social House serves up time-honoured family recipes with daily in-house features. Stop by, warm up, and say hi!
Events
- November 13: Candy Canes and Cocktails. Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Harriston with special discounts, festive cocktails, live music, food trucks, sweet treats, and photo booth fun.
- November 15: Light Up the Park Palmerston. Hot drinks, fireworks, photos with Santa, wagon rides, amazing fire and glow shows!
- November 21: Kris Kringle Market in Palmerston hosts a pop-up craft market, downtown shopping, food trucks, photo ops with your favourite holiday characters, music, firepits, and more.
- November 23: Harriston Hometown Christmas. An event in Harriston bringing together the community for the holiday season. The day will consist of shopping, workshops, skating, kids activities and the Santa Claus parade.
- November 30: Clifford Christmas in the Street. Head downtown Clifford before the parade for extended shopping hours and special promotions, vendors' market, balloon, food and treats, music, horse and buggy rides, firepit warming stations, a blacksmithing demonstration, glow show and more! Stay after for the Santa Claus Parade, treats, and photos with Santa himself.
- December 2: Palmerston Santa Claus Parade. Celebrate the holiday spirit with festive floats, cheerful music, and a special appearance by Santa himself.
- December 25: Community Christmas Dinner. Hosted by Dave and Jean Anderson, the community is invited for a time of fellowship and a traditional turkey dinner. From those celebrating alone, to couples who won't be cooking a big meal, to those without family nearby, everyone is invited to embrace the true spirit of Christmas with the community.
- December 31: Fire and Ice Festival. The community brings the heat with the coolest activities of the year, including food, fire pits, special guests, the ice princesses, skating, a blacksmithing demonstration, and a huge fireworks display.
Holiday Happenings in Puslinch
What do Christmas trees, alpacas, and a Nordic Fest have in common? Holiday season in Puslinch!
Get Holiday-Ready
Chickadee Christmas Trees in Puslinch sells cut-your-own or pre-cut Christmas trees, wreaths, and tree stands. They also have a free kids' activity area, free nature trail with activity stations, complimentary cider, candy canes, and a beautiful gift shop.
Accents for Living in Aberfoyle offers a stunning collection of holiday (and anytime) decor and gift ideas.
Hang out with Alpacas
Visit Brae Ridge Farm and Sanctuary in Puslinch for luxurious and comfortable wearables made from the fibre of alpacas on-site and spun by the best mills in Ontario (don't forget to say hi to the alpacas, too).
Find an Experiential Gift
If someone on your list prefers experiences to material goods, consider a gift certificate to rejuvenateCrieff Hills Retreat Centre or an artistic workshop at Chassagne in Puslinch.
Worked up an Appetite?
The Aberfoyle Mill is known for its unique atmosphere and superb, traditional-style food and service. Stop by Bistro Reunion in Morriston for some french inspired cuisine. They serve mouthwatering lunches and dinners, and offer an extensive drink menu. The Danish Place in Puslinch provides an authentic taste of Denmark from Chef Mark Mogensen (Mark makes his own rullepølse, as well as rye bread, and leverpostejis), or hop over to Little Lake Market, where you can warm up with their 'Puslinch Fog' or a savoury bowl of chili. They are the destination for organic, grass-fed, gut-health conscious products.
Events
- November 24: Puslinch Santa Claus Parade. Come out for this afternoon parade. Each child will receive a goody bag from the jolly old guy himself, and Optimist volunteers will provide hot chocolate and hot dogs. Bring your Santa letter and donations to the food bank.
- December 1: Sunset Villa's Annual Nordic Market.Celebrate the festive season with family favourite activities. Santa will be there, to hear your Jul wishes! This is an outdoor event, so wear your hats and gloves to stay cozy.
- December 8: Christmas Market and Open House at Crieff Hills. Sip a cup of cider while you browse a wide variety of locally-made holiday items in the schoolhouse. You are welcome to visit the animals or hike one of their wooded trails. There is no cost and no registration required.
Holiday Happenings in Wellington North
Visit Wellington North for unique gifts, craft distillery experiences, and an epic street market.
Shop
Travelling through Mexico's backroads, Casa Verde Importsbrings beautiful textiles, handcrafted furniture, and ceramics to Arthur. Arthur is also home to beautiful decor and gifts at Arthur Cash and Carry. They offer private shopping nights, holiday workshops, and even photos with Santa! Arthur's award-winning Silver Fox Distillery is an experience in itself and also sells an extremely giftable Advent Calendar.
Then head to Mount Forest to find that special if at Ideal Fashion, or if you know a horse enthusiast, Gifted Equestrian caters to everyone from the recreational trail rider, to those who are competitive - offering western tack, stable supplies, supplements, apparel, and everything else.
While you're there...
Warm up with a delicious beverage fromSterre Café & Gifts in Arthur, and stay for dinner at The Tipsy Fox (Mount Forest or Arthur) offering pub style food with a family environment.
Events
- November 2: Arthur Legion Christmas Craft Sale. Browse many crafters all in one place, Penny table, bake table, home party programmes, and more. Light Lunch available to purchase from the Legion Ladies.
- November 14: Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce's Ladies Night- Deals at Dusk. Participating retailers stay open late, have special deals, demonstrations and more! Gentlemen are welcome as well. The event runsfrom 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
- November 15: Arthur Sip, Savour and Shop Event Downtown businesses will have lots of experience-based shopping/tasting events within the downtown district. A great kick off to the holiday season!
- November 23: Mount Forest Lions Christmas Craft Market. Hosting 75+ vendors. Entry by donation at the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex. The event runs from 9:00 am- 3:00 pm and lunch is available.
- November 23: Arthur Opti-Mrs Christmas Home Tour. Gather up your friends and join us for a fun-filled evening of tastefully decorated homes and special treats on this self-guided tour.
- November 24: Arthur Lions Christmas Craft Sale. Hosting 80+ vendors. Free admission at the Arthur and Area Community Centre. The event runs from 9:00 am- 2:30 pm and lunch is available.
- November 29, 30: Christmas Time in Arthur. The Arthur Chamber of Commerce, in association with the Arthur BIA, and the Township of Wellington North, have come together to organize a series of festive events for the community to kick off the Christmas season. View the full schedule at www.christmastimeinarthur.ca.
- November 30: Arthur Opti-Mrs Santa Claus Parade, Canada's Most Patriotic Village celebrating the season with an evening parade at 7:00 pm. The theme is Canadian Sports!
- December 5: Light Up Main - Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting. Both the Mount Forest Chamber and BIA will light up their trees and our town from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
- December 6: Mount Forest Lions Club Santa Claus Parade. The evening parade starts at 7:00 pm and the theme this year is "The Night Before Christmas".
- December 7, 8: Home for the Holidays in Mount Forest.
- December 14: Breakfast with Santa in Mount Forest