BIA's Winter Wanderland returns to Market Square with old favourites and new features

The gorgeous artwork of George Burkholder is seen on posters advertising Winter Wanderland displayed around town.

The much anticipated return of Winter Wanderland to Market Square is set for Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. This year there are new features along with old favourites for this family friendly event.

Returning this year are the fire pits to roast Rice Krispie treats, one located in the square and one on York Street in recognition of the bustling businesses located there. Santa will be there from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. to greet children and take their letters to Santa back to the North Pole with him. Families can take their own free photograph with Santa on Saturday and Sunday.

“Everyone has a phone; we try and do as much as we can for free and really make it a community event,” said Jamie Pritchard, general manager of the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA).

Also returning are the strolling Victorian Carollers to bring Christmas cheer to the crowds as they spend time shopping around downtown to fill their Winter Wanderland passport with a sticker for each purchase at participating stores. Last year there were 95 businesses participating.

So much is new this year to cater to everyone that visits downtown. Yuletide cabins and food trucks will be on site to serve up snacks and drinks to satisfy cravings. Recall that council passed the bylaw allowing Al Fresco dining all year round, so grab the drink of choice from a participating restaurant to accompany that smoked turkey leg from Feature’s BBQ and relax at a picnic table.

There is a snow-globe selfie booth complete with falling artificial snow to capture the great times had at Winter Wanderland. Children can jump on what will prove to be a new favourite ride, the Polar Express Train. It will circle city hall and can fit 18 kids at a time.

“It will go, on the Downie side, it will go on the sidewalk. We have half of Wellington closed so it will go down half of Wellington, we left the other side with the parking spots open. Market Place will be closed too, so it will go along there,” said Pritchard.

Also at Market Square, attendees will be able to buy live Christmas trees sponsored by B and C Custom Landscaping. What a great opportunity for those that live downtown and don’t drive to pick out a tree and carry it home.

“I’ve heard over the last few years it’s been harder to find somebody locally to get Christmas trees. There used to be Christmas tree lots everywhere at one time and there’s just not now. You’re not buying from the BIA but we brought in a landscaping company to do it,” Pritchard said.

Around the corner, Grayson Mills is open for family friendly photo opportunities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day of the festival.

“You can take pets, people, whoever you want to put in there. There is a link on our page to book a session," said Pritchard.

The link is www.downtownstratford.ca/whats-on/winter-wander-land-2024.

The deadline for submission of the Winter Wanderland Passport ballot with eight valid stickers is Dec. 23 at 5 p.m. Enter to win $250, $150, or $100 in downtown dollars. Participating stores will have stickers and posters in their windows, and restaurants count! Passports can be picked up at the Destination Stratford office and participating businesses.