Destination Stratford launches Christmas Trail for the 2024 season

Build your own hot chocolate at Mercer Beer Hall is one of many perks for those participating in the Stratford Christmas Trail.

For its tenth year, the Stratford Christmas Trail continues to add a unique twist to the holiday gift-shopping experience.

The Christmas Trail features more than 50 local businesses across Stratford, St. Marys, Mitchell and Shakespeare. Trail passes cost $35 and can be purchased at Destination Stratford, Bradshaws and Stone Home Creatives, as well as various locations within the participating communities. 

“We have been perfecting the experience for 10 years and local businesses have definitely noticed the growth and the benefits for participating during this time of year,” said April Murray, brand manager at Destination Stratford. 

“It has been a fantastic way to increase foot traffic into the retailers that are on the trail. The annual event has been shown to boost sales among the shops and there is a true sense of community among the businesses as they come together to enhance those local relationships.” 

Gift items such as home decor, stocking stuffers, jewelry, holidays and other seasonal material will be available to purchase at participating businesses. 

The Christmas Trail will have 36 stops in Stratford and 14 checkpoints through St. Marys and Shakespeare 

Murray says the event attracts a large amount of outside community engagement in regions such as Kitchener-Waterloo, Toronto and the GTA, and London, and has made a positive impact on local business. 

Thousands of people participate in the event every year with last year's event reaching its highest sales record so far. Zac Gribble, executive director at Destination Stratford, mentioned in a press release the tourism organization plans to continue to build on last year’s sales numbers. 

“This is certainly really rewarding. The visitor economy is vitally important to the local economy and for us to create opportunities for businesses to truly benefit from is an amazing feeling,” said Murray. “We encourage businesses to experience our trails and for our shoppers to continue enjoying the experience.” 

The holiday event will run from Nov. 1 to Dec. 20.