The Town of St. Marys aims to transform the community into a winter wonderland

Megan Feeney, St.Marys BIA chair, and Morgan Easton, tourism and events coordinator for the Town of St. Marys.

By Alex Hunt

With colourful lights, festive crafts and visits from Santa Claus, there will be no shortage of opportunities for locals to embrace the holiday spirit.

Tourism and events coordinator for the Town of St. Marys Morgan Easton said the goal is to bring locals and visitors together and celebrate the holidays. She said it’s important the town’s festivities include local businesses promoting economic growth for the community.

Programming began over the weekend, with the St. Marys Craft Show and the lighting of the Winter Lights displays at Milt Dunnell Field. The lights will turn on every evening from 5-11 p.m. until Jan. 1.

“The holiday season is such an important time for us to come together as a community,” said Easton. “Through our holiday programming, we want to create moments that bring people closer, whether it’s families skating together, neighbours enjoying the Winter Lights, or visitors discovering the magic of our downtown. It’s about celebrating the spirit of the season and sharing that warmth with everyone.”

The town’s upcoming programming will include:

- The Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade Nov. 21. The parade departs from the Pyramid Recreation Centre at 7 p.m. and will travel James Street, west on Queen Street through downtown.

- Taking place at 175 Queen St. E on the same day is the Merchants’ Open House 2025 WHOVILLE, which will run until Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and feature horse wagon rides, giveaways and promotions. Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet Santa Claus.

- The Winter Lights Night Market will take place on Dec. 5 from 5-8 p.m. at Milt Dunnell Field. Visitors can indulge themselves in free horse rides, browse unique items from local vendors and rest by firepits while enjoying s’mores. The St. Marys Kinsmen Club will be collecting toys and non-perishable food items for The Salvation Army.

“The holidays remind us to slow down and appreciate the simple joys of connecting with others, supporting local businesses and celebrating traditions that make St. Marys feel like home,” said Easton. “It’s a time to reflect on what really matters and to share that sense of community spirit with everyone around us.”

For more information about St. Marys’ Christmas programming, visit www.discoverstmarys.ca/happyholidays.