Winter Wander-Land weekend welcomes first snowfall and Christmas spirit

Eliza and Maisie Vanhoucke enjoying fire-roasted Rice Krispie treats.

An annual tradition in the heart of Stratford kicked off the unofficial start to the winter holiday season.

The Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA) held its annual Winter Wander-Land weekend in Market Square Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Plenty of snowflakes fell as families took photos in the Snow Globe photobooth, rode the Polar Express train that looped around city hall and munched on hot meals from Features and the Bru Garden including burgers, hot dogs, poutine, pulled pork and turkey legs, along with Indian food from Curry Zone and Mexican food from Alondra Galvez. Hot chocolate, tea, peanut brittle and other sweet treats were offered by Alley Cat Café, Jenn and Larry’s, Brch and Wyn, and Great Wall Tea.

Attendees also had a chance to roast Rice Krispie treats over the firepits, inspired by a TikTok trend, as well as take pictures with Santa and listen to Christmas music and carolers. B&C Custom Landscaping and Black Creek Flower Farm offered Christmas trees and other holiday greenery.

"We wanted a Winter Wander-Land and we got what we asked for, for sure,” said Kim Griffiths, member and animation liaison for the Downtown Stratford BIA. “Lots of people, lots of happy families riding the train, having fun in the snow globe and eating treats by the fireside."

Griffiths said as usual, the Winter Wander-Land weekend saw the first snowfall of the season for Stratford.

The Polar Express train, sponsored by On Stage Dance, had non-stop lineups with lots of kids and their families eager to get on board.

“Everyone is very happy and the great thing about the train, too, is that adults can ride it as well, so we're really pleased with that,” Griffiths said.

The Downtown Stratford BIA continues their Winter Wander-Land programming with two installations at Lights on Stratford and the Winter Wander-Land passport contest. Those who collect eight stamps from participating downtown Stratford businesses and drop off completed passports have a chance to win between $100 to $250 Downtown Dollars. Full passports will be collected at Destination Stratford (47 Downie St.) until Dec. 23.