Market Square is holiday central this month for gift shopping and fun winter events, activities, and treats.
Festive Fun at the Market is the theme of this year’s holiday campaign at the St. Catharines Farmers Market, which operates this month on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Market Square, 91 King St. in downtown St. Catharines.
“We are welcoming visitors to a busy December at the market this year,” Community and Market Coordinator Deanna Chakarova said. “In addition to our Festive Fun at the Market events, we’re showcasing a festive selfie booth again this year.”
Santa visits the market Saturday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for photos with Santa, and holiday wish lists and visits with wide-eyed young shoppers.
Enjoy St. Catharines Collegiate vocal music class’s caroling at the market on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Then revel in Chorus Niagara caroling on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Festive Fun at the Market event takes place on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Saturday, Dec. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with free market giveaways, a kids’ crafting station, and free hot apple cider and cookies.
New this year, market vendors have organized a donation drive to raise awareness and collect winter clothing donations for the non-profit organization, Westview Centre 4 Women. Donations of mittens, scarves and hats for all genders will be gratefully accepted. Visitors may also donate gently used winter coats and jackets, collected in a bin next to a tree set up in the market. The Winter Warm-Up campaign donation tree will be up through Saturday, Dec. 28 and available for donation drop-offs during market hours on Thursdays and Saturdays.
The St. Catharines Farmers Market remains a destination for your holiday gift shopping. Browse a selection of fine preserves, chocolates, and local distilled and brewery products, as well as handmade items, such as toys, games, jewelry, home décor, beauty products and more, all while supporting the local community.
“Anyone looking for unique handmade gifts or festive treats for the holidays will be able to find what they need while supporting our local small businesses,” Chakarova said. “With our vendors offering superb selections of products from woodwork to baked goods, customers are sure to check everything off their lists.”
Throughout December, more than 44 vendors will be selling their handcrafted items during market hours on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The market welcomes visitors on Saturdays year-round. It temporarily closes on Thursdays for the month of January, reopening on Feb. 6, 2025.
Find more information at stcatharines.ca/Market.