There will be no shortage of free family festive fun in Quinte West this weekend.
The Quinte West Holiday Market returns Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7 at the pop-ups location in Centennial Park, offering up two days full of unique shopping and dining experiences, the city has announced.
The market will run on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The Quinte West Holiday Market is the perfect way for friends and families to kick-off the holiday season, with free activities and fun for everyone throughout the weekend,” said Shannon Millar, the city’s tourism co-ordinator.
The festivities will include a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in the “North Pole pop-up shed” Saturday 3 to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be additional activities like storytime with Elsa from “Frozen” on Saturday, happening every 45 minutes between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. And there will be a meet-and-greet with the Grinch Sunday 10 a.m. to noon.
Live music throughout the weekend, magic shows, roaming performances, face painting, cookie decorating, crafts and winter-themed lawn games will also round out weekend festivities.
Meanwhile, just a skip away at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Arena on Saturday, there will be free skating from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Trenton. Frankford will also host free skating at the Dr. McMullen Community Centre with hot chocolate and treats on Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m.
The popular free “Holly Trolley” tour is also back Saturday regardless of the weather. This year’s trolley has six stops on Saturday and will run from 5 to 9 p.m.
“The Holly Trolley is an annual city event and a highlight of the winter activities weekend, offering a fun and festive way for the community to explore the beautiful winter lighting displays and holiday entertainment along the way,” explained Colleen Vickers, a special events co-ordinator with the city.
This year, the Holly Trolley runs three routes: the Trenton loop, Frankford loop, and connector route, which travels to both Trenton and Frankford arenas.
According to the city, some of the highlights along the route this year include the holiday market, the Doug Whitney Fantasy of Lights – featuring holiday music and alpacas in Fraser Park – and the Rotary Club of Trenton’s Festival of Trees at the Trent Port Marina. Riders will also have a chance to warm up with treats and holiday photo-ops at the Trenton arena or visit the Christmas Fantasy Light display and “live reindeer” at Frankford Tourisk Park, said organizers.
The city has noted the heritage trollies aren’t accessible or suitable for strollers. However, Quinte Access is running along the trolley route during events.
Trolleys visit each stop along their respective routes about every 15 to 30 minutes between 5 and 9 p.m., with the last departure at 8:30 p.m., added the city.
There is free and accessible parking at Centennial Park, the Trenton Port Marina, Quinte West City Hall and at both arenas.
The city is also encouraging residents to give back this holiday season.
Non-perishable food items and new or gently-used warm winter accessories like hats, mittens and scarves will be collected during holiday market festivities in support of the Trenton Care and Share Food Bank and Community Partners for Success.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
