(Illustration: Onya Hogan-Finlay)
For some, the holiday season brings fond thoughts of hot chocolate on chilly days and generous gifts that last a lifetime. For others, the season heralds being subjected to a certain Mariah Carey Christmas hit on repeat wherever you go, and the intense anxiety of buying the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
If you belong to the second group, then you have no reason to worry this year. Lunenburg County is about to become the epicenter of holiday markets.
First off, folks can look forward to Christmas in Petite. This is a multi venue holiday market which also acts as a fundraiser that supports locals in need over the holidays. Christmas in Petite will take place on November 18 and 19 at eight locations in Petite Riviere. There are around 60 vendors offering a variety of handcrafted goodies.
“When I first moved to the area, I participated and found it to be so charming and had such a great time,” says artist and Christmas in Petite organizer Anneke van Bommel. “The artists, makers and designers range wildly in age and experience, and the work at the show is so rich and expressive.”
If you can’t find that perfect gift in Petite, try your luck at the Lunenburg Christmas Craft Festival. The festival is a collection of “unique Nova Scotian artisans and crafters,” says Natalie Schurman of the Darwin Event Group, the group managing the event.
On December 2 and 3, you can browse pottery, handmade wood and glass products, wreaths, food, toys, wine, and more. The $5 admission ($4 for students/seniors, kids 12 and under enter free) gets you into all three venues in Lunenburg. $1 of every ticket sold goes to PRO Kids Lunenburg program, an organization which supports underprivileged youth in pursuing extracurricular activities.
Both exciting events share some of their proceeds with local charities. While searching for gifts for your loved ones, you’ll be participating in the holiday spirit of generosity—unless, of course, you prefer to be a scrooge. In that case, all I have to say to you is: Bah, humbug!
Print out this handy Lunenburg County Holiday Market Schedule compiled by The Barnacle! Illustrations by Onya Hogan-Finlay.
Hi there.. I notice two markets missing from your list, the West Side United Church Holiday Market in Pentz ( beside LaHave) on November 25th and there is also one in Riverport at the Riverport Community Centre on December 2-3.