The festive season is in full swing in Orangeville. Lights are bright, windows are adorned, and season’s greetings fill the air. It can be easy to get caught up in the merriment, but there are also simple ways to connect with that cherished holiday spirit. Find that perfect gift crafted by a local artist, enjoy a hot chocolate as you admire the twinkling lights, and reunite with long lost friends and family over a festive meal. However you choose to celebrate the holidays, we wish you the very best of the season.
Think local for your holiday gift list

‘Tis the season to shop local, but why not take your gift giving to the next level by choosing items that are also created right here in Orangeville? Our local artists and entrepreneurs would be delighted to make a mark on your gift list this year and there is no shortage of great ideas. These unique choices make thoughtful presents, but also come with a story, about the people and places that made them, and offer an added layer of sentiment that you truly can’t find anywhere else. So, make your list and check it twice for these only-in-Orangeville gift options. 

Handmade for your home
Elizabeth Bryan, owner of Weaverbee Textiles, uses patterns and colours to create stunning hand-dyed and handwoven items. In addition to her collection of scarfs and bags, she has expanded her talent to tea towels, transforming these household staples into beautiful pieces of art. Tanya Kobayashi also offers woven ways to add character to your home. Through The Knot & Needle, she offers macrame wall hangings, plant hangers, and more. At this time of year, her collection of macrame ornaments is sure to make you smile. Find them at The Village Refillery alongside other eco-friendly gift ideas. 

Scents of the season
Traditional aromas always amp up the festive spirit in a home and these local businesses offer functional and natural ways to add to the holiday ambience. The team at Bridlewood Soaps has released this year’s holiday collection of natural, handmade soaps. Flavours (yes, they look good enough to eat!) like Frosted Fir, Into the Woods, and Peppermint Orange will have everyone washing their hands. At KINDMOOSE Candle Co., the holiday scents come hand poured in mason jars adorned with smart, saucy or sweet slogans, suited to your personal gift-giving style. Find them at local shops like The Great Canadian Solid Wood Furniture Co and More Than Just Baskets.
Bejeweled
It’s been said that good things come in small packages and these pieces of locally crafted jewelry are certainly no exception. Artist Heidi von der Gathen owns Air & Earth Design and describes her pieces as chic and contemporary. You can find her pieces locally at Dragonfly Arts on Broadway. Here you’ll also find pieces created by glass artist Beth Grant. Her lampwork beads are inspired by the colours and textures of nature, specifically northern landscapes. Aptly named collections such as Spring Rain, Keele River, and Stone Path display the beauty of these environments in a creative way. You can often find Beth at work in the studio on Saturdays, set amongst other glass-adorned gift ideas like pate knives, bookmarks, and key rings.
Ready to wear
All artwork isn’t destined to hang on a wall. Two local artists offer wearable options that allow you to display your collection wherever you go. Christina Clare has tailored her signature portraits and still life creations to suit her new fashion collection. Originating from her studio in Orangeville, selected artwork is printed on a variety of pieces by La Galeriste, a Montreal-based company that uses environmentally responsible methods in their Canadian factory. The bright, bold colours used by artist Michele Taras have also been emblazoned on clothing. With limited quantities available of each piece, her collection of leggings and tops are truly unique. Fun fact: Artwork created by Michele and Christina is also featured in Orangeville’s public art collection. Visit Kay Cee Gardens to see their work displayed on utility boxes in the park. 

No matter which local gift option you choose, you can wrap it up proudly, story and all, knowing that you’ve created holiday cheer for more than just the lucky recipient. Now that’s the spirit! 
Shop, stamp and win with the Holiday Joy Book

The businesses of downtown Orangeville are giving you even more reasons to shop local this year! Pick up a Holiday Joy Book from participating businesses for your chance to win. Collect a stamp for every $10 you spend. Fill the book with 20 stamps and drop it off in the big red mailbox outside Readers' Choice Bookstore. On December 10, three early bird draws will reward lucky shoppers with prizes of $250, $150 and $100 Downtown Dollars. Keep shopping through December to be entered to win the grand prize of $1000 Downtown Dollars. For a list of participating businesses and full details, visit downtownorangeville.ca.
Orangeville Winter Market
Every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Inside Town Hall

This year, you can load up on local goodness every Saturday during the Orangeville Winter Market. Visit Town Hall to find a selection of vendors offering baked goods, meats, produce, preserves, and more. A list of each week's vendors can be found online.

Please note: The Winter Market will not run on December 25 and January 1.
Joy & Lights & Music in downtown Orangeville
Saturday, November 27, December 4, 11, 18, 2 to 4 p.m.
At Broadway Music, 229 Broadway

On Saturday afternoons, enjoy seasonal tunes performed by local artists in downtown Orangeville. Hum along while you shop, stroll Broadway, and admire the window displays.

November 27: Denis Hahn
December 4 : Hannah Chapplain
December 11: Larry Kurtz
December 18: Ryan Hancock
The Christmas Carol presented by Theatre Orangeville
Live on the Opera House stage
December 1 to 23

Theatre Orangeville presents this holiday classic with a twist. Rod Beattie sheds Walt Wingfield’s overalls to inhabit all our favourite characters – from Scrooge to Tiny Tim – in his lively adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Embrace the spirit of the season with this heartwarming tale of redemption and hope.
Christmas in the Park
Opening night, Friday, December 3, 7:30 p.m.
Every night, December 4 to 31, 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Christmas in the Park is back! Visit Kay Cee Gardens to experience this popular communty tradition. The Optimist Club of Orangeville is preparing a festive assortment of bright lights and colourful displays for this year's event.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Comfort & Joy: Virtual Concert by Achill Choral Society
Premieres Wednesday, December 15, 7 p.m.
Available for online viewing until December 29

The Achill Choral Society will treat viewers to the sounds of the season with a free, virtual holiday concert. The 60-minute concert will feature previously recorded live concert selections as well as newly recorded choral works. Each piece will put you and your family in the holiday spirit.

Led by artistic directory Shawn Grenke and collaborative pianist Nancy Sicsic.
The festive lights are bright in Orangeville
The Town of Orangeville is lighting up the community again this year. The Holiday Lights tour showcases a variety of locations in Orangeville that have been decorated for the festive season. Lights shine brightly in Alexandra Park, in the medians along Broadway, and you can't miss the impressive tree standing outside Town Hall, decked out in silver and red.

Downtown businesses are also ready for the occasion. Pick up a hot beverage from a local cafe and stroll along Broadway to admire the decorations and arrangements laid out in many windows.

Orangeville residents can join the festive fun by lighting and decorating their homes. Participants are encouraged to share their displays by pinpointing their address on the digital map. Visitors and residents can also use the map to create their own driving tour of the community.

You're invited to enjoy Holiday Lights in Orangeville until January 2, 2022.
Be featured in the Dufferin Local Gift Guide

Dufferin County's Development & Tourism department is looking for submissions to the Dufferin Local Gift Guide, a holiday campaign running from December 2021 to February 2022.

This gift guide is open and free to all businesses based in Dufferin County that sell products, offer services, or both.

The Local Gift Guide will be featured on the Tourism inDufferin page. Shoppers will be able to browse featured gift ideas based on their interests such as food, arts and outdoors and then contact the business directly.

To include your business, simply provide an image or video of your product or service, your contact information, a link to your online store (if applicable), and a description of your product/service

To submit your business or get more details, contact the Dufferin County Development & Tourism department.
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