5 Reasons to Visit the North Bay Winter Outdoor Market This Year

The crisp November air is here, Halloween has come and gone, and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” has already started playing five times a day on the radio. It's time to get into the holiday spirit, and what better way to do that than by visiting the North Bay Winter Outdoor Market. This year, the city of North Bay, Ontario is welcoming the season with a winter market on almost Saturday in November! Whether you're looking to kickstart your Christmas shopping or just enjoy a cozy outing with loved ones, this festive event is one you won’t want to miss.

Here's five reasons to make the North Bay Winter Market part of your November plans.

1. Get in the Holiday Spirit!

Is there anything more magical than strolling through a holiday market, surrounded by twinkling lights, hot cocoa in hand, and beautiful live music by local North Bay musicians? The North Bay Winter Market has it all—plus a decked out mini-train ride that will bring out the kid in you! We all know the lead-up to the holiday season can sometimes be stressful, with to-do lists, gift planning and busy schedules. It’s easy to lose sight of what the holidays are really about which is spending quality time with loved ones. Since the Winter Market kicks off in November, it’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, be present, and embrace the festive cheer. You can snap a photo (or ten) with Santa, grab a holiday treat from one of the many Artisans Way vendors, and soak in the simple pleasures of the season. With all of the beautiful decorations and excitement around you, I promise it will be impossible not to get into the holiday spirit! 

2. Shop Locally and Support Local Artisans

As a chronic last-minute shopper, I know it’s never too early to start thinking about holiday presents. The Winter Market, in partnership with The Artisans Way—a collective of local vendors—offers the perfect opportunity to get ahead of the holiday stress. Here, you’ll find unique, locally handmade items from talented artisans. From Knitty and Knotty Creation’s character-filled crocheted stuffed animals to luxury bath and body products by Soap and Seed, you’re bound to check a few items off your Christmas list. As you stroll, you’re never far from delicious treats, like the cheesecakes from All Things Lovely Cheesecakes or Brazilian truffles and traditional feijoada from Brigadeiros Brazilian Sweets, bringing an authentic taste of Brazil to North Bay. It’s a wonderful way to spend the evening and find the perfect present, while supporting local businesses—making each gift twice as meaningful.  A true testament to the holiday spirit! As an added bonus, the downtown main street shops are staying open late to be part of the festive atmosphere, giving you a little more time to shop and explore.

3. Museum Tours: Learn More About North Bay

Did you know that North Bay was once a major hub in the Canadian railway system? Or that it was the birthplace of the famous Dionne Quintuplets—the five identical girls whose miracle births put North Bay on the map? The Winter Market offers free admission and tours to two of North Bay’s most popular museums: the North Bay Museum and the Dionne Quints Museum. The North Bay Museum is even located in the original historic Canadian Pacific Railway station—how cool is that? Inside, you’ll find fascinating artifacts and interactive exhibits, including a historic gas pump from the 1920s and replica storefronts that recreate North Bay’s downtown during the 1920s to the 1940s. Meanwhile, the Dionne Quints Museum is the very home where the famous quintuplets once lived. Both conveniently located near the Winter Market, these museums offer a cozy escape from the cold. A visit to the Winter Market is not only a great outing, but also a chance to discover more about North Bay’s history—for free!

4. New Weekly Activities for Everyone

One of the highlights of the Winter Market is the variety of fresh, fun activities they offer each week. Opening night on November 2 kicked things off with a Cookie Crawl, where ticket holders enjoyed delicious specialty cookies from downtown shops—a great way to experience North Bay’s warm hospitality and delicious treats. The Make and Take Market was held on November 9th; don't miss the Guerilla Grooves performance on November 16th! Each Saturday brings something fresh, with no two activities alike, keeping the experience exciting and new. You’ll also get to enjoy live music from different talented artists, offering a chance to discover new talent each week. These changing activities create a unique way to interact with the community, so you’ll want to keep coming back each Saturday to see what’s in store! Check out Tourism North Bay for details on upcoming events, and don’t miss the grand finale on the last Saturday (November 23rd), featuring special French programming presented in collaboration with Les Compagnons. Rumor has it, there might even be stilt walkers!

5. The Perfect Romantic Date Idea

There’s a reason why Hallmark keeps making holiday rom-coms and why so many are filmed in North Bay! The holiday season is simply romantic. Picture this: strolling hand in hand through the Winter Market, a light snowfall, and twinkling lights everywhere - it’s hard to beat the charm of winter. The Winter Market makes for the perfect budget-friendly date, where you can soak up the festive atmosphere together. For an extra touch of excitement and romance, take North Bay’s self-guided holiday film tour and visit the very spots where these Hallmark movies were filmed. Bonus points if you can recreate the scenes! Wrap up your date with a Hallmark Holiday film screening inside the North Bay Museum (only on November 23rd) or snap a picture in front of the dreamy movie sets available outside.

Plan Your Visit to the North Bay Winter Outdoor Market Today

The North Bay Winter Market is happening on November 9, 16, 23, 2024 from 4 pm to 8 pm in front of the North Bay Museum (100 Ferguson Street). Get excited for the Holiday season and don’t miss out on all the fun and magic this Winter Market has to offer!

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