It Starts Today: Festivals And Holiday Celebrations Come Alive In SSM!

"Sault Ste. Marie is truly fortunate with the inescapable reality of winter. Along with snow and crisp temperatures, this reality brings vibrant celebrations and festivals moving the whole city outdoors and embracing what the season brings. The snow is a major contributor to the country's identity and character and Sault Ste. Marie knows just how to celebrate it".

Follow the footprints of winter and embrace the generous festivals and celebrations the community has planned just for you!

Mill Market - November 20 (4pm to 10pm)

Sheri Minardi Photography

Join Mill Market vendors from 4pm – 10pm on November 20th for festive nighttime holiday shopping from Sault Ste. Marie’s local crafters and artisans! Over 30 vendors will join together to bring you the very best in handmade and local gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. Make holiday shopping fun at Mill Market – with yummy treats, festive atmosphere, and gifts that benefit the whole community!

Mill Market
35 Canal Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Admission: Free
Visit www.millmarket.ca for their full calendar of events.

Moonlight Magic - November 20th (6pm - 11pm)

 

Photo by sootoday.com

Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Court House - 7pm

Queen Street in downtown Sault Ste. Marie is set to sparkle this year for Moonlight Magic! Luminaries, secret lighting installations and of course the golden standard, the court house Christmas Tree lighting. Providing the perfect backdrop, the court house is once again the location for downtown's wow-worthy Christmas Tree. You can count down with the Case Music carolers t the annual Queen Street Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Bundle up and bring your family, friends and kids to kick off the holiday season Sault Ste. Marie style.

What makes a cool snowy night warm, hot chocolate of course! If you're a hot chocolate fan this festival has something just for you. The Downtown Association is hosing the first Annual Hot Chocolate Competition during Moonlight Magic. Don't despair if there is a hint of winter in the air, the warming stations (located on every block) will help keep you feeling cozy. Visit downtown and let the luminaries light the way as you walk downtown and sample hot chocolate from 13 different businesses.

Here's how it works...

As you stroll from shop to shop, visit any or hopefully all of the warming stations located directly on the street. To receive a hot chocolate sample, simply make a donation to Christmas Cheer. Note every sample requires a donation. Vote for your favourite hot chocolate by filling out a ballot and dropping it off at one of the participating businesses. Once the votes are calculated all ballots will be entered into a draw and the winner will receive a gift certificate form the winning business.

Here is your Hot Chocolate tasting map!

Pim Street - East Street

Old Stone House - The Heritage Discovery Centre may be new to the scene, but old-fashioned goodness is what they are all about.

City Meat Market - At last year's event Lori Nowitski warmed the crowd's with St. Joe's Island coffee roasters. Can't wait to see what she has in store this year.

Dish Espresso Bar  - Watch out for Jenn Bellerose and the dish gang. For the last two year's Jenn's wowed the tree lighting crowd with her spectacular hot chocolate bar.

Spring St. March St

Sweet Greetings - Jennifer Kotyk and crew know how to turn simple into special. Her shop is full of delicious delights and we're sure she knows a thing or two about hot chocolate.

Embers - This team likes a challenge and they have a special twist for you hot chocolate surprise this year.

March St - Elgin St.

Café Natura - If their hot chocolate is anything like their freakin' good morning roast, watch out! This group never disappoints.

Elgin St. - Bruce St.

Planetary Pride - Rob Waddel's got downtown spirit. Their street party lemonade was a hit this summer, let's see if their hot chocolate can grab the attention of the Moonlight Magic crowd.

Shabby Motley - Two words, barista Ray. This guy is Shabby's secret weapon. Can't wait to see what he comes up with.

The Summit Church - Jeremy Murdoch and friends are known for their fun-filled festivities on Moonlight Magic. Let's see if they can brig some of the fun and deliciousness out on the street.

Bruce St - Dennis St.

Solo Trattoria - What's Chris Lepore got in store? Can't wait to find out!

The Holly Walk - November 21 - 22 (5:30pm - 9:30pm)

This wonderful annual celebration is hosted by the Bruce Mines United Church. You can join the journey to Bethlehem on Friday November 21 and Saturday November 22 from 5:30pm - 9:30 pm.

Role play the story of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, complete with costumed characters and props!

Sing Christmas Carols while you wait, and enjoy some hot chocolate afterwards.

Dress accordingly.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Bruce Mines United Church – For more information, call Patricia Cembal 705-246-3901 or email: picenbal@hotmail.com - Food donations, please call Leah Fleming 705-785-3148 or email: leahfleming@outlook.com.

18 Williams Street, Bruce Mines, Ontario
Admission: Free

Santa Claus Parade - November 22nd (6pm)

 

Photo by sootoday.com

Save the date because Santa Claus is comin' to town! The big guy in red makes his annual downtown debut on Saturday, November 22 downtown Sault Ste. Marie, ON. The Rotary Clubl's Annual Santa Claus parade begins at 6pm. Bring the whole family and have fun celebrating this festive time of year. Come early to get a good spot on Queen Street and enjoy lots of music to get you into the spirit.

Mill Market November 19th & 26th (2pm or 4pm sessions)

Sheri Minardi Photography

New North Greenhouses Presents Wednesday Workshops Mill Market Winter Wednesdays.pdf

Choose a 2p.m. or 4p.m. session.

Workshop 1: FESTIVE DOOR SWAG

Decorate a festive door swag using a base of fresh greens. Workshop cost is $25.00 per person for the swag and a bow of your choice. You can choose extra greens, magnolia tips, natural elements and/or festive 'bling' from our holiday collection. *All items will be priced so we can do an 'added cost' sheet for each participant.

Workshop 2: HOLIDAY WREATH

Decorate a holiday wreath using a fresh wreath.Workshop cost is $32.00 per person for the ‘ready to decorate wreath’. You can choose extra greens, magnolia tips, natural elements and/or festive ‘bling’ from our holiday collection. All items will be priced so we can do an ‘added cost’ sheet for each participant.

Workshop 3: DECORATIVE CONTAINER

Personalize a decorative container of fresh greens. Workshop cost is $39.00 per person for the 'ready to decorate' arrangement. You can choose extra greens, magnolia tips, natural elements and/or festive 'bling' from our holiday collection. All items will be priced so we can do an 'added cost' sheet for each participant.

Registration Information

There are a limited number of spots for each option per session, so pre-registration is required. Email or call New North Greenhouses.

A minimum $10.00 payment is needed to hold your spot. If you pay the entire registration fee ahead of time, you will receive a $5.00 credit towards your workshop add-ons! Be sure to bring along your favorite gloves, a pair of hand pruners and wire snips when you come for the workshop.

Festival of Trees - November 20 - 23 Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

Festival of Trees Sault Ste. Marie

The Festival of Trees is the traditional launch to the Festive Season in the Algoma District. This extraordinary fundraiser event helps bring a taste of the holiday spirit to you and your family. At the Delta Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront, visitors can view beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, which are then raffled off or put up for bid in a silent auction. Enjoy seasonal entertainment, children can also enjoy holiday shopping for their parents, visit Santa and try some children's activities, all while supporting The Lung Association. All proceeds from the event wholly support The Lung Association in our mission to improve lung health.

The Festival of Trees is an extraordinary charity fundraiser. Imagine the Bushplane Heritage centre transformed into a wonderland of festive decorations and beautifully decorated trees and wreaths from local businesses. Add music, children's laughter, auctions, raffles, and the enjoyment of food and drink and you have the ingredients for a very memorable event for the family, friends and visitors. From across the region of Algoma, young and old alike will be drawn to this Christmas celebration. Proceeds from the event support The Lung Association.

Jesus Christ Superstar - November 26 - 30

The Musical Comedy Guild and Production Team that brought you Les Misérables invite you to feel all the power and glory of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock music phenomenon this fall. The rock opera that has entertained audiences worldwide for 40 years will be onstage at the Kiwanis Community Theatre Centre and out-of-town guests can take advantage of special packages supported by the Days Inn & Suites. Visit www.musicalcomedyguild.com for all the exciting details!

Children's Workshop - A Grinch Tree Wednesday December 5th (2pm or 4pm sessions)

Every "Who" down in Whoville, the tall and the small, will say "We like this Christmas tree best of all!" Pay homage to a whimsical children's favourite and be inspired by the animated Dr. Seuss classic. (No photos, as this one will be a surprise!)WORKSHOP COST IS $25.00/CHILD. *All children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.  *Pre-registration is required for these two sessions. *All workshop fees include HST. Call or email New North Greenhouses or visit their table at MILL MARKET on Saturdays between 10am-3pm to register.

Mill Market Winter Hours
Wednesdays 2pm – 6pm
Saturdays 10am – 3pm

Mill Flea
Sundays 11am – 3pm

35 Canal Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
W: www.millmarket.ca

Living Christmas Trees

New North Greenhouses is taking orders for living Christmas Trees. They have a limited supply of Austrian and Vanderwolfe Pine as well as Dwarf Albert Spruce. Contact New North Greenhouses for more details or ask for more info at Mill Market.

New North Greenhouses
719 Airport Road
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 5K6
705-779-2168
W: www.newnorth@sympatico.ca

Holiday Festival on Ice - December 7 (7pm)

A star studded Holiday Festival on Ice is happening at Sault Ste. Marie's Essar Centre, Sunday, December 7th at 7:00pm. Tessa Virtue, Scott Moir, Patrick Chan, Kurt Browning, Jeffrey Buttle, Kimmie Meissner (USA) and Shawn Sawyer will be entertaining the audience with their brilliant talent. Tickets are on sale now online at www.essar Centre.

The Searchmont North Pole Express - December 20 and 22

Photo by sootoday.com

The Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains (CAPT), the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library (SSMPL) and Searchmont Resort are pleased to announce the return of the holiday train event now called The Searchmont North Pole Express.

The North Pole Express train will depart from the Algoma Central Railway rail yard, traveling to the North Pole at Searchmont Resort.

Student actors under the direction of Anthony Aceti will provide an on-board performance.

At Searchmont Resort, children can visit Santa in his North Pole workshop compliments of Station Mall.

There will also be lunch, skiing and rental equipment provided, crafts and games, carolling and bus transportation home.

All of this is included in the ticket prices below.

Tickets are limited and on a first come first serve basis.

Ticket restrictions apply (limit of six tickets per person can be purchased and for one event date only).

Tickets can be purchased in person, over the phone or on-line starting Thursday, November 27 at the Station Mall Box Office.

Here are The Searchmont North Pole Express event details:

Dates

Saturday, December 20, 2014 and Monday December 22, 2014 9 a.m. train departure from the Algoma Central Railway rail yard.

Ticket sales

In person at the Kiwanis Community Theatre Box Office (293 Bay St. at Station Mall). Box office hours of operation are Tuesday to Friday 10:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Saturday 10:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Over the phone with a credit card (705) 945-7299.

On-line with a credit card www.kctc.ca

Ticket restrictions apply (limit of six tickets per person can be purchased and for one event date only).

Prices

$35 adult (19+), $35 senior (60+), $30 youth (6-18), $20 child (2-5).

Tax and box office service fees are extra.

Other Searchmont Express train events are in development for the upcoming season.

Stay tuned for future opportunities to ride the rail to Searchmont Resort!

Bon Soo Winter Carnival - February 6 - 15

Photo by sootoday.com

The Bon Soo Board of Directors and Staff share the excitement of the entire community in celebrating winter with family and friends for 10 days at the beginning of February during Northern Ontario’s largest winter carnival – BON SOO!!

Proudly named one of the “Top 100” festivals each year for the past seven (7) years, it all happens right here in SSM. Bon Soo hosts more than 75 events for everyone from Pre-Schoolers to Seniors; indoor events, outdoor events, concerts for all ages, breakfasts, contests and tournaments. Hundreds of families come to enjoy the wagon rides, snow shoeing, snow canoeing, dog sled rides, snow sculptures, our famous bum slides and so much more.

The Bon Soo Souvenir Button– allows admission to over 15 events, including the Winter Playground. Each button comes with valuable coupons and the chance to win tickets for the Snow Train. Mr. Bon Soo is the jovial host, and welcomes you to the 50th Anniversary of Bon Soo February 6-15, 2015.

You can call 705-759-3000 and visit www.bonsoo.on.ca to find more detailed information about the many events. Bon Soo Winter Carnival is the perfect escape into the winter! 

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