On a warm September day, partners in a new initiative looked two months down the road to when the air will be crisp and the holiday spirit often sets in for many. A sunny Jack Burrows Place will be transformed into a smorgasbord of festive activity with something for everyone.
Tourism North Bay, in partnership with the City of North Bay, Downtown North Bay & Waterfront, The Artisans Way, and Creative Industries, is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new outdoor winter market experience that will transform the downtown into a festive hub of holiday cheer.
Running on the first four Saturdays in November (2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the partners say this new winter experience will be a must-visit destination for residents and visitors alike.
Nipissing—Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota was on hand on Thursday to announce a federal investment of $121,500 to help Tourism North Bay create the outdoor winter market in downtown North Bay. The announcement was made on behalf of Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu, the minister responsible for FedNor.
“I am pleased FedNor is stepping up with $121,500 to accelerate tourism, community and business growth right here in the City of North Bay," MP Rota said. "As the Gateway to the North, we have beautiful winters and it’s great to see Tourism North Bay capitalizing on off-season opportunities to attract more visitors, showcase hometown talent, help fill our restaurants and hotels, and increase sales for local shops and artisans.”
Located at the North Bay Museum parkette in the heart of Downtown North Bay, the market will feature:
- The Artisans Way, a well-known local handcrafted market showcasing unique, locally made goods perfect for holiday shopping
- Christmas mini-train rides on the Amazing Train
- Screenings of locally filmed Christmas movies
- Live music and cultural programming
- Holiday-themed light activations
- Visits from Santa Claus
- A variety of other festive activities that capture the spirit of the season.
“The new outdoor winter market experience was designed by local partners in order to enhance the vibrancy of Downtown North Bay and to support local artisans, restaurants and businesses leading up to the busy holiday season,” said Tourism North Bay Executive Director Tanya Bédard.
Building on the trend of shopping locally and the success of outdoor markets, this FedNor-funded initiative is intended to help revitalize the downtown, attract more visitors to the region, support local businesses, increase overnight stays, and showcase local arts, culture and talent. Once fully operational, the winter market will feature products from close to 80 artisans and provide guests with a Northern Ontario-inspired experience that includes holiday-themed lighting and walking tours, film screenings (French and English), and outdoor activities and programming.
“By creating a new welcoming and festive atmosphere for all ages, visitors and residents are encouraged to explore the light activations and programming, shop the artisan market, indulge in seasonal treats and take in the festive culture under twinkling lights,” Bédard added.
Identified as a strategic priority by Tourism North Bay, the winter market will take place over eight weekends in November 2024 and 2025.
For more information about the new outdoor winter market experience, click here. If you would like to be part of The Artisans Way market please click here.
