Downtown Orillia getting in the spirit with Festive Holiday Weekend

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Events at end of November include holiday market, children’s candlelight parade, tree lighting, Santa Claus Parade.

NEWS RELEASE
DOWNTOWN ORILLIA BIA
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The Downtown Orillia BIA (DOBIA) is already feeling festive and is eager to highlight the Festive Holiday Weekend happening on Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28 in downtown Orillia.

Delicious Days of Christmas: This popular event has returned and will start at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27 on the block of Mississaga Street across from the Orillia Opera House. It’s a mostly food and Christmas-themed market organized by the people who brought you the massive Delicious Days of Summer. They’ll be set up outdoors so you can browse, savour and sip before and after the tree lighting up until 9 p.m. Santa will be there for taking photos.

Orillia Christmas Market: This annual event is an indoor artisan market organized by Creative Nomad Studios and partners featuring a variety of local vendors from across the region. It will run Friday, Nov. 27 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and continue on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market will happen indoors at the Creative Nomad building at 23 Mississaga St. W. To learn more, visit their website: www.orilliachristmasmarket.ca.

Children’s Candlelight Parade: On Friday, Nov. 27, children of all ages are welcome to meet at the corner of Mississaga Street and Front Street, grab a candle provided by the Downtown Orillia BIA and then begin walking together west along Mississaga Street starting at 7 p.m. sharp. The Orillia Fire Department (OFD) will lead the parade, which will end on the steps of the Orillia Opera House just in time for the tree-lighting ceremony. We’re very grateful for the support of the OFD and the Salvation Army.

Christmas tree lighting: Just after 7 p.m., at the conclusion of the Children’s Candlelight Parade, the traditional Christmas tree-lighting ceremony will take place at the Orillia Opera House. There will be some very special guests in attendance along with Santa to help turn on the lights this year. Thanks to Woodland Tree Service for the installation of the lights on the tree.

Late-night Christmas shopping: A collection of downtown Orillia businesses will be open late after the tree lighting on Nov. 27 to entice visitors with a variety of specials, discounts and giveaways. Follow the Facebook and Instagram accounts of the Downtown Orillia BIA to find out more details about who will be staying open late.

Orillia Santa Claus Parade: The final activity of the weekend will be the Orillia Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Organized by the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce, this annual tradition attracts thousands of smiling faces as it winds its way through downtown Orillia via Mississaga Street and often showcases over 100 floats, bands and vehicles as well as jolly old St. Nick himself. For more info, visit www.orillia.com/santa.

The DOBIA is very fortunate to work alongside some amazing community partners to be able to make all of these remarkable events possible.

Some additional activities being planned for November and December in downtown Orillia are as follows:

Late-night Christmas shopping — Select downtown Orillia businesses will be open late on Nov. 27, Dec. 4 and 18 for all of your festive shopping needs. Watch for specials, discounts and so much more. For more details, follow the Downtown Orillia BIA social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.

Twelve Days of Giving — A special promotion where the DOBIA elves will be out catching people supporting downtown businesses and giving out $25 gift cards. The promotion will run from Dec. 8 to 19. There will also be four random draws for $100 gift cards on Saturday, Dec. 19. Watch for the DOBIA elves and ask them for a ballot to get in on the draws.

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