The holiday season is coming to downtown Oakville offering plenty of ways to celebrate this magical time of year. Don’t let the cold temperatures deter you from joining the cheerful bustle through November and December. Bundle up, grab a hot beverage at a charming cafe, and take in the festive décor, activities and vibes of this charming downtown.
Downtown Oakville’s Hometown Holiday officially kicks off on November 17 and runs to December 23. As with previous years, it will not disappoint. “The streetscape in downtown will be fully decked out in beautiful holiday décor, including our stunning 30-foot Christmas tree in Towne Square and a Winter Wonderland of Lights in Centennial Square,” says Adrienne Gordon, Director of Downtown Oakville BIA.
Expect abundant opportunities to snap the perfect holiday photo, from the Santa cottage to the gingerbread house of lights to horse-drawn carriage rides. It’s also an ideal time to peruse local stores for the perfect gifts to put under the tree. Unique shops offer one-of-a-kind items you won’t easily find anywhere else, from artwork to clothing, home décor to kitchen wares.
Once you’re all shopped out, no need to rush home. Stay to relax and enjoy a drink and nibbles. Downtown Oakville is home to an array of top notch restaurants, from fine dining to casual fare, and caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.
Mark your calendar so you don’t miss the magical experience of Hometown Holiday. Here’s what’s happening:
Light up the Night
November 17, 5 – 9 p.m.
Take a stroll and enjoy downtown Oakville’s spectacular holiday lighting including the 30-foot tall natural tree. This night marks the first time they ‘Light up the Night’ and everyone can celebrate with live entertainment in Towne Square featuring the return of the CW Carolling Champions, The Sugar Plums.
You can also take a horse and carriage ride around historic downtown, and stop by to visit Santa at his cabin. Don’t forget to pack some shopping bags – participating stores will stay open late to kick start your holiday shopping.
Santa returns every Saturday in the Winter Wonderland, along with carriage rides and hot chocolate in Towne Square.
Rock’n Around the Tree – Holiday Silent Disco
November 25, 7 p.m.
The Silent Disco night is back by popular demand so grab your friends to kick off the holidays with some groove! Dive into a spirited 60-minute journey filled with singing, dancing and the most iconic Christmas tunes. Arrive early to secure your headsets and gear up to rock around the festive tree. The event is free but be sure to secure your tickets in advance.
Visit Oakvilledowntown.com and @oakvilledowntown to find out more.
Wuxley
Wuxley parkas have been keeping people warm since 2015. Ethically manufactured in Canada, they’re animal-free and made with recycled materials. Visit the new store to check out the variety of stylish, high quality winter outerwear to keep you cozy in the coldest temps. The B Corp Certified brand champions Canadian craftsmanship while harming zero animals.
294 Lakeshore Road East | wuxly.com
State and Liberty
Shop here for the perfect dress shirts for athletes. By providing more room in the upper body with an extremely tailored waist, its dress shirts cater to those with a V-shape body type and are made with performance fabric. The store features the brand’s full collection, including top selling products such as athletic fit dress shirts and stretch suits.
181 Lakeshore Road East | stateandliberty.com
The Latest Scoop
The Latest Scoop is a lifestyle concept store full of pretty things for you and your home: fashion, home décor, accessories, furniture, stationery, giftware and much more. You’re encouraged to lose yourself in the sense of discovery, have fun, laugh, connect and most importantly, fall in love with your wardrobe and your home.
225 Lakeshore Road East | thelatestscoop.ca
Maverick’s Donuts
Indulge your sweet tooth with a treat from this new Canadian donut brand that offers a variety of flavours and collections including: Classic, Signature, Fritters, Minimavs and vegan (the fritters are highly sought after!) Everything is made fresh in-house daily. You can also order custom donuts for special events, like anniversaries and birthdays.
152 Lakeshore Road East | mavericksdonuts.com/oakville