Have yourself a merry little Christmas in downtown Truro

Bask in the Festival of Lights, discover unique local shops and more this holiday season

Residents and visitors of Truro have a lot to look forward to this holiday season, as the town transforms into a magical winter wonderland full of festive cheer.

The Downtown Truro Partnership has many events planned for the weeks leading up to the holidays that are sure to put a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.

“We have such a vibrant downtown core,” says Saribel

Deslauriers, executive director of the Downtown Truro Partnership. “We want to make sure that our community knows about all our amazing businesses and what they offer.”

The holiday activities will kick off at Civic Square on Nov. 25 with the Festival of Lights, including the annual tree lighting at 7 p.m. For many, this festive event heralds the beginning of the holiday season. Horse and wagon rides will be available from 5 to 7 p.m., and a gorgeous fireworks display will start the season with a literal bang.

Many of the downtown businesses will get in on the fun by taking part in an evening shopping event on Nov. 25 from 5 to 9 p.m. Businesses will stay open late, and many will have special in-store promotions and sales, giving festival-goers a chance to get a more will enter you into a drawing for one of two gift baskets worth more than $500.

The Truro Farmers’ Market will also host a Friday evening market, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 25, featuring some great local crafters offering unique gifts and wares. People can attend the market before going next door for the tree lighting and fireworks display.

“These events are great!” says James Ackerman, who co-owns Eight Nine One Hair Studio with his wife. “The people who run these businesses live in your community, and they give back as much as possible. These small businesses help to make Truro the town it is and give it its personality.”

Truro’s beloved Santa Claus Parade will return on Sunday, Nov. 27 at 4 p.m. This year’s theme is based on the children’s book ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and awards will be presented for best head start on gift buying while also

theme, most original entry, best supporting local businesses.

visual effects and more.

“We are extremely excited about “Participants are asked to the return of the Festival of Lights,” recreate their traditions of says Deslauriers. “People can shop what they do the night before and then stay for the tree lighting Christmas,” says Deslauriers. and fireworks. With the stores open “We’re excited to see what they late, they can still go to the shops come up with.” and buy some special Christmas One community member presents.” eagerly anticipating this year’s

For people looking to keep events is Sarah Coleman, owner holiday shopping local this year, of Calling Corners New Age Downtown Dollars are a great way Boutique. Coleman says the events to do so. Downtown Dollars work are always well-attended and give a like gift cards and are accepted boost to the local community. at more than 100 participating “I think a lot of people are downtown shops and businesses. mindful of how important From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 19, shopping local is and are cognizant Downtown Truro Partnership will of how they’re spending their host its annual Downtown Dollars money,” says Coleman. “I do feel sale at the Truro Farmers’ Market. like a lot of people understand the

Purchasing $100 of downtown value and that they’re investing dollars will earn you a mystery in the community, which is so prize, while purchasing $300 or appreciated.”

Another magical and cherished Truro event is the holiday horse and wagon rides, which take place on Friday evenings. People can bask in the beautiful lights and scenery of Downtown Truro during a horse-drawn wagon ride with loved ones. Rides are available on Nov. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Dec. 2 and 9 from 6 to 8 p.m.

“This provides our community with the perfect opportunity to see the lights and the tree, then explore around town and see what the local shops have to offer,” says Deslauriers.

But the fun doesn’t end there! Once again, classic holiday movies will be shown at the Marigold Cultural Centre on Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4 p.m., so the whole family can bond and experience it together. This year’s films are Elf on Dec. 11 and The Grinch on Dec. 18. Tickets are free and available at the Downtown Truro Partnership office, but donations are welcome.

Photos with Santa are also returning this year. Residents and visitors can get their photo taken with Santa on Dec. 1, 8 and 15 from 3 to 6 p.m. and on Dec. 3 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Your furry friends also can get in on the fun with pet photos with Santa on Thursday, Dec. 1 and 8 from 7 to 9 p.m.

“The holidays were such a huge success last year, and we’re so excited to help get everyone into the Christmas spirit,” says Deslauriers.

To discover all the exciting holiday events taking place in Truro and see all the amazing businesses that make up the downtown core, go to www.downtowntruro.ca