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It’s parade day!! 🎅 Santa comes to town today for the Guelph Community Santa Parade and day TWO of Spirit of the Season! 🌟
11am - Spirit of the Season Day 2 kicks off and markets are open
4:55pm - Santa Run starts, coming down the parade route
5:15pm - Have your non-perishable items at the ready, as the Guelph Food Bank kick off the parade
5:30pm - The parade commences from Woolwich Street at Powell Street, and concluding on Wyndham Street, near the railway bridge
Find all the info via the link in our bio 📌
Spirit of the Season runs December 6-8th & 13-15th with the following market hours:
📆 Friday 3pm - 9pm
📆 Saturday 11am - 8pm
📆 Sunday 12pm - 5pm
This year’s event supports the Keep Kids Fed At Home program via @childrensfdngw. These festivities are made possible thanks to the generous support of our Premier Festival Sponsor, @co_operators, and all of our other sponsors. ✨
See you today!
Tonight the DGBA announced $25,000 is being donated to the Keep Kids Fed At Home program from Spirit of the Season 2024! ❄️
Thanks to everyone who came out to Day 1 of Spirit of the Season ft. the Mayor & Council Tree Lighting!
This year’s event is in support of an important food security program by @childrensfdngw, Keep Kids Fed At Home. This donation and event wouldn’t be possible without our generous sponsors, especially our Premier Festival Sponsor, @co_operators✨
We would like to thank:
Cooper Construction
@acquasalon.co
@linamarcorp
@barzottiwoodworking
@conestogacollege
@the_tricar_group
@buongustoguelph
@wooddevelopmentgroup
@guelph_storm_ohl
@sutherlandinsurance
Sabrina Essery at @royalcityrealty
@applesalonca
@speedyautoservice_guelph
@knarjewellery
@copper_rose_distillers
@manorlandscaping
@piattopizzeria
@gatheringuelph
@lareina_519
@cityofguelph
Floatr Inc
Guelph City Realty Limited
Spirit of the Season continues at 11am tomorrow!
Full Hours:
📆 Friday 3pm - 9pm
📆 Saturday 11am - 8pm
📆 Sunday 12pm - 5pm
December 6-8th & 13-15th
See you tomorrow for DAY 2! Hosted by the Downtown Guelph Business Association ❄️
Spirit of the Season is LIVE! Running 3-9pm, find vendors, food (think s’mores, cinnamon buns, sandwiches, beaver tails) and so much more inside AND outside!
Join us at 6pm for the Mayor and Council Tree Lighting, followed by Walking in a Wonderland to judge the storefront decorating contest!
After, circle back to the market! ✨
Surprise! Spirit of the Season got its own Big Heart ♥️ for 2024! Visit the market starting at 3pm today, beat the rush, and be one of the first people to get a photo with it 📸
Day 1 of the Spirit of the Season kicks off today at 3pm, followed by the Tree Lighting at 6pm, and Walking in a Window Wonderland immediately after the tree lighting.
Spirit of the Season Hours:
📆 Friday 3pm - 9pm
📆 Saturday 11am - 8pm
📆 Sunday 12pm - 5pm
December 6-8th & 13-15th
Big events during Spirit of the Season:
❄️ Fri, Dec. 6 - Tree Lighting + Walking in a Window Wonderland
❄️ Sat, Dec. 7 - Guelph Community Santa Parade
❄️ Fri, Dec. 13 - Moonlight Madness
❄️ Sat, Dec. 14 - Fire Circus
❄️ Sun, Dec. 15 - Children’s Day (costume party, fairy princesses, Santa, the Grinch, and more!)
⭐️ Free admission for all events.
This year’s event is in support of the Keep Kids Fed At Home program via the Children’s Foundation of Guelph @childrensfdngw . Special thanks to our Premier Festival Sponsor, @co_operators, along with all of our other sponsors, for helping make this year’s festivities possible.
*Note that the Big Heart was just delivered, and is currently being setup. It will be available for photos starting at 3pm.
Big shoutout to the Big Heart creator Josh Smith @bluedvck for their amazing work, and Tacoma Engineering for helping make this happen! ✨
Spirit of the Season kicks off at 3pm TODAY! Markets, Tree Lighting, and Walking in a Window Wonderland!
The Outdoor Market in St. George’s Square and Indoor Market in Old Quebec Street Shoppes are both open from 3PM - 9PM for DAY 1 of Spirit of the Season.
At 6 PM, gather in Market Square by City Hall for the Mayor & Council Tree Lighting Ceremony 🎄
After the ceremony, don’t miss Walking in a Window Wonderland ❄️ Join celebrity judges on a guided tour of downtown, passing by all of the decorated storefronts who are competing for your vote in the Storefront Decorating Contest!
By voting, you could win too! Three lucky voters will be randomly selected to win:
🎁 $150 Downtown Dollars
🎁 $100 Downtown Dollars
🎁 $50 Downtown Dollars
See you today for DAY 1 of Spirit of the Season!
In support of Keep Kids Fed at Home by @childrensfdngw
Join the judges on their walk in a Window Wonderland after the Tree Lighting ceremony tomorrow!
This guided tour will pass by all of the decorated downtown storefronts who are competing for your vote in the Storefront Decorating Contest!
The businesses are competing for:
🎁 1st Place: $1,000 Downtown Dollars
🎁 2nd Place: $500 Downtown Dollars
🎁 3rd Place: $250 Downtown Dollars
By voting, you could win too! Three lucky voters will be randomly selected to win:
🎄 $150 Downtown Dollars
🎄 $100 Downtown Dollars
🎄 $50 Downtown Dollars
Voting will be open from December 6th to 15th via the link in our bio. During the stroll, or anytime during Spirit of the Season, head to the link and vote for you favourite to be entered to win ❄️
Walking in a Window Wonderland will begin immediately after the Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall (start time 6pm). There will be an announcement during the Tree Lighting Ceremony with this info.
75 minutes from Toronto is the most charming small town event in Ontario 🎄
The first two weekends of December is Spirit of the Season in Guelph; a magical holiday festival filled with markets, Christmas events, and all the holiday movie feels ✨🎁
⭐️ Free admission
📸 Lots of photo and video ops
🚊 GO train accessible (no car needed!)
Happening December 6-8th & 13-15th
📆 Friday 3pm - 9pm
📆 Saturday 11am - 8pm
📆 Sunday 12pm - 5pm
Big events during Spirit of the Season:
❄️ Fri, Dec. 6 - Tree Lighting at City Hall
❄️ Sat, Dec. 7 - Guelph Santa Parade
❄️ Fri, Dec. 13 - Moonlight Madness
❄️ Sat, Dec. 14 - Fire Circus
❄️ Sun, Dec. 15 - Children’s Day (costume party, fairy princesses, Santa, the Grinch, and more!)
All times, dates, and locations can be found on the official Spirit of the Season website (link in bio)!
PS. The GO train runs right into Downtown Guelph, which is where Spirit of the Season is hosted. You can hop off the train, and walk right into the market! No car or cab needed.
The Guelph Santa Parade is happening this Saturday, December 7th! 🎄
4:55pm - Santa Run starts, coming down the parade route
5:15pm - Have your non-perishable items at the ready, as the Guelph Food Bank kicks off the parade
5:30pm - The parade commences from Woolwich Street at Powell Street, and concluding on Wyndham Street, near the railway bridge (see one of our last posts for a map of the route)
Here are some highlights from the 2023 parade 💫 Including routines, performances, floats, music, and more from our awesome community!
Find all the info via the link in our bio 📌
We can’t wait for this year’s Guelph community night parade to be bigger and better than ever ✨
*As of posting date we are looking for a couple more parade volunteers, with the opportunity to hand out some fun I ♥️Downtown Guelph flags at the beginning of the parade. See the link in bio for more info.
Guelph, ON is the go-to spot for a ✨ small town holiday market ✨ with Spirit of the Season 🎄
These charming little huts with twinkly lights host local vendors across two weekends: December 6-8th & 13-15th
📆 Friday 3pm - 9pm
📆 Saturday 11am - 8pm
📆 Sunday 12pm - 5pm
(With more huts added this year!)
There is also a full heated indoor market in Quebec St. Shoppes across the street, which is also ✨super cute✨ with its limestone architecture.
In addition, come down for the Santa Parade on December 7th, a Fire Circus on December 14th, and a Children’s Day on December 15th.
📍 Located at: Quebec St. & Wyndham St. N, Guelph
❄️ Find all details via the official Spirit of the Season website (link in our bio)
Spirit of the Season 2024 is about more than just spreading holiday cheer — it’s about spreading hope and nourishment to children in our community! ✨
We’re excited to announce that our charitable partner for this year’s campaign is @childrensfdngw Keep Kids Fed at Home!
Through Keep Kids Fed, children in our community receive the food they need, both at school and home:
🍎 At School: Supporting breakfast, snack, and lunch programs.
🏠 At Home: Providing food support on weekends and school holidays.
Be part of the magic! Join us at this year`s Spirit of the Season to support Keep Kids Fed and give the gift of food security this holiday season🎄
Last year $29,000, 100% of the funds raised at Spirit of the Season, went to The Home for Good Campaign ❄️
The Home for Good Campaign is a Guelph / Wellington collective initiative that aims to reduce the number of people experiencing chronic homelessness through permanent housing solutions.
In 2023, 40 units opened and Spirit of the Season funds went directly to construction costs for the third location at 10 Shelldale, which will be home to 32 individuals. 10 Shelldale is a partnership of Kindle Communities, the Guelph Community Health Centre and Stonehenge. To learn more, visit @unitedwaygwd
This year’s event is in support of the Keep Kids Fed At Home program via the Children`s Foundation of Guelph @childrensfdngw. Join us at this year`s Spirit of the Season to support Keep Kids Fed and give the gift of food security this holiday season 🎄
--
📸 photos provided by @unitedwaygwd
Last year, over 15,000 people gathered to watch the Guelph Community Santa Parade, and we can`t wait to see you all at this year`s events! ❄️
As we gear up for this year`s Spirit of the Season, we`re grateful to our generous sponsors, especially our Premier Festival Sponsor, @co_operators, for all their support! ✨
We would like to thank:
Cooper Construction
@acquasalon.co
@linamarcorp
@barzottiwoodworking
@conestogacollege
@the_tricar_group
@buongustoguelph
@wooddevelopmentgroup
@guelph_storm_ohl
@sutherlandinsurance
Sabrina Essery at @royalcityrealty
@applesalonca
@speedyautoservice_guelph
@knarjewellery
@copper_rose_distillers
@manorlandscaping
@piattopizzeria
@gatheringuelph
@lareina_519
@cityofguelph
Floatr Inc
Guelph City Realty Limited
This year`s event is in support of the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington’s Keep Kids Fed at Home program.
Mark your calendars and join us for this year`s Spirit of the Season, running December 6th - 8th and 13th to 15th! 🎄
DGBA Objectives
Business Support & Development
We are committed to providing exceptional resources, tools, and opportunities that empower local businesses to flourish. By offering mentorship, marketing assistance, and educational programs, we aim to foster entrepreneurship and strengthen the economic vitality of our downtown community.
Community Engagement and Events
The DGBA seeks to create a dynamic and inviting atmosphere that entices residents and visitors alike to explore, shop, and dine in downtown Guelph. Through organizing exciting events, festivals, and cultural activities, we aim to build lasting connections and promote a sense of belonging among all who experience our downtown district.
Advocacy and Sustainability
As staunch advocates for downtown interests, the DGBA actively collaborates with local authorities, stakeholders, and government entities to champion policies that enhance the downtown area's livability, accessibility, and sustainability. We are committed to safeguarding the long-term well-being of downtown Guelph for generations to come.
Urban Revitalization and Beautification
We believe in the power of a visually appealing and well-maintained environment. The DGBA undertakes initiatives to revitalize public spaces, promote street art, and maintain clean, safe, and welcoming streetscapes, contributing to an attractive and welcoming atmosphere for businesses and visitors alike.
Inclusivity and Diversity
The DGBA actively embraces the richness of our diverse community, seeking to create an inclusive and equitable downtown environment. We encourage and celebrate representation from all backgrounds, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and welcome.
Our Goal
By adhering to these principles and working collaboratively with all stakeholders, the Downtown Guelph Business Association aims to be a driving force in making downtown Guelph an extraordinary destination, buzzing with creativity, economic prosperity, and community pride.
Tonight the DGBA announced $25,000 is being donated to the Keep Kids Fed At Home program from Spirit of the Season 2024! ❄️
Thanks to everyone who came out to Day 1 of Spirit of the Season ft. the Mayor & Council Tree Lighting!
This year’s event is in support of an important food security program by @childrensfdngw, Keep Kids Fed At Home. This donation and event wouldn’t be possible without our generous sponsors, especially our Premier Festival Sponsor, @co_operators✨
We would like to thank:
Cooper Construction
@acquasalon.co
@linamarcorp
@barzottiwoodworking
@conestogacollege
@the_tricar_group
@buongustoguelph
@wooddevelopmentgroup
@guelph_storm_ohl
@sutherlandinsurance
Sabrina Essery at @royalcityrealty
@applesalonca
@speedyautoservice_guelph
@knarjewellery
@copper_rose_distillers
@manorlandscaping
@piattopizzeria
@gatheringuelph
@lareina_519
@cityofguelph
Floatr Inc
Guelph City Realty Limited
Spirit of the Season continues at 11am tomorrow!
Full Hours:
📆 Friday 3pm - 9pm
📆 Saturday 11am - 8pm
📆 Sunday 12pm - 5pm�December 6-8th & 13-15th
See you tomorrow for DAY 2! Hosted by the Downtown Guelph Business Association ❄️ ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
What a beautiful magical event
Spirit of the Season is LIVE! ... See MoreSee Less
19 CommentsComment on Facebook
Looks amazing and very welcoming, well done ,to one and all 😁
Tonight was wonderful! Walked around the shops and then went to the tree lighting 🎄
Each of those huts could house a few people.
Pastry from one, and hot beets from another .... yummmmm - and on such a cold night!!
Looks great!
So great!😊
I can't wait to visit!
Looks AMAZING!!!
How exciting!❄️☃️♥️
Amazing!! 🎅🏼🌲⛄️❄️🎁
Who makes those huts
Gesu vamos
👏👏👏
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Caitlin Jahn
Dean Lasak
Laura Beaudoin
Bill Marshall
Doesn't seem like a real European Christmas festival. Where is the mulled wine? Where is the beer? Sausages? Food vendors? Is it affordable or is everyone there to make a quick buck?
View more comments
See you Saturday for the parade! This shot is from the 1977 Guelph Community Santa Parade🎄 ... See MoreSee Less
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.2 CommentsComment on Facebook
what time does the parade start?
Hopefully this time the arrogant rude people will not show up late and stand in front of the people who got there early and block their view without a care in the world. Arrive early people and don’t be dicks 🙂