Festive Season in Stratford, Ontario

We love the festive season because it is not only a time for families and friends to gather in celebration of the end of a year, but also a time to admire the coziness, beauty, and magical time of winter. Just in time for the holiday season, we spent a weekend at The River Merchant Inn located in Stratford, Ontario to enjoy the Holiday Light displays, Outdoor Christmas Market, Santa’s Parade of Lights, and to go on the Christmas and Chocolate Trails.

Christmas and Chocolate Trail

We have had the pleasure of doing the Stratford’s Chocolate Trail one summer and loved it because we got to walk around with a purpose and go to a variety of different stores and businesses around Stratford, Shakespeare, and St. Marys. Stratford's Chocolate Trail can be done all year round.

The Christmas Trail similar to the Chocolate Trail happens between Nov. 1st to Dec. 20th. In the spirit of the holiday season, the participating establishments give festive items in exchange for the vouchers. These trail vouchers cost $30 (+HST) for six vouchers which can be used at any six businesses out of the twenty five different choices. The vouchers can be purchased at 47 Downie Street, The British Touch in Shakespeare or at Village Craft and Candle in St. Marys or online. 

Some of the goodies that we can get using these vouchers are shortbread, candles, leather bookmark, phone cord clip, tea, lotions, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chocolate Santa, reusable zippered shopping bag, brownie, coffee, and more. This is a great way to find out about the unique products and services that Stratford has to offer.  

Holiday Lights

We went to see the 90 beautiful holiday light displays at Milt Dunnell Field in St. Marys. This free display of lights starting at dusk will be happening from November 16th to January 6th. This tour can be done while staying cozy in the car as we go around the loop or by foot to get up close to admire and take pictures of the lights.

We had a fun filled festive day at the 5th Annual Outdoor Christmas Market in Stratford. There were dozens of craft and food vendors, blacksmith demos, carolers, a carousel, fire pits, free carriage rides, art displays, and more. 

The evening was exciting, as we watched the Parade of Lights with more than 50 floats. The parade started from the William Allman Memorial Arena, travelling up Morenz Drive/ Nile Street to Ontario Street, then went along Downie Street and ended at City Hall. It was nice to see a display of creative floats from local businesses and services, where they also gave out candy to children. It was fun for us to be part of this friendly atmosphere, as the town gathered to cheer the floats.   

Other things to do

While at Stratford don't forget to check out the Stratford Perth Museum, Avon Trail hike, and Gallery Stratford. Since 1967 Gallery Stratford has been one of Ontario's longest operating public art galleries. The contemporary visual art with a focus on regional and Canadian art strives to engage the public, create dialogue, and give unique opportunities for interactive learning. The admission is free to this gallery located in the city's historic former pump house.

This image is a copyright of Castle Kilbride

Before we went to Stratford, we stopped by Castle Kilbride in Baden, Ontario which is decorated for the holidays (November 19th to January 5th). It was interesting to see how Christmas would have been celebrated in this Wilmot Township's national historic site. The grand Victorian mansion from the late 18th century was filled with the warmth and charm of the holidays. 

This image is a copyright of Castle Kilbride

The tables were set with a variety of food that would have been prepared for the holidays, a variety of different Christmas trees were decorated, and we can see the German, Scottish and Victorian influences in the décor. There is a handout for children to make the self-guided tour more interesting. 
Fun fact: It was a tradition for the parents to hide a Christmas pickle ornament amongst the Christmas tree branches, and the first child to find it would receive an extra gift.

This image is a copyright of Castle Kilbride

We found the information about Silver in their museum very interesting. The Herner's Victorian miniature village display in the Belvedere Gallery has over 130 Christmas themed buildings and figurines inspired by real life locations from the stories of Charles Dickens. This cool miniature village will be on display until January 5th.

Where to stay

While doing all these fun activities, we stayed at the River Merchant Inn, Mitchell's Mercantile Suite. The private suite is conveniently located in downtown Stratford making it easy to explore the different attractions and events. This fully renovated suite is in a heritage building that used to be a mercantile shop from 1860 to 1950.

Full kitchen and space with vintage games.

When we entered the suite, we loved the "wow factor" of the layout and modern industrial décor. This two bedroom condominium style suite has a full washroom with a deep soaker bath tub, laundry area, a fully equipped kitchen with large and small appliances and everything we need including cookware, spices, coffee and tea, and a bedroom with a king bed and the other with a queen bed, and a pull-out sofa bed in the common space. We love that the suite is filled with light from the 8 foot tall windows and 2 skylights, one in the kitchen and the other in the second bedroom. 

Living room or common space with pull-out sofa bed, gas fireplace, and television facing Downtown Stratford.

Laundry room with ironing board and cleaning supplies.

Bathroom with lovely décor and details.

Bedroom with queen bed and skylight.

Bedroom facing the Avon River with king bed and half bath.

The suite has a gas fireplace, vintage games, and sitting areas to have fun cozy family game nights. There are three flat screen LED HDTVs with Netflix, fast WIFI, and comfortable unique furniture in this spacious suite. The Illume spa is right downstairs. This is a perfect place to stay for couples and families with teens (children over 12 years). The stay can be booked through this Airbnb link. 

Restaurants

Among the many restaurants with different cuisines, we checked out a couple of vegan and vegetarian friendly restaurants. The Grounded Vegan Café is purely plant based. We tried four different dishes from their menu; Rustic Reuben, O Burger, Sweet Potato Burrito, and Smokey Mac N' Cheese. Each of the colourful dishes had a different taste and flavour, and made for a filling and satisfying meal. 

At Planet Diner, we tried their nachos and burger. We enjoyed the flavours, and felt their meatless dishes imitate meat very closely. There is a wide variety of meal choices to enjoy at the restaurant or to take out. 

With fun and unique trails, special events, and charming places like the one we stayed at, Stratford would make a memorable getaway for families and couples during the holiday season!

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Stratford Tourism. Please note that all opinions and thoughts expressed are my own. All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2010 - 2019. Please Ask First