DIY Holiday Workshops
The holiday season is a wonderful time of year to get a little creative and make something with your hands! Makkink's Flower Farm has some lovely ways to get festive with friends. Stop by to shop for adorable gifts or seasonal decor before warming up with a latte at the bakery cafe.
At Makkink's, each workshop allows you to choose from several projects that change each season. Past workshops have included Christmas wreaths, farm-fresh metal Christmas containers, a wooden sled and lantern arrangement, lantern planters or an antique truck arrangements. Sip some wine or a local brew and let your creativitity flow.
Private workshops are also available with a minimum group of 4 people and a maximum group of 10 people. You just have to email to book those!
Holiday Arts Market, Kids Crafts & Exhibits
The Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre always has plenty planned to make the holiday season special.
Every December, the Station Arts Centre hosts its Annual Holiday Arts Market. With over 20 artist and artisan booths, shoppers will be able to choose from a great selection of pieces to gift this holiday season.
A Holiday Tradition at Annandale House
The holiday tradition is alive and well at Annandale NHS where volunteers have returned to bring some holiday cheer to the 1880s mansion. This year, visitors can book an appointment for a guided tour of the first floor of Annandale House all decked out for Christmas.
Learn about the history, the family that lived there and be sure to take a look in their changing exhibit gallery as well! To book your spot call 519-842-2294.
Explore the Downtown
Tillsonburg's main strip boasts the charm of small-town Ontario and some fantastic places to pop in and check a few items off of your gift list.
At Pedlar's Quay, you'll find exquisite home decor, charcuterie boards, kitchen items and beautifully crafted Christmas ornaments.
Around the corner, Cherished Pieces is perfect for those who love to quilt, boasting quilting fabrics, tools and classes.
Trinkets Gift Shoppe is home to funky finds, jewelry, a curated selection of clothing and a few other bits and bobs worth of being under any tree.
Two Girls and a Cheese Shop is a must some for any cheese-lover with beautiful pre-made spreads, condiments, accoutrements, chocolates and a beautiful selection of cheeses perfect for the holiday season.
Finally, Betty's Marketplace specializes in gently-used children's clothing plus several handmade artisan goods and local items like coffee, green-living pieces and more.
Grab a Bite
All that holiday goodness will certainly work up your appetite! Tillsonburg's cafes and restaurants have some great spots to gather with your small group or to enjoy take-out from.
The Indigo Lounge has healthy twists on some hearty favourites like their zucchini pad Thai or their burgers made with meat from nearby Y U Ranch, there are plenty of good eats to be had! If you're feeling like you'd like some activity, be sure to check out their variety of yoga classes, pilates, Zumba and more.
Nectar Coffee + Bar is right on the main drag of Tillsonburg and boasts a heated patio as well as spacious windows facing the street so that you can look out on the town all decked out for the holiday season.
Grab one of their tasty hot bevies and a dessert as you look out or perhaps a frikkadelen (a Dutch-style hot dog that is seriously good). If you're coming later in the day, Nectar Coffee + Bar also has several taps pouring off Ontario craft brews for the hopheads and kombucha too!
Cozy Up
Now make your time in Tillsonburg a true getaway by cozying up for the night at a quaint little bed and breakfast or hotel.
7 Gables Tillsonburg is located in the former home of E.V. Tillson- grandson of the town's founder. Built in classic Edwardian style, it boasts old-world charm with modern amenities which can be seen in the bathrooms off each bedroom, era-appropriate elegant decor and of course...wifi (which we're pretty sure old E.V. didn't have but would have loved).
Enjoy your evening snuggled up under a duvet reading a great book (may we recommend Nathaniel Hawthorne's The House of the Seven Gables?) and enjoy a little time for yourself or quality time with someone you love.
Originally a pea and barley mill built in 1878, The Mill Inn is a rustic inn and restaurant 1.1 km from the Station Arts Centre and Tillsonburg Farmer's Market, and 9 minutes' walk from the Annandale House. Enjoy the newly renovated rooms above a restaurant focused on local ingredients.
Just down the road, The Howard Johnson is also a great place to rest your head. This well-located hotel offers up all the necessary amenities: on-site dining, free wifi, free parking and more. If you're travelling with pets, that's ok too! Just minutes from the downtown, The Howard Johnson is a wonderful option.
