Only at Christmas: Activities and treats that come but once a year in Oxford County
Christmas comes but once a year and along with it comes a plethora of holiday activities, traditions and treats. While they're so great we sometimes wish they happened all year long, there's something truly magical about experiencing the traditions that are exclusive to the festive season.
Our Round-Up of Fun Things That Only Happen at Christmas in Oxford
Without further ado, here are some sure-fire signs that the holiday season is upon us in Oxford County. Grab your family, a group of friends or your S.O. and check out some of our favs.
Feast on S'mores & Enjoy Old Fashioned Holiday Traditions including Cut-Your-Own Christmas Trees!
Where: Snyder's Family Farm, 936685 Blenheim Rd. Bright, ON. (View Map)
When: Weekends in November and December
Snyder's Family Farm is no longer just synonymous with fall (although it is that too of course). This holiday season, Snyder's Family Farm is opening its doors for the holiday season to invite families into amazing Christmas traditions.
Families can come out to cut their own Christmas tree from Snyder's U-Pick Field or like other years, select from their pre-cut trees. Why not make it a brand new tradition in beautiful rural Oxford? Kids can also meet Santa and you'll love checking out Snyder's delicious on-farm bakery and magical, mesmerizing gift barn to find a gift for the people on your list.
Want to spend some more time on the farm? We don't blame you. Book your own campfire pod for one hour with a private site for your group, a s'more kit for your group plus access to order goodies from the bakery, wine, cider, beer and more! You can even opt to purchase pizza or nachos among other meals if you're feeling extra hungry.
2. Holiday Markets Galore!
Where & When: The Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre, December 6th-17th
What's better than sipping a local drink while browsing one-of-a-kind, handcrafted, locally-made gifts? Almost nothing gets us feeling quite so festive. Starting as early as November 6th and running as late as December 17th, there is plenty to put you in the spirit.
From December 4-21, The Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre is back at it with their annual Holiday Arts Market. Pop into the station during their open hours to shop a huge selection of over 20 artists/members selling their work. Last year we loved browsing the handmade ornaments, beautiful paintings, knitted scarves and so much more. We can't wait to see what we find this year!
See other Holiday Markets here.
3. See an 1880s Home Decked to the Nines
Where: Annandale National Historic Site, 30 Tillson Avenue, Tillsonburg, ON. (View Map)
When: November 22nd-January 5th 2019
This has been one of our fav holiday traditions for years. Each November, 20+ volunteers come together to bring Annandale National Historic Site to life. Each volunteer (or their group) is assigned to a different room in the house and is free to decorate it for the holidays any way they see fit. That means it changes every single year. Past years' decorations have shown off everything from modern holiday decor, traditional time-period goodness and even an Alice in Wonderland room! No matter what, you'll be dazzled and delighted to find the hidden gems each year and get in the spirit.
4. Santa's House in Museum Square
Where: Museum Square, 472 Dundas St. Woodstock, ON. (View Map)
When: Weekends in November and December
Come out and wonder at the magical lights in Museum Square. Plus, the ever-popular Santa house will be back. Santa will visit Fridays and Saturdays to take photos with your little ones.
5. Incredible Gingerbread Houses
Where: Dee-Light's Bakery, 379 Dundas St. Woodstock, ON. (View Map)
When: Get your order in to avoid disappointment by calling 519-539-6474
Oh how we love the beautiful, hand crafted gingerbread houses to be found at Dee-Light's Bakery and Fine Foods in Woodstock. Taking custom orders and having some for purchase available each year, these beauties are the definition of TLC. Learn more about how Dee makes these gingery homes every year in this Oxford Freshmas video.
6. Christmas Music in Gore Church
Where: Norwich Museum, 89 Stover St. Norwich, ON. (View Map)
When: December 6, 2023 at 7pm-9pm
Nothing says Christmas like carolling except a community carol inside a historic church. This free evening of festive fun starts in Gore Church (found on the same property as Norwich Museum) where you'll be treated to loads of holiday music and laughter. Follow it up with some treats in the Quaker Meeting House with friends and family alike.
7. Gourmet Advent Chocolate Bars
Where: Habitual Chocolate, 389 Dundas St. Woodstock, ON. (View Map)
When: Look for them during late November-Early December
Counting down the days until Christmas has never been this delicous. Every year, Habitual Chocolate in Woodstock create gourmet Advent Chocolate Bars, a sustainable way to count down.
8. Photos with Santa
Where: McCully's Hill Farm, 4074 Perth Line #9, St. Marys, ON. (View Map) OR Snyder's Family Farm, 936685 Blenheim Rd. Bright, ON. (View Map)
When: Saturdays and Sundays in November and December
Snap a pic with the big guy in red this holiday to make some memories! At McCully's Hill Farm, they'll have professional family photographer Sean Camp of Lucid Musings on site to take a lovely picture to remember the day by for just $15.00. Skip that mall Santa and get your family's Santa pic taken in a beautiful rural setting at McCully's Hill Farm.
Over at Snyder's Family Farm, snap a photo of Santa with your wee ones to capture their holiday joy. Then of course, check out all the other activities (see above) happening on site for Christmas.
9. Noel Soap + Wiseman's Gift Serum
Where: Wild Comfort Body Care, 445300 Gunn's Hill Rd. Woodstock, ON. (View Map)
When: Now until Christmas (while supplies last)
Talk about luxury. Every year, we (not so) patiently await the arrival of Wild Comfort's holiday prodcuts: Noel soap and the Wiseman's Gift line. The Noel Soap is specially crafted each year with scents of fir, cinnamon and spearmint and coloured naturally with madder root and spirulina to give it that extra-Christmasy look.
The Wiseman's Gift Cream and Serum set from Wild Comfort was created for the first time four years ago and was instantly a holiday classic for locals and visitors alike. This ultra soothing set is inspired by the Christmas story using both frankincense and myrrh as well as some sea buckthorn oil to represent the gold. A favourite of the creator herself, this set is a great holiday gift or treat for yourself. Just don't wait to grab it or you'll be holding out for next year!
Want more holiday inspiration? Check out more holiday blogs.