*Paid Business Feature*
The Parade of Lights is just one of the festive events planned for Greater Napanee this holiday season. Supplied photo.
The holiday season is in full swing in Greater Napanee. Just a short drive west of Kingston, you’ll find unique shops and holiday events. Couple this with a small town feel, and you’ll have the perfect day trip this kick-start your holiday season.
“The Christmas season is always exciting in Greater Napanee. From our unique downtown stores to our amazing restaurants, we are full of holiday spirit and ready to welcome everyone to our community!“ said Bethany Chadwick, Community Events Administrator at the Town of Greater Napanee.
The first can’t-miss event of the season is the Holiday Market. Stop by the Banquet Hall at the Best & Bash Arena, 16 McPherson Drive, on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. for handmade and home-grown items from a wide variety of vendors.
Light Up the Park is fun for kids of all ages. Supplied photo.
Later this month, Greater Napanee will Light Up the Park with thousands of colourful holiday lights. The annual event will take place at Conservation Park, on Friday, Nov. 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
NorthFIRE Circus will be doing a 30 minute Fire performance under the pavilion, which Chadwick said will have the “wow effect” and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser again this year. The first 100 event attendees will get a custom winter themed cookie!
Conservation Park, Springside Park, and the newly refurbished Town Hall will remain lit throughout the holiday season.
Another annual event, the Parade of Lights, will have a new starting location this year. The parade will leave from the Napanee Fairgrounds, 170 York Street, at 5:30 p.m., on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, and everyone is invited to celebrate a night of festive floats and holiday cheer. The parade heads along Dundas Street through downtown, then back along Thomas Street.
Don’t forget to bring your non-perishable food donations to be collected along the way, as well as your letter to Santa!
Greater Napanee’s Parade of Lights will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Bring food donations and your letter to Santa! Supplied photo.
Around those events, get your holiday shopping started in Greater Napanee. Besides the Holiday Market, there are plenty of local shops and cafes offering seasonal purchases and fantastic gift ideas.
A great first stop for your holiday shopping, Ellena’s Café & Pantry offers endless kitchenware and gourmet pantry items, as well as a unique selection of craft beer and wines. There’s something to gift the host of all your holiday parties. While you’re browsing, be sure to grab a cappuccino and a pastry, or come back for lunch.
Black Barn Co. features thoughtfully curated home décor. Ethically sourced and high-quality items are what their collections are known for. Here you’ll find works of local artisans, lifestyle & home items, custom furniture, lighting, fabrics, linens, candles, and much more.
Make a stop at Starlet for their endless selections from some of Canada’s leading companies and designers, including jewelry, shoes, purses, lotions, and hilarious greeting cards.
Handmade preserves and sweet treats are the specialty of Harvest Brinery. Whether you’re looking for items for your holiday menu, or delicious gifts for loved ones, be sure stop by this family-run modern day cannery.
Ellenas Café & Pantry. Photo by Andrew Clarke. Black Barn Co. Photo via Bay of Quinte. Starlet. Photo by Andrew Clarke.
When you’re ready to fuel the next leg of your shopping journey, consider eating local at one of these fine establishments:
A new coffee shop has Napanee raving. Stop by for a drink and sweet snack at Humble Coffee House to fuel the rest of your day!
The Waterfront River Pub and Terrace offers pub-style dining on the Napanee River. Make sure to reserve a snow globe this season for a cozy not-quite-outdoors dining experience.
For a different taste, visit Fool’s Kitchen. This popular foodie spot offers an assortment of Asian fusion and western dishes from different parts of the world.
Delicious food and a cozy atmosphere await in the snow globes at the Waterfront River Pub and Terrace. Photos by Anna Fraiberg.
And while you’re here, be sure to check out a few of the new eateries in town:
Vital Blends offers smoothies, bowls and juices. They believe that nourishing your body doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavour, and are dedicated to providing you with convenient, balanced meals crafted from the freshest ingredients.
Explore a delicious range of wings, flatbreads, ribs, sandwiches, and more at Wing Shop/Spice Kitchen. Currently only available for take-out, they plan to be open for dine-in service in the future.
Visit bayofquinte.ca/vacation to learn more about the region with an interactive map, event calendar, and trip ideas.
This article is sponsored by the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board. Interested in a Business Feature on Kingstonist? Contact [email protected]