With temperatures well above zero and not a flake of snow on the ground, it might not have looked much like Christmas in Sudbury’s downtown this weekend, but it was the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season nonetheless.
Downtown Sudbury’s fifth annual Holiday Market took place Nov. 15 and 16 on Durham Street, which was closed off for the occasion.
The event included food and artisan vendors, bonfires, skating, a tree farm, selfies with Santa and even an artificial skating rink outside of the YMCA.
It was put on in partnership between Downtown Sudbury and Kelsey Cutinello’s KC Events and Promotions.
“We're just trying to spread a little cheer here in downtown Sudbury,” Cutinello said.
While people come for the market, many stay to check out the businesses in the downtown, which were putting on special deals in honour of the event, she said.
“The hope is that people come down for the market and then stay and visit some of our neighbours,” Cutinello said.
She said the event is intentionally held in November “so that we're not fighting the bitter cold of Northern Ontario's winters.
“Yes, if there is some snow, it would add to the twinkle. But tonight, when the lights go down and the bonfires and the Christmas lights go up, it does really feel magical.”
Heidi Ulrichsen is Sudbury.com’s assistant editor.