Minto's Magical Holiday Towns

Visit 3 participating downtown businesses and have your passport signed to be entered to win a $100 Think Minto First Gift Card. 

• Download your Holiday Brochure Passport or pick-up at the Town of Minto office or participating business (listed below). Passports will be available for pick-up soon.
• Enter to win by emailing your completed passport to erin@town.minto.on.ca, or dropping it off at a Participating Business or Town of Minto Office.
• Promotions available during regular business hours. See below for details.

Visit a participating business, activation, or event in the Minto Magical Holiday Town's campaign & complete the "Check-In" survey for a chance to win a $100 Think Minto First Gift Card

• Scan a QR Code on-site to complete the survey.
• Available at the following:
  • All participating businesses (listed below)
  • Bright Lights & Festive Nights: A Holiday Walking Light Trail at the Palmerston Lions Heritage Park, 160 Main St. E., Palmerston
    • Open after dark, November 15 - December 15
  • Holiday Towns: Signature Events
    • November 13th, 4pm-8pm | Candy Canes & Cocktails, Info Booth located in the Old Post, 39 Elora St. S., Harriston
    • November 15th, 5:30pm-8pm | Light up the Park, Minto Info Booth located at the entrance of the Palmerston Lions Heritage Park, 160 Main St. E., Palmerston
    • November 21st, 4pm-8pm | Kris Kringle Market, located at the Info Booth outside Rock's Antiques & Coins, 115 Main St. W., Palmerston
    • November 23rd | Hometown Christmas, located at Tannery Park, 56 Elora St. S., Harriston
    • November 30th, 5pm-7pm | Clifford Christmas in the Street, located at the Info Booth at Clifford Rotary Celebration Square, 3 Elora St. S., Clifford

Visit the Bright Lights & Festive Nights: Holiday Walking Light Trail located at the Palmerston Lions Heritage Park (160 Main St. E., Palmerston) & share your photos to be entered to win a $100 Think Minto First Gift Card

• Enter your photos by emailing erin@town.minto.on.ca or by tagging @AllAboardPalmerston and using the hashtag #BrightLightsandFestiveNights on Facebook or Instagram.
• More details on www.allaboardpalmerston.ca

Visit any Palmerston Downtown Business between November 15th - December 15th to "Shop & Win". Receive an entry to a draw for $500 in prizes. No purchase is necessary but it is appreciated!

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes totaling $500 in Think Minto First Gift Cards 
• Prizes will be drawn after the contest ends on December 15th. Winners will be contact via phone or email.

Enter your holiday passport to win $500 in Think Minto First Gift Cards at Candy Canes & Cocktails on November 13th, 2024 from 4pm-8pm.

• Visit any participating business in Harriston or the Town of Minto Info Booth located in the Old Post, 39 Elora St. S.,  during the event to pick up a passport.
• Completed passports can be emailed to erin@town.minto.on.ca or dropped off at any participating business by November 24th, 2024.
• Shoppers are required to complete a minimum of 50% of locations to be entered to win. Every additional store visited will result in an extra entry in the draw.
• More details on harristonrising.ca

Downtown Harriston

November 13th, 4pm - 8pm

A Sip & Shop experience; cheers to downtown Harriston's sweetest night out!

Click here for more details.

Lions Heritage Park

November 15th, 5:30 pm - 8:pm

Palmerston’s prettiest park gets a glow up with colourful Christmas lights lining the park’s trails, walkways and features. A must-see signature community event!

Visit here for more details.

Downtown Palmerston

November 21st, 4pm - 8pm

Rock your way to downtown Palmerston for holiday tunes, yummy food, cozy firepits, and late-night shopping with your favourite stores & vendors!

Learn more here.

Tannery Park in Downtown Harriston

November 23rd. 2pm - 5pm

In conjunction with Harriston Rising and Minto Fire Department.⁠ Join us for some holiday fun before the Santa Claus Parade.

Downtown Clifford

November 30th, 5pm - 7pm

Join your friends downtown before and after the Santa Claus parade for holiday fun!

More details here.

Minto Art Gallery, 88 Mill St., Harriston, 3rd Floor of the Harriston Library

• Christmas Silent Auction
• Open during Gallery Hours 
• Visit mintoartscouncil.ca/minto-arts-gallery for details.

Experience Palmerston’s prettiest park get a GLOW UP this holiday season.

Stroll through the Palmerston Lions Heritage Park and transform your typical walk with everything from twinkling trains to glowing gardens that will illuminate your night & heart!

• November - December
• After Dark
• Palmerston Lions Heritage Park, 160 Main St., E., Palmerston, ON
• Free

More details on allaboardpalmerston.ca

Paint & Apps Night, Homestyle Bites & Catering, 62 Elora St. S., Harriston

• November 22nd at 7:00pm
• $40.00/person
• Reserve your spot by calling 519-338-2286 or by email.

Christmas Urn Demonstration, Violets in the Barn, 6362 Line 3, Palmerston

• November 26th at 7:00pm
• Presented by The Harriston and District Horticultural Society
• Admission is a donation to the Food Bank

Holiday Market, 111 George St. S, Harriston

• December 7th, 10am - 2pm
• 22 vendors in coordination with Harriston Curling Club Christmas Home Tour
• Live music by Meggi Faye 11-1

Christmas Cantata, Harriston United Church, 57 Young St. Harriston

• December 22nd at 7:30pm
• The Christmas story in word and song
• All are welcome!

Christmas Eve Worship Service, Harriston United Church, 57 Young St. Harriston

• December 24th at 6:30pm
• A family friendly tradition
• All are welcome!

The award-winning Farmers' Market Box Series is back with two uniquely seasonal boxes this year, just in time for the Holidays! Enjoy a curated selection of outstanding local products from eight local markets across Wellington County and Guelph. Order yours today. Learn more.

Palmerston, 265 Bell St., Palmerston

• Light Up the Park (All Ages)
• The Library is open late for Palmerston’s annual Light Up the Park event. Stop by the Library after the lighting of the park for activities and crafts.
• Friday, November 15, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

• Creative Kids: Holiday Crafting (Kids)
• Get crafty and learn new things with DIY, maker and other holiday-themed hands-on activities just for kids. Please register.
• Tuesday, December 3, 4:00 – 5:00 pm

• Craft and Create: Ribbon & Lace Angel (Adults)
• We will be making an angel out of ribbon and lace. Please register.
• Wednesday, December 11, 1:00 – 2:30 pm

• At the Movies: The Grinch (Kids)
• Join us for a showing of The Grinch. Bring a blanket and we’ll provide the popcorn. Running time is 86 minutes. Rated G. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Monday, December 23, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Harriston, 88 Mill St., Harriston

• Craft and Create: Giant Paper Snowflake (Adults)
• Join us to create a GIANT paper snowflake.
• Friday, November 15, 2:00 - 3:00 pm

• Craft and Create: Yule Winter Peg Doll (Adults)
• The sixth in a seasonal series of adorable peg dolls, this month we will create a Yule themed doll.  This class will involve some simple sewing and embroidery techniques. All materials will be provided.
• Saturday, November 23, 10:30 – 11:30 am

• Evergreen Decorations
• Join us for our annual evergreen decorating programme in partnership with the Horticultural Society. Please register.
• Friday, November 29, 10:30 – 11:30 am (Kids)
• Saturday, November 30, 10:30 – 11:30 am (Adults)

• Fireside Stories (Families)
• We'll read stories, do activities, and have holiday themed fun for the whole family. 
• Monday, December 23, 4:00 – 4:30 pm

Clifford Library, 7 Brown St. N., Clifford

•  Craft and Create: Hand-Painted Candles (Adults)
• Light up any space in your home with our hand-painted candle craft. Please register.
• Wednesday, November 27, 6:00 - 7:15 PM

• After School Adventures: Tree Decorating Party (Families
• Help the Clifford Branch get ready for the holiday season with a tree decorating party.
• Tuesday, December 3, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

• Craft and Create: Festive Pinecone Trees (Adults/Teens)
• Sleigh the holidays with adorable holiday decor as we create tiny trees using pinecones and various crafting supplies.
• Wednesday, December 4, 6:00PM - 7:30PM

• Creative Kids: Gingerbread Villages (Kids)
• Create and decorate your very own village of gingerbread houses to display as a decoration in your home this holiday season.
• Tuesday, December 17, 6:00PM - 7:15PM

More details on Town of Minto libraries on library.wellington.ca.

• Harriston, November 23rd at 7:00 p.m.
• Clifford, November 30th at 7:00 p.m.
• Palmerston, December 7th at 7:00 p.m.

• Grey Wellington Theatre Guild presents "Anne of Green Gables, The Musical", Town Hall Theatre, 68 Elora St. S., Harriston
• Anne of Green Gables: the Musical
• Performance Dates
  • November 22, 28, 29, 30 & December 5, 6, 7, at 7:30 p.m.
  • November 23 at 8:00 p.m.
  • November 24 & December 1 at 2:00 p.m.
• Town Hall Theatre, 68 Elora St. S., Harriston
• Tickets available on www.greywellingtontheatre.com

Big Film Fest, The Norgan Theatre, 275 Main St. W., Palmerston

• Wicked Little Letters
• November 18 at 7:15 p.m.
• Details on norgantheatre.com

Live Music "Christmas Show" with the Moore Band, The Norgan Theatre, 275 Main St. W., Palmerston

• The Moore Family, Christmas Show
• November 28th at 7:30 p.m.
• Details on norgantheatre.com

Meet Ashley, the inspiring force behind Luna Soul Collective, a yoga and reiki studio located at the back of 107 William St., Palmerston. Since opening just two months ago, Luna Soul Collective has brought a touch of tranquility to Minto.

Ashley recently moved from Barrie to Minto, where she and her partner (Carlos of Dulce Heaven, Cookies & Scoops!) found the perfect space to open both an ice cream shop/bakery and her wellness studio. Luna Soul Collective now offers yoga and reiki sessions designed to bring relaxation, peace, and balance to everyone who walks through the door.

The studio offers something for everyone—from the gentle Yin, which works deep into the connective tissue, to Restorative sessions using props that invite complete relaxation, to an energizing Vinyasa flow. Through these offerings, Ashley’s goal is to “[build] community inside a community” and “hold space for anybody and everybody,” helping each person feel welcome and relaxed. “I love hearing people walk in and say, ‘It’s very zen in here.’”

Ashley is embracing the holiday spirit by participating in the #MintoMagicalHolidayTowns festivities in unique ways. This season, she’s offering 15% off Reiki services, giving her community a chance to experience healing energy work at a discount. Plus, Luna Soul Collective will host two candle-making workshops at the end of the month—perfect for cozy holiday crafting—as well as the “Soulful Pages” Book Club for the readers in the community.

For the upcoming Kris Kringle Market on November 21st, she’s going all in with special gift certificates and handmade bracelets—ideal for anyone seeking wellness gifts with a personal touch. You can find her inside Dulce Heaven, Cookies & Scoops.

Ashley’s story is just one piece of what makes #StoriesOfTheSeason so magical. Stay tuned for more local stories, and be sure to visit Luna Soul Collective for a taste of Zen in the heart of Minto! 🌙💫

www.lunasoulcollective.com

This holiday season, we’re celebrating the incredible businesses that make Minto a special place to visit! Through our ✨ #StoriesOfTheSeason ✨ campaign, we’re excited to introduce you to the faces behind the magic and share the stories that make our community shine. 🎄💫

Meet Jan Campbell, owner of Eh-2-Zed, a shop that brings Canadian-made products to the heart of Minto. Since opening its storefront on Main Street in May 2024, Jan’s vision of making it easier for Canadians to shop local has taken root in Harriston. Originally starting as an online shop in 2020, Eh-2-Zed’s mission is to highlight the incredible range of quality products made right here in Canada. From handmade home goods to clothing, pantry items, and unique gifts, Jan offers a carefully curated collection that reflects the diverse creativity of Canadian manufacturers.

For Jan, opening a storefront in Minto wasn’t just about business — it was about becoming part of the community. “I’ve always envisioned that Eh-2-Zed would be an integral part of the community,” says Jan, “Like the kitchen is the heart of the home, the downtown core of a town is its heart. My hope is that Eh-2-Zed will be able to help make Minto a better place to live through its support of local organizations.”

For Jan, the true joy of being a local business owner lies in “the people and their stories, as well as all the history you learn.” It’s these connections and insights that make being part of the Minto community so meaningful.

During the holiday season, Jan brings that same sense of community spirit to her shop by offering a variety of gifts that come straight from the heart. With holiday music playing, handmade decorations, and festive items like cards, wrapping paper, and ornaments, Eh-2-Zed transforms into a cozy winter wonderland.

Eh-2-Zed offers a variety of locally made treasures that make wonderful holiday gifts. From soaps and lotions made right here in Harriston to products from across Ontario, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're looking for the perfect self-care item, a beautiful home accessory, or a unique Canadian-made gift, Eh-2-Zed has it all.

For Jan, the holidays are a time of giving and sharing. “I’m still new, but I look forward to creating many [holiday traditions] in years to come!” she shares.

What makes Minto special during the holiday season? Jan believes it’s the hidden gems found in every shop and the shop owners who go above and beyond to help you find what you're looking for—even if it means sending you to the next store down the road. That spirit of community is what makes Minto truly magical during the holidays.

Jan also wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Minto community: “My family and I would like to wish the community a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We can’t say enough how thankful and blessed we are to everyone who has shown us support so far.” If you're looking for something specific that’s not available at Eh-2-Zed, Jan is always happy to help find it— as long as it’s something Made in Canada! And don’t forget to check out her small collection of antique Canadian-made products in-store that you won’t find on the website.

Visit Eh-2-Zed this holiday season and discover the heart of Canadian craftsmanship while supporting local businesses in the heart of Minto! 🌟

Learn more about Eh-2-Zed: ehtozedproud.ca

This holiday season, as part of the #StoriesoftheSeason & #MintoMagicalHolidayTowns campaigns, we’re excited to introduce you to Stacy Weber, the heart and soul behind Homestyle Bites and Catering in Harriston. After spending years working at a nursing home and catering on the side, Stacy found the perfect space to turn her passion into a full-time venture. “I fell in love with this place immediately,” Stacy shares. “It was perfect— I could do the catering jobs that I love and also offer homecooked meals right here in Harriston.”

Since opening just 10 months ago, Homestyle Bites has become a local favorite for its hearty meals and catering services. Stacy offers eat-in and take-out options, as well as full-service catering for all types of events. With a commitment to her community, Stacy’s restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 AM to 2 PM, providing a warm space for locals to enjoy delicious, homemade food.

For Stacy, the best part of owning her own business is the ability to have “full control over the menu, hours, and being able to interact with many people in the community.” This festive season, Stacy is incorporating the spirit of the holidays into Homestyle Bites with cheerful decorations and a special holiday menu. “I’m offering a variety of baked goodies—Christmas platters, cheesecakes, pies, and appetizers for your holiday parties,” she says. And if you’re looking for the perfect gift, Stacy’s shop offers unique edible gifts in jars, including cookies, soups, and hot chocolate mixes. “Assorted Christmas platters, Christmas cookies, and squares are always a hit, too,” she adds.

This year marks Stacy’s first holiday season at Homestyle Bites, and she’s especially excited to spend it with her family. “This will be the first year in about 10 years that I will be able to spend Christmas day with my family,” Stacy shares, highlighting how much her new business has allowed her to balance work and family life. She looks forward to making lasting memories in her new hometown.

What makes Minto special for Stacy during the holidays? “Community, the feeling of inclusion, and the festive spirit that can only be felt in a small rural town,” she says, reflecting on the warmth and connection that defines Minto this time of year. Stacy is thrilled to be part of the holiday festivities, and invites everyone to stop by Homestyle Bites for a bite and a warm hello.

“People make our community,” Stacy says. “Being able to talk, work, and establish relationships makes it a wonderful place to raise my kids, and owning my restaurant means I can give back to the community.” This holiday season, stop by Homestyle Bites and experience the warmth, good food, and genuine community spirit that Stacy brings to the table.

Learn more about Homestyle Bites and Catering.

#StoriesOfTheSeason brings us to the charming Wesley Bates Gallery & West Meadow Press in Clifford, where art, history, and community come together. Wesley Bates, an accomplished illustrator, printmaker, painter, and letterpress printer, has been creating art for over 44 years and has called Minto home for the past 25 years.

Wesley’s journey to Minto was driven by his search for a rural community and a space that could accommodate both his studio and print shop. Clifford proved to be the perfect fit. “I grew up in a small town in Southern Saskatchewan, and Clifford felt right in size,” Wesley shares. “My store building suited my needs, and over the years, I’ve developed the space into a comfortable place to work and live. I was pleased to find the community friendly, and the town administration has turned out to be very helpful and positive to the business community.”

As the holiday season approaches, Wesley embraces the festive spirit by decorating his gallery and printshop windows and extending his hours to welcome visitors. For those searching for unique gifts, the gallery offers a selection of original artwork, prints, handmade books, and broadsides. “Some of my subject matter comes from local landscapes, and other pieces come from book illustration projects,” Wesley explains. Whether you’re an art collector or simply looking for a meaningful gift, his creations offer something truly special.

One of Wesley’s most cherished holiday traditions is inviting visitors into his studio and print shop. “I set the press up so people can see how it works, and they can print a keepsake for themselves to take home,” he says. This hands-on experience connects guests to the timeless art of letterpress printing, creating memories that last a lifetime.

For Wesley, the charm of Minto lies in its distinctive shops and vibrant community. “There are no big box stores in Minto, so visitors will find shops that are unique to their owners’ interests,” he notes. “In the last decade, our economic development has spread the word that Minto is a great place to open a business.”

This holiday season, Wesley invites everyone to explore the galleries, studios, and shops that make Minto’s downtowns so special. “I hope the community will get involved by just walking into the stores on their main street to see what is going on,” he says. “I am delighted when someone comes into my gallery and is surprised to see what goes on here.”

As we celebrate the season, Wesley also extends his gratitude to those who make Minto a wonderful place to live and work. “I want to express my thanks to the Minto Economic Development crew for all their efforts to support small businesses and to the downtown volunteer organizers who work at special events and decorations.”

Step into the Wesley Bates Gallery & West Meadow Press this holiday season to experience the magic of art, community, and the joy of giving. 

Learn more about Wesley Bates Gallery & West Meadow Press

For John Snyder, the holiday season is a special time to share memories, both old and new. As part of the #StoriesoftheSeason & #MintoMagicalHolidayTowns campaigns, we’re excited to introduce his shop, Real Neat Stuff, which brings joy and nostalgia to the Town of Minto, offering a curated collection of vintage toys, collectibles, and unique items that transport customers back to their childhood days.

Having been in business for 44 years, John and his wife, Barb, are no strangers to the world of antiques and vintage treasures. But their journey in Minto began just over four years ago, when they found a location in the heart of Harriston. "We were offered this location by one of our regular customers and decided to take it," John recalls. "Harriston seemed to be a good location for our vintage toys and collectibles." The community has welcomed their shop with open arms, and they’re grateful for the stream of customers who stop by to explore their ever-changing inventory of treasures.

What John loves most about being a local business owner is the opportunity to connect with people through shared memories. "We promote our business as a fun trip down memory lane," he explains. "We showcase our vintage toys, collectibles, and sports items, along with other unique items that bring back memories of your childhood." The nostalgia that fills the store makes it a perfect spot to shop for the holidays, especially for those looking for a special gift that evokes a sense of warmth and sentiment.

For this holiday season, John is excited to celebrate the community spirit that makes Minto such a wonderful place to visit and shop. "We now have 7 collectible-type shops in Harriston that you can hunt for treasures, along with many other interesting stores," he says. His shop offers plenty of unique vintage items that make perfect holiday gifts, and he encourages everyone to visit the local businesses and support the town’s economy.

“We have great gift ideas for everyone on your list,” John says with a smile. “It’s good for people to come and support your local downtown businesses.”

As part of the holiday festivities, John and Barb also enjoy the memories that come with the season. "We have memories of the toys that we were excited to find on Christmas morning under the tree," John shares. "We love when we see our customers excited by items that they also remember."

This year, John invites everyone to come and visit Minto, explore the hidden gems of the town, and enjoy the charm that makes the holiday season so special. "We hope you will come visit our town and see all the great things there are to see and do that will make this Christmas season special for everyone on your list."

Learn More: @RealNeatStuff

For over six years, McDonald Chiropractic has been a cornerstone of the Minto community, offering personalized care and healing to locals. Founded by Shawn McDonald and his wife, Paige, both of whom were born and raised in Minto, the clinic’s roots run deep in the area. “Moving home to start our clinic and serve our community was the only choice for us,” Shawn shares.

The story of their business journey began with a clear vision. “While in school, I knew I wanted to own my clinic someday. Fortunately for me, there was demand in the Harriston area. I was lucky enough to secure a spot to rent right out of school. I dove in headfirst and never looked back,” says Shawn.

What they love most about being local business owners is the supportive community. “There is such support for the community, the town, and other businesses. I truly believe everyone wants to see everyone succeed. With that, the community grows and prospers.”

The spirit of the holiday season comes alive early at McDonald Chiropractic. “We set up for Christmas decor early! We love Christmas, so we like to celebrate it early at the clinic,” says Shawn, who enjoys sharing the season’s joy with patients and the community.

For McDonald Chiropractic, the holidays bring a sense of joy and meaningful memories. “We moved into our new space 2 years ago on Ladies Night [now Candy Canes & Cocktails]. So, it was a nice soft opening/announcement to the community that we would be moving downtown Harriston into our new home.” The team continues to focus on providing exceptional care, ensuring their patients feel supported and well taken care of, especially during the busy holiday season.

For Shawn and Paige McDonald, what makes Minto special during the holiday season is the wide selection of community events. “There’s a nice variety for everyone,” Shawn shares. Excited for this year’s festivities, McDonald Chiropractic encourages the community to stay involved and take part in the events that make Minto such a magical place to be during the holidays. “The events really bring people together, and it’s great to see everyone engaged.”

The team at McDonald Chiropractic extends their warmest wishes to the community this holiday season: “Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and safe holiday season from the team at McDonald Chiropractic!”

Learn More: www.mcdchiro.ca