The holiday season has arrived, and Prosper in Northumberland is encouraging residents to keep their spending close to home by supporting the small businesses, artisans, and restaurants that make the region unique.
The collaborative initiative brings together local business associations, municipalities, media partners, and business owners to promote homegrown shopping throughout the festive season.
Prosper in Northumberland co-chair Rob Day says choosing local is both a meaningful gift and an investment in the community. Small businesses across the county are owned and operated by neighbours, family, and friends, and every local purchase strengthens the regional economy. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, two-thirds of every dollar spent at a small business stays within the community, supporting jobs, services, and economic growth.
Residents are invited to take the shop-local pledge at BuyNorthumberland.ca. The pledge encourages people to redirect a portion of their monthly spending to Northumberland businesses-without increasing total spending-simply by choosing local first when considering purchases or services.
Northumberland offers a wide variety of artisan producers, independent shops, restaurants, and specialty services, with many located in historic downtowns and rural villages. The region’s holiday markets also provide opportunities to find handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. Events include Clarks Christmas Market, the Cobourg Christmas Magic Market, the Candlelight Festival Outdoor Artisan Market, the Port Hope Farmers’ Market Christmas Market, and many more running through December.
Community members can explore the full list of holiday markets and seasonal activities at NorthumberlandTourism.com. The Prosper in Northumberland campaign also invites residents to watch and share its holiday video encouraging others to shop local this year.
Holiday markets in Northumberland:
· Clarks Christmas Market | Weekends in November & December
· 5th Annual Christmas in the School House | Weekends in November
· Baltimore Holiday Shopping Night | November 21
· Cobourg Christmas Magic Market | November 21
· Port Hope Christmas Craftaganza | November 22
· Warm Wishes and Wet Kisses Holiday Market in Support of K9crusaders Animal Rescue | November 22
· Timber House Resort 6th Annual Holiday Market | November 22 & 23
· Candlelight Festival Outdoor Artisan Market | November 28
· Fenella’s Countdown to Christmas Craft & Vendor Show | November 29
· Kendor Farms Holiday Sale | November 29
· Make it Co’s Holiday Market | November 29
· Port Hope Holiday Vendor Market | November 29 & 30
· Ye Olde Haute Goat Festive Market | November 29 & 30
· Hastings Trail Town Christmas | December 4-7
· Extendicare Cobourg Annual Christmas Market | December 6
· Grafton Outdoor Christmas Market | December 6
· Port Hope Farmers’ Market Christmas Market | December 6
· Rice Lake Christmas Market | December 6 & 7
· Warkworth Magic Makers Market | December 12
· Christmas Market at the 1914 | December 13
· Cobourg Public Library Holiday Market | December 13
· Sean’s Wood Pop Up | December 13
· Sleigh All Day Market | December 20
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
