There is nothing like a holiday market to get you in the festive spirit. They are the spark that ignites a seasonal feeling of togetherness, giving, and joy, an intoxicating feeling that fills the heart. Just three hours from Ottawa is perhaps one of the best markets in Ontario this holiday season.
Scenic Prince Edward County (PEC) has long been a charming vacation destination for those wanting a break from the hustle of city life. The County is known for its beautiful beaches, farms, orchards, and summer markets, and in recent years, it has also become a destination for wine lovers too. The Eddie Hotel and Farm is a charming country hotel renowned for its superb accommodations, but during the weekend of November 24th to 26th, the location will host the Red Barn Christmas Market.
The Red Barn Holiday Market is the vision of The Eddie owners, former Torontonians Alex Portman and Michael von Teichman, who, like so many other city dwellers, were attracted to the County by the idyllic surroundings and the slower pace of things. The duo’s Red Barn, just steps from The Eddie, hosts PEC’s largest weekly farmer’s market during the fairer months, along with weddings galore, but this rural beauty was sitting empty in the off-season.
Alex and Michael realized that their iconic heritage barn would be the perfect setting for a holiday market. It simply oozes a great country feel while offering ample space for local artisans and craft makers to sell their wares.
The barn is getting all decked out for the season and ready to throw its doors open to welcome everyone, young and old. The Red Barn Holiday Market will feature four dozen vendors from Prince Edward County, an area known for its artistic prowess that attracts creative people from all over Canada to come and create their best work. Some notable participants at this year’s market include Centre and Main Chocolate Co. and its award-winning chocolatier Angela Roest; master quiltmaker Bill Stearman with his chic, modern designed quilts; Manly Man Design Co with their quality leather products; and so many more!
Shoppers can nibble on apple strudel and sip hot cider made from apples picked right from the Eddies’ own orchard. There will be kid’s crafts, and Santa has made room in his busy schedule to pop by for a visit on both Saturday and Sunday. A kid’s play area will occupy the wee ones so parents can shop hassle-free. After shopping, guests can cozy up in the Naughty Elf Mulled Wine Lounge for a mug or two of hot Christmas treats.
Make it a Weekend!
Head to PEC for the Red Barn Holiday Market and stay for the annual Closson Road Christmas Crawl. The event takes place the same weekend on the aforementioned road that is home to some great wineries that have made PEC a wine destination, including Gravel Hill Vineyards, Grange of Prince Edward County, Lacey Estates Winery, and Closson Chase Vineyards.
The Eddie Hotel and Farm is the recipient of the Quinte region’s 2023 Tourism/Hospitality Business of the Year, so why not take a look at their website and make a weekend of it? Shopping, wine tasting, and a lot of relaxation will undoubtedly help you find your holiday cheer. Sounds like the perfect recipe for a weekend that is close to home but far from ordinary!
The Red Barn Holiday Market begins at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 25th. Style At Home’s Karl Lohnes will host a presentation on home decorating at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Lohnes is a decorator extraordinaire, so don’t miss this opportunity if you can head down Friday.
For more information on the Red Barn Holiday Market, visit theeddie.ca or follow them on Instagram @eddiepec
The Eddie Hotel and Farm is located at 15786 Loyalist Parkway in the heart of Prince Edward County between Wellington and Bloomfield.
Photo: Courtesy The Edddie Hotel