During the Committee of the Whole meeting in Smiths Falls on Monday night, Manager of Tourism and Economic Development Julia Crowder shared some festive updates.
December 1 will see the launch of the 2023 Merry & Bright program. “If you’re interested in finding some local Christmas presents we’re encouraging people to go downtown and take part in the program,” Crowder said. According to the New Business Welcome Guide on the Smiths Falls town website, Merry & Bright is a popular retail gift box program from local shops and boutiques. Participating businesses curate their boxes with items from their shops, and the town provides promotion, gift boxes, and a Christmas ornament.
The annual Celebration of Lights will begin on Dec 2 when Centennial Park (under the water tower) will be lit up with holiday displays. “Festivities will get underway around 430/5pm,” Crowder said, “when the sun goes down.”
On Dec 3, the Holiday Heritage House event takes place. The Heritage House Museum is decorated for Christmas, and there will be an appearance by Santa Claus. There will also be hot chocolate and hot cider, carolers, and wagon rides for an additional $5 per person. Admission is by donation, and the event runs from 1-3pm.
The evening’s council meeting was held an hour early in order to accommodate the celebration of the Holiday Train on Monday night.
The merry season is upon us.