NORTH BAY’S OUTDOOR WINTER MARKET RETURNS
MORE MAGIC AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Tourism North Bay and partners; City of North Bay, Downtown North Bay & Waterfront, Creative Industries and The Artisans Way, are counting down the days to the return of the North Bay Winter Market Experience. This new festive event series has quickly become a cornerstone of the city’s holiday season and now in its second year, the Winter Market is expanding with even more programming and artisans allowing more opportunities to celebrate the holidays and support local this winter.
Running over four festive weekends — November 8, 15, 22 from 4–8 p.m., and a special extended market on November 28 from 5–9 p.m. in conjunction with the Old-Fashioned Christmas Walk — these free, outdoor events invite residents and visitors alike to experience the best of North Bay’s creative and hospitable community.
Held at Jack Burrows Parkette, in front of the North Bay Museum, the Winter Market offers a walkable and vibrant downtown experience. This year’s market features a curated lineup of artisan vendors, live music in both English and French, cultural programming, holiday lighting, mini train rides, visits from Santa and special characters, tours at the North Bay and Quints Museums, make-and-take crafts, and a holiday photo booth.
“This is more than just a market — it’s a full-sensory experience that brings people together,” said Tanya Bédard, Executive Director of Tourism North Bay. “From the music and lights to mouth-warming aromas and laughter, it’s a celebration of everything that makes North Bay a magical place to be during the holidays.”
The 2025 Winter Market builds on the success of its inaugural season, which exceeded attendance expectations and earned a provincial nomination and finalist selection for ‘Tourism Event of the Year’ by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, to be announced on 29th October.
This year introduces exciting new features, including:
- A festive Christmas Bar by The Block Public House
- Hot food vendors
- Outdoor holiday film screenings on Oak St W
- A self-guided Christmas Movie Tour and the Christmas Windows Tour on Driftscape
- A Throwback to Christmas at Talbots Throwbacks – a vintage Christmas photobooth set
- Special performances by local favourites like Restoration Jazz Band, CHAZZ, Chris Osbourne, and Constellation Theatre Co.
Artisan and small business advocate Brianna Lintner, founder of The Artisans Way and owner of BRealStudios, says the Winter Market is about much more than sales — it’s a celebration of connection, creativity, and community pride.
“The Winter Market doesn’t just fill space downtown — it builds connection, energy, and pride in our city,” Ms. Lintner said. “It’s a place where artists are seen and celebrated, and where the whole community comes together in a spirit of joy and wonder.”
Tourism North Bay is encouraging visitors to make a weekend of it by pairing the Winter Market with other seasonal attractions such as the North Bay Film Festival, the Downtown Farmers’ Market, and local dining experiences.
“Each weekend has its own energy and slightly different programming and that excitement ripples through the entire downtown,” Ms. Bédard said. “We want visitors to stay, explore, and discover the best of what North Bay has to offer.”
Programming details for the Winter Market Experience can be found by visiting: https://www.tourismnorthbay.com/see-do/winter-fun/winter-market/
The Artisans Way is still accepting vendors for all four dates, and this year heating will be provided to all artisans. Sign up by visiting: https://brealstudios.com/pages/the-artisans-way
This initiative is proudly funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, and TC Energy, whose generous support has made it possible to bring this new and exciting event to North Bay for all to enjoy.
ABOUT TOURISM NORTH BAY
Tourism North Bay is the local destination marketing organization, promoting North Bay and area’s tourism assets and serving as a resource for the industry. We are a not-for-profit organization reporting to a board of directors made up of accommodation providers and representatives from attractions, arts, culture and sport.
