It’s becoming a winter wonderland at The Gaslight District in Galt, and you’re getting an invitation to immerse yourself in the magic of this holiday season.
Christmas in the District brings together heartwarming traditions, cool new events, and plenty of holiday cheer for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.
“We’ve evolved our holiday celebrations this year,” Leslie Kay, Creative Director for the Gaslight District, says. “It’s less of a traditional Christmas Market and more of the property-wide entertainment experience that our regulars have grown to know and love.”
“For those who joined us for our Friday the 13th ‘Monster Market’ this past September, they’ll find the experience will be similar, but with a Christmas twist!”
Running across four Saturdays—November 23rd, November 30th, December 7th, and December 14th – those Christmas twists will include rotating vendor huts with a fresh lineup of eight local artisans each week, so there’s always something new to discover.
“I hope it's a holiday event that our community just wants to hang out at and enjoy and then come back again the next Saturday!” Kay says. “Meet Santa or even The Grinch! Shop our vendors! Do a Christmas craft at Rego Team! Catch a Christmas movie or two! Hang out on The North Pole Patio with your friends and family!”
There’s a full, holiday-themed itinerary this season. Some of the events include:
- Meet Santa: Snap a photo with Santa and make cherished memories. Santa will be available on November 23rd, 30th, and December 7th from 12 PM to 4 PM. Visitors are encouraged to bring a canned good donation for the Cambridge Food Bank.
- North Pole Patio: Enjoy s’mores, toasty cocktails, and winter comfort food by the fire at the Foundry Tavern’s outdoor winter setup.
“The North Pole Patio is an outdoor winter event on the Foundry Tavern's patio where visitors can buy s'mores kits and roast marshmallows on our fire pits and enjoy toasty cocktails, and other winter comfort food classics,” Kay says.
More event planned at the Gaslight District include:
- Waterloo County Carollers: Sing along to holiday classics on November 30th and December 14th.
- Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties: Head to The Underwing every Saturday night for karaoke (starts at 9:00 pm,) prizes, and festive fun.
“Get those ugly Christmas sweaters out,” Kay says. “Because who doesn’t want a prize for that?. Cool prizes will be awarded for those ugly sweaters each week!”
And because the Gaslight District is all about friends and fun, a few of the district family members will be contributing.
“Our friends at Rego Team will be opening their office doors on Saturday, November 23rd and Saturday, November 30th from 12pm-4pm, offering a free Christmas craft and colouring books for young visitors,” Kay says.
And what says holidays more than enjoying your favourite Christmas movies with friends and family?
Kay says people shouldn’t miss the Big Screen Christmas Movie Series, featuring family favourites like Home Alone, Elf, and The Santa Clause.
“We've added free screenings of everyone's favourite Christmas movies on The Big Screen to our "Christmas in the District" experience,” Kay says.
“My own favourite is "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation",” Kay says, which will be playing on the Big Screen. “In fact, my family and I pretty much quote it all year round. It really feels like Christmas when we watch that movie.”
The final event on December 14th brings a Grinch-themed day with meet-and-greets and a Grinch movie marathon – all three Grinch films will be playing on The Big Screen throughout the day.
“We're hoping it will be an easy and fun holiday experience,” Kay says. “One that they share with their friends and family, creating repeat visitors throughout the 2024 holiday season here in The Gaslight District.”
Special Events to Watch For
Alongside the free events, the Gaslight District is hosting Santa’s Dance Party on Sunday, December 1st. This ticketed kids’ event inside Tapestry Hall offers dancing, games, and quality time with Santa himself.
“Santa’s Dance Party allows young party goers to meet and take photos with Santa, dance with his elves, and participate in all sorts of holiday activities and festive fun!” Kay says.
Two time slots are open this year: 9:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now here.
The beloved Gingerbread Exhibition also returns, where the community showcases their sweet decorating skills and yummy creations. Entries are free, and visitors can admire the display inside Tapestry Hall.
To register your submission, visit here.
To cap off the year, celebrate with a New Year’s Eve Bash featuring Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on the Big Screen. It’s the perfect way to ring in 2025.
“We're ending 2024 season in the most Gaslight District way possible,” Kay says. “Our restaurants will have their doors open with reservation and ticketed experiences! Plus Dick Clark all night long — including the countdown and ball drop! This experience will be free for the public to enjoy! No tickets required!”
For a full schedule of what’s happening at Christmas in the District and ticket information, visit the Gaslight District’s website or follow them on social media.