Bright and Merry Market returns to downtown Oshawa November 15

Downtown Oshawa’s holiday season will begin bright and not quite early on the evening of November 15 with the return of the popular Bright and Merry Market.

The community street market, with locals displaying their wares at City Hall and all along Centre Street to Memorial Park, also coincides with the official tree lighting ceremony at the downtown park at 8 p.m. and promises an evening full of holiday lights and sounds, food and festive cheer.

The free event, which runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., also features live entertainment, roaming buskers, a special visit from Santa Claus and skating at an outdoor rink at Civic Square.

The City of Oshawa, along with Oshawa Public Libraries, Oshawa Museum, Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+, the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa Tourism and St. George’s Memorial Church have partnered up for the annual event and have opened their doors to residents and visitors for the family-friendly event, with local vendors selling homemade and artisan items and unique gifts and décor.

The market is an excellent way to get the festive shopping completed while supporting local merchants and with plenty of food options available, it’s a good idea to come hungry.

For those who wish to take their blades out for a skate, there will be a free skate and helmet booth at the rink but sizing for both is limited so it is recommended you bring your own.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support Feed the Need Durham. Donation bins will be located in the McLaughlin Library, the art gallery and Civic Square for the duration of the event.

The event, presented by the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board and through sponsorships with TD Canada, HOPA Ports and Ontario Motor Sales, is part of Oshawa’s year-long centennial celebrations. See oshawa.ca/Merry for more details.