Quinte West hosting holiday market and holly trolley rides

Festive activities and events have arrived in Quinte West.

Here’s what is taking place after the Trenton Santa Claus Parade this Sunday.

Read the full statement from the City of Quinte West below:

Free family fun, festive entertainment, and the Holly Trolley await!

Kick off the holidays in Quinte West on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, with a weekend full of free family fun and festivities.

The Quinte West Holiday Market takes place next Saturday and Sunday at the Quinte West Pop-ups in Centennial Park, offering two days of unique shopping and dining experiences. Don’t miss the free Holly Trolley tour on Saturday, Dec. 6. Both events will take place rain or shine.

 

Quinte West Holiday Market hours: 
Saturday, Dec. 6, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Holiday Market free festive fun includes:

North Pole visits: Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in the ‘North Pole’ pop-up shed on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 3 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Character experiences: Storytime with Elsa from Frozen will take place every 45 minutes on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a meet-and-greet with the Grinch on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Live music: Performances throughout the weekend include Dave Bush, Andy Forgie, John Sharkey, and roaming carollers.
Magic shows: Jamie the Magician will host magic shows and roaming performances on Saturday and Sunday.

Family activities: Festive face painting, cookie decorating, crafts (while supplies last), and winter-themed lawn games will run throughout the weekend.

Free skating: Free public skating will take place at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Arena (Trenton) on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Trenton.

Ride the free Quinte West Holly Trolley between the six stops on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m.

 

Highlights along the Holly Trolley route this year include:

• Quinte West Holiday Market
• The Doug Whitney Fantasy of Lights featuring holiday music and alpacas in Fraser Park.
• Free entry to the Rotary Club of Trenton’s Festival of Trees at the Trent Port Marina.
• Warm up with treats and holiday photo opportunities in the Duncan McDonald Arena (Trenton) second-floor multipurpose room.
• Christmas Fantasy Light Display and live reindeer at the Frankford Tourist Park.
• Enjoy free skating from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Dr. McMullen Community Centre (Frankford Arena) and warm up with hot chocolate and tasty treats.

Plan ahead for a happy Holly Trolley ride:

• Don’t want to wait for a trolley? Visitors are welcome to walk or drive to each trolley stop and enjoy the festivities.
• The heritage trollies are not accessible and are not suitable for strollers.
• A complimentary Quinte Access accessible bus service will run along the trolley route during the event.
• This year, the Holly Trolley will run three routes: the Trenton loop, the Frankford loop, and the connector route, which travels to both the Trenton and Frankford arenas. Passengers can choose the route that best suits their plans.
  Trolleys visit each stop along their respective route approximately every 15-30 minutes between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m., with the last departure at 8:30 p.m.
• Free and accessible parking is available in Centennial Park, Trent Port Marina, City Hall, and at both Trenton and Frankford arenas.

This holiday season, the City of Quinte West invites the community to give back. Bring non-perishable food items and new or gently used warm winter accessories (such as hats, mittens, and scarves) to the Holiday Market on Dec. 6 and 7, in support of the Trenton Care and Share Food Bank and Community Partners for Success.

Find more information about the Quinte West Holiday Market, Holly Trolley, and the many other winter activities happening in Quinte West at quintewest.ca/WinterActivities.