The We Love Willowdale Christmas Market is back!

Back By Popular Demand, NeighbourLink North York is hosting the We Love Willowdale Christmas Market on Saturday, November 30th. Last year’s market welcomed thousands of attendees to experience the magic of the season under the twinkly vintage lights. NeighbourLink looks forward to building on that success this year.  This is an opportunity to celebrate the holidays by meeting neighbours, shopping locally and raising funds to support the most vulnerable in the Willowdale community!

Following last year’s success, the outdoor home-grown market will return to Mel Lastman Square, transforming it into a winter wonderland with 50+ local artisans, food vendors and small businesses from 2-8pm. The market will include Beaver Tails, soup, chilli, mac n cheese, hot chocolate, children’s activities and live entertainment! Choirs and live bands from across the neighbourhood will delight attendees throughout the event. Mullholland Ross Real Estate Group will provide a family photo booth from 2-5pm with Santa, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will stop by!

The Yonge North York BIA will present the Festive Tree Lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Neighbours, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elected officials will gather to light a 25-foot Christmas Tree, enjoy performances and join NeighbourLink’s community sing-a-long!

The market will also feature community tables where neighbours participating in NeighbourLink’s Community Care programs will receive a table free of charge to sell their merchandise and access marketing support leading up to the event. These tables include Ukrainian newcomers, under-resourced neighbours and refugees.

There is a suggested $5 or Give What You Can Donation for attending the market. All funds raised will go toward NeighboursLink’s year-end goal of raising 75K to continue their community care programs that alleviate poverty and social isolation. This includes purchasing fresh food for the 150+ Willowdale families that depend on NeighbourLink’s food bank, the 415 Food Hub, Funds will also bring the charity closer to expanding to a second food bank in North York. NeighbourLink is not a fully funded organization, and this event will ensure the charity can continue its programs through 2024 and into 2025.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank. The goal is to fill a 32-division police vehicle through their “cram a cruiser” initiative.

One of last year's participants said, “The market was fantastic, and I loved walking in the neighbourhood at night, taking in all the lights and spreading Christmas cheer.” They thought it was an excellent way to meet people and support a good cause in the process.

Attendees can learn more and RSVP HERE. They can also donate at the door!