When Krystin Micalizzi moved to Glen Williams, she fell in love with the hamlet, which gave her the feeling of walking through a movie set.
“I always envisioned it being the perfect background for a Christmas market,” she said.
That became a reality in 2022 and has continued to grow since then. The third Christmas Market in the Glen will take over the hamlet Sunday afternoon, with more than 120 vendors lining the streets. Last year, approximately 4,000 people attended the market.
“We want to give it that German Christmas market feeling,” said Micalizzi, the market lead. “It’s like something out of a Hallmark movie.”
The market runs from noon until 4 p.m. and there will be a tree lighting at 3:30 p.m. Santa will be making the rounds and carollers will be performing throughout the day.
There is a VIP experience, which has already sold out this year. It gives purchasers entry into the market half an hour before anyone else as well as photo opportunities for family pictures around the Christmas tree.
The market has expanded with approximately 40 additional vendors this year. Micalizzi said the market prides itself on being a curated one to ensure there are a wide variety of vendors and not too many for one particular product.
She said much of the growth has been through word of mouth.
“It’s something so magical, (the vendors) tell others and they want to be part of that magic,” she said.
One of the newer features is the Kind Vibe Kids Children's Market, which will be set up at the entrance to the market.
“It’s an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to sell their creations for the first time,” Micalizzi said.
Proceeds from the market will go to Food4Kids Halton and the Glen Williams Town Hall.
Due to the limited parking available, there will be a shuttle bus running between the Gellert Community Centre and Preston’s in Glen Williams, beginning at 11:45 a.m. with 20-30 minutes between shuttles. Accessible parking will be available at Glen Williams Public School.
“It’s a great way to bring the community together and support two amazing charitable organizations,” Micalizzi said.
