Christmas in the Country & Holiday Makers’ Market at the John R. Park Homestead

Essex – What’s better than kicking off the holidays in good old-fashioned style at the John R. Park Homestead’s Christmas in the Country special event? Getting to also shop for unique, handmade special gift items at the Holiday Makers’ Market at the same time. And it’s all happening on Sunday, December 7 from 11 am – 4pm. 

The 1842 Park family home and farm will be beautifully decorated with natural forest materials. Guests can experience the historic home in its holiday splendour following its grand reopening earlier this year. Enjoy pioneer demonstrations of blacksmithing, fireplace cooking, pomander making, and needlework.

To immerse in the sounds of the season, the Windsor-Essex Warblers, Windsor-Essex’s premier caroling group, will perform around the site from 11am – 12:30pm and Anita Leschied will play harp in the historic house from 1pm – 3:30pm.  To complete the old-fashioned holiday experience, the Homestead will also offer the opportunity to join in wassailing, to warm up with hot cider and chestnuts roasted on an open fire, and more. There will also be toys and craft activities for kids.

“The unique photo stations such as the antique restored sleigh, gilded frames, and wreath backdrops are incredibly popular among guests,” says Homestead Curator/Education Coordinator Kris Ives. “We are also delighted to welcome more than two dozen carefully curated local artisans with their handcrafted goods available for purchase. There’s something perfect for everyone on your list.”

Make memories, pick up some lovely, local handmade gifts from the dozens of artisan booths, get hands-on with some old-fashioned holiday traditions, pat the horses and hear the sleigh bells ringing, enjoy demonstrations, and more at Christmas in the Country, featuring the Holiday Makers’ Market on Sunday, December 7. Tickets are available in advance at https://essexregionconservation.ca/christmasinthecountry or at the door.

The Homestead is located at 915 County Road 50 on the shore of Lake Erie. The award-winning museum is dedicated to the interpretation of the human and natural history of the Essex Region.