At Home, Online, Outdoors for The Holidays
‘Tis the season. And what a different kind of season it will be this year.
Messing with tradition can be hard, we all know it. For many people December is a month steeped in traditions. Quieter comforts will replace the hustle bustle of the December holidays this year.
We’ve compiled a list of some made-in-The-County ideas that we hope will spark a new tradition or two. Read on for our suggestions of how to make a merry and bright December: at home, online and outside. We’ve included local food pairings throughout to help you make it extra special.
For those who are reading from afar, we look forward to when we can welcome you to The County in the not-too-distant future. Stay home. Stay safe. And support local this holiday season: either by gifting from The County’s online shops, or shopping local wherever your local may be.
At Home
There’s no place like home for the holidays, so why not add a little festive sparkle to your nest. Here are some DIY projects that will help you create a festive home for the holidays. Get crafty, Prince Edward County!
Karlyn’s Cookies At-Home Cookie Decorating Kit
Kids of all ages can get into the holiday spirit by creating mini edible masterpieces. Karlyn’s Cookies at-home cookie decorating kit provides everything you need to make picture perfect sugar cookies in your home kitchen. From cookies to icing and festive sprinkles, Karlyn’s kits will help you nail it. Order by email by December 18th for pick up in Picton.
County Chic DIY Rustic Ornaments
County Chic is bringing the workshops to your home this winter with their Holiday Drop 2020. Pick up one of their DIY Rustic Ornament kits before December 19th to create a fun variety of decorations, ideal for an added touch on a special gift or to hang on your tree. The package includes all materials and instructions. To order, send them a message on Instagram or Facebook. Available for curbside pick up in Bloomfield only.
County at-home food & drink pairing: We recommend pairing your adult crafting with Kinsip House of Fine Spirits “Perfect Old Fashioned” gift pack. Available for pick up at the distillery or free local delivery, the kit includes their bitters, Whisky and Whisky Barrel Aged Maple Syrup. Pair it with the Kinsip / Kaleidoscope fruit cake collaboration. This awesome cake of jolly features dried fruit and nuts that have been soaking in Kinsip’s Dark Waters Rum.
Online
We’ve all become used to the online life this year. Take a break from the office Zoom and tune into these County-made online events.
Art House Atelier County Art Auction
Going once, going twice… you’ve got until December 13th to place your bids for the Art House Atelier Prince Edward County Art Auction. The online auction includes pieces from accomplished County artists like Kyle Topping, Joanna McFarland, Allen Hirsch, and Milé Murtanovski. The pieces are large and small, many are perfect gifts for the holidays! Art House Atelier will donate 10% of the proceeds to the County Community Foundation to support arts scholarships for PEC students.
Christmas by Candlelight at Macaulay House
On Wednesday December 16th at 7pm, peek at the festive decorations at Macaulay House with The County Museums through the magic of Facebook Live. During this free event, you can explore Macaulay House by candlelight, chat with museum staff about the origins of different holiday traditions, and be transported to the world of a Victorian-era Christmas.
County at-home food pairing: A mainstay of Victorian Christmas feasts would be a mince pie. My Pies in Wellington is serving up a modern take on mincemeat as part of their holiday menu. Start with a savoury Tourtiere, Turkey Dinner or Vegan Dinner Pie, then finish of with a classic holiday tart. Not into mince? Try the butter tarts, Bakewell or cherry chocolate instead! Order in advance and pick up at the Wellington shop by 4pm.
The Regent Theatre Presents Uncovered: Notes from the Heart
The Regent Theatre has been offering a virtual screening room throughout the pandemic, with first-rate films, Cinefest offerings and live Opera available for streaming.
On Saturday December 19th, The Regent Theatre presents a streamed concert performance by the acclaimed Musical Stage Company. Notes From the Heart is 65 minutes of iconic songs of hope by Bob Dylan, Carole King, Bob Marley, Elton John, and more, reimagined and performed by today’s leading Canadian artists. Hope is a perfect theme for the holidays. Expect to see big name musical theatre performers like Jackie Richardson and Hailey Gillis, plus Bruce Dow and Andrew Penner who have both performed on Festival Players of Prince Edward County‘s stages.
County at-home food pairing: Keep it classy with a holiday board from Bloomfield Public House Market, complete with house-made charcuterie or smoked fish, Lighthall Vineyards cheese, and all the requisite BPHM pickles, chutneys and mustards.
Instant Rivalry’s Back Forty Christmas Special
The County’s musical talent is on display for the holidays. Our favourite brother and sister country music duo, Instant Rivalry, has pulled together an impressive lineup of local and regional talent for an online Christmas special premiering December 22nd. The Wilkinsons, Miss Emily, Justin Rutledge and more will help you celebrate the season from the comfort of your home. Expect a visit from Santa!
County food pairing: Make it feel like a party with classic festive appetizers. Matron Fine Beer is offering a Appetizer Party Box available for pick up from the brewery Dec 22-24. Sausage rolls, marinated goat’s cheese, meatballs and more pair nicely with their farmhouse ales, aromatic IPAs & balanced lagers.
Outdoors
This winter, we’re getting creative about outdoor, festive fun. From drive-through parades to light installations to late-season markets and solstice walks with a donkey… County folk have plenty of reason to get out of the house and enjoy the holidays, among community, safely outdoors.
County food & drink pairing: Each of these outdoor activities pair well with a warm bevvy from one of The County’s many coffee shops. Check out our recent Coffee Blog for details on where to find espresso, drip, teas and cocoa.
Picton Town Hall Holiday Farmers’ Market
The last outdoor market of the season will be held Saturday December 12th at the Picton Town Hall. Mask up and keep your distance as you shop 100% locally made gifts from food stuffs to flowers to wood work and more. Among the nearly 20 vendors, you’ll find honey and bee products from Curious Goat General Store, java from Stone Temple Coffees, holiday decor from Locust Tree Designs, and Kawthar’s Creations Syrian jams, pickles and marinated Labneh.
Loch Sloy Santa Extravaganza Drive Thru
On Saturday December 12th from 6 – 10 pm, get ready for The County’s first reverse Christmas parade. Stay in your car and tour through the Loch Sloy Business Park (a former WW2 air force training base) to see floats and installations, a 30-foot tree of lights, video chats with Santa and a concert by Instant Rivalry. The event is by-donation, raising funds for The ROC and Alternatives For Women.
Picton Rec Committee Holiday Home Decorating Contest
Category is: Best Dressed Holiday Homes. Picton residents will be vying for top honours in this neighbourly competition sponsored by the Picton Rec Committee. Homes will be judged on Sunday December 13th, with the three best-decorated homes receiving gift cards for local shops. There is a People’s Choice Award with nominations open until December 20th, so tour around in the car, or bundle up for a winter walk and enjoy the lights in Picton. Then cast your vote by email.
Spirit in the Square
Local artists have created light installations at the Armoury Square on Main Street Picton. Visit after dusk any time from December 14th until Boxing Day. On Saturday December 19th, the Square will come to life with music and more. This event is coordinated by Raising a Village Quinte, who helps to sponsor hundreds of children with essential items each year.
Winter Wander Walk
Join County Flora for a physically-distanced solstice hike at Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area on Monday December 21st at 8:30 am. Take the time to enjoy the stillness of nature and reflect on and celebrate your accomplishments throughout the year as you prepare for the one ahead. A short hike followed by a meditation on rest: sounds like the perfect way to celebrate the official changing of the season.
Walking With Thunder
Join ====\\DeRAIL and the Department of Illumination for a meditative, quiet walk honouring the Winter Solstice… with a donkey named Thunder. This is the third installation in a series of site-specific, community-engaged projects intended to animate a western section of the Millennium Trail. Meet at Fort Kente Road at the Millennium Trail (southwest of Hwy 64/Gardenville Road) at 3:00 pm to walk the trail with Thunder, his artist-handler Conrad Beaubien and musician Kat Burns. Physical distancing is a must: stay 6 feet from all humans and donkeys.
