A Flurry of Festive Fun

written by Alana Lister

As the cooler breezes start to roll in, and the residents of Middlesex County begin seeking shelter under blankets and beside fires, there will be a thrill of hometown excitement in the air: chilly temperatures and shorter days are a sure sign that the annual Mount Brydges Christmas Open House weekend is just around the corner. Each year since 2006, with the exception of the pandemic years, this ­wildly successful Christmas event has brought local ­businesses and families together to enjoy a weekend of festivities and small-town ­holiday charm around downtown Mount Brydges.

With many cherished ­traditions returning this year, along with some fresh new twists, the 2025 Mount Brydges Christmas Open House is certain to be another brilliant success – and all are ­invited to be a part of it.

For many years, a strong team of ­volunteers who form the Mount Brydges Business Association (MBBA) have rallied together in support of their local ­community. Their main goal has always been to breathe new life into Mount Brydges through retail campaigns, ­community events and shared vision. The MBBA has achieved these goals year after year by hosting regular meetings and ­uniting business owners to connect, ­collaborate and create a stronger local economy. One of the MBBA’s most ­successful annual events is the Christmas Open House weekend. This year, a ­wonderful array of local ­businesses and organizations will band together in Mount Brydges.

This festive event will take place on November 14 from 10am to 8pm and November 15 from 10am to 4pm, offering an unforgettable weekend ­consisting of many free events and activities, perfect for the whole family.

The event will be taking place in the Mount Brydges downtown core: Adelaide Road from Regent Street to King Street, Bowan Street and Glendon Drive between Veterans Drive and Queen Street. One of the weekend’s most beloved ­features, the Lighting of the Lights, will be returning this year at the Mount Brydges United Church, filling the hearts of all attendees with a warm holiday glow.

Additionally, from 5pm to 7pm on Friday and 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, the weekend will

feature free Horse and Wagon Rides, allowing guests to enjoy a festive clip-clop through the charming town centre. Pickup and drop-off for these rides will be located in front of RBC, at 22466 Adelaide Road. Free crafts and activities will be set up around town at various businesses for ­families to enjoy, and of course, what ­festive celebration would be complete without an opportunity to meet Santa? Visits with Father Christmas himself will be available this year at Middlesex Spine & Sport.

In previous years, the Open House weekend’s assortment of entertainment has also included ornament making, a colouring contest, Christmas card making, scavenger hunts, a food truck run by the Mount Brydges Lions Club, a photo booth and face painting, among many more; many of these popular attractions will be ­returning this year. With the exception of any food vendors on site, access to the weekend of fun and its many activities is entirely free of charge for everyone while supplies last. Additionally, in support of those most vulnerable in the community, the holiday toy and food drive will be returning this year in support of the Mount Brydges Caring Cupboard. Donations of toys and food items will be accepted ­during the whole Open House weekend at participating businesses.

The Open House weekend will also include a variety of unique opportunities to shop locally and support Mount Brydges businesses. From November 10 to November 16, Mount Brydges Mainstreet Downtown Dollars will be distributed by several local establishments; for every $10 spent at participating retailers, shoppers will receive $1 in Downtown Dollars, to a maximum of four per transaction percustomer. These Downtown Dollars may then be spent at any participating retailer in Mount Brydges, from November 17 to December 24, 2025 – an excellent ­opportunity to earn cash rewards for ­supporting local businesses. In addition, this year’s retail campaign will be Holiday Bingo, running from November 1 to December 24, 2025; for each purchase at a participating business, shoppers will receive stamps according to the corresponding dollar value. When a participant scores a bingo, they may fill out their name and phone number to be entered into a draw. More than one bingo may be ­submitted for even more chances to win. This exciting new initiative will replace the usual passport program as part of the community’s Christmas promotions.

The MBBA would gratefully welcome any volunteers who wish to help with this Open House weekend; volunteers are needed to assist in the planning process, as well as to help around town with several small tasks closer to the date. All ­community members, including high school volunteers, interested in volunteering are invited to contact Amiee at 519.630.1438. For further details and more information regarding the Open House weekend’s activities and events, all are invited to follow along via Facebook.

Whether the Mount Brydges Open House Christmas weekend is already a ­celebrated tradition in one’s family, or ­perhaps this is the first time a family has heard of this event, all are welcome and invited to join in the fun and make new memories with the community.

for more information email

amieebloemendal@hotmail.com