Celebrate the Season in St. Thomas: Light Up Talbot and the Horton Christmas Market

The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year in St. Thomas, and there's no better way to kick it off than with Light Up Talbot and the Horton Christmas Market! These beloved community traditions bring the heart of our city to life with twinkling lights, local businesses and vendors, delicious treats, live music, handcrafted presents, and festive cheer that warms even the chilliest winter evening. Kick off your festive season with your community! 

🌟​Light Up Talbot: A Downtown Celebration | Friday Nov. 14, 5pm - 9pm
Each year, downtown St. Thomas transforms into a sparking wonderland with Hallmark movie vibes as Talbot Street lights up for the holidays. The streets are filled with community, fun, carolers, window displays, horse and carriage rides, warming stations, live music, hot chocolate, and delicious foods. Local shops extend their hours and decorate in the spirit of the holidays, while offering up unique finds perfect for holiday gifting. 

Light Up Talbot isn't just about the lights - it's about connection. Families gather to watch the tree lighting, Santa arrives to greet one and all, and neighbours catch up while enjoying the festive spirit. It's a moment that reminds us what community is all about, and celebrates the incredible small businesses that give our downtown it's warm, welcoming, and unique feel.

This year, the Goosechase scavenger hunt also returns for a week full of fun and community exploration! Kicking off with Light Up Talbot, the Goosechase is a fun way for families and friends to team up, explore St. Thomas, and complete missions while discovering the many excellent products and services our many wonderful businesses have to offer. A big thank you to all our incredible businesses who donated prizes, opted in to participate, and put in extra effort to decorate their windows and make the holidays extra special and fun for our community! 

Interested in having some extra Goosechase fun? Download the app and enter the join code XYHD1S. The fun starts on Friday, Nov. 14, and ends on Saturday, Nov. 22, with some limited-time missions available only during Light Up Talbot. 

🛍️The Horton Christmas Market | Saturday Nov. 15, 10am - 4pm
Just steps away from downtown St. Thomas there will also be a magical Christmas market made of all things local! The annual Horton Christmas Market showcases local artisans, farmers, bakers, and makers - the very best our community has to offer, all in one spot for you to browse, shop, and gift local this holiday season! 

From handmade gifts like wreaths, paintings, ornaments, and knitwear to gourmet foods, local produce, meats, and dairy, to delicious drinks, and sweet holiday treats, Horton has something for everyone! Whether you're shopping for loved ones or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, the Horton Christmas Market is the perfect place to experience the creativity and craftsmanship of our community (while supporting them too)! 

❤️​Why It Matters to Shop and Celebrate Local
When you shop at our downtown St. Thomas businesses or from our vendors at the Horton Farmers' Market, you're doing more than just checking items off your shopping list - you're helping local families, farmers, and entrepreneurs to keep their business thriving. Every purchase, every smile, and every shared moment of joy keeps our community strong and vibrant, and retains spending dollars in our local economy! 

The same is true for community events. When you show up to events like Light Up Talbot, you're doing more than having a fun night out - you're investing in your community and strengthening the connections that make St. Thomas a true hometown. There's something truly special about community members coming together to celebrate holidays and events, and it makes us #stthomasproud to have access to these free, fun, and family friendly experiences year round. 

Start your holiday celebrations off right and come check out Light Up Talbot and the Horton Christmas Market!