Cobourg, ON – November 20, 2025 – The holiday season is here – and with it, countless opportunities to spread joy right here, at home, by shopping, celebrating, and supporting local businesses. Whether you are looking for one-of-a-kind treasures, stocking stuffers, artisan crafts, gift cards to local services and experiences, or planning a delicious meal out to celebrate with loved ones, Northumberland has it all.
The Prosper in Northumberland initiative – a collaboration of local business associations, municipalities, media and business owners from across the county – encourages community members to keep their holiday spending close to home this year.
“When you shop local for the holidays, you are not only gifting a unique, one-of-a-kind gift to your loved ones – you are also gifting invaluable support to our local businesses, economy and our broader community,” states Prosper in Northumberland Co-Chair Rob Day. “Small businesses are owned and operated by our neighbours, family and friends. By supporting local this holiday season, you are giving back to the incredible local businesses that make up the unique character of Northumberland.”
Every purchase made locally – from a handcrafted ornament at a winter market to a meal at your neighbourhood café – helps strengthen our local economy. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business(CFIB), two-thirds of every dollar spent at a local business stays within the community, supporting jobs, local services, and future growth.
Take the pledge to shop local
Community members can show their support for the Buy Local movement by taking the pledge to shop local at BuyNorthumberland.ca.
By taking the pledge, you commit to redirecting a portion of your average monthly spending to local businesses in Northumberland. You can choose how much you would like to redirect to local businesses, and there is no extra spending required. Next time you are thinking about placing an online order or going out of town to shop, just reconsider directing that spend to a business in Northumberland County instead.
Northumberland has an abundance of unique artisan shops, restaurants, services and crafters to shop from. Wander one of our quaint historic downtowns to peruse the shops, or visit one of the upcoming holiday markets throughout Northumberland.
Holiday markets in Northumberland
- Clarks Christmas Market | Weekends in November & December
- 5th Annual Christmas in the School House | Weekends in November
- Baltimore Holiday Shopping Night | November 21
- Cobourg Christmas Magic Market | November 21
- Port Hope Christmas Craftaganza | November 22
- Warm Wishes and Wet Kisses Holiday Market in Support of K9crusaders Animal Rescue | November 22
- Timber House Resort 6th Annual Holiday Market | November 22 & 23
- Candlelight Festival Outdoor Artisan Market | November 28
- Fenella’s Countdown to Christmas Craft & Vendor Show | November 29
- Kendor Farms Holiday Sale | November 29
- Make it Co’s Holiday Market | November 29
- Port Hope Holiday Vendor Market | November 29 & 30
- Ye Olde Haute Goat Festive Market | November 29 & 30
- Hastings Trail Town Christmas | December 4-7
- Extendicare Cobourg Annual Christmas Market | December 6
- Grafton Outdoor Christmas Market | December 6
- Port Hope Farmers’ Market Christmas Market | December 6
- Rice Lake Christmas Market | December 6 & 7
- Warkworth Magic Makers Market | December 12
- Christmas Market at the 1914 | December 13
- Cobourg Public Library Holiday Market | December 13
- Sean’s Wood Pop Up | December 13
- Sleigh All Day Market | December 20
Learn more
Visit the Northumberland Tourism website for more information about holiday markets, events and shopping: NorthumberlandTourism.com
Visit the Buy Northumberland website to take the pledge to shop local: BuyNorthumberland.ca
Watch and share our video promoting shopping local this holiday season: https://youtu.be/PbSLToj2yTY
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