We’re so excited to be hosting our first-ever Holiday Sip ‘n Shop Night Markets on November 12 and 26! Read on for the answers to some frequently asked questions about the events.
Q: Will there be alcoholic beverages available?
A: Yes; there will be a licensed area in the courtyard between Peddler’s Village and the Market Building. Here, you can enjoy beer from Stockyards Brewing Co. and other brewers, as well as wine and/or cider while listening to live music.
Wristbands will be given at the entrance (photo I.D. required).
Q: Is the event outdoors?
A: It is indoors and outdoors. Over 100 of our regular vendors will be open in the Market Building, Peddler’s Village, Market Tent and Log Cabin. There will also be 60+ artisan vendors outdoors.
The licensed area for the event is also outdoors; it will be located in the courtyard between Peddler’s Village and the Market Building – so dress warm and join us for a drink under the sparkling lights while enjoying music by Jones + the Jackpines!
Q: Is parking free?
A: Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at the market. See the map on our Visit Us page to see all the parking areas.
Q: Where can you enter the event?
A: There will be designated controlled access points to the event; we recommend you park in the King Street parking lot (see the map on our Visit Us page for reference) for easiest access – and look for our large white “Entrance” signs and Christmas lights!
Q: Can I pre-pay for entry/purchase tickets in advance?
A: This is not a ticketed event and there is no option to pre-pay; $5 admission is taken at entry only.
Q: What forms of payment will you accept?
A: Cash, debit and credit are accepted for the entry fee of $5. Children aged 12 and under are free.
As for vendor payment options, they vary from vendor to vendor; while some do offer Visa/Mastercard/Debit payment, some only take cash. There are many ATMs on site that you can use if you do require cash for a specific vendor.
Q: Why is proof of vaccination required for entry?
A: Because the set-up of this event differs from that of the regular market, we will be able to offer indoor dining. Provincial regulation requires proof of vaccination whenever indoor dining is permitted. We are asking for it to be shown at the main entrance as it is the most efficient way to verify vaccine status than at each individual food vendor.
Please have your vaccine passport and photo I.D. ready to show at the entrance.
Q: Are masks required?
A: In order to comply with municipal by-laws, masks are required in all indoor spaces and strongly recommended for outdoor spaces where 6 feet of social distance cannot be maintained.
Q: Will I have to give my information for contact tracing?
A: Yes; at the entrances, you will see signs with a QR code to scan that will link to a form to fill out for contact tracing. Once you have filled out the form, screenshot or keep your phone screen on the final page to show at entry so we know you have filled it out.
You may also fill out the form prior to attending the event via the link below – just remember to screenshot the final page (with the green check mark) to show at entry:
As a reminder, please stay home if you feel unwell.
Q: Will there be activities for kids? What other things can you do in the area?
A: There won’t be any specific activities for kids at this event, however there are other options for kid-friendly things to do nearby, as well as festive fun for the whole family, including Horse-drawn Trolley Rides, train rides with the Waterloo Central Railway and St. Jacobs Sparkles in the Village of St. Jacobs.
The market will also be having a Kids Day on Saturday, November 20. See our holiday events page for more details and all activities listed.
Q: Are dogs allowed?
A: Unfortunately, no; just like on regular market days, dogs are not allowed.
