The holiday season is almost here, and the town of Morden is ready to celebrate with its cherished annual shopping event, “Wrapping Up a Morden Christmas.” Set for November 14 from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m., this event invites the community to explore local stores decked out in holiday decor, enjoy festive treats, and take advantage of exclusive sales. It's a perfect way for the community to shop local while kicking off the Christmas season early.
A thoughtful start to the Christmas season
Morden Chamber Executive Director Clare Agnew, the event organizer, says “Wrapping Up a Morden Christmas” is a flexible celebration that respects the pre-holiday season. “This is a wonderful way for people to start thinking about gifts early without diving all-in,” she explained. “With November 14 being just after Remembrance Day, we thought it’s a respectful time to begin the Christmas season without rushing it.”
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Festivities throughout the town
Unlike traditional markets in single locations, “Wrapping Up a Morden Christmas” spans all of Morden’s business district, with each participating store putting its own festive spin on the experience. “These awesome businesses in Morden have everything ready,” Agnew said enthusiastically. “They’ll be offering cider, Christmas goodies, and some pretty great deals.”
The passport program: Shop and win
A unique feature of the event is the “Passport Program.” Shoppers can pick up a passport at any participating business and collect stamps as they browse different stores, with each stamp offering an entry to win prizes donated by local businesses. “You don’t need to buy anything to get a stamp,” Agnew mentioned, “but it’s a fun way to encourage people to support our local stores.”
Exploring all corners of Morden
The “Wrapping Up a Morden Christmas” passport has an added twist to encourage participants to visit all parts of the town. “We have a five-and-five rule with the passport,” Agnew explained. “One-half of the stamps come from shops on Stephen Street, easy to walk to, and the other half come from stores that are a little further out. It’s our way of making sure all our great local businesses get the love.”
Community spirit and local buzz
Morden’s business owners are excited for the event, too. “There’s such a buzz among the business community,” Agnew noted. “It’s not just about shopping that night – it’s about exposure for these stores. You may not buy a couch from the furniture store that evening, but you’ll remember it when you’re ready to buy one.”
Extended hours to accommodate all
With extended hours to accommodate all kinds of schedules, the organizers aim to make it accessible for everyone. “We’ve stretched the hours a bit, knowing people are busy,” Agnew said. “Some stores even have their sales going all day for those who prefer shopping earlier, especially with the days getting darker.”
How to get involved
For those wanting more information, head to MordenChamber.com and the Chamber’s social media pages, which provide updates on store offerings, holiday gift ideas, and more. Agnew encourages everyone to pick up their passport at participating businesses on November 14 and enjoy a night of “festive shopping, hot cider, and good company.”
As Morden comes alive with holiday spirit, “Wrapping Up a Morden Christmas” promises to be a night full of community pride, local shopping, and early holiday cheer.