A Quiet & Cozy Winter Getaway in Tillsonburg

Jingle all the way to Tillsonburg this winter for a cozy getaway full of arts, culture and spots to grab a bite. With options for DIY and art lovers as well as history buffs- there are some wonderful ways to get into the spirit of the most wonderful time of year. 

Enjoy a Quiet and Cozy Getaway in Tillsonburg

From DIY Workshops and charming restaurants to holiday traditions that span decades, you'll love discovering Tillsonburg this winter.

• DIY Workshops
• Station Arts Centre Holiday Market
• Discover a historic home dressed for the holidays
• Retail in Tillsonburg
• Where to eat in Tillsonburg
• Stay the Night

DIY Holiday Workshops

Where: Makkink's Flower Farm, 164604 Kellett Rd. Tillsonburg, ON. (View Map) 

The holiday season is a wonderful time of year to get a little creative and make something with your hands!  Makkink's Flower Farm has some lovely ways to get festive with friends.

At Makkink's, each workshop allows you to choose from several projects including a medium or large Christmas wreath, farm-fresh metal Christmas container, a wooden sled and lantern arrangement, a medium or large lantern planter or an antique truck arrangement with seasonal magnets. All you need to bring is your mask and work gloves!

You'll enjoy an evening with friends around the haywagon and cozy fireplace as you craft something beautiful to your own tastes. You'll also get to enjoy a few treats and hot chocolate to get you in the spirit.

Private workshops are also available with a minimum group of 4 people and a maximum group of 10 people. You just have to email to book those! 

• Book Your Spot

Holiday Arts Market, Kids Crafts & Exhibits

Where: The Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre, 41 Bridge Street W. Tillsonburg, ON. (View Map)

The Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre always has plenty planned to make the holiday season special.

Every December, the Station Arts Centre hosts its Annual Holiday Arts Market. With over 20 artist and artisan booths, shoppers will be able to choose from a great selection of pieces to gift this holiday season.

A Holiday Tradition at Annandale House

Where: Annandale National Historic Site, 30 Tillson Ave. Tillsonburg, ON. (View Map)

The holiday tradition is alive and well at Annandale NHS where volunteers have returned to bring some holiday cheer to the 1880s mansion. This year, visitors can book an appointment for a guided tour of the first floor of Annandale House all decked out for Christmas.

Learn about the history, the family that lived there and be sure to take a look in their changing exhibit gallery as well! To book your spot call 519-842-2294. 

Explore the Downtown

Where: Pedlar's Quay, 20 Ridout St. W. Tillsonburg, ON. (View Map); Cherished Pieces, 142 Broadway St. Tillsonburg, ON. (View Map); Trinkets Gift Shoppe, 149 Broadway St. Tillsonburg, ON. (View Map);  Betty's Marketplace, 80 Broadway St. Tillsonburg, ON. (View Map); Two Girls and a Cheese Shop, 20 Brock St. W. Tillsonburg, ON. (View Map)

 

Tillsonburg's main strip boasts the charm of small-town Ontario and some fantastic places to pop in and check a few items off of your gift list.

At Pedlar's Quay, you'll find exquisite home decor, charcuterie boards, kitchen items and beautifully crafted Christmas ornaments.

Around the corner, Cherished Pieces is perfect for those who love to quilt, boasting quilting fabrics, tools and classes.

Trinkets Gift Shoppe is home to funky finds, jewelry, a curated selection of clothing and a few other bits and bobs worth of being under any tree.

Two Girls and a Cheese Shop is a must some for any cheese-lover with beautiful pre-made spreads, condiments, accoutrements, chocolates and a beautiful selection of cheeses perfect for the holiday season.

Finally, Betty's Marketplace specializes in gently-used children's clothing plus several handmade artisan goods and local items like coffee, green-living pieces and more. 

Grab a Bite

Where: The Indigo Lounge, 264 Tillson Ave. Tillsonburg, ON. (View Map); Nectar Coffee + Bar, 117 Broadway St. Tillsonburg, ON. (View Map); D'Lish Kitchen Cafe, 518 Broadway St. #1 Tillsonburg, ON. (View Map)

All that holiday goodness will certainly work up your appetite! Tillsonburg's cafes and restaurants have some great spots to gather with your small group or to enjoy take-out from.

The Indigo Lounge has healthy twists on some hearty favourites like their zucchini pad Thai or their burgers made with meat from nearby Y U Ranch, there are plenty of good eats to be had! If you're feeling like you'd like some activity, be sure to check out their variety of yoga classes, pilates, Zumba and more. 

At D'Lish Kitchen Cafe, you can order at their takeout window outside or eat indoors. Hearty power bowls, falafel wraps and out-of-this-world smoothies await you among other things. Pop into the cafe and linger over a morning coffee, lunchtime meal or delicious dessert. 

Nectar Coffee + Bar is right on the main drag of Tillsonburg and boasts a heated patio as well as spacious windows facing the street so that you can look out on the town all decked out for the holiday season.

Grab one of their tasty hot bevies and a dessert as you look out or perhaps a frikkadelen (a Dutch-style hot dog that is seriously good). If you're coming later in the day, Nectar Coffee + Bar also has several taps pouring off Ontario craft brews for the hopheads and kombucha too!

Cozy Up

Where: Seven Gables Tillsonburg, 64 Oxford St. Tillsonburg, ON. (View Map), The Mill Inn, 20 John Pound Rd. Tillsonburg, ON. (View Map), 20 John Pound Rd, Tillsonburg, ONor The Howard Johnson, 92 Simcoe St. Tillsonburg, ON. (View Map)

Now make your time in Tillsonburg a true getaway by cozying up for the night at a quaint little bed and breakfast or hotel.

7 Gables Tillsonburg is located in the former home of E.V. Tillson- grandson of the town's founder. Built in classic Edwardian style, it boasts old-world charm with modern amenities which can be seen in the bathrooms off each bedroom, era-appropriate elegant decor and of course...wifi (which we're pretty sure old E.V. didn't have but would have loved).

Enjoy your evening snuggled up under a duvet reading a great book (may we recommend Nathaniel Hawthorne's The House of the Seven Gables?) and enjoy a little time for yourself or quality time with someone you love.  

Originally a pea and barley mill built in 1878, The Mill Inn is a rustic inn and restaurant 1.1 km from the Station Arts Centre and Tillsonburg Farmer's Market, and 9 minutes' walk from the Annandale House. Enjoy the newly renovated rooms above a restauraunt focused on local ingredients.

Just down the road, The Howard Johnson is also a great place to rest your head. This well-located hotel offers up all the necessary amenities: on-site dining, free wifi, free parking and more. If you're travelling with pets, that's ok too! Just minutes from the downtown, The Howard Johnson is a wonderful option. 

More Holiday Trip Inspiration

Want more holiday inspiration? Check out some other winter trip ideas.