🦫 A Little Holiday Magic from Around the Townships

Hey there, Townshippers

hristmas week has a way of slowing things down just enough to notice what really matters. Between the last errands, shared meals, and familiar routines, there’s a quiet hum of generosity across the Townships, neighbours helping neighbours, local shops buzzing, and small moments that feel bigger this time of year.

This week’s edition leans into that spirit: community giving, festive outings, and a few good reasons to step out (or stay cozy) before the big day. Let’s take a look. 🎄👇

Holiday Spirit in the Eastern Townships: Where Community Giving Meets Christmas Cheer

As Christmas week arrives in the Eastern Townships, the season’s spirit of generosity is unfolding across the region, not just in gift-giving between friends and family, but in community efforts that bring people together and give back to those in need.

One of the most tangible expressions of local generosity is the return of the CPKC Holiday Train, a long-standing seasonal tradition that tours across Canada and the United States to support food banks. Now in its 27th year, the Holiday Train encourages visitors to bring food or monetary donations for local food banks as it stops in communities throughout the Eastern Townships, helping raise awareness and much-needed support for neighbours facing food insecurity. 

Across the region, Christmas markets have become more than just festive places to shop; they’ve also become hubs of community support and celebration of local makers and producers. Sherbrooke’s Marché de Noël at the Marché de la Gare continues through December 22, bringing together dozens of local artisans and food producers in a festive atmosphere where families can find gifts with a local story behind them. The market even collects non-perishable food donation, blending fun with philanthropy. 

Around the Townships, smaller markets in communities like Cowansville, Dunham, Waterloo, and Eastman offer similar opportunities to support local creators while enjoying the season’s warmth and generosity. 

A particularly standout example was the Marché de Noël at Église Saint-Roch in Sherbrooke, a long-awaited event that not only showcased local vendors and artisans but also held a non-perishable food drive for Moisson Estrie, including a half-and-half draw and Santa’s visit for little ones. 

This blend of holiday festivity with community support reflects a deeper Christmas ethos in the Townships: neighbours helping neighbours, small businesses uplifting local artisans, and festive gatherings creating space for generosity. Whether it’s riding the Holiday Train with a donation in hand or discovering that perfect handcrafted gift at a market stall, these seasonal moments remind us that the spirit of giving extends well beyond Christmas morning.

🎶 Open Mic Thursdays — Thu Dec 18 — Bar Le Tucker, Sutton: A weekly local favourite where musicians, singers, and performers take the stage in a relaxed pub atmosphere. Expect everything from acoustic folk to surprise collaborations, with a welcoming crowd and no cover, perfect for a casual pre-holiday night out, plus it’s wings Thursday! Details 👉 cantonsdelest.com

🕺 Boogie Wonder Band: Holiday Disco Party — Thu Dec 18 — Théâtre Granada, Sherbrooke: Get ready for a full-on disco throwback as Boogie Wonder Band brings its high-energy holiday show to Sherbrooke. Expect glitter, choreography, and nonstop classics from the ’70s and ’80s, all delivered with the group’s signature over-the-top flair. Details 👉 theatregranada.com

🎤 Garou — Solo — Fri Dec 19, 8 p.m. — Centre culturel de l’Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke: Québec star Garou stops in Sherbrooke with an intimate, theatrical show mixing piano, guitar, visuals, and personal storytelling. Expect stripped-down versions of well-known songs alongside reflections on his career and creative journey. A standout concert pick just days before Christmas. Details 👉 centrecultureludes.ca

🎄 Abercorn Christmas Market — Sat Dec 20, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — All Saints Church, Abercorn: This beloved village market captures classic small-town Christmas charm, with local artisans, handmade gifts, and live music filling the church hall. It’s an easygoing stop for thoughtful last-minute gifts and a dose of holiday warmth. Details 👉 tourismebrome-missisquoi.ca

🎁 Marché de Noël à la Ferme des Petits Torrieux — Sat Dec 20 — Ferme des Petits Torrieux, Frontenac: A cozy farm-based Christmas market featuring local producers, artisans, and seasonal treats in a rural setting. Ideal for stocking up on edible gifts and enjoying a slower, countryside take on the holiday rush. Details 👉 tourisme-megantic.com

⛸️ Orford Lights Up Two Outdoor Ice Rinks for the Season: The Municipality of Orford has officially opened & turned on two illuminated outdoor skating rinks in the heart of the community for the winter season, so lace up those skates! This is free, local outdoor play options for families and friends right through the season. Source 👉 Orford

🐾 Bromont Picks SPA de l’Estrie for Animal Services: The Town of Bromont has decided to entrust its animal management services to the Société protectrice des animaux (SPA) de l’Estrie under a new agreement running from 2026 through 2029. The switch was made partly to keep costs down, SPA de l’Estrie’s proposed fee is significantly lower than the previous provider’s. Source 👉 Journal Le Guide

🚣 Sherbrooke Keeps the Club Nautique Afloat in 2025 Budget: Good news for paddlers, rowers, and lakeside loungers: the City of Sherbrooke has confirmed continued financial support for the Club nautique de Sherbrooke in its newly adopted 2025 budget. The city will maintain its annual contribution to help the club cover operating costs at the Lucien-Blanchard site on Lac des Nations, ensuring activities can continue. Source 👉 Radio Canada Estrie

🏗️ Sherbrooke Secures New Funding for Affordable Housing Projects: Sherbrooke is getting a welcome boost on the housing front: new provincial investments have been confirmed to support the construction of additional social and affordable housing units in the city. The funding targets several projects already in the pipeline, helping move them closer to reality at a time when demand continues to outpace supply. Source 👉 Gouvernement du Quebec

🌲 Access to Nature Expands at Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook: Nature lovers, rejoice: new investments are improving access to Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook, making it easier for more people to enjoy one of the Eastern Townships’ most iconic outdoor spaces. The project focuses on better accessibility to trails and facilities, particularly for visitors with reduced mobility, while preserving the park’s natural character. Source 👉 Radio Canada Estrie

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The Best Gift Ever 🎁

It’s that time of year when we all pretend we’re done shopping… and then remember one more gift we need to find. So let’s lean into the fun part for a second.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever given or received?

👉 Hit reply and tell us the story

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us this week, especially during one of the busiest weeks of the year. Whether you’re heading to a concert, skating under the lights, picking up a last local gift, or just reading this with a cup of something warm, we’re glad to be part of your holiday rhythm.

If a story, event, or idea sparked a memory, hit reply. We read every message, and they help shape what comes next.

Wishing you a gentle, generous week, however you celebrate. ✨

- The Eastern Townships Now team 🦫