Participants of a previous Merry Madness event in Yarmouth check out what’s in store for them in downtown Yarmouth. ADAM BISSONNETTE PHOTOGRAPHY Photo by Adam Bissonnette PhotographyArticle contentMerry Madness is back for an eighth season in downtown Yarmouth with 28 businesses taking part in the ‘ultimate holiday shopping weekend’ on Dec. 5 from 4:30 to 9 p.m. and Dec 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“Over the past eight years, Merry Madness has grown from a single spirited evening of shopping and celebration into one of Yarmouth’s most anticipated holiday traditions,” says Natalie Smith, economic development officer for the Town of Yarmouth, speaking on behalf of the Merry Madness organizing group of downtown businesses.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentWhat began as ‘one crazy night of fun and frolic’ has evolved through the years, even adapting to a full week during the pandemic, and now thrives as a two-day event that continues to draw crowds from near and far, she says.Article contentMany attendees have made it an annual tradition, bringing friends and family from across the province and even from Ontario and Quebec to experience the magic of downtown Yarmouth.Article content“We’ve heard from couples who treat it as their ‘Friday date night,’ families who take in the Frost Park lights while doing their Christmas shopping, and teens who are surprised by how much downtown has to offer for their age group,” says Smith.Article content Tanya Surette Wallace, Racheal Surette, Denise Surette and Sylvianne d’Entremont enjoy some Merry Madness fun in Yarmouth. ADAM BISSONNETTE PHOTOGRAPHY Photo by Adam Bissonnette PhotographyArticle contentThere are 250 Merry Madness tickets available this year through Eventbrite (search up Downtown Yarmouth Merry Madness 2025) and also started on Nov. 18, from selected downtown locations: The Style Merchant, Tooie’s Country Store, The Lumberjack’s Daughter, The Wee Toy Shop, Glebe St. Frenchy’s, and Every Bloomin’ Thing.Article contentArticle contentTickets are $20 and are redeemable for a shopping guide, which is stamped at participating businesses. The more stamps, the more chances to win one of the prizes donated by local businesses. A Merry Madness goodie bag is also included. All event profits are donated to charity. This year’s recipient will be the Yarmouth Food Bank.Article content“This year, Merry Madness has expanded beyond the downtown core to build broader community partnerships, bringing even more excitement and engagement to the event,” says Smith, who says local organizations and businesses, including Canadian Tire Yarmouth, Dark Sky Eye Observatory, Rodd Grand Yarmouth, Comfort Inn, Tru Hilton Yarmouth, Mariners on Main, Yarmouth Mariners, YASTA and more, have joined the initiative by donating prizes.Article content“These prizes will be drawn after the event, adding an extra layer of fun and rewarding attendees for supporting local businesses and community partners alike,” Smith says.
Merry Madness: From humble beginning to one of Yarmouths most anticipated holiday traditions
