Alexandria Welcomes the Return of Baby, Please Come Home for Its 6th Annual Holiday Celebration

New entertainment in Mill Square, extended shopping hours and festive activities promise an evening of holiday cheer in downtown Alexandria.

ALEXANDRIA, ON  – The holiday season is coming to life in Alexandria as the community prepares to celebrate the 6th annual Baby, Please Come Home holiday shopping event on Thursday, November 26, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This much-loved holiday tradition invites residents and visitors from across North Glengarry and neighbouring communities to discover local shops, restaurants and businesses while enjoying an evening of festive entertainment, seasonal specials and community celebrations.

Participating downtown businesses will extend their hours until 9 p.m., offering holiday promotions, unique gift ideas, special menus and festive in-store experiences. Visitors can also look forward to hot beverages, outdoor fire pits (weather permitting) and plenty of opportunities to shop local and celebrate the season.

New This Year: Holiday Entertainment in Mill Square

For the first time, Mill Square will feature an outdoor stage with live musical entertainment, Christmas caroling and holiday karaoke throughout the evening. Local singers, choirs and community performers will help bring the sounds of the season to downtown Alexandria, with visitors invited to join in the festivities.

Adding to the holiday magic, Alexandria's annual Christmas tree lighting will also take place that evening at 7:00pm, bringing the community together for another cherished seasonal tradition.

In addition, the Township of North Glengarry will be offering free drop-in time at the Tim Horton’s Dome for anyone looking to drop off their youth while they hit the shops. Youth between the ages of 5 and 13 are welcome to take part in activities at the Dome any time between 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Celebrating and Supporting Local Businesses

Now in its sixth year, Baby, Please Come Home has grown from a grassroots initiative launched during the pandemic into a cherished Alexandria holiday tradition.

Doreen Ashton Wagner of Business Sisters recalls how the event first came together:

“The Baby Please Come Home shopping night was the brainchild of Anick Bertrand of Les Papiers Left & Write Papeterie, a lovely stationery shop that used to be located in the McLeister House. It was late fall 2021, and everyone was getting so sick & tired of COVID! This was a great way to support brick & mortar businesses that the pandemic had badly affected. After the pandemic, the promotion continued, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Main Street business owners. It's beautiful to see how this has pulled the community together.”

From discovering one-of-a-kind gifts to enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, the event continues to bring together local merchants, volunteers and community partners, encouraging residents and visitors to support Alexandria's businesses while celebrating the holiday season.

Businesses throughout Alexandria are invited to participate by extending their shopping hours, offering special promotions, hosting local artisans or creating unique holiday experiences for their customers.

An event map and list of participating businesses, along with entertainment details and special offers, will be made available ahead of the celebration on the event web page: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/cHWBTYX

Event Details:

What: 6th Annual Baby, Please Come Home Holiday Shopping Event

When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 | 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Where: Downtown Alexandria, Ontario

Admission: Free

Highlights: Extended shopping hours, holiday promotions, dining specials, live entertainment and Tree lighting in Mill Square, Christmas caroling, holiday karaoke, free Turf Time at the Dome, and festive activities.

Businesses interested in participating or performers wishing to be part of the Mill Square entertainment are encouraged to contact the organizing committee at bpchcommittee@gmail.com.

Baby, Please Come Home is organized by Alexandria's Main Street and surrounding businesses and the Baby, Please Come Home Organizing Committee, with support from the Township of North Glengarry and the SDG Counties Regional Tourism Grant.

Contact:

Township of North Glengarry
Economic Development
Margaret Babinok
613-525-1110 ext. 300
ecdev@northglengarry.ca