It's beginning to look like a holly, jolly Christmas everywhere you go

   One-Tank Trip for Nov. 3/18

   (c) By Jim Fox

   For all those holly jolly people who just love Christmas/holiday/seasonal shopping and events, it’s back.

   It is November, after all, and hugely popular events – such as the Seasons Christmas Show – are billed as “kicking off the holidays.”

Santa makes a visit and poses for photos at the Seasons Christmas Show.

   Christmas aficionados can “save the date” for the really big show Nov. 16 to 18 at the International Centre in Mississauga.

   Among other events are Stratford’s Christmas Trail, Christmas in Paris and Otterville’s Studio Tour.

   Ho, ho, ho

   “The Seasons Christmas Show continues its tradition as the best place to begin holiday shopping and decorating,” said publicist Kate Calder.

   There’s the biggest-ever array of Christmas decorations, marketplace full of artisans and a lineup of DIY-maker workshops, she added.

   The show features about 250 exhibitors, holiday decor, stocking stuffers, handcrafted gifts, food, festive music and inspiring ideas.

   Santa will be there to “chat and take selfies and family pics with visitors while stage appearances include Cityline’s Lynn Spence and Cottage Life design celebrities Colin and Justin.

The really big Christmas show is at the International Centre

   The Mainstage lineup of decorators and stylists will bring “beautiful and contemporary holiday projects to life.”

   Style expert Spence will show “an array of fabulous finds” from the vendors and makers on the floor and offer ideas to give outfits and accessories some festive elegance.

   Celebrity florist Kate Seaver shows how to achieve “magazine-worthy tree decorating,” flower arranging and do-it-yourself hostess gifts.

   Mixologist Jeremy Parsons will demonstrate how to make festive cocktails and mocktails along with “delicious and unexpected appetizers.”

   Design and lifestyle expert Jackie Morra tells how to “create focal points and transform your home with arrangements using fresh fruit.

   Over at Makeful Market, there are handmade gifts and artisans with one-of-a-kind items and the Makeful Workshop includes free hands-on craft sessions.

Shoppers check out some original handcrafted “finds” at the Mississauga show.

    These include Christmas in a Jar to “fill your home with the smell of the season,” cookie decorating, holiday string art, minimalist wreaths and paper decorations made from discarded objects.

   If you go

   The show is at the International Centre (6900 Airport Rd.), Mississauga with free parking.

   Hours: Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

   Admission: $15, adults; $12, seniors and ages 13-17; free, children to age 12. Friday night two-for-one admission after 4 pm; youths (13-17) free.

   Holiday shopping

   “Shopping in Stratford presents a unique joy as you happen upon funky finds, eclectic shops and edgy boutiques,” says Cathy Rehberg of the Stratford Tourism Alliance.

It’s fun to shop along Stratford’s Christmas Trail.

   Coming up are the “highly anticipated” Christmas open houses at Rheo Thompson Candies on Nov. 4 and Bradshaws on Nov. 9 to see the first-of-the-holiday trends and gifts.

   There’s also the downtown Stratford Open House weekend, Nov. 24 and 25.

   Explore the Christmas Trail now through Dec. 20 to discover “unique and individual” gift ideas.

Enjoy scotch and chocolate pairings at Rheo Thompson Candies.

    “We’ve made it easy to kick off your holiday shopping with six gifts for just $30(plus tax) and 25 shops to choose from,” Rehberg says. visitstratford.ca; 1-800-561-7926

   Artists and crafters

  - Take a road trip to Paris (Ontario, that is), northwest of Brantford, for Christmas in Paris, Nov. 9 to 11.

   Visitors will find a “fabulous assortment of one-of-a-kind treasures that are hand-made by local talented artisans,” organizers say.

    It’s at the Syl Apps Community Centre, 51 William St. christmasinparis.ca

   - Welcome Back to Otterville is the annual Studio Tour in the community south of Woodstock on Nov. 17 and 18.

   Tour the historic village and visit the studios of local artists and crafters as well as browse through unique shops, said Sue Goossens, who will be showing her original art. welcomebacktootterville.ca; (519) 879-6352

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com