Magic of Giving Holiday Market returning Nov. 15

The second annual Magic of Giving Holiday Market to benefit Lansdowne Children’s Centre is just around the corner.

Julie Neal was promoting the Magic of Giving Holiday Market at the 2025 Lansdowne Heroes Walk and Roll event on Oct. 4.

Event founder Julie Neal is excited for what will be on offer at the Nov. 15 event.

“We do have some repeat vendors coming back, and we have lots of new vendors,” she said.

Last year, there were just under 50 local business owners and artisans showcasing their wares; this year, it looks like there might be a few more.

Julie noted that there are always interesting finds at vendor shows.

“It’s always fun to try new things and see how people do their own unique spin on stuff.”

The market isn’t just a great chance to get a jump on holiday shopping; there will also be other attractions, including a kids’ craft area, door prizes, a raffle and new this year, a photo booth.

Dan and Stacey Muller of Muller Mortgages are volunteering their time; Stacey is also a photographer. Julie noted that the photos will be available by donation, so no one has to miss out on the experience.

Overall, the market will be a fun, relaxing experience; there will be beverages available for purchase that guests can enjoy as they browse.

Unlike many other holiday markets, though, this one serves a greater purpose. 

“I feel like that’s the difference between a typical market, and our market;

it’s going to a great cause in supporting Lansdowne and the kids,” Julie said.

She’s been involved with Lansdowne for about a decade.

Tenley has been accessing services through Lansdowne for about a decade.

Julie’s daughter, Tenley, was referred to Lansdowne when she was around nine and a half months old, after being diagnosed with lissencephaly, which means ‘smooth brain,’ because with the condition, a person’s brain doesn’t have the same folds and ridges that one normally sees. As a result of her condition, Tenley has global developmental delays, as well as seizures and epilepsy.

Julie, who was a member of the former Lansdowne Children’s Centre Foundation board of directors, said she started the market in 2024 because she wanted to do what she could to support Lansdowne – both financially, and by raising its profile in the community.

“They hold a very special place in my heart,” she said ahead of last year’s market.

“We would have been completely lost without Lansdowne.”

She’s not the only one who feels that way.

Julie said that as she’s been connecting with various individuals and businesses for this year’s market, it’s been a warm reception.

“They’re excited because of Lansdowne,” she said. “Even when I’m asking for raffle prizes, people are like, ‘Oh, Lansdowne’s a great organization; we’ll 100 per cent donate something.’”

The Magic of Giving Holiday Market is taking place on Saturday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Best Western, 19 Holiday Drive, Brantford.

Admission is $3 per adult; kids are free. There will be complimentary swag bags for the first 50 adults who enter.

If you’d like more information on how to get involved with the market, Julie can be reached at Julie Neal julie@julienealrealestate.com.