A 40-foot festive tree serves as a beacon for the holidays at Friday Harbour in Innisfil, inviting community members to enter a winter wonderland, including the annual Holiday Market, which runs until Dec. 29.
Decorations and holiday-themed activities including kids’ programming and photo opportunities with Santa Claus and the elves are available, while carollers and a deejay provide a holiday-infused soundtrack.
"At Friday Harbour, the holiday season is a time to celebrate the spirit of community,” said resort chief executive officer Hani Roustom.
“It’s incredibly special to see the resort transform into a European-style Holiday Market with festive lights and activities that bring our members and families together. Again this year, we’re proud to support local vendors, including a select few who call Friday Harbour home. Our ongoing partnership with Innisfil’s Community for Kids (C4K), now in its fourth year, is a perfect example of how we all come together to make the season brighter for local families in need.”
Donations of unwrapped toys for C4K are accepted at the Piazza on the Promenade.
Chalet-style cabins are set up with local food and gift vendors, including businesses like Shais Crystals and Romy Petra.
Shaida Etaat founded Shais Crystals in 2019.
“My collection includes one-of-a-kind jewelry, luxury aromatherapy candles, and a wide selection of crystals. I handcraft all of my jewelry and candles, ensuring that each piece is unique and carries its own energy,” Etaat said.
“In a way, you could say my business bloomed during the (COVID-19) pandemic. But my journey into holistic healing began long before that, rooted in my lifelong love for nature and a deep belief in the power of the universe’s energy,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve discovered how powerful it can be to train our minds to create healthier habits, heal from negative thoughts, and ultimately improve our lives.”
“Crystals bring healing to our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being, and they offer a beautiful way to align with the energy around us. It’s a dream come true to do something I truly love and help others along their own healing path,” she said.
Etaat explained that her ideal customer is “open-minded, curious, and passionate about personal growth.”
“Crystals are for everyone, but I especially connect with individuals who are interested in energy healing, mindfulness, and holistic health.”
Romy Manolakos is a resident of Friday Harbour. She started Romy Petra in 2022.
“I offer a variety of jewelry pieces for both women and men, including options in gold-plated, gold-filled, stainless steel, and sterling silver. My goal was to create a collection that caters to a wide range of lifestyles. We also offer waterproof pieces for those seeking high-quality, long-lasting jewelry at a more affordable price point,” Manolakos said.
She told InnisfilToday that she quickly learned that the “9 to 5 office job” was not for her after graduating from Western University.
“So, I took a leap of faith and started my own business. With a lifelong love for accessories, specifically jewelry, building a brand around something so familiar to me felt like a natural next step. I wanted to create a brand that embodied the idea of elevation — a way to externalize your inner sparkle,” Manolakos said.
She explained that Romy Petra’s best-seller is their “Maisie and Millie necklaces — a beautiful freshwater pearl pendant shaped like a cross, available on either a gold-filled or sterling silver chain.”
Her ideal customers have a strong sense of style. “It’s such a joy to see how they style their jewelry (on social media), and it helps spread the love and showcase the pieces in real-life settings.”
When asked why they participated in Friday Harbour’s Holiday Market as returning vendors, Etaat explained, “The location itself is magical, offering a blend of natural beauty and local charm. The Holiday Market, in particular, transforms the resort into a Christmas wonderland, offering a truly festive atmosphere that draws visitors from near and far.”
“At first, bringing my brand to a new city felt a bit daunting,” Manolakos said, as she moved to Innisfil less than one year ago, “but the support and warmth I’ve received from everyone has been truly overwhelming,” It’s been such a rewarding experience to connect with this community.”
“The holiday market is such a vibrant, festive space filled with fun activities and high foot traffic. I thought it would be the perfect place to showcase my pieces and give people the chance to shop Romy Petra in person. It also gives people the opportunity to shop locally and support small businesses, which is something I truly value. Jewelry makes for the perfect Christmas gift,” Manolakos said.
Etaat and Manolakos told InnisfilToday that they appreciate the hard work of the staff at Friday Harbour who organized the holiday market.
“This is more than just an event — it’s a celebration of the magical essence of the holidays, the power of community, connection, and of giving back,” Roustom said.
Learn more about ongoing and upcoming events at Friday Harbour here.
