By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A holiday tradition that builds on diverse multi-culturalism, the Dresden Night Market is returning for its ninth year.
Set to take place in the community’s downtown Nov. 28, the popular event will feature old and new attractions for 2026 – including the addition of more food trucks for hungry attendees.
Co-founded by Morena McDonald and Tyler Ouellette, the market’s reputation has grown over the years, with communities from across Canada reaching out to them to find out how it’s done.
According to McDonald, the local event has a strong historical link to the town’s European namesake as the first Night Market was held in Dresden, Germany.
“I think it’s important to acknowledge the importance of that tradition,” she added. “We want to draw from that heritage.”
Ouellette, who hails from Dresden, brings the local angle, while McDonald, whose family is from the Philippines, brings first-hand knowledge of South Asian markets.
“For both of us, it’s cool to draw on our history,” she added.
Historical records show the original “Dresdner Striezelmarkt (Altmarkt) in Germany dates back to 1434, bringing goods, food and music to the streets, just as the Chatham-Kent event does.
“It’s important to acknowledge that our event is inspired by the traditional market in Germany,” McDonald said. “We both hope to travel to see it one day,” noting there was a “a lot of thought” behind the event prior to its launch.
Free to the public, this year’s Dresden Night Market will feature 24 food vendors; live holiday music on the Main Street Credit Union stage; booths where merchandise can be purchased, and local businesses will be open.
A Festival of Trees will be held in the Dresden Rotary Wheelhouse.
“It’s going to be bigger in terms of the services,” McDonald said, as the summer market was cancelled.
Folks who want to take their shopping experience online can access the LuvLocal webpage – a co-operative McDonald runs to promote small business. It will allow shoppers to buy the wares of vendors before and after the event.
The Dresden Night Market runs from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
