The most MAGICAL time of year is washing ashore in New Brunswick!
And this mermaid is so ready for another dreamy coastal Christmas!
In case you’re around these waters, I divide my time between our home in Dieppe, New Brunswick and our island house on Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy.
This holiday season, we’ll be spending most of our time at home in the city, and I am so excited to splash on over to experience my favourite holiday traditions in and around the city. From Christmas at Lady Smith Manor to Turner’s Christmas at the Coliseum, to the Antler Breakfast and, of course – Christmas in the Cape at Affinity Farm.
I’m extra excited – think Elf just found out Santa is coming, level of excited – to be partnering with my friends at Destination Moncton-Dieppe this year to bring you the ultimate guide to the holiday season in the Greater Moncton Area.
And yes – that includes some magical holiday experiences just a short, 20-30 minute drive from the city too! Because as you know, I can’t resist the lure of a classic coastal Christmas!
If there is a holiday market, photo op with Santa, parade or holiday-related event happening – I’ve added it to this list. And the best part? My little Santa Claws friends and I will be working hard behind the scenes to keep this list updated all the way up to the jolly old elf’s arrival. So check back often for new events being added to the list!
Santa Claus at MacArthur’s | MacArthur’s Nurseries
This has finished for the season!
Visit the closest thing to the North Pole in Moncton every weekend until Christmas to meet Santa Claus himself, snap a selfie or two, and experience a little holiday magic. If you’re lucky, Mrs. Clause may be in-store too for the perfect holiday photo with the North Pole’s power couple!
The Arches of St. George Holiday Pop-Ups | The Arches of St George
Saturday, December 9th, 16th
Hours: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Catch the details here.
This holiday season, there is not one but FIVE holiday pop-ups to choose from at the arches of St. George. I have heard nothing but amazing things about the holiday events at the Arches, and I will definitely be splashing over to check out one of these events before Christmas. These pop-ups promise to have both returning and new vendors for you to browse and find your holiday gifts and goodies.
Crandall Christmas Market | Stultz Hall of Crandall University
This event took place on November 18th, 2023 🎁
A holiday market event for the whole family! There will be free hot chocolate and fresh popped popcorn for everyone attending and an opportunity to find the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list from the 50+ local vendors. There will also be prizes and games, sure to keep your littles busy while you shop, as well as live music to get you into the holiday spirit.
Holiday Market by Nicholas’ Hope Family Services Inc. | St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
This event took place on November 18th, 2023 🎁
This holiday market will feature over 30 vendors, baked goods, live entertainment, a local photographer for holiday photos and face painting for the kids. It’s also a fundraiser to help raise funds for community events hosted by Nicholas’ Hope Family Services, which provide short-term temporary relief for caregivers providing care to individuals with special needs in the Greater Moncton.
Curt’s Christmas Market |Riverview Lions Club
This event took place on November 18th and 19th, 2023 🎁
Shop two floors of local entrepreneurs and cross some items off your Christmas shopping list at Curt’s Christmas Market. There will be holiday music, a 50/50 draw, and so much more!
Wintergreen Craft and Gift Fair | Coverdale Centre, Riverview
This event took place on November 25th, 2023 🎁
A winter craft fair featuring 50+ unique vendors from the area takes place not one but two weekends in November. There will be live music and door prizes, and I heard a rumour on the shell phone that Santa will be there between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm both weekends, so make sure to bring your littles for their perfect photo op with Santa himself.
Light Up Riverview – Mayor’s Light Launch|Riverview Riverfront
This event took place on November 23rd, 2023 🎁
Light Up, Riverview is a cherished annual holiday tradition on the riverfront, but it also marks the launch of the holiday shopping season in Riverview! Make sure your littles bring their letters for Santa to the North Pole Direct Delivery mailbox and enjoy live music in the Gazebo until 8:15 pm! Don’t forget a non-perishable food item for the RBC Community Food Drive!
Can’t make it on the 23rd? Visit the Riverfront Trail between November 23rd and January 7th to bask in the glow and bundle up for a variety of festivities that will span the twinkling Riverfront Trail, including a visit to the Holy Whale Beer Hall for drink specials, shop vendors in the Light Up Riverview Market in the Fundy Chocolate River Station, visit the Christmas Barn for a delightful gourmet hot chocolate with all the fixings, and so much more.
The Antler Breakfast | Participating Restaurants in Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview
This event took place on November 24th, 2023 🎁
The Progress Club’s Antler Breakfast in Moncton is synonymous with Greater Moncton’s Christmas season kickoff. It’s the same weekend as Christmas at the Coliseum and the Santa Claus parade, and it’s an event that this mermaid looks forward to every holiday season. It’s not Christmas until you’re sporting red antlers over breakfast. Did I mention every ticket comes with free tickets to a Moncton Wildcat game?
Turner’s Christmas at the Coliseum | Moncton Coliseum Complex
This event took place on November 24th-26th, 2023 🎁
The holiday shopping event of the season in Moncton (seriously, people come from all over), the 36th Annual Turner’s Christmas features gift ideas for everyone on your Christmas list. With hundreds of exhibitors to choose from, you will find arts, crafts, woodworking, jewelry, gourmet food, and so much more. Admission is good for all three days with a stamp, so make sure to get stamped on the way out the door.
Royale Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade | Downtown Moncton
This event took place on November 25th, 2023 🎁
An annual tradition in Greater Moncton, the parade begins at 5:00 pm at the corner of Cameron Street and Main Street in Moncton, and continues along Main, ending at the corner of Champlain and Paul Street in Dieppe. This year’s theme is the World Celebrates the Season! Make sure your littles bring their letters for Santa Claus, as Canada Post will be collecting letters along the parade route 15 minutes before it starts. And don’t forget to bring non-perishable items for the food bank!
Christmas Fair and Market | Riverview Lion’s Club
This event took place on November 26th, 2023 🎁
Athena’s Touch is hosting a Christmas Fair and Market featuring many artists, crafters, woodworkers, jewelry artists, crocheted items, baked goods, and so much more. There will also be face painting for the children, making it a great time to enjoy with the family.
Resurgo Holiday Concert | Free Meeting House, 20 Mountain Road
This event took place on November 26th, 2023 🎁
This holiday season, Resurgo Place and Ventus Machina invite you to come and ring in the Holiday Season at the Free Meeting House for an interactive and very entertaining holiday concert, including many sing-alongs and no shortage of festive and funny musical moments. Featuring the beloved Monette Gould as singer and sing-along leader. Following the concert, enjoy warm apple cider and tasty treats in the festively decorated lobby of Resurgo Place.
Wild Lights | Magnetic Hill Zoo
Friday, December 1st to to January 6th, 2024
Hours: First entrance is at 5pm, last entrance is at 9pm, last exit is at 9:30pm
Cost: $11 and strongly recommended to purchase online ahead of date.
Catch the details here.
A beloved holiday tradition in the Greater Moncton Area, view hundreds of thousands of holiday lights throughout the Magnetic Hill Zoo, including woodland animals themed lights and a holiday musical light show. You can also visit the animals in the Ecodome and Imaginarium. Weather permitting, there will be an outdoor bonfire and warming station, and guests can enjoy BeaverTails and other hot treats and drinks on select dates.
Sleigh the Holidays Pop-Up Market | Canvas Hotel in Moncton
This event took place on December 2nd, 2023 🎁
Sleigh the holidays and shop local this year at Canvas Hotel’s annual Sleigh the Holidays Pop-Up Market. From local makers, bakers, crafters, artisans and more, they will have a selection of 30+ vendors, all with the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. There will also be a donation bucket if you feel generous and want to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Moncton.
Rare Flair Christmas Craft Fair | Riverview Lion’s Club
This event took place on December 2nd, 2023 🎁
This holiday market in support of Maritime Assistance Canines is another fantastic holiday shopping event to attend this year! Featuring two floors full of amazing artisans with hundreds and hundreds of beautiful handmade gift ideas. Maritime Assistance Canines will also in attendance with their therapy dogs, who will be very excited to offer free cuddles and kisses!
The Nutcracker by Academy of Classical Ballet & Modern Dances | Capitol Theatre
From December 7th-10th
Time: Performance Times Vary by Date
Cost: $48 for members, $51 non-members
Catch the details here.
When I was a little girl, I danced in the Nutcracker on stage at the Capitol Theatre, and it was always a highlight of the holiday season in Moncton. This year, bring your loved ones and littles to the Capitol Theatre to see the Academy of Classical Ballet Youth Theatre bring an incredible, dreamy performance of E.T.A. Hoffman’s classic to life in our historic theatre.
Accompanied by the professional musicians of the Tutta Musica orchestra under the masterful baton of Maestro Antonio Delgado, I have heard that this year’s Nutcracker ballet promises to be a spectacular experience and one not to be missed!
Koliada Ukrainian Christmas Fest | Lutz Mountain Heritage Museum
Saturday, December 9th
Hours: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Cost: $5 general adission, children under 13 enter for free.
Catch the details here.
Come and celebrate the joyous spirit of Ukrainian Christmas and immerse yourself in the vibrant Ukrainian culture, traditions, and mouthwatering food at the KOLIADA Ukrainian Christmas Fest! Whether you’re deeply rooted in Ukrainian traditions or simply curious about this vibrant culture, this event promises an unforgettable experience for all. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Ukrainian customs, tantalizing cuisine, and lively entertainment.
Owee Whoville Holiday Market | Off the Wall Eyewear
Sunday, December 17th
Hours: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: Free
Catch the details here.
In the perfect last-minute holiday shopping market, step inside a holiday-themed market where stalwart Who-vendors will showcase their Yuletide goodies. The local artists are known for their inviting personalities and unbridled warmth, with talented craftmanship in candles, soaps, driftwood, baked goods, chocolate, jewelry, toys, incense and tons of stocking stuffers. The first 25 holiday families through the doors will receive a swag bag worth of gifts!
A Maritime Nutcracker by the Symphony New Brunswick | Capitol Theatre
December 20th
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: $30.44
Catch the details here.
If you’re a fan of the Nutcracker, you don’t want to miss this unique twist on the classic Nutcracker ballet with a special Maritime treatment. This performance will feature two puppeteers creating shadowbox projections to a narrated storyline, joined by musicians from Symphony New Brunswick and the magic of Tchaikovsky’s enchanting musical score.
Christmas in the Cape | Affinity Farm, Shediac Cape
November 16th – December 10th, 2023
Thursdays to Saturdays: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Catch the details here.
A true local gem, Affinity Farm in Shediac Cape, will be hosting Christmas in the Cape again this year, and I cannot wait! Their holiday market features handcrafted treasures from producers and artisans in the Maritimes, including a number of amazing bath and body products, spices and seasonings, and pottery, all made at Affinity Farm. I am absolutely obsessed with their soaps, and we use their spices, salts, and seasonings in everything we cook!
I can’t wait to see what treasures they have for everyone on my list this holiday season!
Un Trésor de Noël Dinner Theatre | Le Pays de la Sagouine
From November 16th to December 22nd
Time: Varies by performance date
Cost: $78 + applicable taxes and fees
Catch the details here.
I am SO excited to be attending our first Christmas dinner theatre at le Pays de la Sagouine this year! Un Trésor de Noël dinner theatre features the characters from Le Pays de la Sagouine who will make you laugh, cry and applaud in this brand new holiday show. Tickets are still available, with plenty of dates to choose from this holiday season!
Note: All shows are in French only.
Christmas at the Manor | Lady Smith Manor, Dorchester
This event took place on November 18th and 19th, 2023 🎁
It’s not the holidays without visiting the magical Lady Smith Manor, located just 30 minutes from the city in beautiful Dorchester, New Brunswick. This year’s theme is a “Nutcracker Christmas,” and considering I performed in the Nutcracker when I was a little girl, I’m VERY excited for this year’s event.
Visit the manor and have the opportunity to shop a unique selection of local artisans, hand-crafted items, sweets & treats, stocking stuffers and holiday gifts. This year, there will be 23 local
artisans and vintage-inspired vendors, a cozy outdoor fire, a hot chocolate and apple cider bar, festive fun, and so much more!
Will I see you there?
Creative Night Market | Hope-Wellness Eco-Resort, Hillsborough
This event took place on November 19th, 2023 🎁
If cozy vibes and holiday spirit are your jam, you’re going to want to plan to attend this year’s Creative Night Market at Hope-Wellness Eco-Resort! Their beautiful Nordic Lounge will be transformed into holiday magic with hot drinks, fresh goods, holiday decor, live music, family photo ops and talented local makers!
Shediac Christmas Parade | Shediac
This event took place on November 24th, 2023 🎁
Santa Claus is coming to Shediac! Head to the Pascal Poirier Park at 6:00 pm for a DJ and delicious hot chocolates. The parade will begin at 7:00 pm and this year’s route will be along Main Street Shediac from Gallagher Street to Chesley Street. Make sure that your littles bring their letters for Santa as Canada Post will be back in the parade to deliver letters to the North Pole.
Rustic Christmas Market at the Farm | Marcel Goguen Farm in Cocagne
This event took place on November 24-25th, 2023 🎁
Come celebrate the first annual holiday market at La Ferme Marcel-Goguen in beautiful Cocagne! For two nights, under twinkling lights, sipe a cup of hot apple cider and shop local products made with care by local artisans, including canned goods, wool and linen, lavender, wreaths, dog cookies, gift baskets and more!
Bouctouche Farmers’ Market Holiday Market | Bouctouche
This event took place on December 1st and 2nd, 2023 🎁
This year’s Bouctouche Farmers’ Market holiday market will be Friday, December 1st and Saturday, December 2nd! This holiday Farmers’ Market is always a fantastic opportunity to shop local in Bouctouche and find the sweetest gifts, including a large assortment of coastal inspired handmade products!
Christmas in the Country | Hillsborough and Riverside-Albert
This event took place on December 2nd and 3rd, 2023 🎁
Immerse yourself in the enchantment of ‘Christmas in the Country’ at The Old Church Farmers Market! Nestled in the heart of the community, this festive WEEKEND brings together local artisans, each weaving their magic into unique creations. From handcrafted ornaments, wellness teas, natural body & soul care, to cozy knits, sweet treats, incredible art creations & SO MUCH more!! Discover treasures that embody the spirit of the season.
Photos with Santa Claus | Shediac Multipurpose Centre
This event took place on December 2nd and 3rd, 2023 🎁
Santa Claus is coming to Shediac, and he can’t wait to take a holiday photo with you and your family! Photographer Brittany Gauthier will be snapping photos with Santa in the Multipurpose Centre. I heard that all the time slots are currently booked, BUT you can join the waitlist here.
Country Christmas Market | Blossom Grove Barn in Colpitts Settlement
This event took place on December 2nd and 3rd, 2023 🎁
I’ve heard that if you LOVE a good Hallmark Christmas movie, then this holiday market is a must this season as it will bring Hallmark to life. There will be over 25 local vendors to browse for holiday gifts, a petting farm with goats, bunnies, pigs and ponies (YES, PLEASE), a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs Claus, a gourmet hot chocolate bar AND an opportunity to bring home your family Christmas tree or a beautiful wreath!
Cap-Acadie Santa Claus Parade | Cap-Pelé
This event took place on December 3rd, 2023 🎁
This year, hundreds of children and their families will gather along Acadie Road to see the 2023 Santa Claus parade pass by and catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself, who always makes sure to visit Cap-Pelé! The parade will start on Tediche St. in Cap-Pelé, then descend on Acadie Rd. to end at the intersection of Robichaud St. and Acadie Rd.
Christmas in the Country Holiday Market | Farmer Brown’s Greenhouse
This event took place on December 2nd and 3rd, 2023 🎁
Farmer Brown’s annual holiday shopping event is back! An exciting opportunity to shop 40 + local holiday vendors to fulfill those ever-growing Christmas lists. There will also be a soup bar as well as other delicious local foods available throughout the weekend. Don’t miss a chance to visit the farm animals, tour the greenhouses for holiday plants and roast s’mores over the open fire. The $2 donation entrance free will be going towards Foods Of The Fundy Valley’s local school cooking programs!
Shediac Christmas Market | Shediac
Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th
Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Cost: Free
Catch the details here.
The annual holiday shopping event in Shediac is back again this holiday season! Happening Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th, in the Shediac Multipurpose Centre – this is the perfect opportunity to shop local and scratch a bunch of gifts off your holiday shopping list!
Buying local and supporting small businesses is so much more than just shopping at holiday markets and your local Farmers’ Market. The holiday season is also an amazing time of year to shop local retailers in your city or town.
And while Moncton and Dieppe have so many incredible stores to choose from, a few simply take the holiday season to a whole new level!
A beloved local shopping destination any time of the year, MacArthur’s Nurseries is truly the closest thing to the North Pole when it comes to shopping for the holidays. From beautiful decorations to thousands of poinsettias grown in-house to fresh-cut Christmas trees and wreaths to gifts for everyone on your list – there’s a reason I’m at MacArthur’s at least twice a week over the holiday season!
Earlier this season, Santa and Mrs. Claus were popping by the store on the weekends. I made sure to tell Santa himself that I wanted a trip to Italy and he was very receptive to the idea! 😉
Located at 232 McLaughlin Road in Moncton! Catch them on Facebook and Instagram.
A new local treasure, Kept on Main, can be found next to the Capitol Theatre, where My Home Mercantile used to be! If you’re dreaming of a holiday season fit that would rival Jillian Harris’s aesthetic, you’ve got to visit Kept on Main.
From holiday decor for everyone’s style to beautiful local gifts – you’ll find something for everyone on your list! Did I mention they have the most adorable coastal and nautical gifts for the cottage or your favourite mermaid?
Located at 805 Main Street in Moncton! Catch them on Facebook and Instagram.
Another beloved local treasure, Gifts Galore, has been one of Moncton’s go-to shopping destinations for the perfect gift for decades. You’ll be swept into the holiday spirit from the minute you step inside, where you’ll be greeted with a hot apple cider or mulled wine to sip while you browse.
Located at 569 Main Street in Moncton! Catch them on Facebook and Instagram.
Make sure to check back on this post often, as I’ll be continuing to update it now through December and Santa’s arrival with new events, fresh photos, and so much more!
And if you’re not already following me over on Instagram – make sure to swim on over and click follow, as I’ll be taking you behind the scenes for as many of these events and holiday markets as possible!
PS: This post may be sponsored by my friends at Destination Moncton-Dieppe but all opinions are my own! If I tell you that an event on this list is one of my favourites, that’s because it is! Many of these experiences have been a part of our family holiday traditions for years and I’m thrilled to share them with you!
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