There’s something extra magical about the holiday season in New Brunswick, especially when our coastal towns and communities start decking the halls with a little maritime charm! I look forward to it every year!
From twinkling waterfronts and festive holiday markets to cozy seaside strolls, Christmas parades, and plenty of small-town holiday cheer, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season whether you’re in the city or on the shore.
If you’re thinking of planning a festive day trip, a holiday date night, or a weekend getaway, I’ve rounded up some of the Coastal AND city Christmas events and experiences I’m most excited about this November and December across Southeastern and Southern New Brunswick!
If there’s one seaside town that looks like it belongs in a Hallmark Christmas movie, it’s St. Andrews-by-the-Sea during the holiday season! With its charming historic properties, beautifully decorated storefronts, twinkling lights, and festive small-town atmosphere, St. Andrews is pure Christmas magic in November and December.
Whether you’re strolling along Water Street, popping into local shops for a little holiday shopping, enjoying a cozy meal, or soaking up the festive atmosphere along the waterfront, there’s something incredibly special about this seaside town at Christmastime.
No matter where you’re coming from in New Brunswick (or the Maritimes!), St. Andrews is absolutely worth adding to your holiday bucket list, whether you’re planning a festive day trip or treating yourself to a cozy Christmas weekend getaway by the sea.
Book a stay at the iconic Algonquin Hotel and Resort, score a dinner reservation at one of the many incredible restaurants in the area. My recommendations are the Rossmount Inn, The Chandler Room, Noble, and William and Water.
Holiday Sip & Shop at Marmalade
🗓️ November 13th
The 3rd Annual Holiday Sip & Shop! A festive evening of seasonal treats, thoughtful gifting, and a little Christmas magic to kick off the holiday season in St. Andrews by-the-Sea. Tickets here.
Festival of Trees at the Algonquin Resort
🗓️ November 28th
Step inside the historic Algonquin Resort this holiday season and experience pure Christmas magic. The grand halls are decked with stunning, one-of-a-kind trees created by local organizations. The best part? It’s open to the public, not just hotel guests! The official lighting is on November 28th, but the trees will be on display in the hotel for the holiday season.
Sparkle by the Sea
🗓️ November 27th & 28th
Each November, St. Andrews by-the-Sea transforms into a seaside winter wonderland for Sparkle by the Sea, the must-attend holiday shopping event of the season. Local shops stay open late with festive décor, special promotions, treats, and twinkling lights all weekend long.
St. Andrews Lobster Trap Tree Lighting
🗓️ November 27th from 5:30 to 6:00 pm
The annual lighting of the St. Andrews Lobster Trap & Buoy Christmas Tree in Market Square, in support of the local food bank.
Sparkle & Sequins Holiday Gala
🗓️ November 28th
Get ready for a night of glitz, glamour, and holiday magic as we celebrate Sparkle by the Sea in style! Saturday, November 28th, at the beautiful Algonquin Resort, featuring live music by Pretty in Pink, cocktails, refreshments, dancing, and plenty of festive fun! Details & tickets here.
St. Andrews Christmas Farmer’s Market
🗓️ December 5th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Taking place at the Sir James Dunn Academy, this is the only time this season to find all your favorite market vendors together before the holidays!
St. Andrews Firemen’s Santa Claus Parade
🗓️ December 5th from 5:30 to 6:00 pm
The annual Santa Claus Parade in St. Andrews by the Sea, along Water Street!
Christmas by the Sea Fest
🗓️ December 12th from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Not to pick favourites, but this might be my favourite holiday event of the year! Stroll through the enchanting downtown of St. Andrews by-the-Sea, where twinkling lights, carolers, and gingerbread house creations fill the air with festive cheer. Sip hot chocolate or mulled cider in a keepsake mug, shop local, and cozy up by the fireplaces in Market Square—perfect for magical holiday photo ops. And don’t forget to vote in the annual Gingerbread House Competition! Catch all of the details here.
I’ll never forget the first time we travelled to our cottage on Grand Manan Island in December, and I saw the Christmas tree and decorations on the Grand Manan Adventure, the island’s beautiful ferry that travels year-round to the Queen of the Fundy Isles. From holiday pop-ups and markets in the island’s most beautiful shops such as Newton’s Mercantile & Café (don’t skip on their gingerbread cookies) and Cheeky Gifts!
Christmas at the Mercantile
🗓️ November 12th to December 22nd
My favourite island cafe, Newton’s Mercantile & Café, is being transformed into a Christmas wonderland again this holiday season until December 22nd, with a special Christmas at the Mercantile event happening November 12th. Gayla and Tim make the MOST delicious gingerbread cookies, so make sure to leave with one or two (or more)!
Holiday Shop Hop
🗓️ November 26th | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Three of the island’s most loved gift shops are hosting one night of holiday cheer. The Holiday Shop Hop includes Cheeky Gifts, JustBeYou.Boutique and Presence Boutique. Pop by each for door prizes, treats and of course, holiday shopping!
Grand Manan Island Christmas Market
🗓️ November 28th | 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Sailing to Grand Manan or on the island on Saturday, November 28th? I can’t say enough about how wonderful their Christmas Market is at the Curling Club. You’ll find beautiful locally made gifts!
Grand Manan Island Christmas Parade
🗓️ November 29th at 6:00 pm
The island will welcome Santa Claus for the annual Grand Manan Christmas parade, beginning at St. Paul’s Stone Church (Ingalls Head) and ending at the Grand Manan Community Center.
There’s no shortage of holiday magic in the Greater Moncton Area come Christmastime!
From the beloved Royale Santa Claus Parade and Antler Breakfast to the must-attend Lady Smith Manor Christmas Market and Christmas at the Coliseum, the city truly sparkles during the holiday season. Wander through twinkling displays at Wild Lights at the Zoo, or spend your weekends exploring countless holiday markets and craft shows bursting with local treasures and handmade gifts. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa, meeting Santa, or shopping local at mermaid favourites such as B Home and Gifts Galore, there’s something festive for everyone in Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview.
Lady Smith Manor Christmas Market
🗓️ November 14th and 15th
🎟️ Purchase tickets here.
A classic every year, Lady Smith Manor’s Christmas market has a different theme ever year! To date, my absolute favourite was Narnia’s Lion, Witch & the Wardrobe which gave me the perfect opportunity to wear my grandmother’s fur coat — peep the photo below! This year’s Christmas Market theme is a Wizarding Christmas, so calling all Harry Potter fans. This one is for you! Make sure to stay for a drink at the Thirsty Whippet and don’t pass on the warm, toasted donuts! Trust me on this one.
Christmas on the Wharf
🗓️ Every Tuesday through Saturday from November 12th to December 5th
Christmas on the Wharf at Magnetic Hill was one of our favourite new holiday activities last year and I’m so glad it’s back for another year! Enjoy holiday shopping, photo opportunities, and festive treats! Catch the details here.
Light Up Riverview
🗓️ November 26th through to January 6th, 2027
One of my favourite holiday traditions is seeing our beautiful river downtown light up each holiday season: Light Up Riverview. The Mayor’s Light Launch takes place on Thursday, November 26th from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, with lights turning on at 7:00 pm sharp and not to be missed. But you can enjoy the lights all holiday season and into January.
Antler Breakfast
🗓️ November 27th
🎟️ Purchase tickets here.
On Friday, November 27th, downtown Moncton will be a sea of red-antlered reindeer as the community comes out for the annual Antler Breakfast in support of the Greater Moncton Progress Club and local charities.
Royale Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade
🗓️ November 28th | Starts at 5:00 pm
A staple in Moncton, the annual Royale Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade is a must if you’re in the city. This year’s theme is Festival of Lights, and I know it will be beautiful! Bring non-perishable food items for the food bank and your letters to Santa!
Turner’s Christmas at the Coliseum
🗓️ November 27th to 29th.
🎟️ Purchase tickets here.
A classic in Moncton, Turner’s Christmas at the Coliseum is a three-day holiday shopping event at the Moncton Coliseum featuring 300+ vendors. You can buy tickets online in advance or at the door.
Holiday Hog Nog at Green Pig Country Market
🗓️ November 26th & 27th and December 3rd & 4th from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Snack, Sip, Shop, and Socialize! This event sounds like such a fun time, and honestly, a trip to the Green Pig Country Market is always worth it, any season! I’m sure this event will be a splashing good time! Details here.
Wild Lights at Magnetic Hill Zoo
🗓️ November 27th through to January 2nd
🎟️ Purchase tickets here.
A treasured holiday event in Moncton, Wild Lights at the Magnetic Hill Zoo is perfect for all ages! The event features hundreds of thousands of lights throughout the zoo. This year, there are plenty of new photo ops for everyone.
Holiday Markets at the Arches
🗓️ Saturday, November 28th and every Saturday until Christmas
If you’ve ever attended a market at the Arches of St. George, hosted by the incredible team at B Home, well, you know you’re in for a treat! Follow along on Instagram for more on the events and vendors each week!
Aura: A Moncton Holiday Experience
🗓️ December 3rd through to 17th on Thursdays
Aura is back for its third holiday season! Sip holiday-themed cocktails (or take a cocktail class hosted by BRIX Experience), watch holiday movies under the stars, and shop for the perfect gift. Plenty of photo ops, too! Catch all of the details here.
Sleigh the Holidays at Canvas Moncton
🗓️ Saturday, December 5th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Our 5th Annual Sleigh the Holidays Pop-Up Market is back, bringing together local makers, bakers, crafters, artisans and more for another festive day of shopping local and finding the perfect gifts. Details here.
There’s something so magical about Christmas along New Brunswick’s Southeastern Acadian Coast! From Shediac to Bouctouche and the charming seaside communities in between, this stretch of coastline transforms into a coastal holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive markets, and plenty of maritime Christmas cheer.
In Shediac, the iconic lobster trap tree at the Shediac Lobster Shop glows proudly, while the world-famous Shediac Lobster trades his usual look for a festive Santa hat. Continue along the coast through Cap-Pelé and Cocagne before heading to beautiful Bouctouche, home to one of the province’s loveliest farmers’ markets and the beloved Pays de la Sagouine. Whether you’re shopping local, soaking up the holiday lights, or enjoying a little seaside Christmas magic, there’s plenty of festive fun to discover along this beautiful coastline this November and December!
Pays de la Sagouine Souper-Spectacle de Noël
🗓️ November 13th to December 20th
🎟️ Purchase tickets here.
We had the pleasure of attending a Pays de la Sagouine Souper-Spectacle de Noël a few years ago, and I still talk about it. It was such a fun evening, and the cast was amazing. There are some dates available, but tickets do often sell out!
Shediac Christmas Market
🗓️ November 21st from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Festive fun and local shopping with 50+ amazing vendors and the sounds of holiday music! Details here.
Shediac Santa Claus Parade
🗓️ November 27th at 7:00 pm
A festive evening in the heart of Shediac! The Vestiaire St-Joseph will be collecting non-perishable food items throughout the parade, and Canada Post will be in the parade to collect letters to Santa. I have heard absolutely wonderful things about this parade, including that it’s worth the drive from Moncton to check it out!
Rustic Christmas at the Farm
🗓️ November 28th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
A Rustic Christmas Market in the gorgeous barn at the Marcel-Goguen Farm in Cocagne! Come shop local products and enjoy warm cider!
Bouctouche Christmas Farmers’ Market
🗓️ December 4th & 5th
Shop handmade gifts, sip something warm, and soak up small-town magic at the Bouctouche Farmers’ Market’s annual Christmas Market. The Bouctouche Farmers’ Market is a gem all year long, but it becomes an extra special market around the holidays! It’s worth the drive out to attend their Christmas Farmers’ Market. Catch all details here.
The holiday season in Saint John is nothing short of enchanting. From the holiday lights along historic streets to festive events like the annual Uptown Sparkles celebration, the city comes alive with Christmas cheer. Enjoy the charm of local markets, cozy restaurants, and waterfront views wrapped in holiday magic—it’s the perfect place to soak up the season’s spirit by the Bay of Fundy.
Rhoda’s Christmas Festival 2026
🗓️ November 20th to 22nd
🎟️ Tickets are $8 entry ($7 for seniors) and valid all weekend
An absolute legend of a holiday event in Saint John, I’ve never been myself, but I’ve heard amazing things from friends in Saint John about this annual tradition. A must if you’re in the area! Details here.
Saint John Santa Claus Parade
🗓️ November 21st at 5:00 pm
The Saint John Santa Claus Parade is back for the 73rd edition. The parade begins at the Cruise Ship Terminals on Water Street and continues to Lansdowne Avenue. Get all of the details + more on the parade route here.
Uptown Sparkles 2026
🗓️ December 4th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
I have heard nothing but rave reviews about this annual holiday event, which includes the Mayor’s Tree Lighting. Enjoy live performances, marshmallow roasting, cozy warming stations, and dazzling displays across Uptown. Details here.
Kickoff to Christmas & Walk of Lights St. Stephen
🗓️ November 20th
Multiple shopping events and holiday markets will be taking place in St. Stephen on November 22nd, including the launch of the Walk of Lights along the waterfront!
St. Stephen Christmas Parade
🗓️ December 4th at 6:00 pm
The St. Stephen Christmas Parade will travel from Charlotte Mall to the Ferry Point Bridge. Details here.
Lobster Trap Christmas Tree Lighting
🗓️ December 6th
A lobster trap Christmas tree will light up Campobello Island on Sunday, December 6, during Kiddie Cove’s Winter Carnival fundraiser!
Christmas in the Village in St. Martins
🗓️ November 28th & 29th
There will be plenty of Christmas magic to experience, with many vendors, a farmers’ market, live music, story times, a parade, visits with our authentic Santa at the Caves Restaurant, and many restaurants and accommodations available to extend your stay.
Olde Tyme Christmas in Sussex
🗓️ December 3rd from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas experience with horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, hot beverages, festive shopping, and maybe even a visit from Old Saint Nick himself. Details here.
Christmas in the Country
🗓️ December 4th & 5th
Now in its 24th year, Christmas in the Country is an annual regional holiday celebration featuring local artisan markets, community events, and historic stops across Albert County, from Lower Coverdale to Fundy National Park.
Sussex Santa Claus Parade
🗓️ December 5th at 6:30 pm
Sussex’s annual Santa Claus Parade and this year’s theme is Santa’s Workshop! Catch all of the details here.
+++
Gentle Reminder: This post is a work in progress and will continue to be updated into the holidays as I hear about magical holiday events you should know about! Bookmark this post, check back often and share with your friends!
No Comments