November 02, 2023
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and Saint John & the Towns by the Bay are pulling out all the stops to make sure you can be part of all the holiday cheer! While visiting during the holiday season, be sure to take in some of our local's favourite celebrations - from tree lightings to community festivities, there is something special for everyone to be a part of.
You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, we're telling you why - Santa Claus is coming to town! 🎅 Enjoy any of the Santa Claus Parades taking place throughout our region:
November 24th | Fundy-St. Martins Christmas Parade
November 25th | 25th Annual KV Santa Claus Parade
November 25th | Lancaster Santa Claus Parade
November 26th | 4th Annual Dirt Road Christmas Parade
🎶 Christmas time is here, happiness and cheer, fun for all that children call their favorite time of the year 🎶 The holiday season brings laughter and light to community celebrations. Take part in the festivities happening throughout our region:
November 22nd | Kick off the holiday season at the Quispamsis Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony! This also marks the unveiling of the Holiday Dreamland LED light display for the 2023-24 season.
November 25th | Celebrate the season's magic at Christmas at the Harbour Tree Lighting. Enjoy an evening filled with hot chocolate, festive music, and cherished memories with loved ones as Fundy-St. Martins kicks off the holidays in the village.
November 25th & 26th, December 2nd & 3rd | For a spectacular Christmas experience, check out Christmas in the Village 2023. With a vendors market to shop at, visits with Santa, restaurants with festive features, and accommodations to keep you cozy, you'll love spending your holiday preparations in Fundy-St. Martins.
November 29th - December 24th | Embark on a delightful journey through the heart of uptown Saint John with The Ginger Agency Gingerbread Trail! Explore the whimsical world of gingerbread creations at various local businesses, while enjoying festive decorations and the creativity of our community.
November 30th | Join J.D. Irving Ltd. for their annual Wolastoq Park Tree Lighting. Come and enjoy hot chocolate, sweet treats, and holiday cheer.
December 1st | Experience the old-world charm of our uptown core at Uptown Sparkles. Outdoor fire pits, ice sculpting, jolly trolley rides, live music, festive light displays, special retail promotions, and so much more are waiting for you. ‘It’s Christmastime in the City’…and tonight is the most special evening to enjoy the season uptown.
December 1st | Enjoy some swing dancing as part of the Uptown Sparkles festivities with Swingin' Sparkles! Saint John Swing Dance will be rocking around the Christmas tree at CenterBeam place, featuring social dances, performances, and good cheer.
December 1st | Join the City of Saint John for the Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony, part of the Uptown Sparkles celebrations!
December 2nd | Cookies, hot chocolate, a sing-a-long, and letters to Santa are waiting for you at Grand Bay-Westfield's Mayor's Tree Lighting ceremony. Enjoy all the festive fun!
December 2nd | Welcome winter with Hampton's Winter Wonderland in the Town Square. Kick off the holiday season with a full day of family-friendly activities throughout the town, and stop by throughout the holidays to enjoy a beautiful light display in the town square.
December 3rd | Spend A Day with Santa! Come snap a photo with Santa, enjoy some holiday snacks, and join in on Christmas games. Just in time to get that perfect holiday photo for your Christmas cards!
December 8th | Gather your friends, and head to Ole Foggy Distillery for Ugly Sweater & Reindeer Games! Get your tickets in advance - this includes one single cocktail or a beer/cider/Giver River on tap, and the chance to win some fun prizes.
December 9th | Hop aboard the big city bus, and enjoy the 2023 Christmas Lights Tour with commentary by tour guide, author, and columnist, David Goss. Featuring Christmas lights and delights of Saint John, Quispamsis, and Rothesay. Dress warm - one special stop will be outdoors! Get your tickets now!
December 13th | Join the town of Rothesay for the 9th Annual Mayor's Tree Lighting. Stop by for a skate on the ice, a walk around the Common or just to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season in the heart of Rothesay.
December 22nd | Enjoy the Town of Hampton's Annual Christmas Skate with music, lights, and festive decorations.
Looking for more holiday fun? Celebrate the Season in Saint John & the Towns by the Bay!
From charming seasonal markets, to tree-mendous holiday entertainment, and local favourite activities, there really is 'snow' other place to be this festive season. ✨❄
The Saint John Region is situated on the traditional and unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik, Mi’Kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati Nations. This territory is covered by Peace and Friendship Treaties signed with the British Crown in the 1700s. The treaties did not surrender the territory and resources, but recognized Wolastoqiyik, Mi’Kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati title, and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.
Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency pays respect to the elders, past and present, and descendants of this land, and is committed to moving forward in the spirit of truth, collaboration, and reconciliation.
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