It's time for holiday magic, Moncton! Dive into our guide for all the best seasonal events. Whether you're rediscovering Moncton or seeing it for the first time, our guide leads you to the best holiday activities.
Make sure to visit the Magnetic Hill Zoo's Wildlife Park, where festive lights and wild animals come together in a captivating display. Experience the joyful spirit with the Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade, featuring vibrant floats and jolly characters. And don't forget the Bouctouche Christmas Rural District Market, offering unique crafts and festive treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Moncton
- Magnetic Hill Zoo's Wildlife Park
- Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade
- Holiday Lights Display at Centennial Park
- Wild Lights at Magnetic Hill
- Christmas Choir Concert at St. John's United Church
- Christmas Market at the Moncton Coliseum
- Holiday Train's Moncton Stop
Moncton Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Lights Display at Centennial Park
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations
Description:
Centennial Park's Holiday Lights Display illuminates the night with innovative, interactive light installations. Visitors can manipulate certain light displays through motion sensors, creating their own luminous art. The park's natural landscape serves as a canvas for these cutting-edge light sculptures. You'll discover hidden light-activated sound installations throughout the park, adding an auditory dimension to the visual spectacle. This display represents a modern twist on holiday lighting, showcasing Moncton's commitment to blending technology with tradition.
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Holiday Lights Display at Centennial Park
Wild Lights at Magnetic Hill
What to Expect:
Light displays inspired by local wildlife
Description:
Wild Lights at Magnetic Hill illuminates the night with displays inspired by New Brunswick's diverse wildlife. Intricate light sculptures depict moose, bears, and other native animals in their natural habitats. The event incorporates educational elements about local ecosystems and conservation efforts. Visitors can embark on a guided "night safari" to learn about nocturnal animals native to the region. This unique light show pays homage to Magnetic Hill's natural surroundings and its history as a geological wonder that has drawn visitors for generations.
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Moncton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Market at the Moncton Coliseum
What to Expect:
Showcase of Atlantic Canadian artisans and products
Description:
The Christmas Market at the Moncton Coliseum spotlights the best of Atlantic Canadian craftsmanship and products. Artisans from all four Atlantic provinces display their unique creations, from hand-blown glass ornaments to locally sourced gourmet foods. The market hums with the diverse accents of the region, from Newfoundland to New Brunswick. Visitors can participate in workshops led by master craftspeople, learning traditional Atlantic Canadian skills. This market, held in the iconic Moncton Coliseum, celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of Canada's eastern provinces.
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Christmas Market at the Moncton Coliseum
Moncton Holiday Giving Opportunities
Holiday Train's Moncton Stop
What to Expect:
Rolling concert and food drive
Description:
The Holiday Train's Moncton stop combines a unique rolling concert with a community food drive. A brightly decorated train pulls into the station, transforming into a mobile stage for live musical performances. The train's arrival signals the start of a massive local food collection effort for area food banks. Visitors can tour the train's festively decorated cars while learning about railway history in Moncton, once a major rail hub. This event, part of a cross-country journey, highlights the role of railways in connecting Canadian communities during the holiday season.
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Moncton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Choir Concert at St. John's United Church
What to Expect:
Fusion of traditional and contemporary holiday music
Description:
St. John's United Church's Christmas Choir Concert presents a unique blend of traditional carols and contemporary holiday compositions. The choir, accompanied by a small orchestra, performs in the church's historic sanctuary, known for its exceptional acoustics. Audience members can join in singing lesser-known carols from around the world. The concert highlights the church's 150-year musical legacy, featuring pieces from its extensive archive of holiday music. This event bridges generations of musical traditions, offering a fresh perspective on holiday choral performances.
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Christmas Choir Concert at St. John's United Church
Moncton Other Holiday Activities
Magnetic Hill Zoo's Wildlife Park
What to Expect:
Zoo animals in a winter setting
Description:
Magnetic Hill Zoo's Wildlife Park transforms into a winter haven for its diverse animal residents. Visitors can observe how different species adapt to the colder climate, from playful snow leopards to cozy red pandas. The zoo's conservation efforts shine during this season, highlighting the importance of protecting habitats year-round. You'll have the opportunity to participate in special winter feeding sessions, learning about the animals' dietary needs in colder months. The zoo, established in 1953, has grown from a small collection to a significant wildlife center in Atlantic Canada.
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Magnetic Hill Zoo's Wildlife Park
Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Community-wide participation in float creation
Description:
The Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade bursts with local creativity as community groups, businesses, and families craft elaborate floats. The parade route winds through historic downtown streets, showcasing Moncton's architectural heritage. Spectators line the sidewalks, their cheers echoing off century-old buildings. This year, the parade introduces a "green" theme, encouraging eco-friendly float designs. The event's roots trace back to the early 1900s when it began as a small procession of decorated horse-drawn carriages.
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Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade
Nearby Events
Bouctouche Christmas Rural District Market (Bouctouche)
What to Expect:
Celebration of rural Acadian culture and crafts
Description:
Bouctouche's Christmas Rural District Market spotlights the rich Acadian heritage of the region. Local artisans showcase traditional crafts, from intricate wood carvings to handwoven textiles. The air fills with the aroma of Acadian delicacies like poutine râpée and pâté à la râpure. Visitors can try their hand at making traditional ornaments using natural materials found in the area. This market, nestled in the heart of Kent County, pays homage to the resilient spirit of Acadian settlers who first arrived in the region in the 17th century.
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Bouctouche Christmas Rural District Market
Cap-Pelé Christmas Festival (Cap-Pelé)
What to Expect:
Coastal village Christmas traditions
Description:
Cap-Pelé's Christmas Festival embraces its coastal village charm with unique maritime-themed celebrations. The festival features ice sculptures of local sea life, created by skilled artists from across the Maritimes. Visitors can join in a traditional Acadian folk dance, accompanied by lively fiddle music. The event honors Cap-Pelé's fishing heritage, incorporating elements of the town's 100-year-old lobster industry into its festivities. This seaside celebration offers a glimpse into how coastal communities have adapted Christmas traditions to their unique environment.
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Shediac Christmas Market (Shediac)
What to Expect:
Lobster-themed holiday products
Description:
Shediac's Christmas Market embraces its title as the "Lobster Capital of the World" with unique lobster-themed holiday offerings. Artisans present creative lobster-inspired decorations and gifts, from tree ornaments to festive kitchenware. The market buzzes with the sound of local musicians playing maritime-inspired carols. Visitors can sample innovative lobster-based holiday treats, fusing traditional recipes with the town's signature crustacean. This market, set against the backdrop of Shediac's historic waterfront, celebrates over a century of lobster fishing tradition in the region.
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Festival of Lights Christmas Parade (Riverview)
What to Expect:
Parade floats with cutting-edge lighting technology
Description:
Riverview's Festival of Lights Christmas Parade dazzles with floats featuring state-of-the-art lighting technology. Each float showcases a different advanced lighting technique, from programmable LED displays to holographic projections. The parade route follows the scenic Petitcodiac River, reflecting the lights in its waters. Spectators can vote for their favorite float using a mobile app, engaging directly with the parade. This high-tech twist on a traditional parade reflects Riverview's forward-thinking approach to community celebrations.
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Festival of Lights Christmas Parade
Weekly Christmas Bingo at Riverview Lions Club (Riverview)
What to Expect:
Charity-focused holiday-themed bingo games
Description:
The Riverview Lions Club's Weekly Christmas Bingo transforms a classic game into a holiday giving opportunity. Each game features holiday-themed prizes donated by local businesses. The rhythmic call of numbers mixes with cheerful holiday tunes. Participants can contribute to different local charities each week through their bingo card purchases. This event continues a long-standing tradition of community service by the Lions Club, which has been active in Riverview since 1955.
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Weekly Christmas Bingo at Riverview Lions Club
Kent County Christmas Parade (Richibucto)
What to Expect:
Bilingual parade celebrating Acadian and Anglophone cultures
Description:
The Kent County Christmas Parade unites Acadian and Anglophone communities in a bilingual celebration. Floats alternate between French and English themes, showcasing the region's linguistic diversity. The parade route passes by historic landmarks that tell the story of Kent County's dual heritage. Spectators can enjoy traditional treats from both cultures, from tourtière to plum pudding. This parade, dating back to the 1950s, symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of Kent County's two predominant linguistic groups.