Don't miss out on the top holiday highlights in Saint John! Find all the must-see events in our guide. Be you a local or a traveler, our guide will help you uncover the holiday charms of Saint John.
Each year, the Santa Claus Parade brings festive cheer with colorful floats and joyous music, making it a spectacle for all ages. The city also comes alive with twinkling lights during the Christmas Tree Lighting, a magical evening that truly captures the spirit of the season. And don't forget the Christmas Craft Market, where you can find unique handmade gifts and treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Saint John
- Santa Claus Parade
- Christmas Tree Lighting
- Christmas Craft Market
- Nutcracker Ballet
- Kings Square Christmas Caroling
Saint John Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Tree decorated with handcrafted ornaments from local artisans
Description:
Saint John's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony showcases the city's artistic talent. The towering evergreen, adorned with handcrafted ornaments from local artisans, stands as a testament to the community's creativity. Visitors can admire intricate glass baubles and wooden carvings, each telling a story of the region's heritage. This annual tradition dates back to 1947, marking the post-war revival of holiday celebrations in the city. As the switch is flipped, the tree illuminates the night sky, casting a warm glow over the gathered crowd.
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Saint John Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Craft Market
What to Expect:
Focus on traditional New Brunswick crafts
Description:
The Saint John Christmas Craft Market celebrates the rich artisanal heritage of New Brunswick. Local craftspeople showcase their skills, offering unique items that reflect the province's cultural tapestry. You'll discover intricate Acadian needlework, Mi'kmaq basketry, and maritime-inspired woodcarvings. The market hums with activity as artisans demonstrate traditional techniques passed down through generations. Visitors can try their hand at creating a small craft to take home. This event not only provides holiday shopping opportunities but also preserves and promotes the region's diverse craft traditions.
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Saint John Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Incorporation of local maritime elements into the classic story
Description:
Saint John's Nutcracker Ballet infuses the classic tale with maritime flair. Dancers pirouette across a stage transformed into a coastal wonderland, where the Mouse King becomes a fearsome lobster and the Land of Sweets features salt water taffy. The performance pays homage to the city's seafaring roots, blending traditional ballet with local folklore. Audience members can spot familiar Saint John landmarks woven into the set design. This unique adaptation has been captivating audiences since 1985, becoming a cherished part of the city's cultural landscape.
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Kings Square Christmas Caroling
What to Expect:
Caroling in both English and French to reflect the region's bilingual heritage
Description:
Kings Square Christmas Caroling in Saint John embraces the region's bilingual heritage. Choirs and community members gather to sing beloved carols in both English and French, creating a harmonious blend of cultures. The square's historic bandstand serves as the focal point, adorned with evergreen garlands. Participants can join in the singing, their voices echoing through the crisp winter air. This tradition harks back to the city's early days when French and English settlers first began to celebrate the holidays together, fostering a spirit of unity that continues to this day.
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Kings Square Christmas Caroling
Saint John Other Holiday Activities
Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Maritime-themed floats and costumes
Description:
Saint John's Santa Claus Parade transforms the city streets into a lively maritime spectacle. Colorful floats adorned with nautical themes glide through the heart of Canada's oldest incorporated city. Children can wave to Santa as he passes by on his lobster boat sleigh. The parade honors Saint John's rich seafaring history, with many participants donning costumes inspired by local maritime legends. The air fills with the briny scent of the nearby Bay of Fundy, adding an authentic coastal touch to this unique holiday tradition.
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Nearby Events
Hampton Christmas Parade (Hampton)
What to Expect:
Parade route along the scenic Kennebecasis River
Description:
Hampton's Christmas Parade winds along the picturesque Kennebecasis River, offering a stunning backdrop for holiday festivities. Floats adorned with twinkling lights reflect off the water's surface, creating a mesmerizing display. The parade showcases the town's rural charm, with farm tractors and horse-drawn carriages joining the procession. Spectators can warm up with cups of locally-produced apple cider as they watch. This event has been a community staple since the 1950s, evolving from a small gathering to a beloved regional attraction that celebrates Hampton's agricultural roots.
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Quispamsis Christmas Market (Quispamsis)
What to Expect:
Market stalls set up in converted ice fishing huts
Description:
The Quispamsis Christmas Market reimagines traditional ice fishing huts as charming vendor stalls. These cozy shelters, typically used for winter angling, now house an array of local artisans and food producers. Visitors can browse through these unique pop-up shops, each offering a glimpse into the region's craftsmanship and culinary traditions. The market pays tribute to the area's ice fishing heritage, which dates back generations. As you explore, the aroma of freshly baked goods and evergreen boughs mingles with the crisp winter air, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.
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Rothesay Christmas Tree Farm Tour (Rothesay)
What to Expect:
Guided tours explaining sustainable forestry practices
Description:
Rothesay's Christmas Tree Farm Tour offers an educational twist on the traditional tree-hunting experience. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the fragrant pine forests, explaining sustainable forestry practices and the lifecycle of Christmas trees. You can select and cut your own tree using provided hand saws, connecting with nature in a hands-on way. The tour highlights the farm's commitment to environmental stewardship, a practice that has been integral to the region's economy for centuries. This event not only provides families with a perfect tree but also fosters an appreciation for responsible land management.
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Rothesay Christmas Tree Farm Tour
KV Winter Carnival (Quispamsis)
What to Expect:
Ice sculpture competition featuring local artists
Description:
The KV Winter Carnival in Quispamsis showcases the talents of local ice sculptors. Artists transform blocks of ice into glistening masterpieces, their chisels ringing out across the frosty landscape. Visitors can watch the sculptors at work and vote for their favorite creations. The carnival also features traditional winter sports like curling and ice fishing, honoring the region's cold-weather pastimes. This event, which began as a small community gathering in the 1970s, has grown into a celebration of winter culture and artistry that draws participants from across the Kennebecasis Valley.
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St. Martins Christmas Celebrations (St. Martins)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed sea cave tours
Description:
St. Martins Christmas Celebrations offer a unique coastal twist on holiday traditions. The highlight is the holiday-themed sea cave tours, where visitors explore the town's famous rock formations adorned with twinkling lights. Guides share tales of maritime Christmas legends as waves crash against the shore. You can warm up afterwards with a bowl of seafood chowder made from local catch. This event pays homage to St. Martins' rich shipbuilding history, with many decorations featuring nautical themes. The celebrations blend the rugged beauty of the Bay of Fundy coast with the warmth of the holiday season.
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St. Martins Christmas Celebrations
St. Andrews Christmas by the Sea (St. Andrews)
What to Expect:
Lobster trap Christmas tree
Description:
St. Andrews Christmas by the Sea centers around a towering Christmas tree constructed entirely from lobster traps. This unique creation stands as a testament to the town's fishing heritage, adorned with buoys and twinkling lights. Visitors can participate in a scavenger hunt through the historic downtown, searching for hidden ornaments in shop windows. The event highlights St. Andrews' status as Canada's first seaside resort town, established in the late 18th century. The salty sea air mingles with the scent of pine, creating an atmosphere that perfectly blends maritime culture with holiday cheer.
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St. Andrews Christmas by the Sea
Peninsula Christmas Lights Tour (Kingston Peninsula)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of historic homes decorated with period-appropriate lights
Description:
The Peninsula Christmas Lights Tour invites visitors to step back in time as they explore Kingston Peninsula's historic homes. Each property is adorned with lights and decorations authentic to the era of its construction, spanning from the 18th to early 20th centuries. You can embark on a self-guided driving tour, using a provided map to navigate the rural roads. This event not only illuminates the night but also sheds light on the peninsula's rich architectural history. The tour has been carefully curated to showcase the evolution of holiday decorating traditions in rural New Brunswick.
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Peninsula Christmas Lights Tour
McAdam Railway Station Holiday Market (McAdam)
What to Expect:
Market held in a restored 1900s railway station
Description:
McAdam's Railway Station Holiday Market transports visitors to the golden age of rail travel. The beautifully restored 1900s station buzzes with activity as vendors set up shop in former waiting rooms and along the platform. Visitors can browse locally-made gifts while admiring the station's original architectural details. The market pays homage to McAdam's importance as a major railway hub in the early 20th century. The whistle of a vintage train engine occasionally punctuates the air, adding an authentic touch to this unique shopping experience that bridges past and present.
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McAdam Railway Station Holiday Market