The holiday season is the best time to make memories with friends and family while getting into the holiday spirit. Listed below are some of the events taking place in Fredericton including Santa Claus Parades, Christmas Concerts, theatre, and other holiday events to help you have a wonderful, entertaining time making memories during the holidays.
Activities During Christmas Break in Fredericton
Christmas Markets and Unique Shops to Get Holiday Gifts in Fredericton
Christmas Lights & Santa Claus Parades
Fredericton Annual Santa Claus Parade 2023
The Parade is on the south side this year and will forming on St. Anne’s Point Drive (the 2 eastbound lanes from Regent Street to Westmorland Street will be closed the day of the parade). The Parade will turn right from St. Anne’s Point Drive onto Queen Street and follow that street to Risteen’s Landing where it will then loop back onto St. Anne’s Point Drive where the parade started and entrants will disembark. Details
Saturday, November 25, 2023 | 5:00 PM
Southside Fredericton
There will be no parking allowed on Queen Street between Regent Street and Carleton Street on both sides of Queen Street to accommodate larger floats.
Free
Light Up Riverview
Each year thousands of residents and visitors alike come together over hot cocoa and festive carols to light up the Town and make the pines along the Petitcodiac sparkle. Light Up Riverview is a fun-filled destination and tradition that draws family and friends together to celebrate the holiday season. Details
November 23, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Riverview
Free
Downtown Tree Lighting
Gather downtown as the Christmas lights at Town Hall, Market Square, the Wharf, the lamp posts, and store-fronts light up in the spirit of Christmas. Enjoy the Lobster Trap Christmas Tree covered in buoys decorated in support of the local food bank. Details
Friday, November 24, 2023 | 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Town Hall and Market Square, 212 Water Street, Saint Andrews
Pine Grove Festival of Lights
Joyous spirit abounds as The Festival of Lights celebrates its 14th season. Shining Christmas spirit with brightly decorated Christmas trees sponsored by generous businesses and individuals in our community.
The grounds are open to the public to drive through or to park and wander about in the brightly lit forest and along the pathway of fragrant wreaths. Details
December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Pine Grove Nursing Home, Woodstock Road, Fredericton
Free; Donations appreciated
Fireman’s Santa Claus Parade
Santa Claus comes to town on December 2nd at 5:30 pm. Details
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 5:30 PM
Town Hall and Market Square, 212 Water Street, Saint Andrews
Christmas Tree Lighting
Celebrate the season on December 1, at 7pm at the Provincial Legislature for the annual tree lighting ceremony!
There will then be a walking parade from the Legislature to City Hall, where the Mayor’s Tree Lighting will take place at approximately 7:45-8 pm.
December 1, 2023 | 7 PM to 8 PM
Legislative Assembly/City Hall Fredericton
Fredericton
Free
Winter Lights Across Canada
Canadians across the city will be able to enjoy the lights of winter. Details
December 1, 2023, to January 7, 2024
706 Queen Street, Fredericton
Free
Christmas Carols & Holiday Concerts
Crash Test Dummies – Jingle All the Way Tour
It’s been 30 years since the Crash Test Dummies recorded their debut album, ”The Ghosts That Haunt Me”. Their first album garnered them their first big hit, Superman’s Song, and a Juno Award for Group of the Year. Over three decades later, their sold out 25th Anniversary Tour for multi-Grammy nominated “God Shuffled His Feet” is proof that audiences still want to hear what they have to say. Details
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Fredericton Playhouse, 686 Queen St, Fredericton
$47.48 – $51.83 plus taxes
Feels like Christmas Tour w/ Jon Mullane & Alfie Zappacosta
Award-winning, Billboard Charting singer/songwriter/performer Jon Mullane’s new Holiday album ‘Feels Like Christmas’ includes his hit single ‘Christmas Time (Show the World You Care)’ has charted at #1 in numerous radio stations in Canada and has been featured in several Christmas movies, including Super Channel’s Mistletoe Magic and Netflix’s Christmas Inheritance.
The evening opens with Jon Mullane performing songs from his Feels Like Christmas album and mixing in a few of his radio hits. Alfie Zappacosta then takes the stage performing songs and his hits drawing from his extensive catalogue and will also debut some new original Holiday songs. The show ends with a cool collaboration of a Holiday classic with both Alfie & Jon that will feature a local choir. Details
Thursday, November 23, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Charlotte Street Arts Centre, 732 Charlotte Street, Fredericton
$45.00
Good Lovelies- Christmas Show
The Good Lovelies, a roots-pop trio, is made up of Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough, and Susan Passmore — all guitar-wielding songwriters and queens of the goosebump-raising three-part harmony. Originating in Toronto, these talented ladies dabble in country, folk, jazz, pop, and even a little hip hop, always keeping listeners on their toes. The Good Lovelies’ poppy, danceable, yet beautiful tunes have a lyrical heart of gold, making their live performances a treat. Boasting nine critically acclaimed releases, a #1 single, and a JUNO Award, the Good Lovelies have amassed a devoted fanbase blanketing the globe. Details
Friday, November 24, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Fredericton Playhouse, 686 Queen St, Fredericton
$22- 44 plus taxes
Lennie Gallant: The InnKeeper’s Christmas
Lennie is excited to bring his Innkeeper’s Christmas concert to Fredericton this year. This holiday favourite is full of original Christmas songs, old favourites, and stories ! Lennie and his amazing band will bring you laughs, lots of wonder, and maybe a few tears, as they look at Christmas from many points of view in 2023.
This show will also feature his partner and Acadian star, Patricia Richard, piano marvel Julien Robichaud, and others. Details
Thursday, November 30, 2023 | 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Charlotte Street Arts Centre, 732 Charlotte Street, Fredericton
$48.78
Fredericton Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert
Start your holiday season with a full symphony orchestra sound playing seasonal musical favourites. Good fun for the whole family! Details
Sunday, December 10, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Fredericton Playhouse, 686 Queen St, Fredericton
$19.50 – $36.50 plus taxes
The Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas
One of the most beloved concerts of the winter season, the Barra MacNeils An East Coast Christmas features a highly entertaining mix of traditional seasonal fare along with entertaining stories and dance, stamped with their lush harmonies and brilliant instrumental stylings. Their unique show is crafted to bring a Celtic spin to traditional favourites and their own original musical treasures. Details
Thursday, December 14, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Fredericton Playhouse, 686 Queen St, Fredericton
$41 plus taxes
Kenny & Dolly’s Christmas Tribute
On December 17th, join Kylie Fox and Josh Bravener, as they celebrate the yuletide with a faithful recreation of this definitive Christmas classic. To ensure no one has a ‘Blue Christmas’, Mike Bravener will warm up the stage as Elvis, performing a set of his timeless holiday favorites. Details
Sunday, December 17, 2023 | 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Fredericton Playhouse, 686 Queen St, Fredericton
$39 plus taxes
Mike Biggar & Terra Spencer’s “Songs of the Season”
Uplifting, heartwarming, hilarious and inspiring, with enough Christmas fun to fill Santa’s sleigh! Multi award-winning Singer-Songwriters MIKE BIGGAR (Saint John NB) and TERRA SPENCER (Windsor NS) are on tour this holiday season, joined by the Sugar Plum Boys stage band with ‘SONGS OF THE SEASON’ 2023. Performing previously at the Imperial Theatre in Saint John NB to the delight of his hometown crowd, Mike welcomes long time friend and acclaimed artist Terra Spencer to hit the road together, sharing the musical joy of the yuletide all around the East Coast. Details
Friday, December 8, 2023 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Charlotte Street Arts Centre, 732 Charlotte Street, Fredericton
$31.46
Christmas concert by the Choir of Soulanges
The Soulanges Choir sings the carols of yesterday and today. Details
Saturday, December 16, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Church of St. Anne of the Netherlands, 715 Priestman Street
$18 adults – $10 12 to 18 years old – $5 11 years old and under
Songs of the Season
Join us Saturday, December 16, in the Dunn Theatre at the #FundyDiscoveryAquarium for SONGS OF THE SEASON 2023 presented by Mike Biggar and Terra Spencer with the Sugar Plum Boys. Uplifting, heartwarming, hilarious, and inspiring, with enough Christmas fun to fill Santa’s sleigh! Multi-award-winning Singer-Songwriters Mike Biggar and Terra Spencer are on tour this holiday season, joined by the Sugar Plum Boys stage band with ‘SONGS OF THE SEASON’ 2023, sharing the musical joy of the yuletide all around the East Coast.
Details
Saturday, December 16, 2023 | 6:30 PM
Fundy Discovery Aquarium, 1 Lower Campus Rd St. Andrews
$30
Home For Christmas
Do you hear what I hear? Christmas is coming to The Playhouse! This holiday concert will be led by Fredericton’s own Broadway star Tony LePage, local favourite Tania Breen, and a stage full of some of the city’s best and brightest talent! It will feature Michael Doherty’s nostalgic musical arrangements from Christmas @ the Playhouse past, and a live band of all local musicians. This holiday concert is sure to fill your heart with the magic of the season as we celebrate the joy of being Home for Christmas! Details
December 22 – 23, 2023
Fredericton Playhouse, 686 Queen St, Fredericton
$25 – $43 plus taxes
Christmas Carolling by the sea
Let’s go Christmas Carolling together throughout Saint Andrews!
Rehearsal: Friday, December 22, 7pm at the Chamcook Schoolhouse. We’ll hand out music, sing, and set a place to meet and a route to walk around town.
Carolling: Saturday, December 23 6pm out and about Saint Andrews.
Saturday, December 23, 2023 | 6:00 PM
Saint Andrews
Free
Christmas Plays & Holiday Theatre
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is a full-length ballet which showcases original choreography created for Dance Fredericton Danse, elaborate costuming and sets, and the classical score by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Details
December 1 – 3, 2023
Fredericton Playhouse, 686 Queen St, Fredericton
$22.40 – $42.40 plus taxes
Disney’s Descendants
Descendants: The Musical focuses on the children of famous Disney heroes and villains. The Fairy Godmother put a spell on the villains and their descendants so they were banished to the barren Isle of the Lost while the heroes and their children live on a beautiful island called Auradon. When Ben, the son of The Beast and Belle who rule Auradon, is about to be crowned King, he decides the children of the villains deserve a second chance, so he puts a proclamation in place that allows four teenage children to leave the Isle of the Lost so they can attend the elite Auradon Preparatory school and learn that good is better than evil. The four teenagers chosen are the descendants of Maleficent (Mal), the Evil Queen (Evie), Jafar (Jay), and Cruella de Vil (Carlos). While their initial plan is to steal the Fairy Godmother’s wand and free their parents from captivity, Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos begin to have conflicted thoughts concerning their bad behavior and some even have romantic feelings toward their fellow classmates. Details
November 23 – 25, 2023
Fredericton High School, 300 Priestman St
$20.50 – $23.50 plus taxes
ELF: the musical
Join BOP Dec 7-9 for ELF: the musical, based off the much loved holiday film! This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Details
December 7 – 9, 2023
Tom Morrison Theatre (FHS), 334 Priestman Street, Fredericton
$20 – $25
All I Want For Christmas
Being an elf isn’t easy. Ginger is the only elf in North Pole history to have been fired from every job she’s tried. When Santa’s mailroom needs a last-minute replacement on December 23rd, Ginger’s sibling, the fastidious Nog, pulls some strings to get her the new position. All she has to do is open letters and run the switchboard – what could possibly go wrong?
All I Want for Christmas is a comedy full of slapstick humour and hilarious heart. Details
December 8 – 9, 2023
Fredericton Playhouse, 686 Queen St, Fredericton
$20 – $44 plus taxes
A Maritime Nutcracker
Ever a holiday favourite, The Nutcracker gets a Maritime treatment in this fresh adaptation of the beloved play as two puppeteers create shadowbox projections to a narrated storyline, joined by musicians from Symphony New Brunswick and the magic of Tchaikovsky’s enchanting musical score. Details
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Fredericton Playhouse, 686 Queen St, Fredericton
$8.70 – $30.44 plus taxes
Other Christmas / Holiday Events
Christmas at the Market
A Christmas tradition! Taking place at the ever-popular Boyce Farmers Market, you’ll find a treasure trove of handmade items, treats and treasures to satisfy everyone on your list. The festive atmosphere definitely gets you into the Holiday spirit of supporting local crafters! Details
November 16 – 17, 2023
Thursday from 12-8 ,and Friday from 10-8 pm.
Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, 665 George Street, Fredericton
Free
Sparkle by the sea
Join us for our 4th annual Sparkle by-the-Sea celebration from November 24th to 26th. Participating businesses are open until 8pm Friday and Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday. The merchants of St. Andrews present an evening of shopping with special promotions, snacking, specials, and sights. Storefronts and the town will be decorated for the holiday season.
Visit the Sparkle “hub” at Char and Chowder where you will find live music and face painting! Enjoy carolers in the street from 7pm to 9pm on Friday evening. View an ice sculptor at work in front of Town Hall on Saturday! Special appearances by the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who throughout the weekend! Details
November 24 – 26, 2023
Water Street, Saint Andrews
Free
Festive Family Skate with Santa
Santa will be visiting with everyone at the Arena after the parade, handing out treat bags, and skating until 9:00 pm. Members of the St. Andrews Fire Department with be assisting Santa and handing out hot chocolate. Details
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
W.C. O’Neill Arena Complex, 24 Reed Ave. Saint Andrews
You might like: Toy Drive on Saturday, November 26, 2023 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM @ St. Andrews Market Square
Deck the Walls
Join us for the opening reception of Sunbury Shores’ annual holiday art sale and exhibition, Deck the Walls. This show features artworks, fine crafts, and sculptures by local artists of Charlotte County, New Brunswick. There will be hot apple cider, charcuteries, and a cash bar.
Details
December 1 – 22, 2023
Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre, 9 Water Street, St. Andrews
Free
Santa’s Lunch
The parents’ committee of the École des Bâtisseurs invites you to Santa’s lunch which promises to be, once again this year, a superb family activity without equal. Details
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sainte-Anne School cafeteria, 715 Priestman Street
$10
Christmas by-the-Sea Fest
Enjoy shopping and family entertainment on December 9th! Details
Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Downtown St. Andrews
$27 and up
Christmas in the Village
Join us for the 40th anniversary of the Nutcracker Tea on November 26th. The Beaverbrook Gallery will be transformed into a winter wonderland with multiple art activities, games, dance performances by Dance Fredericton and Siamsa Performing Troupe, sugar cookies, tea and other sweets, live music, and more! This festive event with activities throughout the entire gallery is great for the whole family. Details
November 25 – 26, 2023
Village of Gagetown, Gagetown
Free
Nutcracker Tea
Immerse your family in a winter wonderland full of art activities, treats, music, dance performances, and more! All funds raised from this event support our children’s art programs. Details
November 26, 2023 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Beaverbrook Art Gallery, 703 Queen Street
Register
Holly Jolly Holiday Market
Make sure to mark your calendars for November 25th & 26th, at the Currie Centre in Fredericton to shop all of your favorite local artisans, makers, and vintage sellers!! Details
November 25 – 26, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Richard J. Currie Centre, 15 Peter Kelly Drive, Fredericton
Indigenous Night Market
The 3rd annual Indigenous Night Market in partnership with JEDI is back on December 1st, 2023, from 6pm to 9pm. Explore the incredible handcrafted creations from indigenous artisans all over NB, just in time for the holiday season. Plus, your admission will support Gignoo House! Don’t miss out on this festive and heartwarming event. Details
Friday, December 1, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, 665 George Street, Fredericton
A non perishable food item or toy for toy drive.
Christmas at the King’s Head Inn
Since 1983, innkeepers at the King’s Head Inn have guided guests by candlelight through the snow and into the magical warmth of the Inn adorned with beautiful decorations. Join in this tradition and get in the spirit of Christmas! Once you enter the Inn, you will be met with a burst of Christmas music to get you in the spirit before the call to dine. After your meal, enjoy complimentary treats of Port, walnut toffee and gingerbread cookies. See why tens of thousands of people have taken in this tradition and made it their own. Details
November 24 – 26, December 1 – 3, 7 – 10, 15 – 19, 2023 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
King’s Head Inn Restaurant, 5804 New Brunswick 102, Prince William
From $158.25
Holiday Turkey To-Go
Turkey To Go is back! Let our Chefs take care of Christmas Dinner, all you have to do is pick up. Featured again this year is the option to substitute a mouthwatering bone-in Larson ham with maple brown sugar glaze instead of a whole roasted tom turkey! Details
Pick up is Sunday, December 25, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Delta Hotels by Marriott Fredericton, 225 Woodstock Road, Fredericton
From $338.34; Sales close Friday December 15th at Noon
Christmas in The Valley
For two weekends in December, Kings Landing comes alive for Christmas! Select homes and shops are open as the Village prepares for Christmas. They would love to welcome you for a visit! From caroling to festive décor, a trip to this Victorian Era village is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Details
December 2, 3, 9 & 10, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Kings Landing, 5804 Route 102, Prince William
$7 – $14
Christmas by the Hearth
This holiday season travel back in time to rural, 19th century New Brunswick and experience a Victorian Era Christmas in one of Kings Landing’s historic homes. On December 3, 10 and 17, the Perley, Ingraham, Morehouse and Donaldson homes will be hosting traditional Christmas dinners. You’re invited to take part! Each home will be in full festive décor inspired by a Victorian Christmas carol.
While you enjoy the company of family and friends, the family hosts will be there to share a variety of 19th century Christmas traditions with you. Christmas dinner in one of the historic homes is sure to make the holiday’s history come alive for you. Details
Saturday, December 2 & 9, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Kings Landing, 5804 Route 102, Prince William
From $540
Christmas Beer Tour 2023
Get ready to indulge in the festive spirit with a beer-filled extravaganza! This in-person event is a must for beer enthusiasts and Christmas lovers alike. Embark on a merry journey as we visit area breweries and immerse ourselves in the joyous atmosphere of the holiday season. Details
Saturday, December 16, 2023 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Maybee Brew Co, 559 Wilsey Road #4 Fredericton
$65.23
HOHOHoliday 5k
The HoHoHoliday 5K is the most festive FUN run in Canada! This 5km run/walk combines the magic of the Holidays with community engagement and fitness. Be apart of a holiday movement and join 10,000 Santa’s virtually across Canada who are spreading cheer in their local community while choosing to raise funds to support Make-A-Wish Canada. Details
December 1 – 31, 2023 | All Day anytime
Nationwide/Virtual Run
$45
Santa Shuffle
The Santa Shuffle is an annual 5km Fun-Run and 1km Elf Walk to fundraise for local Salvation Army initiatives which provide hope and support to those in need across Canada. Details
Saturday December 2, 2023
Old Government building, 51 Woodstock Road, Fredericton
$22.50 – $300
Christmas Craft Market
There will be a Christmas Craft Market at Kingswood Lodge on December 10th from 11-3 pm for all your last minute Christmas gifts!
We have 25 of Santa’s little helpers with beautiful creations! There will be baked goods, jewelry, sublimation, crochet, knit and fabric made items, sea glass, hot chocolate bombs and so much more! Details
Sunday December 10, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Kingswood Lodge, 31 Kingswood Park, Fredericton
Free
Ghost Stories for Christmas
Two classic tales to chill the blood, adapted and performed by UK-based writer, actor and theatre-maker Adam Z. Robinson
In ‘The Monkey’s Paw’ by W.W. Jacobs, the White family are visited by an old friend who brings with him a strange object, said to be able to grant wishes to anyone who possesses it. As the old saying goes: be careful what you wish for! In ‘The Upper Berth’ by F. Marion Crawford, Cabin 105 of an ill-fated ocean liner has many strange tales attached to it about the thing that dwells in the upper berth. But none of the stories can be true… can they? Details
Thursday, December 14, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Fredericton Public Library, 12 Carleton St Fredericton
Free