It’s time to get ready for the holiday season on scenic Cape Breton Island. You can choose to continue your family traditions or start some new ones with your loved ones this year. Here is a list of activities that are going on this Christmas Season around beautiful Cape Breton island.
Santa Claus Parades & Light Displays
North of Smokey Parade of Lights
Come join us for the 13th annual North of Smokey parade of lights. The parade runs along a 3km stretch from the top of Ingonish to the Keltic Lodge. Details
Saturday November 25, 2023 | 6:00 PM
Ingonish Outdoor Rink to Arduaine Restaurant, Keltic Lodge
Glace Bay Santa Claus Parade
Santa Claus parade is coming to Glace Bay Saturday, December 2 at 2 pm. Details
Saturday December 2, 2023 | 2:00 PM
Glace Bay
Sydney Santa Claus Parade
The Sydney Santa Claus Parade is being presented by the Sydney Business Community, and you know what that means? Not only will Santa’s sleigh be fuelled by Reindeer Power, but also the love that comes from the business community and supporting local. Details
Sunday December 3, 2023 | TBA
Downtown Sydney to Whitby Pier
Christmas Carols & Holiday Concerts
Cape Breton Orchestra: Highland Holidays
The Cape Breton Orchestra brings its celebrated Christmas concert to the HAT in true Highland fashion. With special guests the Cape Breton Island Pipe Band, the CBO will be debuting several new pieces specifically arranged for the CBI Pipe Band and the Cape Breton Orchestra, including the majestic “Highland Cathedral.” There will also be classic and contemporary holiday favorites, and a few surprises!
Details
Sunday, December 3, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Highland Art Theatre, 40 Bentinck Street, Sydney
Advanced Tickets: $25.00 (including HST & Service Fee)
Happy HaHa Holidaze
The Ha Ha Holiday show that promises to deliver la la laughter, toe-tappin musical moments, and incredible special guests. Join some familiar characters for a fun night of seasonal celebration.
Details
Thursday, December 7, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Savoy Theatre, 116 Commercial Street, Glace Bay
$49.50
Matt Andersen Holiday Tour
Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Matt Andersen is taking the holiday party on the road. In his own words, “I’ll have some friends along with me to join in on the fun for the night. We’ll do up a mix of Holiday tunes and my own songs to warm us all up on a winter night.” When Andersen steps on stage, he brings a lifetime of music to every note he plays. Andersen’s stage presence is informed by decades of cutting his teeth in dusty clubs, dim-lit bars, and grand theatres all over the world, delivering soulful performances that run the gamut from intimate to wall-shaking. Details
Thursday, December 7, 2023 | 8:00 PM
Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre – Bear Head Conference Room, 606 Reeves St., Port Hawkesbury
$50.00 including HST and fees
Christmas In Cape Breton
After fifteen glorious years, Bette MacDonald’s Tis The Season is changing things up. Bette and Maynard return in Christmas in Cape Breton with Jordan Musycsyn and Juno nominee and ECMA award winners Wendy MacIsaac and Mac Morin of internationally acclaimed celtic group, Beolach. This show promises to be an official kick-off to the holidays and for the cast, this is, without a doubt, the party of the season. Details
Sunday, December 10, 2023 | 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre – Saerc Auditorium, 606 Reeves St., Port Hawkesbury
Johnny Reid Christmas
Catch JUNO Award winning singer-songwriter Johnny Reid live on stage in a joyful celebration of holiday spirit, sharing personal favourites, cherished classics, and inspiring stories to usher in the holiday season. Featuring a special appearance by Katie Kadan of NBC’s The Voice.
Details
December 12 – 13, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Savoy Theatre, 116 Commercial Street, Glace Bay
$99.50
The Irish Descendants Christmas
Enjoy the Christmas spirit with multi award-winning Newfoundland folk group, The Irish Descendants, live in concert at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay on Thursday, December 14. Special guests include Aaron Collis and Mark Manning of Rum Ragged.
Details
Thursday, December 14, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Savoy Theatre, 116 Commercial Street, Glace Bay
$51.00
A Turnbull Brothers Christmas
Double your dose of holiday cheer and put two glasses of eggnog out because this year we have something even more special than Santa coming down your chimney: The Turnbull Brothers in a special holiday performance live at the HAT!
Join Aaron and Evan Turnbull fresh off their record-shattering performance on Canada’s Got Talent in an intimate concert that’s sure to get you in the Christmas Spirit while knocking your socks off with their musical gifts. Details
Thursday, December 14, 2023 | 8:00 PM
Highland Art Theatre, 40 Bentinck Street, Sydney
Tickets are $20.00 + HST and service fees
Sing-Along Sound of Music!
We’re calling all Nuns, Goat herders, Hills, Alps, Baronesses, Brown Paper Packages Tied up with String along with all of your favorite things! Follow the bouncing ball for a special screening of the classic 1965 film where the lead singer is the audience and the hills aren’t the only thing alive with the sound of music. The entire audience will sing along with Maria, Captain Von Trapp, and all the children for some good-old-fashioned holiday fun and nazi-stomping.
Details
Friday, December 15, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Highland Art Theatre, 40 Bentinck Street, Sydney
Admission only $10 plus HST – popcorn not included!
Boney M – Holiday Favourites and Classic Hits
Featuring Liz Mitchell! Details
Friday, December 15, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Centre 200, 481 George St, Sydney
$50 and up
Men of the Deeps, Christmas in the Mine
North America’s only coal Miners’ Chorus. Details
Thursday, December 14, 2023 | 7:00 PM @ Breton Education Centre Theatre, New Waterford
Friday, December 15, 2023 | 7:00 PM @ Florence Community Centre, Kempt Street, Florence
Saturday, December 16, 2023 | 7:00 PM @ Glace Bay High Gymnasium, Glace Bay
Sunday, December 17, 2023 | 3:00 PM @ Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre – Saerc Auditorium, 606 Reeves St., Port Hawkesbury
$30
Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas
The Barra MacNeils bring their latest seasonal show to the Savoy Theatre on Saturday, December 16th. A traditional favourite, the Barra MacNeils’ An East Coast Christmas is a treat for the whole family. The five siblings are known for their brilliant instrumentals, ringing harmonies, and delightful flair for story-telling. Their unique seasonal show is crafted each year to bring a special Celtic spin on traditional favourites and original East Coast treasures with songs, stories, and dance. Their stunning rendition of O Holy Night is just one of the many highlights that brings audiences to their feet. Fans can also look forward to gems like Ave Maria, Christmas in Killarney, and Auld Lang Syne among an array of originals and seasonal delights.
Details
Saturday, December 16, 2023 | 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Savoy Theatre, 116 Commercial Street, Glace Bay
$52.00
The Men of the Deeps-Christmas in the Mine with Colin Grant
A Christmas in the Mine live performance treats you to some of your favourite holiday tunes, sung in jolly miner style, of course! Sprinkling in a story or two and some jokes for good measure, the choir aims to take show-goers underground, to share the experience of celebrating Christmas in a real Cape Breton coal mine, with real Cape Breton coal miners. Joining the world famous group, as they deliver their unique brand of holiday cheer, will be one of today’s finest proponents of Cape Breton fiddle: the incomparable Colin Grant. Colin takes centre stage to feature his traditional, yet original, hard-drivin’ tunes and energetic style. Details
Sunday, December 17, 2023 | 3:00 PM
Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre – Saerc Auditorium, 606 Reeves St., Port Hawkesbury
$30.00 including HST and fees
Christmas Holiday Storehouse Music Series @ The Fortress of Louisbourg
Indulge in a festive feast fit for royalty at the Fortress of Louisbourg’s Grandchamp Restaurant, as we kick off our Christmas Holiday Storehouse Music Series . Start your evening with a complimentary glass of wine, setting the tone for a memorable night ahead. Our three-course menu showcases the flavors of the season. To top it all off, enjoy a steaming cup of tea or coffee, warming your spirits as you relish your dessert. Following this delectable meal, our guests are invited to the Storehouse Tavern, where the magic of the evening truly comes alive with live music. Details
Doris Mason Jazz Quartet | November 17, 2023 | Gate 5:30 PM; Meal 6:00 PM; Show 7:30 PM
Dave Gunning | November 24, 2023 | Gate 5:30 PM; Meal 6:00 PM; Show 7:30 PM
Fortress Frolic, a Storehouse Party | December 1, 2023 | Gate 5:30 PM; Meal 6:00 PM; Show 7:30 PM
Morgan Toney, Keith Mullins & Ryan Roberts | December 15, 2023 | Gate 5:30 PM; Meal 6:00 PM; Show 7:30 PM
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site58 Wolfe Street, Louisbourg
$90
Christmas with the Cape Breton Chorale
Save the date and be sure to join us for an afternoon of seasonal music. We are thrilled to premier ‘O Christmas Time’ by Dr. Roydon Tse, the winner of our first Competition For Young Composers. Details
Sunday, December 17, 2023 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Church of Christ the King, 19 Trinity Avenue, Sydney
$30 general admission
Lennie Gallant – The Innkeeper’s Christmas
Come join Lennie Gallant and his amazing band for some overdue Christmas Cheer! This holiday favourite is full of original seasonal songs, stories and exciting accompanying visuals on screen! Details
Sunday, December 17, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Highland Art Theatre, 40 Bentinck Street, Sydney
Tickets are $37.00 + HST and fees
A Very Merry HAT Christmas Eve Sing-Along Service
Join some of your favourite HAT performers for a special night of singing and fellowship as we gather under the glow of candlelight to celebrate the season and getting halfway through the dark.
Featuring a collection of some of our favourite Christmas and secular holiday songs, you’ll be sure to know all the words but just in case, we’ll have the lyrics projected for everyone so you can follow the bouncing ball. Details
Sunday, December 24, 2023 | 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM
Highland Art Theatre, 40 Bentinck Street, Sydney
FREE OF CHARGE Donations will be accepted with ticket booking or at the door with tax-deductible receipts administered in the new year.
Holiday Theatre
A Theatre Baddeck Christmas
For one week only, the sounds of Christmas will ring out from Baddeck’s historic Masonic Hall. It’s an evening of beautiful Christmas music and hilarious and heartwarming sketches, featuring some of Theatre Baddeck’s beloved artists of the past 8 seasons as well as local talent! Staged cabaret style, patrons will enjoy light refreshments at their table as they take in the sights and sounds of the festive season and even sing along to some wonderful traditional carols. Appropriate for the whole family ages 5+!
Details
December 7 – 10, 2023
Theatre Baddeck, 24 Queen Street, Baddeck
$15 – $30.50
Jack and the Beanstalk – A Musical Comedy Pantomime
Join us for this Fractured Fairy Tale from the creator of “Dream”, “Disco Nights”, and “Return of the CBLA”. Featuring an all-star cast of local performers singing and dancing to an array of your favourite songs from across the decades!
See the story of Jack and the Giant like you’ve never seen it – with all the Pantomime traditions you’ll love like audience shout outs, booing the baddies, and more puns than you can shake a stalk at! Details
November 22 – 26, 2023
Highland Art Theatre, 40 Bentinck Street, Sydney
Adult Tickets: $42 + HST Youth Tickets: $27 + HST Pay-What-You-Choose available on November 22 thanks to Radical Access
A Halmark Christmas in Cape Breton
When Candy Cameron, a big city businesswoman gets called back to her Cape Breton hometown to save her great-grandfather’s Christmas tree lot from foreclosure, she is faced with a daunting decision. Will she follow her heart and save the family business or return to the city for her big promotion? Join in on the festive fun with a cast of hilarious characters and enjoy a delicious, traditional Christmas Dinner, catered by Flavor.
Details
November 23 – 26, 28 – 30, December 1 – 2, 5 – 10, 13 – 16, 2023
Savoy Theatre, 116 Commercial Street, Glace Bay
$67.00
A Christmas Carol
Re-live the magic of Highland Arts Theatre’s beloved stage adaptation of this timeless tale. Cape Breton’s finest conspire to transport you to Christmas past, present, and future with theatre, dance, and music. This annual fundraiser for the Highland Arts Theatre is the perfect gift or holiday family tradition!
Details
December 7 – 10, 2023
Highland Art Theatre, 40 Bentinck Street, Sydney
dult Admission: $42 plus HST Ages 23 & Under: $27 plus HST
Elf The Musical
A title known the world over, Elf The Musical is a must-produce holiday musical that can easily become an annual tradition for any theatre.
Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar (The Wedding Singer) and Chad Beguelin (Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway), with a book by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone). Details
December 21 – 23 & 27, 2023
Savoy Theatre, 116 Commercial Street, Glace Bay
$59.50 (Regular), $45.50 (Youth under 13)
Other Holiday-Themed Events
Christmas Festival of Crafts
More than 180 Cape Breton artisans are ready to make your holiday shopping easy! Details
November 17 to 19, 2023
Emera Centre, 175 King St., North Sydney
Admission is $3.00 (free for children under 12 accompanied by an adult).
Stars on Ice Holiday
This December, Olympic Silver Medalist Elvis Stojko is hosting a spectacular celebration in a special holiday rendition of Stars on Ice! The guest list includes a star-studded cast of Olympic, World and National medalists including Kaitlyn Weaver & Andrew Poje, Keegan Messing, Alexa Knierim & Brandon Frazier, Kirsten Moore-Towers & Michael Marinaro, Satoko Miyahara, Elladj Baldé and more! Details
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Centre 200, 481 George St, Sydney
$27 and up
MacDonald Family Christmas Tree
Details
19 Gabarus Lake South, Gabarus Lake
Green Hills Farm
Round up the family and go to Green Hills Farm to find the perfect balsam or pine tree for your family this holiday season. Frankie and Holly, the friendly farm dogs, greet every visitor that comes to Green Hills Farm. Best of all, the farm is fully pet-friendly, so you can bring along your furry kids too.
Details
486 Hills Road, Albert Bridge
The Tartan Door Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, November 18 & December 23, 2023 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Forrester Centre & The Krypt Lounge, 42 Coxheath Road, Sydney
$5 at the door
Christmas at the Port
The Annual Christmas at the Port features a variety of crafters, vendors and of course Santa. Shop for your hard to buy for people and take in the stunning view of the Harbour from Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion.
Details
November 24 – 26, 2023
John Harriss Cruise Oavillion, 74 Esplande, Sydney
Donation at the door or non-perishable food item
Holiday Lookbook and Merry & Bright Event
A very special Holiday event with your Christmas in mind. Shop from thoughtfully curated artisan goods made in Atlantic Canada, check out our visiting vendors and grab a free ornament-making kit for the kids! Details
November 18 & 25, 2023
Flying Kite Artisan Shop, 507 Chebucto St., Baddeck
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
$40 – $45
Merry & Bright November Night 2023
Some of North Sydney’s small businesses have gotten together to organize a great night of dining, shopping, sweet treats, gifts and fun!
Come out on Thursday, November 23rd, between 5 and 9 p.m. and visit each of the participating businesses to enjoy some special promotions, a complimentary gift, business tour or some holiday socializing. Details
Thursday, November 23, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Downtown North Sydney
Free
Christmas in the Village
The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, and we’re thrilled to announce Christmas in the Village on November 24th and 25th. Get ready for a heartwarming, joyous holiday experience. Details
November 24 – 25, 2023
Baddeck
Free
Baddeck Christmas Market
Get your shoppign done at the Baddeck Christmas Market. Details
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
559 Chebucto Streetm, Baddeck
Free
Kids PJ Christmas Movie Night at the Glace Bay Library
Snuggle up in your PJ’s and join us for a Christmas Movie and some popcorn! Details
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Glace Bay Library, Commercial Street, Glace Bay
Space is limited. Register by calling 902-849-8657 or emailing ewilliams@cbrl.ca or cmcinnis@cbrl.ca.
Christmas Farmer’s Market
Annual Fundraiser for the students of Sir James Dunn Academy.
Local crafters and makers offering: Prepared preserves, treats, and sweets. Indoor and outdoor Christmas décor. Wide variety of handcrafted fine arts and crafts. Live Music!! Details
Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sir James Dunn Academy, 180 King Street
Free
Christmas Craft & Bake Sale
There will be a bake table, Christmas Bazaar items and craft tables. Details
Sunday, December 3, 2023 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
St. John the Baptist Anglican Church, 28 King Street, North Sydney
$2.00 admission with a chance to win a door prize.
A Christmas Story – Film Screening
Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends most of his time dodging a bully (Zack Ward) and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.” Frequently at odds with his cranky dad (Darren McGavin) but comforted by his doting mother (Melinda Dillon), Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact. Details
Wednesday December 20 2023 | 7:00 PM
Highland Art Theatre, 40 Bentinck Street, Sydney
Admission only $5 plus HST – popcorn not included!
The Muppet Christmas Carol – Film Screening
The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Other Muppets — Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear and Sam the Eagle — weave in and out of the story, while Scrooge receives visits from spirits of three Christmases — past, present and future. They show him the error of his self-serving ways, but the miserable old man seems to be past any hope of redemption and happiness. Details
Thursday December 21, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Highland Art Theatre, 40 Bentinck Street, Sydney
Admission only $5 plus HST – popcorn not included!
Die Hard – Film Screening
New York City policeman John McClane (Bruce Willis) is visiting his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) and two daughters on Christmas Eve. He joins her at a holiday party in the headquarters of the Japanese-owned business she works for. But the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise, and everyone in it. Very soon McClane realizes that there’s no one to save the hostages — but him. Details
Friday December 22, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Highland Art Theatre, 40 Bentinck Street, Sydney
Admission only $5 plus HST – popcorn not included!
It’s a Wonderful Life! – Film Screening
After George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) wishes he had never been born, an angel (Henry Travers) is sent to earth to make George’s wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he was never there. This wonderful classic is a definite part of our Christmas tradition, make it your family’s tradition too. Details
Saturday December 23, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Highland Art Theatre, 40 Bentinck Street, Sydney
Admission only $5 plus HST – popcorn not included!
Winter Activities
As the temperature drops, Cape Breton becomes a breathtakingly beautiful winter wonderland. Get ready for cool activities and warm up at Ceilidhs. Break out your warmest clothing and get ready to embrace the coastal winter like an Islander. Enjoy winter activities during Christmas Holidays.
Please submit online to add your event to this list.