The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, along with one of the busiest times ones. There are many family fun activities and events taking place across the Annapolis Valley this holiday season. As it gets closer to Christmas, you should watch social media because even more events may be scheduled. Here are great things to do during Christmas time in the Annapolis Valley.
You may like: Christmas Markets in Annapolis Valley
Santa Claus Parades & Light Displays
New Minas Rotary Parade of Lights
Organized by the Rotary Club of New Minas.
Details
Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 6:00 PM
The parade route will begin at Crescent Drive near the Kings Transit parking lot in New Minas and finish at the intersection of Cornwallis Drive and Commercial Street (by Harveys/Swiss Chalet)
New Ross Christmas Festival
New Ross boasts a spectacular weekend of Christmas fun, which is held annually on the first weekend of December. This Christmas celebration begins with hundreds of people gathering at the heart of New Ross to countdown the lighting of the tree, while sipping hot chocolate after having a full belly from the earlier potluck supper. This is followed by a weekend of craft fairs, home-cooked meals, carollers, Christmas tree U-picks, children’s fun and visits to local artisans, topped off with magical entertainment, wonderful singers, and dancing the night away.
Details
December 5-7, 2025
Tree Lighting at Bandstand at the Cross | Friday, December 5 | 7 PM
New Ross, NS
Free
Festival of Trees & Dickensville
It is our favourite time of year … when the Museum is filled with gorgeous Christmas trees, and the delightful Dickensville village display. Get into the festive spirit by wandering around our sparkling trees. Let your imagination step back into the time through the Dickensville display of 80 little buildings, in an intricate streetscape. Details
2025 dates TBA
2024 – Daily, November 30 to December 21, 2024
Monday to Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Queens County Museum, 109 Main St., Liverpool
Free
Sissiboo Landing 17th Annual Festival of Trees
Feast your eyes on trees decorated with creations crafted by groups, families, and businesses. Details
2025 dates TBA
2024 – Gala Opening Night | Friday, November 29, 2024 | 6 PM
Visit, view, and vote | November 30 – December 7, 2024
Prizegiving, tree lighting, parade, carol singing | Saturday, December 7
Sissiboo Landing, Weymouth
2025 rates TBA
2024 – Entrance fee $2 for adults, $1.00 for children under 12
Weymouth Santa Claus Parade
Santa is arriving at Weymouth with floats!
Details
2025 dates TBA
Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Parade at 5:30 PM
Tree lighting at Sissiboo Landing | 6:30 PM
Sissiboo Landing, Weymouth
Free
Holly Days Festival
Join us for this year’s Kentville Holly Days Festival, hosted in partnership by the Town of Kentville and the Kentville Business Community! A fun, festive weekend jam-packed with holiday activities for you and your friends. Details
November 21-23 2025
Christmas Tree Lighting on Main Street/ Santa Visit | Friday, November 21 | 6 PM
Various streets and neighbourhoods in Kentville
Free
Christmas Carols & Holiday Concerts
George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett
CCMA winners, and beloved Canadian country superstars George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett unite for their coast to coast Cowboy Christmas tour. With countless accolades between them, and over 25 years of hits, the pair will come together to treat fans to some of their own chart topping songs, as well as some all-time favorite Christmas classics. Truly a show not to be missed, in celebration of the Holiday season. Details
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Mermaid Imperial Performing Arts Centre, 106 Gerrish Street, Windsor
$65.99 + hst
George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett
CCMA winners, and beloved Canadian country superstars George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett unite for their coast to coast Cowboy Christmas tour. With countless accolades between them, and over 25 years of hits, the pair will come together to treat fans to some of their own chart topping songs, as well as some all-time favourite Christmas classics. Truly a show not to be missed, in celebration of the Holiday season. Details
Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Kings Theatre, 209 St George Street, Annapolis Royal
$108.30
Jill Barber
Jill Barber is a three-time Juno Award nominated singer-songwriter with an unforgettable voice once heard, never forgotten. With a captivating blend of folk and pop, Barber’s music has enchanted audiences around the world in both French and English. This year, join her for a Christmas concert stuffed with classics that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit! Details
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Mermaid Imperial Performing Arts Centre, 106 Gerrish Street, Windsor
$39.99 + hst
Ashley MacIsaac’s Celtic Christmas Ceilidh
Join Ashley MacIsaac and friends for a wonderful evening of tunes that are bound to get you in the holiday spirit! Details
Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Kings Theatre, 209 St George Street, Annapolis Royal
Adult: $50, Supported $30, Youth $15. Plus HST
The Barra MacNeils: An East Coast Christmas
‘Tis not really the Season without The Barra MacNeils’ festive and inspiring Celtic Christmas concert! Well-honed over a quarter of a century, yet ever-changing, “An East Coast Christmas” has become THE iconic Christmas concert from Coast to Coast to Coast!! Details
December 22, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Acadia University – Convocation Hall, 550 Main Street, Wolfville
$22 – $53.50
Holiday Theatre
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Re-discover this 1946 Christmas classic on the big screen. An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman see the value of his own life. Details
Friday, November 28, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Kings Theatre, 209 St George Street, Annapolis Royal
Please bring a donation to the Annapolis and Area Foodbank. (cash, cheque, or non-perishable food).
Charlotte’s Web
Step into the magical world of Charlotte’s Web, the heartwarming tale of friendship, kindness, and the extraordinary power of words. This enchanting stage adaptation brings to life all the unforgettable characters from E.B. White’s timeless classic — Wilbur, the radiant young pig; Fern, the girl who fights to save him; and Charlotte, the beautiful and gentle spider whose words spun in her web changes everything. Join us at King’s Theatre for this beloved tale spun with heart and magic! Details
December 5 – 7, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Kings Theatre, 209 St George Street, Annapolis Royal
Adult $20, Youth $5
It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie
Join us for our annual FREE HOLIDAY MOVIE FOR KIDS! Santa will be present! After the Muppet Theatre faces closure on account of financial hardships, angel Daniel requests Boss to help its owner Kermit the Frog and his team of muppets. Details
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 10:30 AM
Kings Theatre, 209 St George Street, Annapolis Royal
Fre
Sparkle Dance: THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
Experience 90+ children, teens, and adult performers on stage in this highly entertaining community dance show by Sparkle Dance. Join us for an entertaining dance experience that will leave you inspired and ready to start the holiday season! Details
Sunday, November 23, 2023 | 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM
Kings Theatre, 209 St George Street, Annapolis Royal
Adults: $20 for one show/$30 for both shows
It’s a Wonderful Life
A family-friendly stage play adapted from Frank Capra’s 1946 film by Anthony E. Palermo. Details
December 5 – 7, 12 – 13, 2025
Al Whittle Theatre, 450 Main Street, Wolfville
$25/adult, $20/child
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – Screening
As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife, Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo), and children, as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations. However, things go awry quickly. His hick cousin, Eddie (Randy Quaid), and his family show up unplanned and start living in their camper on the Griswold property. Even worse, Clark’s employers renege on the holiday bonus he needs. 19+. Details
Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Mermaid Imperial Performing Arts Centre, 106 Gerrish Street, Windsor
$14 includes popcorn
How the Grinch Saved Christmas
Written by Mike Butler, Directed by Candy O’Brien and Tracy Havill, and starring over two dozen cast members How the Grinch Saved Christmas will have you laughing, singing, and puzzling about who stole Christmas this time. A departure from the classic Suess story, Butler has written Grinch 2025 as a sequel to his 2018 script of the same title. someone has stolen Christmas from the Whos but it wasn’t The Grinch (he loves Christmas!) The Grinch sets out in a Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys style mystery to find Christmas and return it to Whoville before it’s too late. With the help of many Suess characters, including Max and Cindy-Lou, The grinch aims to save the day–Christmas Day, that is! Details
Saturday, November 22, 29, December 6, 13, 2025 | 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM
CentreStage Theatre, 61 River Street, Kentville
Adults/$12, Youth under 14/$8
Other Holiday-Themed Events
Holiday Craft Fair
Shop for everyone on your shopping list from local vendors at the holiday craft fair. Support local artisans, find unique handmade gifts, and kick off the holiday season in style! Details
Sunday, November 9, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Louis Millett Community Complex, 9489 Commercial Street, New Minas
$2 admission
Acadia Craft Expo
The Acadia Craft Expo is celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary year and is one of the longest running Christmas Craft Fairs in Nova Scotia. Join us, featuring hand-made Atlantic Canada crafts, this show is known for its welcoming, family-like atmosphere and a variety of items from glass to wood carvings, jewelry, knitting, wools and more. A little bit of food, spirits and Christmas music make the attendance for this event in the top three Christmas Craft Fairs in Nova Scotia. Details
November 21 – 23, 2025
Acadia Athletics Complex, 550 Main St, Wolfville
Adults $8.00, Student/Senior $6.00, Children 12 and under FREE.
Victorian Christmas
Join us for our annual Victorian Christmas celebration at the O’Dell House Museum. Enjoy the beautifully decorated exhibits, meet Father Christmas, or enjoy a seasonal sweet treat! Details
November 28 – 30, 2025
O’Dell House Museum, 136 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal
Donation
Holiday Night Market
Whether you’re finding the perfect locally made gift or simply taking in the festive atmosphere, this special evening is sure to spark your holiday spirit. Live holiday music, a yule themed supper, wine and cocktails for sipping, gift wrapping, and more await to make your holiday shopping easy and joyful. Details
Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Wolfville Farmers’ Market – The DeWolfe Building, 24 Elm Avenue, Wolfville
Free
Gingerbread House Competition
The 4th annual AHS Gingerbread House Competition is sure to make this holiday season extra sweet. Gingerbread artists of all ages are invited to compete for prize ribbons in several unique categories. Details
November 27 – 28, 2025
Kings County Museum, Kentville
Father Christmas Visits the
Father Christmas is making a special stop at the Sinclair Inn Museum this holiday season! Stop by between 12-3pm to meet Father Christmas and snap a festive photo. Details
December 6, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Sinclair Inn Museum, 230 St George St, Annapolis Royal
Donation
Free Public Skate
Enjoy a free public skate at Kentville Centennial Arena, as part of Kentville Holly Days Festival. Details
Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Kentville Centennial Arena, 120 Webster Street, Kentville
Free
Seniors’ Holiday Dinner and Dance
The Seniors Holiday Dinner and Dance is happening on Friday, November 28h! Doors open at 5:30, Dinner served at 6:00! Join us for Dinner, Music by: Mark Riley Trio, and a lot of fun! Tickets available at the Village Offices. Details
Friday, November 28, 2025 | Doors 5:30 PM
Louis Millett Community Complex, New Minas
$30 each or $50 for 2
Santa Drives Through Kingston
Santa’s visiting the Village of Kingston! Wave at him from the comfort of your own home or at the end of your driveway.
He will collect non-perishable food items for the Upper Room Food Bank as he passes by! Details
Friday, December 12, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
655 Main Street, Kingston
Free
HOHOHoliday 5k
November 29 – December 31, 2025
Nationwide/Virtual Run
Register
Merry & Gay Holiday Drag Show
Prepare to be blinded by the sparkle and gagged by the glam! hosted by the one and only Steph Peaks! She’s part pop princess, part hot mess, and 100% ready to slay the stage with a mix of stupid, sensual, and star-powered drag energy. 19+. Details
Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Mermaid Imperial Performing Arts Centre, 106 Gerrish Street, Windsor
$30.00 + hst
Create a Christmas Card
Children aged 8 to 12 can create a special pop-up Christmas tree card. All supplies are provided.
Details
Saturday, December 16, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Weymouth Waterfront Library, Weymouth
Space is limited, so register no later than 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 by contacting the library.