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There is only so much that baking gingerbread cookies and drinking hot chocolate will do for your holiday spirit. Luckily, St. John’s has a variety of holiday events going on that will get you into a festive mood. St. John’s has the Christmas cheer down, so grab a festive mug of mulled wine, hot apple cider or hot chocolate and go out and paint the town red. To help you get into the holiday spirit, here is a list of holiday events in St. John’s that you can take part in.
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Christmas Markets in St. John’s
Christmas at Commissariat
Get into the festive spirit with the sights, sounds, tastes, and traditions of a 1830s Christmas in St. John’s during our two weekends of events. Explore the house during the Christmas at Commissariat daytime event where you can enjoy traditional seasonal greenery, holiday music, a taste of Christmas pudding, a sip of hot chocolate, crafts, costumed portraits, and more!
November 17, 2018, 10:00am to 3:00pm
The Commissariat, 11 King’s Bridge Road
non-perishable item for Food Bank
Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade
November 25, 2018, at 12 pm to 2 pm
Downtown St. John’s
Free
Merry & Bright
The MUN Botanical Garden is the home of a spectacular light display in the evening. During the Merry & Bright Holiday Light Festival, you can take a winter stroll, enjoy hot chocolate and be amazed by the beautiful light displays. Fridays are Date Nights! Come with your special someone to our Merry & Bright candlelit Bistro. Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer, share a cheese board, then stroll hand in hand around the Garden and marvel at the lights.
November 28th to December 22nd, 6 pm – 9 pm
Memorial University – Botanical Garden, 306 Mt Scio Rd.
$10 per person, Advance tickets
Festival of Trees
The 23rd Annual Festival of Trees and Holiday Gifts gala and auction will be held at the Delta Hotel in St. John’s on Thursday, November 29, 2018, with host, Anthony Germain. The evening will begin at 6pm with a Champagne Reception. The silent auction is one of the largest of any local event with over 100 items to bid on. A traditional holiday dinner will be served at 7 pm and followed with games of chance, music, dessert auction and a live auction.
November 29, 2018, 6 pm – 10 pm
Delta Hotels by Marriott St. John’s Conference Centre, 120 New Gower St.
$150
Festival of Music and Lights
Ring in the holiday season at the annual Festival of Music and Lights. There will be lights, live music, and free hot chocolate that everyone will enjoy. It is the night when the park’s light display is turned on for the first time.
December 1, 2018, at 5 pm to 6 pm
Bowring Park
Non-perishable food item for local food bank
Christmas Concerts, Theatre and Other Holiday Events
Christmas Truce
Peace at the war front on Christmas Day during World War I. 104 years ago. A real story. An inspiration, The Christmas Truce performed by 104 voices of boys and young men from the Atlantic Boychoir – Provincial Choir of Boys and Young Men from across Newfoundland. Accompanied by the Atlantic String Quartet, brass quintet and organ with guest conductor Lucius Hemmer (Germany).
November 17, 2018, at 7:30 pm
Basilica of St. John the Baptist, 200 Military Road
$42 – $97
We Need a Little Christmas
The Sorensen School of Dance is very excited to present its 9th annual Christmas show. This year, they are debuting a new show “We Need a Little Christmas!” This show features their performing group dancers, examination students and debuting this year some very mischievous mice!
November 23, 2018, at 7 pm
Arts & Culture Centre, 95 Allandale Road
$26
Lorrie Morgan’s Enchanted Christmas in St. John
Share the wonder and warmth of a down-home Christmas with country superstar Lorrie Morgan’s Enchanted Christmas. Experience this award-winning vocalist up close and personal for a cozy Christmas you’ll always treasure.
November 27, 2018, at 8 pm to 10 pm
Delta Hotel by Marriott St. John’s Conference Centre, 120 New Gower Street
$49.50 – $59.50
Scrooge
Peter MacDonald Productions returns with its biennial production of Scrooge. Charles Dicken’s classic story “The Christmas Carol”, is told through hilarious and heart touching drama, exciting choreography and the singing of Christmas songs both old and new with over 100 performers. “Scrooge” has become a family tradition since 1996. A musical reminder of the meaning of Christmas for the whole family.
November 29 – December 1, 2018, at 7:30 pm
Arts and Culture Centre, 95 Allandale Road
$45
Christmas with David Pomeroy & the NSO
Start your Christmas season with a beautiful concert as the NSO presents Christmas with David Pomeroy and the NSO. David Pomeroy, the tenor, will be joined by the Quintessential Vocal Ensemble as they perform Christmas classics that everyone will enjoy.
November 30, 2018, at 8 pm
Arts and Culture Centre
$38
St. John’s Choir Presents: Noel! Noel!
Please join the St. John’s Choir as they sing you into the festive season. Under the direction of Stephen Candow and accompanied by Phillip Roberts, this is an evening you do not want to miss. Be sure to bring your singing voices because the choir leads you in a merry sing-along of old favorites!
December 2, 2018, at 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
The Kirk, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 76 Queen’s Road
To purchase tickets, please e-mail stjohnschoir.info@gmail.com
Our Divas Do Christmas
It’s not Christmas, till Our Divas Do Christmas! The largest and most lavish Christmas Show in the province, Our Divas has become a holiday tradition! This year’s spectacular and colorful NEW show features lots of new numbers while retaining some of the best-loved favorites. With a cast of more than 150 singers, dancers, musicians, choirs and aerialists, Divas has something for everyone. There will be mummers, dancing Grinches, heartwarming standards, and a tribute to Dads at Christmas.
December 6- 9 at 8pm
Art and Culture Centre
$67.50 Each | $44.50 Students & Children
The Christmas Spirit
“The Christmas Spirit” is a clever retelling of “Death Takes A Holiday.” It’s early Christmas morning and Death has come to take Julia Dowling to the Promised Land but she’s not ready to go yet! She talks him into giving her more time and invites him to Christmas dinner, something she hasn’t done in years.
December 5- 8, 2018, at 8 pm
Barbara Barrett Theatre, Arts and Culture Centre, 95 Allandale Road
$30 Each | $25 Seniors (60+) | $15 Students
Handel’s Messiah
A Christmas tradition; the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra under the direction of guest conductor Stephen Candow, together with the Philharmonic Choir of the NSO presents Händel’s Messiah. Set in the historic and captivating Basilica, soloists include Suzie LeBlanc (soprano); Aleks Romano (mezzo-soprano); E. Mark Murphy (tenor); and Joel Allison (baritone).
December 7 – 8, 2018, at 8 pm
Basilica of St. John the Baptist, 200 Military Rd
$35 Each | $28 Students & Seniors
Annual Great Big Chocolate Build
The Great Big Chocolate Build special fundraising event is a twist on the traditional Gingerbread House Build, and will see families and friends come together to assemble and decorate chocolate houses with the help of Newfoundland Chocolate Company Chocolatiers. The decorated houses will be taken home by the little builders to be enjoyed throughout Christmas.
December 8, 2018, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm (4 time slots available)
Comfort Inn Airport, 106 Airport Rd.
$35
A Christmas Story
Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story, © 1983. Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the mid-west in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself, at Higbee’s Department Store. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!”
December 7 & 8, 2018, at 8 pm
Holy Heart Theatre, 55 Bonaventure Ave, St. John’s
$20 – $26
Angels Sing!
Come hear the Atlantic Girls Choir – featuring girls and young women age 4-18 from across the province of Newfoundland in this exquisite concert of Christmas Choral music.
December 8, 2018 at 4 pm
The Kirk, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
Christmas in the Country
Rod Jackson & The Perfect Strangers perform the greatest country Christmas songs of all time. Featuring famous songs from Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and many others. It is an evening of country Christmas favourites that should not be missed, especially if you love county music.
December 14, 2018, at 8 pm
55 Bonaventure Ave, St. John’s
$39.50
Grinch, Dressing & Gravy
It has been over 60 years since people first read the story of The Grinch and his plot to steal Christmas from the residents of Whoville. This December, Spirit of Newfoundland is bringing its own adaptation of this treasured tale to Holy Heart Theatre. Grinch, Dressing & Gravy – A Whofoundland Adaptation is a comedic re-imagining that takes a whimsical glance at Newfoundland and Labrador traditions while featuring a lively list of songs ranging from holiday hits to classic carols. This show is a fundraiser for the historic Masonic Theatre.
December 12 & 13, 2018
Holy Heart Theatre, 55 Bonaventure Ave
$43.25 – $71.43
The Once Christmas
Christmas is around the corner and NL Promotions is bringing back Newfoundland’s favourite Christmas Tribute Show– Kenny and Dolly’s Once Upon a Christmas! Sheila Williams and Don Brenton are back as Kenny and Dolly and they are sure to get you in the Christmas Spirit! Kenny and Dolly are joined by friends Bob McDonald, Kim Conway, and Lorraine Conway for a special Christmas performance. Backed by Lew Skinner, Joe Thompkins, Chris Harnett and Jason White this is one you won’t want to miss! We’ll be home for Christmas and we can’t wait for you to join us!
December 14th, 16th | 7:30PM
December 15th | 2:30PM and 7:30PM
Gower Street United Church,99 Queens Rd, St. John’s
$42.50
The Nutcracker
Launch your holiday season with one of the world’s most beloved ballets, The Nutcracker. Kittiwake Dance Theatre proudly presents this timeless yuletide classic, featuring choreography by Artistic Director, Martin Vallée and the talents of more than 300 dancers from all across our province.
December 14 – 16, 2018
Arts and Culture Centre, 95 Allandale Road
$35, $65 Each for December 14 & 15 evening performances with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra
A Kenny and Dolly Christmas
Christmas is around the corner and NL Promotions is bringing back Newfoundland’s favourite Christmas Tribute Show– Kenny and Dolly’s Once Upon a Christmas! Sheila Williams and Don Brenton are back as Kenny and Dolly and they are sure to get you in the Christmas Spirit! Kenny and Dolly are joined by friends Bob McDonald, Kim Conway, and Lorraine Conway for a special Christmas performance. Backed by Lew Skinner, Joe Thompkins, Chris Harnett and Jason White this is one you won’t want to miss! We’ll be home for Christmas and we can’t wait for you to join us!
December 15, 2018 | 8:00PM
Holy Heart Theatre, 55 Bonaventure Ave
$38.50 – $42.50
Annual Christmas Cantata
Coastal Sounds Choir Association presents its 11th Annual Holiday Concert featuring performances by Aurora Women’s Choir, Coastal Sounds Community Choir and a presentation of the 6th Annual Christmas Cantata Project with massed choir and orchestra.
December 15, 2018, at 7 pm to 9 pm
St. James United Church, 330 Elizabeth Ave
$20 Regular, $18 Students/Seniors. Children 12 & under Free.
Christmas Party
Kick off the night with a free “Intro to Sensual Bachata” class to be taught by Tendai Mudunge aka “Mr. T” from 8 – 9 pm at the End of the Year Christmas Party. Afterwards, you can dance the night away to the hottest salsa, bachata, kizomba, reggaeton, and afro-dance tunes.
December 15, 2018, at 8 pm – 12 am
Upstairs Lounge, RE/MAX Centre, 135 Mayor Ave
$10
Jing-ga-lye-ya
A Newman Sound Christmas — By Newman Sound Men’s Choir.
Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 4 PM
Cochrane Centre, 81 Cochrane Street, St. John’s
$25/$20 + box office surcharge
Children under 12 free
A Quintessential Christmas
Join the award-winning Quintessential Vocal Ensemble choirs for what is sure to be a holiday highlight this Christmas season!
Featuring over 100 voices, with instrumentals, and many special guests, including Soprano star Maria Lacey as our O Holy Night soloist!
Come one, come all to the show that will get everyone in the holiday spirit!
Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 7 PM – 9 PM
Mary Queen of Peace Church, 135 Torbay Road, St. John’s
$25 general, $20 senior/student, age 10 and under free
Shelley Neville presents O Holy Night
O HOLY NIGHT is packed with unforgettable Holiday showstoppers, bringing together Shelley’s family & friends for a stunning event. Newfoundlander’s Cory Tetford and David Pomeroy are coming home to join this show again, alongside Neville’s long-time stage partners Sheila Williams and Peter Halley. With an all-star band and Shelley’s own Dad, John Neville taking the stage, this is a ‘must-see’ event of the Holiday season.
December 19 & 20 at 7:30 pm
Arts and Culture Centre, Main Stage, 95 Allandale Road, St John’s
$57
Happy Tree
Annual Happy Tree Concert in support of our Happy Tree campaign — Happy Tree The VOCM Cares Happy Tree Campaign has become a Christmas tradition. For more than 40 years, the VOCM Cares Foundation has been partnering with the Salvation Army and Avalon Mall to keep this tradition alive. This fundraiser helps to collect and distribute toys for children in need throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
December 19, 2018 | 08:00 PM
Holy Heart Theatre, 55 Bonaventure Ave, St. John’s
$37.50
A Christmas Time with The Ennis Sisters
With multiple accolades – a Juno Award, SOCAN Award, multiple East Coast Music Awards, and Music Newfoundland and Labrador Awards, The Ennis Sisters, comprised of Maureen, Teresa and Karen Ennis, are world renowned, celebrated songbirds. With their buttery harmonies, and voices as powerful as the Atlantic, it’s in their bones to sing.
December 21 & 22, 2018 | 07:30 PM
Holy Heart Theatre, 55 Bonaventure Ave, St. John’s
$35.20 – $42.10
Celtic Christmas
The Irish Descendants and Navigators come together to form a powerful combination once again. The ever-popular Celtic Christmas has become an annual event for these two legendary Newfoundland Labrador folk groups. Back for their 9th provincial Tour, the show is a wonderful evening of music, laughter, and stories that will awaken the spirit of the season in all of us.
December 21, 2018, at 8 pm
Arts and Culture Centre, 95 Allandale Road, St John’s
$25 Advance until November 15 | $30 After November 15
Club One Presents A Crazy Christmas Comedy Show
A Crazy Christmas Comedy Show features Mark Harnett and fellow comedians to bring a night of jokes, stories, and laughter while supporting the CMHA and bringing awareness to mental health.
December 22, 2018, at 8 pm to 10 pm
Club One, 33 New Gower Street
$10.00
Annual Holiday Wassail
The Annual Holiday Wassail at George Street United Church is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 23, 2018! Mark it down folks! A great line up is in the works and tickets are available at O’Brien’s Music Inc., Fred’s Records, Folk Night and the office.
December 23, 2018, at 2 pm to 4:30 pm
George Street United Church, 25 Buchanan Street
$10 Advance, $12 at the Door