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. So, grab a festive mug of mulled wine, hot apple cider or hot chocolate and get into the festive spirit. 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.
MUN Botanical Gardens
Did we miss any great events? Submit online.
Christmas Winter Holidays in St, John’s
Christmas Lights in and around St. John’s
Contents
- Christmas Lights & Santa Claus Parades
- Christmas Carols & Holiday Concerts
- Christmas Theatre & Other Events
I. Christmas Lights & Santa Claus Parade
Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade
Pick your favourite spot on the sidewalk along the parade route to help us welcome Santa to town! Bring your letters to Santa, and don’t forget to bring along a non-perishable food item or a donation for the Community Food Sharing Association. Details
Sunday, November 26, 2023 | 12:00 PM, alternate date: December 3.
Downtown St. John’s
Light Walk at Manuels River
Experience the magic of the season with a colourful stroll along Manuels River. The walk spans approximately 550 meters. Details
Light Display | December 1 – 3, 8 – 10, 15 – 17, 2023 | 4 – 10 PM daily (weather-dependent)
Hot Chocolate & Campfire | December 8-10, & 15-17, 2023 | 6 – 9 PM
Start your journey at the upper Manuels River parking lot or the Gallagher Walk entrance near the river.
Conception Bay South Santa Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 10:00 AM
Tree Lighting Ceremony: Saturday, December 2, at 4:00 p.m. at the Town Hall.
Villanova Junior High to the CBS Town Hall, Conception Bay South
Holiday Lights at Bowring Park
Ring in the season with our 22nd annual celebration of holiday music and lights at Bowring Park duck pond. Experience the bright lights and festive music as we officially light the park for the holiday season. Feature performers include Sherry Ryan, Salt Beef Junkies, and Boogie Babes.
St. John’s Lions Club will be distributing free hot chocolate so don’t forget to bring a re-usable mug. Details
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 5:00 PM
Bowring Park
Non-perishable food item for local food bank
Merry & Bright Light Festival
See the garden glow with a spectacular light display during the Merry & Bright Light Festival. Take a winter evening stroll, sip hot chocolate, and warm yourself by the fire. Many nights will include entertainment by local choirs. Details
November 29 – December 22, 2023 | 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, or 7:00 PM
MUN Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Road St., St. John’s
Child (3-11) $5, Youth (12-18) $9, Senior (60+) $12, Adult (189-59) $17
2023 Mummers Festival: Where Underwear is Outerwear!
The Mummers Festival is a participant-focused, community-based festival that encourages the celebration of mummering traditions. Each year, the Mummers Festival hosts events over the first two weeks of December leading up to its crowning event, the Mummers Parade. Details
November 25 – December 9, 2023
Parade | Saturday, December 9 | 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Mummers Parade @ Bowring Park
Free
Winter Lights Across Canada
Winter Lights Across Canada is an annual event where each province and territory decorates its capital city and holds its own lighting ceremony. At the event, thousands of LED lights will illuminate the Confederation Building Christmas tree and other trees along Prince Philip Drive. The initiative contributes to a nationwide effort to symbolically link Canadians together for the holiday season. Details
December 7, 2023 | 5:30 PM; the lights will be activated at approximately 6:15 p.m.
Confederation Building (East Block), Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s
Free
II. Christmas Carols & Holiday Concerts
NSO: Christmas at the Movies
Kick off the Christmas season with the BIGGEST concert of the holiday season – Cox & Palmer proudly presents Christmas at the Movies! From Polar Express to the Grinch, Christmas movie music is an iconic part of the holiday season and we have a concert of Christmas FUN that’s ready for the whole family! Plus join the orchestra for a sing-along of some of your holiday favourites!! Details
Friday, November 24, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Arts & Culture Centre, 95 Allandale Road, St. John’s
$40 – $45
Christmas Concert & Sing-A-Long
Holy Heart of Mary Alumnae Choir presents their annual all ages Christmas Concert & Sing-A- Long on Sunday, December 3 at 3 p.m. at St. Teresa’s Church, Mundy Pond Rd. Special guests: Close Quarters, St. Teresa’s Folk Choir, & Marion Counsel. Details
Sunday, December 3, 2023 | 3:00 PM
St.Teresa’s Church, Mundy Pond Road, St. John’s
Free-will offering
Sheila Williams – You Better Watch Out
HAUL OUT THE HOWLING! SHEILA WILLIAMS IS COMING TO TOWN! As I say, no one is perfect. So put on the Christmas sweater you got from that sweet but misguided gift giver and come on out to my YOU BETTER WATCH OUT ISLAND TOUR! I’m packin’ up Joe Tompkins, my piano player, cause he looks good in the Santa hat. You all remember Joe! Certainly, I’ll bring my guitar since a good Christmas song is somewhat lacking without it. And, of course, I wouldn’t dream of leaving home without my alter egos – the much sought after Mrs. Mavis McGrath, the scintillating woman- about- town Miss Patsy Conway, and the wise and true Mary who loves Christmas because she gets to spend so much time in church. To tell the truth, they go wherever I go!! Details
Friday, December 8, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Holy Heart Theatre, 55 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s
$38.44
NSO Handel’s Messiah
A Christmas tradition; the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Marc David, together with the Philharmonic Choir of the NSO presents Handel’s Messiah. Set in the historic and captivating Basilica, soloists include: Mireille Asselin, soprano; Ryan McDonald, counter-tenor; Jonathan Monro, tenor; and Gregory Dahl, baritone. Details
December 8 & 9, 2023 | 8:00 PM
Basilica of St. John the Baptist, 200 Military Road, St. John’s
$10 – $38
Fortunate Ones
with special guest Adam Baldwin. Details
December 9 – 10, 2023 | 8:00 PM
Holy Heart Theatre, 55 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s
$27 – $53
The Legend of Saint Nicholas: Shallaway Youth Choir
Immerse yourselves in the enchanting history and legend of Saint Nicholas, the beloved figure of the holiday season. Through music and captivating performances, we will take you on a magical journey back in time, exploring the origins and tales associated with this iconic symbol of generosity and joy. Details
December 11 & 12, 2023 | 8:00 PM
Basilica of St. John the Baptist, 200 Military Road, St. John’s
$43
ECMA Country Christmas Show
Get in the holiday spirit with Justin Fancy and Mallory Johnson! Singing original tunes, these two award winning country artists are joining forces to spread joy and cheer at The Rec Room on Thursday, December 14 at 8PM. Make it a whole evening with food, games, and good times for the entire family at this all ages event. Details
Thursday, December 14, 2023 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Rec Room, 48 Kenmount Road #Unit 2210 St. John’s
$17.31
The 15th Annual THE ONCE CHRISTMAS
A weekend of holiday songs and stories! Details
December 14 – 16, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Gower Street United Church, 99 Queens Rd, St. John’s
$48.85
Grand Ol’ Christmas Show
The Grand Ol’ Christmas Show promises a night filled with your favourite hits from Christmas Past, including Newfoundland’s favourite Christmas duo-Kenny and Dolly! The Grand Ol’ Christmas Band is joined by Justin Martin, Randy Matthews, Kim Conway and Lorraine Conway and maybe a few special guests along the way. NL Promotions’ Grand Ol’ Christmas Show will feature tributes to great Kenny and Dolly, Roy Orbison, Willie Nelson, Jim Reeves, Elvis, Alan Jackson, Stevie Wonder and so much!! Details
Sunday, December 17, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Holy Heart Theatre, 55 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s
$47.50
Worldwide Holiday Celebration
Come aboard our sleigh and take a worldwide holiday tour as we travel around the globe through choral music! The St. John’s Choir is proud to work with Artistic Director, Stephen Candow, as well as Associate Conductor and Accompanist, Dr. Philip Roberts. The St. John’s Choir is excited to feature the St. John’s Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. Philip Roberts and we are pleased to once again welcome Bella Nova Choir, under the direction of Elizabeth Brennan, along with our very special guest percussionist, Etienne Gendron! Details
Sunday, December 17, 2023 | 3:30 PM
St. Andrew’s Church (The Kirk), 76 Queens Rd, St. John’s
$0 – $29
NSO: Handel’s Messiah
A Christmas tradition; the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Marc David, together with the Philharmonic Choir of the NSO presents Handel’s Messiah. Also joining the NSO are four talented soloists including: Mireille Asselin, soprano; Ryan McDonald, counter-tenor; Jonathan Monro, tenor; and Gregory Dahl, baritone. Details
December 22, 2023
Online
$13.78 – $26.02
Christmas with the Ennis Sisters
For over 25 years, Maureen, Karen and Teresa have been captivating audiences with their thightly woven sibling harmonies and endearing sense of humour. With a mix of original songs, holiday classics, humorous recitations and a little Irish step-dancing, the evening is sure to ignite your holiday spirit. Don’t miss the chance to delight in a Christmas tradition, cherished by so many! Details
December 21 – 22, 2023
Holy Heart Theatre, 55 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s
$56.00
O Holy Night
It’s not Christmas until Shelley Neville sings O Holy Night! A soprano with a heart of gold, Shelley is back under the lights at the Arts and Culture Centre with her unforgettable Christmas spectacular – O Holy Night. This December 20th and 21st, Shelley is thrilled to welcome audiences to celebrate the joy of the season with more guests, new songs and all your holiday favourites. Details
December 20 & 21, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Arts & Culture Centre, 95 Allandale Road, St. John’s
$57 – $65
The Irish Descendants Christmas with Aaron Collis and Mark Manning of Rum Ragged
The Irish Descendants with very special guests Aaron Collis and Mark Manning of Rum Ragged will leave you feeling full of the season’s cheer and family traditions. Details
Saturday, December 23, 2023 | 8:00 PM
Arts & Culture Centre, 95 Allandale Road, St. John’s
$40
2nd Annual Tibb’s Eve at Slàinte
Join us as we celebrate Tibb’s Eve in style at Slàinte. Katie and Brad will be providing live music from 7-10pm. A stunning venue, great tunes, delicious drinks and a garenteed night to remember. Details
Saturday, December 23, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sláinte Whisky Piano Bar, 115 Duckworth Bar, St. John’s
III. Christmas Plays & Holiday Theatre
Elf, The Musical
Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-sister doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
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
November 16-19, 2023
Arts & Culture Centre, 95 Allandale Road, St. John’s
$55
A Night(mare) Before Christmas
The Sorensen School of Dance is presenting its 13th annual fall show. This family friendly, 90-minute show showcases our talented students and teaching team, by performing a very creative fusion of Halloween and the magic of Christmas. This show is very special to our studio as we donate proceeds from this show to charity. Join us on Tuesday, November 21st as we present “A Night(mare) Before Christmas”. It’s sure to warm your heart and put a smile on your face! Details
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Arts & Culture Centre, 95 Allandale Road, St. John’s
$35
Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol
This timeless Charles Dickens classic returns to the Holy Heart stage November 24th and 25th with an exciting new cast from the HHM Performing Arts 2023-2024 Mainstage company! Details
November 24 and 25, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Holy Heart Theatre, 55 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s
$22 – $25
The Nutcracker
Experience the joy and nostalgia of The Nutcracker ballet, one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s longest running productions. Under the artistic direction of Martin Vallée, Kittiwake dancers take to the stage with hundreds of community dancers to tell a story filled with waltzing flowers, twirling candy canes, sugar plum fairies and other magical characters. Details
December 15-17, 2023
Arts & Culture Centre, 95 Allandale Road, St. John’s
$48 – $65
Our Divas do Christmas
The largest and best holiday show in NL is back with lots of exciting new numbers and performers, hundreds of costumes and more holiday twinkling than ever before! With songs for all generations and musical preferences, and a huge company of first class singers, dancers and musicians! . Details
December 7-10, 2023
Arts & Culture Centre, 95 Allandale Road, St. John’s
$46 – $70
Mummers, Mischief, & Murder
Mummers, Mischief and Murder is a Tibb’s Eve farce. This lighthearted romp is the perfect event to kick off your holiday celebrations. The evil Brad Blad is using a Tibb’s Eve party as a cover for his nefarious deeds. The noble RCMP Officer, Newbody, is tested his first day and smitten too, by the beautiful Lynn Bright. Gran is fighting to stay awake, while Frank and Dr. Morte try to hide the smuggled rum. Poor Patty Henchman is caught in a trap. Details
December 12-17, 2023
Arts & Culture Centre – Barbara Barrett Theatre, 95 Allandale Road, St. John’s
$25 – $30
Penning the Carol
Penning The Carol is celebrating its 21st anniversary as one of Newfoundland’s favorite Christmas traditions! Written and performed by Aiden Flynn, this solo retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” supposes that Scrooge and the accompanying cast of characters were created in a session of intense writing and storytelling on Christmas Eve, 1843. Details
December 19 – 20 2023 | 8:00 PM
LSPU Hall, 3 Victoria Street, St. John’s
$40
The Elf on the Shed
November 16, 2023 to January 8, 2024
Gower Street Theatre, 208 Gower Street, St. John’s
Dinner & Show $89.50
IV. Other Christmas / Holiday Events
5th Annual Winter Wonderland Market
90+ vendors spread out over 3 rooms with items ranging from handmade items, decor, food, jewellery, clothing, artwork, pet products, decorations, ornaments and unique gift ideas! Details
November 11 – 12, 2023
Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s
Adults: $5.00, Kids(12 & under): FREE When accompanied by an adult.
Holiday Gnomes
Come out and enjoy a fun night with friends and craft your own Wine Bottle Holiday Gnome! Using common household materials we will create a festive craft that you can take home for yourself, or gift to a friend! All supplies will be provided. Details
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Manuels River, 7 Conception Bay Hwy, Conception Bay South
Register
12 Beers of Christmas
12 Beers of Christmas, Newfoundland’s craftiest Christmas bash, returns on November 17th and 18th at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market! All of your favorite local breweries will be there as well as some CFA surprises! As is tradition, there will be more than 12 beers, the food vendors will be awesome, the inflatable Christmas decorations will be out of hand, the Christmas sweaters will be ugly, and the Christmas music will be filling the Farmers’ Market with cheer! Details
November 17 – 18, 2023 7:00 – 10:00 PM
St. John’s Farmers’ Market, 245 Freshwater Road, St. John’s
$69; Register
Christmas at Commissariat: Festive Family Fun
Festive all natural greenery, holiday music, a taste of Christmas pudding, Christmas crafts, and more. Details
November 18 – 19, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Commissariat Provincial Historic Site, 11 Kings Bridge Road, St. John’s
Drop by anytime during the scheduled times and don’t forget a non-perishable food item for the Community Food Sharing Association.
A Christmas Dinner With Quote The Raven
A relaxed and intimate evening at Manuels River with a 3-course dinner and award-winning duo Quote the Raven. Details
Friday, November 24, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Manuels River, 7 Conception Bay Hwy, Conception Bay South
Register
Festive Market
A three-day holiday showcase of produce, food, and artisans. Details
November 24 – 26, 2023
St. John’s Farmers’ Market, 245 Freshwater Road, St. John’s
Free
Christmas at Commissariat: Christmas by Candlelight
Enjoy a sip of hot cider by the crackling fire, festive music, the smell of fir boughs and a magical wander through the house by the soft glow of candlelight. Dress warmly! Details
November 24 – 25, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Commissariat Provincial Historic Site, 11 Kings Bridge Road, St. John’s
Free! Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Community Food Sharing Association.
Country Craft Fair
Join us on November 25th for our annual Country Craft Fair. With 40+ vendors there is something for everyone! Details
Saturday, November 25, 2023 | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Lester’s Farm Market, 173 Brookfield Road, St. John’s
Tales from the Man in the Red Suit
Every holiday season for more than 45 years, Bruce Templeton has joined Santa to assist the “man in the red suit” for thousands of children in St. John’s. He has logged more than 2,000 visits to community centers, hospitals and seniors’ homes. Join us for a special holiday presentation as Bruce regales us with tales of assisting Santa through the years. Details
November 30, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Rooms – Theatre, 9 Bonaventure Avenue St. John’s
$15 (+ HST). 10% discount for Rooms Members
Lights of Love Campaign 2023 Radiothon & Telethon
The Lights of Love will be held in conjunction with a Radiothon on OZFM and a Telethon on NTV. The regular Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at Ronald McDonald House at 6pm and will be held conjointly with the NTV Sunday Evening News. Everyone is welcome to join us for carols, candy canes, special guests, hot chocolate and the arrival of Santa Claus!!! Details
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Radiothon on OZFM | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Telethon on NTV | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Tree Lighting | 6:00 PM
Tree Lighting @ Ronald McDonald House, 150 Clinch Crescent
Donations welcome
Breakfast With Santa
Sunday, December 3 & 10, 2023 | 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM
Manuels River, 7 Conception Bay Hwy, Conception Bay South
$10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children; Pre-register
The House of the Wooden Santas
Celebrate the season with a festive display from The Rooms collection of the original 24 wooden Santas carved by the artist Imelda George and featured in this classic children’s story written by Kevin Major. Details
On display until January 7, 2024
The Rooms – Level 3 Entrance to the Reference Room, 9 Bonaventure Avenue St. John’s
Adult $12 (+HST), Child/Youth $6 (+HST).
Free for Rooms Members.
Homemade Holiday Giftwrap: Basic Printmaking Workshop
Make your own personalized wrapping paper while learning a variety of basic printmaking techniques. Suitable for all skill sets and levels of experience, participants will leave the workshop with new skills and roll of hand-printed unique holiday giftwrap, and customized gift tags. Details
December 1, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
December 2, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Rooms – Art Gallery Classroom, 9 Bonaventure Avenue St. John’s
$25 (+HST). 10% discount for Rooms Members
Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk
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. This year’s Santa Shuffle will be a week-long event full of fun surprises and cool prizes! Details
Saturday December 2, 2023 | Start Time: 10:00 AM
The Royal St. John’s Regatta Boathouse, 10 Clancey Drive. St. John’s, NL
$22.50 – $300
Billy and the Bruisers Tibbs Eve Dance
Come join us for a night of groovy tunes and wild moves at the Billy and the Bruisers Tibs Eve Dance! Get ready to dance the night away. Details
Saturday December 23, 2023 | 9:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Bella Vista Events Venue, 26 Torbay Road, St. John’s
$27.96
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
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there may be typographical/oversight errors or events may be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned event Websites/officials.