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It is the most wonderful time of the year, and there are a lot of fun things to do around Saint John this holiday season. Spend some time with friends and family at one of these great events. To make the holidays a little easier, here is a list of holiday events taking place this year in Saint John.
List of Santa Claus Parade, Christmas and Holiday Concerts, Theatre and other Holiday Events in Saint John.
Annual Pre-Parade Party at Market Square
Strap on your top hats and wrap up in your favorite scarf because Frosty is coming to Market Square! Kick off the holiday season at the annual Market Square Pre-Parade Party! Activities include Bernard the, Magician, Bounce Ride, Cookie Decorating, Stories, Crafts & Activities at the Saint John Free Public Library, Face Painting, Balloons, Giveaways, Live Entertainment, Photos with Frosty and more!!!
November 17, 2018, at 1 pm
Market Square
Free
Santa Claus Parade
66th Annual Saint John Santa Claus Parade.
November 17, 2018, 6 PM – 8 PM
Parade Route: The parade will leave the Causeway, go onto Union St., left on Sydney St., right on King’s Square North, left on Charlotte St., down King St. and on to St. Patrick, on to Main St., right on Lansdowne Ave., and right at Wellesley Blvd. These streets will be closed off during the parade.
Symphony Chorus Concert
To celebrate All Saints and the 100th Anniversary of the end of WWI, The Symphony Chorus and Director Spencer Belyea invite you to a concert featuring Fauré’s Requiem and Cantique.
November 23, 2018, at 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Trinity Anglican Church, 115 Charlotte St
Contact Imperial Theatre at (506) 674-4100
Ennis Sisters Christmas
The Ennis Sisters kick off Christmas at Imperial with an evening of gorgeous, traditional holiday songs.
November 28, 2018, at 7:30 pm
Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South
$15 – $30
Celtic Tenors Christmas
The internationally acclaimed Celtic Tenors return to the Imperial stage to charm us with holiday Celtic songs, classics, a cappellas and some contemporary tunes.
November 29, 2018, at 7:30 pm
Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South
$40 – $45
The Joy of Christmas in Saint John
The Joy of Christmas, an evening for the entire family with comedy, carols, and stories of olde featuring Steve Geyer with special music from Tim & Dorilee Milner.
November 29, 2018, at 6:30 pm
Hillcrest Church, 476 Lancaster Avenue
$10 – $30
Cirque Musica Wonderland
Cirque Musica Wonderland presents Wonderland is an all-new concert experience featuring the cast of Cirque Musica together with your favorite holiday songs performed by a live symphony orchestra. Cirque Musica Holiday will bring audiences on a journey into a world of “Wonderland”.
December 2, 2018, at 6 pm – 9 pm
Harbour Station, 99 Station St.
$31.50 – $81.50
Tale of a Christmas Brown Christmas with the Jerry Granelli Trio
Jerry Granelli is a part of the original jazz trio that recorded the triple-platinum A Charlie Brown Christmas in 1965. The brilliant holiday album is in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
December 13, 2018, at 7:30pm
Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South
$30 – $35
Handel’s Messiah
This holiday season, Symphony New Brunswick performs Handel’s magnificent Messiah with principal guest conductor Michael Newnham, the Louisbourg Choir, and soloists Sally Dibblee, Heather Fleming, Owen McCausland, and Paul Bustin.
December 19, 2018, at 7:30 pm
Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South
Regular $36.52, Student $8.70
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. Elf – The Musical is based on the book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin. Music by Matthew Sklar. Lyrics by Chad Beguelin. Based upon the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum
November 21 – 25, 2018, at
Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South
$15 – $49.50
Comedy for a Cause
Come drink, laugh and be merry while supporting a great cause at Comedy for a Cause. Featuring THE HILARIOUS Shane Ogden & Mark Splude. All proceeds go to Local Children in need this Christmas to help purchase gifts, toys, and clothing.
December 1, 2018, at 8 pm
Chuckles Comedy Club, Parkway Mall, 212 McAllister Dr.
The Nutcracker
Gala Ballet Productions proudly presents the classic holiday story by E.T.A. Hoffman and set to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. May the magic of The Nutcracker sweep you and yours into this holiday tradition for the whole family!
December 7 & 8, 2018, at
Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South
$20 – $30
Jimmy Flynn’s Musical Christmas Comedy Show
Of all the entertainers this country has to offer, Jimmy Flynn has remained one of the most memorable performers available for more than 30 years. With a high-energy blend of side-splitting comedy and popular music, Jimmy Flynn remains Canada’s “Ambassador of Good Cheer.” Dressed in his trademark red checkered shirt, yellow sou’wester and rubber boots, Jimmy takes the stage, glances over the audience and erupts into volcanic comedy that melts the audience.
December 21 & December 22, 2018, at 8 pm
Chuckles Comedy Club, Parkway Mall, 212 McAllister Dr.
Regular $22.50, VIP $27.50
Downtown Crystal Lake Santa House Visits
Children may visit with Santa in his Downtown Crystal Lake house at Brink Street Market. Please note: the line forms outside the house so dress warmly!
November 23 to December 23, 2018, at
Brink Street Market, 47 Charlotte St.
Free
Welcome to Wonderland Pool Party
Relax in the leisure pools at the “Welcome to Wonderland” pool party. Enjoy some fun alcoholic beverages while listening to music and floating your cares away! This is a 19+ event. A valid government ID must be presented at Front Desk during the event to pick up your event bracelet.
November 24, 2018 at 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Canada Games Aquatic Centre, 50 Union Street
$25
Crosby’s Gingerbread Trail at Market Square
Take a sweet stroll through this holiday tradition throughout Market Square! One can find outstanding, creative, sweet pieces throughout the trail, all unique and magical in their own ways. Come and Vote for your favourite Gingerbread creation, ballot box located in the Market Square Atrium!
November 26 to December 24, 2018, at
Market Square
Free
Pet Pics with Santa
Bring your furry friends, big or small out to Pet Corral West Side December 1st. Pics are just $10 a pet with Santa, or if they are nervous being around the big jolly guy, they can be taken alone or with their human family.
December 1, 2018, at 11am – 4pm
Pet Corral Nutrition Care & Supply Depot, 1057 Fairville Blvd.
$10
Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk
The Santa Shuffle is a 5km Fun-Run and 1km Elf Walk for all ages and skill levels. Participants fundraise throughout the season to make a difference in their community. All proceeds from the Santa Shuffle will go back into our local Salvation Army.
December 1st at 10:00am
Brunswick Square Running Room
$20 to $70
Cranberry Land Twelve Days of Christmas Celebration
Stroll along Cranberry Lane this holiday season with colleagues, friends or family. Sumptuous festive lunch and dinner buffets served in a magical environment await you. A Saint John Tradition for 30+ years!
December 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 2018
Hilton Saint John, 1 Market Square
Lunch $26.95, Sunday Brunch $26.95, Dinner $38.95
Market Square Sparkles
Head to Market Square for holiday cheer, entertainment, treats and gift certificate giveaways from St. Nick and his elves starting at 5 pm. So, bring a date, get some friends together, or treat your family to this charming uptown tradition. All activities are FREE.
December 7, 2018, at 5 pm
Market Square
Free
Christmas Day Brunch
The hotel lower lobby (formerly Turn of the Tide dining room) sparkles on Christmas day as our culinary team prepare a magnificent Hot & Cold buffet brunch! Featured items on buffet include: carved traditional roast turkey | lobster | AAA beef | chocolate fondue, and many more Christmas favourites!
December 25, 2018, at 12 pm to 3 pm
Hilton Saint John, 1 Market Square
$75 per adult and $27.50 per child under 12