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 quality-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.
Christmas Lights & Santa Claus Parades
70th Annual Saint John Santa Claus Parade
The Saint John Santa Claus Parade will take place on Saturday November 18th! Details
Saturday November 18, 2023 | 6:00 PM
Along Union St, around King Square, down King St, across the Viaduct, along Main St North, ending on Lansdowne at Wellesley Ave.
Remember to bring non-perishable food items and your letters for Santa
Fundy-St. Martins Christmas Parade
Take in the festive sights of the Fundy-St. Martins Christmas parade, followed by the St. Martins Community Centre tree lighting. Details
Friday November 24, 2023 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Main Street, Fundy-St. Martins
Free
Lancaster Santa Claus Parade
The Lancaster Santa Claus Parade will take place on Saturday November 26th! Details
Saturday November 25, 2023 | 1:00 PM
Lancaster
Free
KV Santa Claus Parade
KV Santa Claus Parade will take place on Saturday November 25th! Details
Saturday November 25, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Hampton Road, KVHS to Marr/Clark Road Intersection, Rothesay
Free
Christmas at the Harbour Tree Lighting
Enjoy the Fundy St.-Martins Tree Lighting on the harbour with hot chocolate, festive music and more!! Details
Saturday November 25, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
404 Main Street, Fundy-St. Martins
Free
Uptown Saint John Sparkles
Outdoor fire pits, ice sculpting, jolly trolley rides, live music, festive light displays, special retail promotions and so much more throughout uptown Saint John! Enjoy the Mayor’s Tree Lighting, the historic City Market lit up in spectacular splendour, and Victorian Carollers walking along the cobblestone streets. Bring the family out and visit the uptown shops, boutiques and restaurants for holiday specials and treats. ‘It’s Christmastime in the City’…and tonight is the most special evening to enjoy the season uptown.
Many Uptown boutiques, shops, restaurants, cafés, businesses, and galleries offer special activities and stay open late. Details
Uptown Sparkles Night | Friday, December 1, 2023
Mayor’s Tree Lighting | 6:00 PM
Uptown Saint John
9th Annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting
Join Mayor Nancy Grant and Council for the 9th Annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting featuring live music. Stop by for a skate on the ice, a walk around the Common or just to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season in the heart of Rothesay. Details
Wednesday December 13, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Rothesay Common, 24 Gondola Point Road, Rothesay
Free
Christmas Carols & Holiday Concerts
Silent Night: A Candlelight Concert
This one-hour program, performed by candlelight next to the grand fireplace of the Arts Centre’s main gallery, features meditative arrangements of traditional Christmas carols. Details
November 26 & December 3, 2023 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Saint John Arts Centre, 20 Peel Plaza, Saint John
A freewill offering will be accepted.
Crash Test Dummies Jingle All the Way Tour
The dynamic and engaging stage show will feature original members Brad Roberts, Ellen Reid, Dan Roberts and Mitch Dorge who will be joined as always by Stuart Cameron and relative newcomer, Leith Fleming-Smith, delivering songs from Jingle All The Way along with some ofthe bands greatest hits! Details
Tuesday, November 17, 2023 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South, Saint John
$60 adult / $55 member
Holly Cole: A Swinging Christmas
Holly Cole has a long and storied international career, having sold hundreds of thousands of recordings internationally while at home in Canada her successes include multi-platinum album sales awards, three JUNO awards and countless successful national tours!! Details
Wednesday, November 29, 2023 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South, Saint John
$55 adult / $50 member
Silent Night Candlelight Concert
Silent Night Candlelight Concert program I and II with New Age settings of traditional carols. Details
Sunday, November 26 & December 3, 2023 | 3:00 PM
Saint John Arts Centre, 20 Peel Plaza
Freewill Offering
A Child is Born
On Saturday December 9, 7 pm ‘A CHILD IS BORN’ is presented by Cantores Celestes Maritimes and the Saint John Men’s Chorus under the direction of their artistic director, Kelly Galbraith. They will be joined by the newly formed Cantores Celestes & SJMC Brass Quintet featuring gifted trumpeter, Rob Dutton. Rebecca Burrill and Dr. Kevin Langford are the fabulous collaborative accompanists. Whether you love Medieval and Renaissance music or more contemporary masterpieces like Daniel Pinkham’s masterpiece ‘Christmas Cantata’ and Gwyneth Walker’s ‘Appalachian Carols’ there is something on the programme for everyone. ‘Silent Night’, ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ and ‘O Christmas Tree’ arranged for brass and choir by Canadian composers Howard Cable and Scott Harrison will no doubt become new seasonal favourites! Details
Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Stella Maris Church, 201 Bayside Drive, Saint John
General Admission $25
Carleton Choristers Christmas Concert
Enjoy the songs of the season at this holiday performance. Details
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 | 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Portland United Church, Portland United Church
General Admission $25
Songs of the Season with Mike Biggar & Terra Spencer
Uplifting, heartwarming, hilarious and inspiring, with enough Christmas fun to fill Santa’s sleigh! Multi award-winning Singer-Songwriters MIKE BIGGAR (Saint John NB) and TERRA SPENCER (Windsor NS) are on tour this holiday season, joined by the Sugar Plum Boys stage band with ‘SONGS OF THE SEASON’ at the Imperial Theatre Friday December 15. For 2023 Mike welcomes long time friend and acclaimed artist Terra Spencer to hit the road together, sharing the musical joy of the yuletide all around the East Coast. Details
Friday, December 15, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South, Saint John
$36 adults | $22 youth (12 & under)
The Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas
The Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas is a musical potpourri of traditional MacNeil family favourites gleaned from Christmas ceilidhs, midnight masses and the general festive frolic that accompanies each holiday season. Details
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South, Saint John
$57.50 adult / $52.50 member
Imperial Holiday Sing-Along
Friday, December 22, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South, Saint John
A FREE show with General Admission
Christmas Plays & Holiday Theatre
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is a must-see holiday event to usher in the magic of the season. Igniting joy and wonder to TD Station on November 9th, “Wonderland” is an all-new musical journey that will transport audiences to a magical land far away for a fun-filled, unforgettable holiday-themed show experience. Details
Thursday, November 9, 2023 | 7:00 PM
TD Station, 99 Station Street, Saint John
$38.75 – $98.50
Elf the Musical
Elf – The Musical is here to make your holiday wishes come true. Follow Buddy, a young orphan who is mistakenly taken to the North Pole and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Enjoy the heartfelt songs, vibrant costumes, and non-stop laughter as Buddy learns the true meaning of Christmas. Details
November 22 – 26, 2023
Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South, Saint John
$60 regular | $55 senior | $30 student
Retro Film: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
The Griswold family’s plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster. Details
Monday, December 04, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South, Saint John
$10
A Christmas Carol
“Marley was dead…to begin with.” Join us for this thrilling solo production of A Christmas Carol. Embark on a supernatural journey to redemption as Ebenezer Scrooge travels to the past, present, and future. A haunting one-man take on the Dickens’ classic. Details
December 5 – 9, 2023 | 7:30 PM
BMO Studio Theatre, 112 Princess Street, Saint John
$25 – $30
The Nutcracker
Gala Ballet Productions proudly presents the classic holiday story by E.T.A. Hoffman, set to music by Ptotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Once again, The Nutcracker will deliver the magis of the season in this annual holiday tradition fro the whole family. Local dancers share the stage with guest principal artists from some of Canada’s most renowned professional ballet companies. Details
December 8 – 10, 2023
Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South, Saint John
$38 adults / $33 Member/Senior / $25 student
Once Upon A Silent Night
Comedy Christmas Play. A team of thieves have staked out the perfect Christmas robbery. However, it becomes apparent that their well devised plan has taken on a life of its own when these “bumbling wanna be robbers” end up hostessing a delightful Christmas gathering for anyone in need of a little Christmas Cheer. Details
December 2, 9, 14, 16, 2023
The Phoenix, 68 Exmouth Street, Saint John
$60 Dinner & Show
The Sole of Christmas
Learn about giving help to others in this play, based on The Elves and the Shoemaker tale. A poor shoemaker and his wife are about to lose their home when three elves turn up to help secretly. Each night, the elves make wonderful new shoes, and each day, the shoemaker wonders where his good fortune comes from. Will the shoemaker be able to succeed without help? And will he learn how to share his good fortune with the magical beings? Details
December 3 & 17, 2023
The Phoenix, 68 Exmouth Street, Saint John
Matinee: $10 Tickets at Door; Guests are required to RSVP to this event; Evening Show $30 each or $150 family of six
Nutcracker Bash II
Enjoy dinner and a show with Starlight Divas Entertainment! Details
December 9, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Dufferin Hall, TSA Curling Club, 49 Dufferin Avenue, Saint John
$45 per person
Other Christmas / Holiday Events
Rhoda’s Christmas Festival
A magical winding tour of gingerbread displays at businesses throughout Uptown Saint John. Details
November 17 – 19, 2023
TD Station, 99 Station Street
Admission – $2.00, Children under 12 Free!
Rockwood Park German Christmas Market
Brace yourselves for a grand transformation this holiday season! The enchanting Rockwood Park Campground is set to blossom into a mesmerizing Outdoor German Christmas Market. We’re pulling out all the stops – think charming wooden stalls filled with vendors, a captivating Nativity Scene, delightful Nutcrackers, scrumptious Gingerbread, sizzling Bratwurst, soul-warming Mulled Wine, and a symphony of lights and decorations! Oh, and did we mention? We’re also turning our colossal A-frame building into a magical Santa’s grotto! Details
November 17 – 19, 24 – 26, December 1 – 3, 8 – 10, 15 – 17, 2023
Rockwood Park Campground, 142 Lake Drive South Saint John
$0 – $25
2nd Annual Outdoor European Style Christmas Market
An outdoor European Style Christmas market that challenges what Canadians know Christmas markets to be. The focus will be on eating, drinking and socializing with friends and strangers while shopping for some of those hard to buy for family and friends from local craftsmen/craftswomen and artisans. The spirit of a European Christmas market is deeply rooted in socializing and making new friends while shopping. Details
November 17 – 18, 24 – 25, December 1 – 2, 8 – 9, 2023
Belding Hill Farms, 404 Ravine Road, Hampton
Un-deck our Halls!
he Carnegie Rughookers, will generously donate beautiful hand-made ornaments for our tree as a fundraiser! Come visit during gallery hours (Tues-Sat. 9am-5pm) and un-deck our halls – there is something for everyone, with ornaments priced from $3 to $15 for extra big or fancy styles! We also have a ‘bargain basket’ for ornaments from past years that may have been overlooked – baggied 2 for $5 and ready for gifting! Shop early for the biggest selection!! Details
Tuesday – Saturday |9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saint John Arts Centre, 20 Peel Plaza, Saint John
$3 – $15
Holiday Cheers!
Join us November 24th & support our new fundraiser, Holiday Cheers! Featuring wine and craft beer tastings, live music, and a GIANT charcuterie board & sweets spread to tempt your tastebuds! Details
Friday, November 24, 2023
Saint John Arts Centre, 20 Peel Plaza, Saint John
$75
Gingerbread Trail
A magical winding tour of gingerbread displays at businesses throughout Uptown Saint John. Details
November 29 – December 24, 2023
Various businesses in Uptown Saint John
Free
Saint John Sea Dogs Holiday Party Weekend
Join Saint John Sea Dogs for Holiday Party Weekend, December 2nd and 3rd! Reba McEntire and Michael Buble tributes will be performing during intermissions. Details
vs Cape Breton on Saturday December 2, 2023 | 7:00 PM
vs Chicoutimi on Sunday December 3, 2023 | 3:00 PM
TD Station, 99 Station Street, Saint John
$28.75
A Day with Santa
The Premium Crew wants to welcome you back to our annual day with Santa. Come snap a photo with Santa, enjoy some holiday snacks and join in on some Christmas games. Just in time to get that perfect holiday photo for your Christmas cards! Details
Sunday December 3, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
44 Marr Road, Rothesay
Free
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Holiday in the Heights
Join Lakewood Heights School for a Magical Winter Wonderland! Details
November 25, 2023 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Lakewood Heights School, 56 Lensdale Crescent, Saint John
By Donation
Saint John Seaglass Christmas Festival
Craft NB’s Christmas Festival is the biggest curated fine craft event of the year in New Brunswick! Shop from Craft NB’s juried members. From Ceramics to photography, craft coffee, hand-dyed clothing and fibres, wood turn bowls and so much more! Support your local craft community and shop directly from the source this holiday season. Details
December 1 – 2, 2023
December 1 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
December 2 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Market Square Atrium, Saint John
Craft NB Christmas Festival
Craft NB’s Christmas Festival is the biggest curated fine craft event of the year in New Brunswick! Shop from Craft NB’s juried members at the UNB Grand Hall in Uptown Saint John at our three-day festival! From Ceramics to photography, printmaking, woodworking, jewellery and so much more! Support your local craft community and shop directly from the source this holiday season. Details
December 1 – 3, 2023
December 1 | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
December 2 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
December 3 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Marco Polo Cruise Terminal, 111 Water Street, Saint John
Admission is 5$ per person. Kids under 12 are free, Free parking
Olde Tyme Christmas
Join Bates Barn for a fun family day out and an artists’ craft fair, where everything is made locally. Many activities for the whole family including games for children and prizes. And we can’t forget about Santa, anxious to greet the kids. We will take your pictures for you with Santa – $10/sitting. Times & numbers will be limited as Santa is only with us from 12:30 to 1:30. Details
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Bates barn, 918 Route 850, Long Point
$3 at the door. Accepting non-perishable food items for the Hampton Food Bank. Photos with Santa $10/sitting
Hampton’s Winter Wonderland in the Town Square
Kick-off the holiday season with a full day of family-friendly winter activities taking place around Hampton. Details
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | All Day
Various Locations, Town of Hampton
Free
Free Christmas Skate
Enjoy the Town of Hampton’s Annual Christmas Skate with music, lights and festive decorations. Helmets are required for all skaters. Stop by the canteen for a free Christmas treat. Details
Friday, December 22, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Hampton Community Centre, 808 Main Street, Hampton
Free
Christmas in the Village
Join the Village of St Martins’ businesses for a unique holiday shopping experience. The businesses will transform to offer a selection of beautiful hand-crafted, locally-made gifts, food and fun for everyone on your list. Stop to see vendors at various businesses. Details
November 25 – 26, December 2 – 3, 2023
Village of St. Martins
Free
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.