Winter Break 2025–2026: Family-Friendly Activities in Moncton
Enjoy the winter holidays with your friends and family when you explore Moncton. If you are wondering what is going on during the winter holidays, from December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, in the greater Moncton area, check out the activities listed below.
More Fun Things to Do During Winter Break
See Holiday Lights
- Light Up Riverview: Experience the magic of Riverview’s Riverfront Trail at night, where multicolored lights illuminate the trees along the Petitcodiac River. Gather with family and friends to enjoy hot cocoa, festive carols, and a sparkling display that draws thousands of visitors each year. November 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Wild Lights at Magnetic Hill Zoo: Step into the enchanting world of Wild Lights, where over hundreds of thousands of lights transform Magnetic Hill Zoo into a glowing spectacle. November 28-30, December 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-23, 26-31, 2025, and January 1-3, 2026.
Magical Christmas Light Displays in New Brunswick
Visit Local Attractions
Dive into Moncton’s vibrant cultural scene with a variety of indoor attractions that spark creativity and offer enriching experiences.
- Resurgo Place: Discover Moncton’s history and innovation at Resurgo Place, an interactive museum that combines local heritage with fun, hands-on exhibits. It offers engaging experiences that highlight the region’s transportation and community development.
- DIY Studio Moncton: Unleash your creativity at DIY Studio Moncton, where you can paint ceramics, create custom crafts, and explore your artistic side.
- Moncton Gallery: Immerse yourself in local art at the Moncton Gallery, showcasing rotating exhibits from talented regional artists. It’s a serene spot to appreciate creativity and connect with the community’s cultural pulse.
- The Clayspace: Get your hands dirty at The Clayspace, a pottery studio where beginners and pros alike can create beautiful ceramics. Join a workshop or take a spin at the pottery wheel for an unforgettable artistic experience.
- Dieppe Arts and Culture Centre: Celebrate arts and culture at the Dieppe Arts and Culture Centre, offering performances, exhibits, and workshops year-round. It’s a hub for creativity and community engagement in the Moncton region.
- Magnetic Hill Zoo: Magnetic Hill Zoo is home to over 600 indigenous and exotic animals, offering a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
- Marche Moncton Market: The Moncton Market is a bustling hub of local talent, featuring fresh farm produce, handcrafted goods, and delicious prepared foods. Open every Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM year-round.
Exciting Indoor Entertainment
Looking for action-packed fun? Moncton’s entertainment centers offer thrilling adventures for everyone, from escape rooms and trampolines to bowling and skateboarding.
- Room Escape Atlantic: Put your problem-solving skills to the test at Room Escape Atlantic, where you can tackle immersive challenges and thrilling puzzles.
- Sky Zone: Bounce your way to fun at Sky Zone, an indoor trampoline park filled with activities like dodgeball, freestyle jumps, and obstacle courses.
- Mystery Moncton: Step into an interactive world of intrigue at Mystery Moncton, where you’ll encounter live-action mysteries and exciting challenges. Work together to solve clues and uncover secrets in this immersive experience.
- Bowlarama: Enjoy a classic bowling experience at Bowlarama, offering state-of-the-art lanes and a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Riverview Indoor Skatepark: Skate enthusiasts can practice their tricks year-round at Riverview Indoor Skatepark. With ramps and obstacles for all skill levels, it’s a haven for skateboarders looking to perfect their moves.
Christmas & Boxing Day
Celebrate the holidays with family-friendly traditions and festive outings this Christmas and Boxing Day, December 25 and 26.
New Year’s Eve Activities
Ring in the New Year with exciting celebrations for all ages. Choose from family-friendly events, runs, and festive parties to welcome 2026 in style.
Live Music, Theatre and Other Family-Friendly Events
- Noël avec Les Muses, les frères Belivo & Roland Gauvin on December 17 – 21, 2025 at Capitol Theatre
- Candlelight: Christmas Classics on December 27, 2025 | 8:30 PM at Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption
- Candlelight: Tribute to Pink Floyd on December 27, 2025 | 6:30 PM at Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption
- Cinderella on December 28, 2025 | 1:00 PM at Capitol Theatre
- Revealing Chignecto: Visitors can explore Chignecto’s shared Mi’kmaq and Acadian past up to the late 18th century via oral history, archaeology, and written records. Illustrated by Réjean Roy, the exhibit features high-quality reproductions of artifacts, oral histories in Mi’kmaq with interpretive text, and interactive maps showing regional changes over time. September 20, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Sports
Moncton Wildcats at Avenir Centre
- vs. Newfoundland Regiment on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 | 7:00 PM
- vs. Charlottetown Islanders on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 4:00 PM
- vs Moncton Wildcats on Saturday, January 3, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Outdoor Winter Adventures
Moncton transforms into a winter wonderland with activities for all ages. Dive into the season’s charm with these must-try experiences that promise family fun, fitness, and creative inspiration.
- Skating: Put on your skates and helmets and enjoy family time at Moncton’s rinks. Public skating is offered at the Ian Fowler Oval, Superior Propane Centre, Crossman Community Centre, and the Moncton Coliseum. Best of all, skating is free every Friday!
- Explore Public Art: Take a self-guided tour of Moncton’s vibrant public art installations, murals, and heritage sites. Use a guide to map your route and discover creative gems across the city. Feeling inspired? Channel your inner artist and create your own artwork to bring home a personal touch of the season.
- Snowshoeing: Enjoy the beauty of Moncton’s winter landscapes through snowshoeing. Explore the 6.9 km footpaths at Irishtown Nature Park, or visit Mapleton Park and Centennial Park for scenic trails. No snowshoes? Rentals are available!
- Mill Creek Nature Park: Experience outdoor adventure at Mill Creek Nature Park, spanning over 500 acres. With more than 15 km of cross-country ski trails and 3 km of marked snowshoe and fat bike trails, it’s a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts.
- Centennial Park: Centennial Park becomes a magical winter destination with sliding hills and two outdoor rinks—one for skating and another for hockey. Bring your sled, skates, or just your sense of adventure to enjoy a fun-filled day at one of Moncton’s most beloved parks.
- Winter Wonderland Park: Riverview’s Winter Wonderland Park offers more than just scenic beauty. It boasts an exciting sliding hill with a snowboarding feature and an outdoor skating rink. Whether you’re sledding or gliding on ice, this park is perfect for making unforgettable winter memories.
- Bird Watching: Winter birding is an engaging and educational activity. Spot seasonal birds, observe their fascinating adaptations, and count how many you can identify using a bird ID app. Participate in a Christmas Bird Count or enjoy a cozy day counting feathered visitors at your backyard feeder.
- Broadleaf Ranch: Experience winter fun at Broadleaf Ranch, nestled in the picturesque Albert County Woodland and Shepody Marshland. Activities include horseback riding, sleigh rides, tobogganing, skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling trails (equipment required). Don’t miss the Adventure Barn or off-site curling.