Winter Break 2025–2026: Family-Friendly Activities in Charlottetown
Spend time with your friends and family, and have fun this Christmas holiday in Charlottetown. A quick winter escape to Charlottetown is the perfect way to break up your routine with a burst of winter activities. Listed below, you will find some interesting and fun activities to do this Christmas holiday season in Charlottetown: December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
More Fun Things to Do During Winter Break
Charlottetown Christmas Festival
Celebrate the season with Christmas Town’s Whoville-inspired displays, Yuletide Horse & Wagon Rides, and festive live shows at Confederation Centre and Trailside Music Hall. Shop unique gifts at the Mistletoe Market (until Dec 21). Holiday magic awaits! November 21, 2025 – January 2, 2026
Magical Christmas Light Displays in PEI
Live Music and Theatre
- Elf: The Musical on November 28 – 29 & December 5 – 7, 12 – 13, 19 – 20, 2025 at Florence Simmons Performance Hall
- The Gift of the Magi on December 17 – 21, 2025 at The Watermark Theatre
- A Kenny & Dolly Christmas with Kelley, Keelin, Christine & Roland on December 20 – 21, 2025 at Trailside Music Hall
- Candlelight: Christmas Classics on Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 8:30 PM at St. James Presbyterian Church
- Big Shiny Tunes – Big Tribute Show on December 23, 2025 | 8:00 PM at Trailside Music Hall
- Boxing Day Bash w/ Logan Richard & Friends on Friday, December 26, 2025 | 8:00 PM at Trailside Music Hall
- Fairytale of New York on select dates, November 20 – December 20, 2025, at Rodd Charlottetown Hotel
- Blink 182 Tribute w/ Blink 902 on December 27, 2025 | 8:00 PM at Trailside Music Hall
- Liam Corcoran Band – Newbridge – The Meds – December 28, 2025 | 8:00 PM at Trailside Music Hall
- NYE with After Hours Band on December 31, 2025 | 7:00 PM & 10:00 PM at Trailside Music Hall
- Museum Pieces and Shane Pendergast on January 2, 2026 | 8:00 PM at Trailside Music Hall
- NEBO w/ Sweet Gale on January 3, 2026 | 8:00 PM at Trailside Music Hall
Family-Friendly Events
Holiday Kitchen Party: Bring your friends, family, or staff party to this wonderful evening of dinner and joyous holiday music. Through December, The Lounge offers a Holiday Meal Special, a 3-course Turkey Dinner will all the fixings (entirely gluten free). December 4 – 6, 11 – 13, 18 – 20, 2025
Breakfast with Santa: Round up the kiddies, come enjoy some yummy brunch, and visit with Santa! Santa will be making his rounds to select restaurants & cafes for breakfast visits every weekend during the Charlottetown Christmas Festival. Saturdays & Sundays, November 29 – December 21, 2025
Deck The Hall: From culinary tastings to children’s programming and holiday movies to ice sculpting, you won’t want to miss these festive events!! Fridays – Sundays, December 5 – 21, 2025
Sports
Charlottetown Islanders
Cheer the hometown team playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Details
- vs. Saint John Sea Dogs on Monday, December 29, 2025 | 7:00 PM
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.
The city and its surroundings offer a variety of outdoor activities, from thrilling sports to serene nature explorations.
Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park: Experience a day of adventure at Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park in Brookvale. Enjoy Alpine and Nordic skiing, or try fat biking and snowshoeing if skiing isn’t your style. Thrill-seekers can tube down snowy hills, while beginners can join snow school for lessons with trained instructors.
Winter River Trail: Immerse yourself in nature along the Winter River Trail, just five kilometers from Charlottetown. This picturesque trail winds through a white spruce forest with serene river lookouts. Ideal for hiking year-round, it transforms into a snowy wonderland during winter, perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures.
Go on a Sleigh Ride: Enjoy the crisp winter air with a cozy sleigh ride at Great Northern Adventure, located minutes from Charlottetown. Suitable for all group sizes, these magical rides provide a memorable way to embrace the season’s charm and create lasting holiday memories with loved ones.
Snowshoeing: This winter, discover Charlottetown in a new light by snowshoeing through its parks and trails. Explore the city solo or with friends, taking in the peaceful landscapes and creating unique memories.
Bell Aliant Centre: Bring the family to the Bell Aliant Centre for a day of fun and activity. Lace up your skates for public skating sessions or cheer on local hockey teams at thrilling games. If you prefer the water, dive into the aquatic facility’s indoor pool for a warm and relaxing swim.
Go Bird Watching: Engage with nature by spotting winter birds in their element. Grab binoculars, download a bird ID app, and identify species showcasing fascinating adaptations to the cold. For a challenge, join a Christmas Bird Count or observe feathered visitors at your backyard feeder.
Visit Local Attractions & Entertainment Centres
Exploring Charlottetown and its surrounding areas offers plenty of opportunities for indoor fun this season.
Confederation Centre Art Gallery: The Confederation Centre Art Gallery showcases historic and contemporary Canadian art through diverse exhibitions, including paintings, sculptures, digital works, and more. With four main halls, smaller spaces, and outdoor public sculptures, it offers a dynamic exploration of Canada’s artistic identity and cultural evolution.
Strikers Den: Strikers Den, in downtown Charlottetown, offers tabletop dexterity games from around the world and an extensive selection of board games to play or buy.
PEI Escape Rooms: Test your wits and teamwork at PEI Escape Rooms! Solve puzzles, find clues, and escape the room within an hour.
East Coast Art Party: Join East Coast Art Party for a fun, guided painting experience that’s perfect for all skill levels—no experience needed! Talented artists will lead you step-by-step to create your masterpiece. Choose from in-person or virtual events and enjoy a memorable, creative time with friends, family, or on your own!
The Alley: Enjoy a glowing bowling experience at The Alley with 14 vibrant, glow-in-the-dark lanes perfect for families. Kids can play with gutter blockers, while all players enjoy convenient lane-side food and drinks. Each 75-minute session accommodates six people, ensuring a memorable time with 5-pin bowling and plenty of laughs.
Seven’s Pinballorama: Step into a nostalgic arcade paradise at Seven’s Pinballorama in Cornwall, featuring Canada’s largest collection of classic pinball machines. With games ranging from the 1960s to today—and rare gems from the 1930s to 1950s—this venue is part museum, part arcade.
PonyBoat Social Club: Celebrate the season with friends at PonyBoat Social Club, a 6,000-square-foot venue offering games, activities, casual eats, and craft cocktails.
All About Golf: Perfect your swing at All About Golf, where state-of-the-art simulators offer the experience of playing world-renowned courses. For a full-game challenge, tackle the indoor 18-hole golf course.
Happy Potter: Unleash your creativity at Happy Potter in Stratford, where you can paint premade pottery or craft your own masterpiece. Beyond pottery, families can enjoy fun activities like slime-making and fused glass art.
COWS Creamery: Treat yourself to the award-winning ice cream and cheese at COWS Creamery. Take a factory tour to learn how their delicious treats are made and sample some along the way. Even in winter, this Charlottetown staple is a must-visit for foodies.
City Cinema: Catch a film in a cozy, intimate setting at City Cinema. Enjoy indie films, old classics, or the latest blockbusters. Check their daily schedule online and settle in for a relaxing movie night in one of the city’s best-kept cinematic secrets.
Charlottetown Farmers’ Market: Experience the charm of the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market, open every Saturday year-round. Browse fresh produce, baked goods, arts, and crafts from local vendors. It’s the perfect spot to shop for unique gifts, delicious treats, and a taste of PEI’s creativity.









