Keep the boredom away and enjoy the snow this winter holiday in Charlottetown. It is a winter wonderland out there, and there is so much to do in and around the city.
Spend some time with your friends and family, and have fun this winter. Taking 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 23, 2023 to January 7, 2024.
Things to Do on Christmas Day in Charlottetown
Christmas and New Year’s Celebrations
See the Holiday Lights on Victoria Row
Magical Christmas Light Displays in PEI
Holiday Magic on the Plaza
See the Confederation Centre of the Arts come to life with a magical holiday-themed projection and musical show. The lights, projected on the Grafton Street façade will be on until January 2, 2024.
Charlottetown Christmas Festival
The 2024 Charlottetown Christmas Festival features and a variety of signature events. Lots of other festive events like Breakfasts with Santa,horse & wagon rides, children’s entertainment & more. Come make all your holiday getaway dreams come true in Charlottetown’s storybook setting. On until January 2, 2024.
Welcome the New Year
Countdown to the New Year in the city. There are lots of fun events to welcome 2024.
Capital New Year, concluding the Charlottetown Christmas Festival, offers an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. This family-friendly event features giveaways, face painting, ice carving, live entertainment by Swift Kick, and a stunning fireworks display at 7 pm. Join the festivities at Founders’ Food Hall & Market on December 31 from 3-8pm.
New Year’s Eve in Charlottetown
Annual New Year’s Run
Give wings to your new year resolution. Welcome, 2024, by joining the annual 5K and 1K run. Details
Sunday, December 31, 2023, 11 a.m.
Charlottetown Running Room
160 Great George Street, Charlottetown
$15 – $60
Other Fun Activities/Events
Charlottetown Islanders
Bathurst Vs Charlottetown Friday, December 29, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Saint John Vs Charlottetown Friday, January 5, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Halifax Vs Charlottetown Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 3:00 PM
Eastlink Centre Hockey, 46 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown
$16 – $24
Live Music
- Amanda Jackson w/ Route 225 on Saturday, December 23 | 8 p.m. @ Trailside Music Hall, 155 Kent St., Charlottetown
- Liam Corcoran Album Release Show w/ KINLEY on Tuesday, December 26 | 8 p.m. @ Trailside Music Hall, 155 Kent St., Charlottetown
- More Soul on Wednesday, December 27 | 8 p.m. @ Trailside Music Hall, 155 Kent St., Charlottetown
- The Love Junkies on Thursday, December 28 | 8 p.m. @ Trailside Music Hall, 155 Kent St., Charlottetown
- Nolan Compton on Friday, December 29 | 8 p.m. @ Trailside Music Hall, 155 Kent St., Charlottetown
- Coyote w/ Wrong Planet Band on Saturday, December 30 | 8 p.m. @ Trailside Music Hall, 155 Kent St., Charlottetown
- Wharf Rats: Grateful Dead Tribute Band on Friday, January 5 | 8:00 p.m. @ Trailside Music Hall, 155 Kent St., Charlottetown
- Christine Campbell & Blake Johnston on Saturday, January 6 | 8:00 p.m. @ Trailside Music Hall, 155 Kent St., Charlottetown
Skiing and Trails
Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park
Take a short drive and hit the slopes at Brookvale Provincial Ski Park, where they offer both Alpine and Nordic skiing. If skiing is not your thing, there is also fatbiking and snowshoeing that you can try. You can also tube down the hills. If you have never skied before, there are snow schools that have trained skiing instructors who can help you get started.
Winter River Trail
Winter River Trail is only five kilometres from Charlottetown. The trail will take you through a white spruce forest and has river lookouts along the way. The trail is great for hiking all year round. During the winter, the trail is great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Go on a Sleigh Ride
Cozy up and feel the crisp winter on your face at Great Northern Adventure. Located just 5 minutes outside of Charlottetown, Great Northern Adventure offers sleigh rides for all group sizes.
Snowshoeing in the City
Bell Aliant Centre
Grab your skates and head to the Bell Aliant Centre for some fun. Check the arena schedule to see when there is a public skate that you can take part in. There are also hockey games that you can watch or take a dip in the pool at the aquatic facility if you like to swim.
Go Bird Watching
Birding is a fun activity to do in winter. What are the popular winter birds that you can spot? Can you notice any winter adaptation changes in them? Grab a pair of binoculars, download a bird ID app, and try to name all the birds that you can spot. Do a Christmas Bird Count. If you don’t want to venture outside, do an unofficial count of the birds that visit your bird feeder.
Visit Indoor Attractions
Plan to visit attractions across the city for an indoor fun time.
The Alley
The Alley offers a festive, family-friendly bowling experience with 14 glow-in-the-dark lanes, gutter blockers for kids, and 75-minute sessions. Each lane seats six, offering 5-pin bowling and convenient lane-side food and drink service.
Seven’s Pinballorama
Head to Cornwall for pinball galore! Seven’s Pinballorama is not just Canada’s largest classic pinball arcade but also a nostalgic journey through pinball history. With machines ranging from the early 1960s to brand new ones, and occasionally rare pieces from the 1930s to 1950s, it’s part museum, part arcade. Offering an all-you-can-play experience with an hourly rate, every machine is set to free play, eliminating the need for quarters or tokens. It’s a unique destination for endless fun and a dive into pinball’s colorful past.
PonyBoat Social Club
Over the holidays, gather with friends at PonyBoat Social Club, PEI’s unique 6,000-square-foot venue. It’s the ideal spot for festive meetups, offering games, activities, casual eats, local beer, and craft cocktails.
All About Golf
Practice your swing inside this winter at All About Golf. Their golfing simulators allow you to practice and even play on some of the best courses in the world. If you want a real-life experience, there is an indoor 18-hole golf course that you can play a round on.
Happy Potter
COWS Creamery
Most people do not think about ice cream in winter. However, ice cream is still a yummy treat in the middle of winter. COWS Creamery is a Charlottetown staple and has been named “Best Ice Cream in Canada.” You can take a factory tour and enjoy a sample of their cheese and ice cream.
City Cinema
The City Cinema showcases indie movies, old classics, and newest blockbusters. You should check their website daily to see what is playing.
Charlottetown Farmers’ Market
Since it is open every Saturday during the year, the Charlottetown Farmer’s Market is a great option if you want to shop local this year. Vendors from across PEI come to the market each week with their produce, baked goods, arts and crafts and much more.
Children’s Activities
Keep your child engaged at home with these fun activities.