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Winter Break 2025–2026: Family-Friendly Activities in Fredericton
Make this winter break unforgettable with a mix of festive lights, outdoor adventures, and indoor fun. Enjoy these family-friendly activities from December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
More Fun Things to Do During Winter Break
See Holiday Lights
The holiday season in Fredericton shines bright with enchanting light displays and festive events that bring the community together. Explore these magical attractions and celebrate the joy of winter with family and friends.
- Downtown Lights: Explore downtown and the Christmas lights at the City Hall and the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick.
- Light Up Riverview: Come together over hot cocoa and festive carols to light up the Town and make the pines along the Petitcodiac sparkle. November 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Pine Grove Festival of Lights: Decorated Christmas trees light up the grounds of Pine Grove Nursing Home.
Magical Christmas Light Displays in New Brunswick
Live Music, Theatre & Family-Friendly Events
- Home For Christmas on December 19 – 21, 2025 at Fredericton Playhouse
- Cinderella: Dufflebag Theatre on Saturday, December 27, 2025 | 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM at Fredericton Playhouse
Christmas and Holiday Events in Fredericton
Family Friendly Events
Explore art, music, and festive traditions that create lasting memories and celebrate the magic of this special time of year.
- Christmas Village Aglow: Witness shining Christmas lights illuminating the past at Kings Landing, where the warmth of community fills the crisp evening air. Wednesday through Sunday, November 26 to December 21 & Saturday and Sunday, December 27 and 28, 2025
- Christmas at the King’s Head Inn: Enjoy Christmas music, a delicious meal, and treats like Port, walnut toffee, and gingerbread cookies. November 21 – 23, 27 – 30, December 3 – 7, 10 – 14, 17 – 21, 2025
- Clash 40: Christmas Clash 2: At Clash 40: Christmas Clash, Former “2-time” Champion “Rugged” Rick Owens Will Square off against The NBWA Heavyweight Champion Nick Strong! December 20, 2025
- Canadian Folk Art: This vibrant display celebrates the charm and creativity of Canadian folk art, featuring beloved works by Maud Lewis, Joe Norris, and other celebrated self-taught artists. The exhibit runs at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery from April 10, 2025 to January 31, 2026.
Outdoor Winter Adventures
Winter in Fredericton is a magical time, offering a wide array of outdoor adventures and seasonal experiences. Embrace the charm of the season with these top attractions and activities.
- Crabbe Mountain: Crabbe Mountain boasts the largest vertical drop and best skiing and snowboarding terrain in Atlantic Canada. Just 45 minutes from Fredericton, this ski hill offers trails for all skill levels, plus over 30 km of snowshoeing and Nordic skiing.
- Odell Park: Step into a winter wonderland at Odell Park, where snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tranquil winter walks await. Set within Fredericton’s Old Growth Forest, the park offers peace and solitude alongside outdoor skating fun for families.
- Wostawea Ski Club: Explore Fredericton’s extensive cross-country skiing scene with the Wostawea Ski Club. Operating mainly out of Killarney Lake Park and Lodge, the club maintains trails across UNB Woodlot and Kingswood Golf Course.
- Mactaquac Provincial Park: Located just 30 minutes from Fredericton, Mactaquac Provincial Park is a hub for winter fun. Enjoy tobogganing, pond skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even snowmobile rides. The park features lit trails for night activities and rentals for various equipment. For an adventurous twist, camp in tents or shelters with a reservation.
- Sandwith’s Sleigh Rides: Experience winter magic with Sandwith’s Sleigh Rides, a family-friendly attraction near Fredericton. Enjoy a bonfire, sliding hill, and playground amidst a picturesque setting. For a more intimate experience, book a private evening event with charcuterie boards and soak in the cozy charm of this unique adventure.
- Devil’s Oven Ice Caves: Plan a day trip to the stunning Devil’s Oven Ice Caves near Minto, a mesmerizing destination during freezing weather. Accessible by a walk along an icy river, the caves showcase multi-colored icicles and breathtaking frozen walls. Safety is key, so only visit under stable ice conditions for a memorable winter adventure.
- Skating: Fredericton’s indoor skating options provide a great way to stay active and enjoy the winter season.
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- Grant-Harvey Centre: Featuring an Olympic-sized ice surface, the Grant-Harvey Centre is a premier destination for skating in Fredericton
- York Arena: The York Arena is Fredericton’s longest-serving arena, steeped in history.
- Willie O’Ree Place: Willie O’Ree Place boasts two NHL-sized ice surfaces, making it ideal for skating and holiday games.
- Lady Beaverbrook Arena: The Lady Beaverbrook Arena features a 190 ft by 82 ft ice surface tailored for figure skating, hockey, and speed skating.
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For more fun, see:
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.
Visit Local Attractions & Entertainment Centres
Fredericton offers a vibrant mix of attractions and events to enjoy this winter, blending creativity, exploration, and family fun. Dive into art, adventure, and local culture with these engaging activities, perfect for the season.
- Beaverbrook Art Gallery: Discover the Beaverbrook Art Gallery’s extensive Permanent Collection, featuring over 5,000 works, including iconic British and Canadian art. Current exhibitions showcase artists like Shane Perley-Dutcher, Edward Burtynsky, and Jennifer Pazienza, while upcoming shows feature Joseph Kashetsky and Kenojuak Ashevak.
- Quartermain Earth Science Centre: Uncover the wonders of geology at the Quartermain Earth Science Centre, housed in UNB’s historic Forestry & Geology building. Interactive exhibits, programs, and displays delve into Earth’s fascinating processes, making learning fun for all ages.
- Kingswood Resort: Kingswood Resort delivers over 80,000 square feet of fun, featuring bowling, a cosmic zone, and activities for all ages. Enjoy tasty treats at the food court, with options like Pizza Hut and Café.
- Fredericton Bouldering Co-op: Experience indoor climbing excitement at Fredericton Bouldering Co-op, catering to all skill levels. With classes, group events, and drop-in sessions, it’s ideal for staying active and social during winter.
- Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market: Spend Saturday mornings at the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, a beloved spot for fresh, local goods. Shop for seasonal produce, baked treats, handcrafted gifts, and more while enjoying locally roasted coffee.
- Clay Café: Unleash your inner artist at the Clay Café, offering over 300 pottery items to paint. Create personalized holiday gifts or enjoy a relaxing time crafting mugs, vases, and more.
- Unplugged: A Board Games Café: Gather at Unplugged, New Brunswick’s first board game café, with over 700 family-friendly games to enjoy. Pair the fun with delicious finger foods in this fully licensed café, creating a welcoming atmosphere for gamers of all ages.
