Things to Do during Winter/Christmas Holidays in St. John’s

Get out of the house, and keep busy this holiday season. There is a lot to do in St. John’s to enjoy the winter and keep the boredom away. If you are not a fan of the snow, there are still fun things to keep you busy in St. John’s. Here are some fun activities to do with your kids during the upcoming Winter holidays.

I. Go Sledding

Pippy Park

Spend a day in one of Canada’s greatest urban parks sledding with the family. There are a number of hills to pick from around the park. Pippy Park is well-known for being a great spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. They also offer rentals if you need some equipment.

Bowring Park

Bowring Park is often call the best place to go sledding in St. John. There are number hills that you can pick from around the park. Like any other park, you should make sure that it safe to sled before going down the hill.

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Here is another past photo I consider special to me. Not only is the photo special to me but the park itself is. It is a beautiful place anytime of year, especially during Christmas when all the lights make the place into a true winter wonderland. On the night I shot this it was during a fresh snowfall and very little wind. The trees were covered in snow allowing the lights to light up the trees with all it's colours. After a few shots I was excited to see what I had on my camera's screen. With the snow, lights and calm winds as well as some adjustments in camera I captured what I thought was the magical feeling you get when you walk through this park during Christmas. Since that time this photo has been shared and viewed in the thousands. It was featured on Canada AM. It hangs on many walls. I think the reason it has been shared by so many is because the feeling you get when you see it. It is the same feeling you get when you walk that park during a fresh snowfall with all the lights on at night. As a photographer you try to capture the feeling of a place every time you go out to shoot. But there are some shots that just come together because of other elements. I think this was one of them. That is why this shot is special to me 😊 #newfoundland #newfoundlandandlabrador #explorenl #nfld #709 #bestkind #yyt #winter #winterscene #theoutsideproject #winteriscoming #chasinglight #Christmas #christmaslights #bowringpark #stjohns #stjohnsnl #explorenewfoundland #enjoynewfoundland #winterwonderland #folkscenery #explorecanada #canada

A post shared by Newfoundland Photos (@gord_follett_photography) on Nov 19, 2018 at 12:41pm PST

Victoria Park

Sledding at Victoria Park can be lot of fun. There are some posted rules at Victoria Park to keep both you, your family and other sliders safe.

II. Skating

The Loop at Bannerman Park

Bannerman Park is iconic for its long history and being the oldest park in Newfoundland. During the winter, The Loop is open for skaters. Spend a lazy day skating around the loop.

Mile One Centre

Take the family skating this holiday season at the Mile One Centre. Just be sure to check the schedule for the Mile One Centre to see when there are public skate times offered.

III. More Outdoor Fun

Pet the Animals at Lester’s Farm until December 23, 2018

Just because it is winter, does not mean that you cannot have fun on the farm. The animals at Lester’s farm always look forward to visitors. You can also pick up your Christmas tree during your visit.

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Good morning! We are pleased to be partnering with Kings photography this year to have pictures at the farm. Here’s some details: Dates: December 2 and 16 Time: 10-3 Cost: $15 for a 5×7 print (printing to be done on site) plus a digital image. This will be a first come, first served basis. The pictures will be inside greenhouse 6. Stop by for some beautiful pictures today!

A post shared by Lester's Farm Market (@lestersfarmmarket) on Dec 2, 2017 at 4:53am PST

Snowshoe the East Coast Trail

The East Coast Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in Atlantic Canada. In the winter, the trail becomes a great spot to snowshoe and even to cross-country ski. There are a number of trails that are conveniently interconnected for you to explore.

Merry & Bright at Memorial University – Botanical Garden until December 22nd

The MUN Botanical Garden is the home of a spectacular light display in the evening. During the Merry & Bright Holiday Light Festival, you can take a winter stroll, enjoy hot chocolate and be amazed by the beautiful light displays.

IV. Indoor Fun

Craft Council

A mixture of art gallery and clay studio, the Craft Council is great place to spend a day. The clay studio offers classes, so you can learn how to create your own holiday gifts this year. The art gallery will be hosting two exhibits until December 23, 2018, ‘It’s a Cruel Yule’ by Janet Peter and ‘Comfort & Joy’.

Paul Reynolds Community Centre Indoor Swimming Pool

The pool at the Paul Reynolds Community Centre has been closed for maintenance and is planning to be re-opened on December 9, 2018. After re-opening, public swims will take place every day of the week, at different times. The pool will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

H.G.R Mews Community Centre Indoor Swimming Pool

Take a dip in the pool at the H.G.R. Mews Community Centre. There is a public swim everyday along with family swims. The pool will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Wallnuts Climbing Centre

Work some energy off by rocking climbing at the Wallnuts Climbing Centre. This fun rock climbing gym is open from 12 pm to 9 pm or 10 pm depending on the night. There are lessons to teach you the basics and to test your skills.

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NL Junior Team crusher @alida_zed going for the send during last year's Bloc on the Rock qualifiers! Hope you're getting stoked for this year's comp on Nov 25! Register in person, by phone, or online 🙌 . . . . . #bouldering #climbnl #bouldernl #climbing #bouldercomp #routesetting

A post shared by Wallnuts Climbing Centre (@climbwallnuts) on Nov 9, 2018 at 9:24am PST

Frontline Action Indoor Action Centre

Frontline Action is a one-stop centre for all your indoor fun. Enjoy a round of paintball or laser tag with your friends, or just have a great time bouncing around in the fun Bouncy Castles with the kids. They also have splatmaster, airsoft, nerf, icombat and more to keep you busy this holiday season.

V. Christmas and New Year’s Celebrations

Christmas in St. John’s

New Year’s Eve in St. John’s

Christmas Eve Sleigh Ride, Boxing Day Brunch and New Year’s Eve Dinner at Lester Farm

You do not want to miss this magical night. Lester Farm is having horse-drawn sleigh rides from 10 am to 4:30 pm on Christmas Eve. Horse-drawn sleigh rides are a holiday classic, and the pair of majestic Percheron horses will gently pull the sleigh through the snow.

Make sure to leave some room for all the delectable food that is served during the Boxing Day Brunch at Lester Farm. There will be all your breakfast favorites, including eggs, bacon, toutons, pancakes, pastries and much more. It will be a lot of fun for both adults and children.

Experience New Year’s Eve like no other at Lester’s Farm Chalet. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride around the farm. While you are at the farm, you can enjoy a glass of wine and a yummy meal made with fresh local vegetables. This is a great way of ringing in the New Year with your significant other.

Christmas Eve Brunch – Indian Style at NJ’s Kitchen

Try something new this holiday season with a Christmas Eve Brunch at NJ’s Kitchen. There is going to be lots of vegan dishes in the buffet for you to try. These Bangladeshi style dishes will warm you from the inside and are a unique twist on a holiday buffet.

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NJ's Kitchen now can say the biggest Indian Buffet in the city. About 20 items in the buffet now only for $19.99. Lowest price per items. Also we have upgraded our Restaurant Ambiance to give a better festive vibe because Holidays ahead. Come see us when you get chance.

A post shared by NJ's Kitchen (@njskitchen) on Nov 27, 2018 at 8:44am PST

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