Experience the best holiday highlights in St. John's! Our guide showcases all the must-see events and activities. From St. John's devotees to first-time explorers, our guide is your gateway to seasonal celebrations.
One of the beloved traditions is the Christmas Tree Lighting, where the community gathers to witness festive lights illuminating the city. Unique to this season, the Downtown St. John's Christmas Parade features lively floats and local performances that celebrate the spirit of the holidays. And the Santa Claus Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a delightful procession that brings joy to families and visitors alike. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around St. John's
- Santa Claus Parade
- Christmas Tree Lighting
- Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade
- Light Walk at Manuels River (Conception Bay South)
- The Irish Descendants Christmas
- A Night(mare) Before Christmas
- Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol
- 12 Beers of Christmas
- St. Martins Christmas Celebrations (St. Martins)
- St. Andrews Christmas by the Sea (St. Andrews)
See these and even more events listed below!
St. John's Holiday Light Displays
Light Walk at Manuels River
What to Expect:
Holiday light walk along a natural river trail.
Description:
Take a delightful stroll along Manuels River, featuring a colorful display of holiday lights. The walk spans approximately 550 meters and starts at the upper Manuels River parking lot or Gallagher Walk entrance near the river. The light display is weather-dependent and includes pedestrian-activated crosswalks and a lit pedestrian underpass for added safety.
Where: Conception Bay South | More Info: Light Walk at Manuels River
St. Martins Christmas Celebrations
What to Expect:
Vibrant holiday decorations and community events.
Description:
St. Martins Christmas Celebrations feature beautifully decorated streets, holiday markets, and community events that bring the community together to celebrate the season.
Where: St. Martins | More Info: St. Martins Christmas Celebrations
Lobster trap Christmas tree
What to Expect:
Unique buoy-decorated tree supporting the local food bank.
Description:
The Lobster Trap Christmas Tree is a festive holiday display in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, featuring a tree decorated with buoys to support the local food bank. The tree is a central part of the town's holiday celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere with its unique and meaningful decorations.
Where: St. Andrews | More Info: Lobster trap Christmas tree
St. John's Holiday Markets and Shopping
St. Andrews Christmas by the Sea
What to Expect:
Holiday shopping with special promotions and live music.
Description:
St. Andrews Christmas by the Sea is a festive celebration featuring holiday shopping, special promotions, and live music. Participating businesses are decorated for the season, offering a delightful shopping experience with various treats and entertainment.
Where: St. Andrews | More Info: St. Andrews Christmas by the Sea
St. John's Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Spectacular parade with over 60,000 spectators featuring Santa and various festive elements.
Description:
The Downtown St. Johns Christmas Parade features Santa Claus, colorful characters, zany clowns, beautiful floats, marching bands, cheerleaders, and performing groups. The parade begins at the Fort William Building and travels through historic Downtown St. Johns, ending at Springdale Street.
Where: St. John's | More Info: Santa Claus Parade
Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Spectacular parade with over 60,000 spectators.
Description:
The Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade features Santa and his friends, colorful characters, floats, marching bands, and cheerleaders, making its way through historic Downtown St. John’s.
Where: St. John's | More Info: Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade
The Irish Descendants Christmas
What to Expect:
Authentic Newfoundland folk music with an Irish twist.
Description:
The Irish Descendants Christmas features multi award-winning Newfoundland folk group, The Irish Descendants, joined by Mark Manning and Aaron Collis of Rum Ragged, performing traditional East Coast music with an Irish twist.
Where: St. John's | More Info: The Irish Descendants Christmas
A Night(mare) Before Christmas
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performance of a beloved stop-motion classic.
Description:
Join the FILMharmonic Orchestra for a concert featuring Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, with Danny Elfman's iconic score. The event follows Jack Skellington's misguided adventures as he attempts to take over Christmas, led by Maestro Erik Ochsner.
Where: St. John's | More Info: A Night(mare) Before Christmas
Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
One-person adaptation with lively audience participation.
Description:
In this one-person adaptation of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge navigates a transformative Christmas Eve, encountering three ghosts who challenge his miserly ways. With zippy dialogue and impressive physical comedy, this show is a tradition for generations of Nova Scotian families.
Where: St. John's | More Info: Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol
Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet performance featuring classic choreography and elaborate costumes, showcasing the artistry of Kittiwake Dance Theatre.
Where: St. John's | More Info: Nutcracker Ballet
Holiday Plays
What to Expect:
Meet-and-greet passes available with world-class figure skaters.
Description:
The Stars on Ice Holiday Tour features world-class figure skaters performing in various cities across Canada, including Corner Brook, St. Johns, Sarnia, Belleville, Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, Medicine Hat, Kitchener, Moose Jaw, and Red Deer. The tour includes meet-and-greet passes for a limited number of attendees.
Where: St. John's | More Info: Holiday Plays
St. John's Holiday Giving Opportunities
Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Honoring loved ones through personalized light dedications.
Description:
St. John's Illumination of Love is an annual event honoring and remembering special individuals. Funds raised support the personal needs of residents with limited financial means, providing adaptive clothing, shoes, eyeglasses, and other items to support their hobbies.
Where: St. John's | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting
St. John's Other Holiday Activities
12 Beers of Christmas
What to Expect:
Sampling local and international craft beers, ciders, and seltzers.
Description:
The 12 Beers of Christmas is an exclusive event where attendees can sample a variety of local and international craft beers, ciders, and seltzers. The event features a tasting glass and an event passport, offering a unique experience for beer enthusiasts.
Where: St. John's | More Info: 12 Beers of Christmas
Conception Bay South Santa Parade
What to Expect:
Traditional Santa Claus parade with community participation.
Description:
The Conception Bay South Santa Parade is an annual event featuring a festive procession through the town, bringing joy and excitement to residents and visitors alike.
Where: Conception Bay South | More Info: Conception Bay South Santa Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Mount Pearl (5 miles)