Picture this: Snow is lightly falling, cheeks are rosy, laughter fills the air, and the night sky shines bright under the twinkling lights. It’s the most magical (yet hectic) time of the year! Eliminate some holiday stress and spend time with loved ones with these 8 low-cost holiday season activities.
Holiday Markets & Craft Shows
It’s beginning to look a lot like: Holiday Market and Craft Show season! Fredericton has a large variety of holiday markets and craft shows in local communities. Whether you are looking for the perfect locally made gift or to indulge in the sweetness of the season, Fredericton has you covered.
Find the perfect holiday market and craft show here.
Downtown Spectacular & Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season at Downtown Spectacular on November 28. Enjoy the Mayor’s Tree Lighting in front of City Hall, festive treats and live music! Head over to Barracks Square to continue the fun with a pop-up tree lot, fire tables, holiday shopping deals at local stores and more.
View the full list of festivities: Downtown Spectacular and Mayor's Tree Lighting
Santa Claus Parade
Santa Claus is coming to town on November 29 for the Santa Claus Parade! Experience youthful delight with the floats, and festive music. Maybe even grab hot chocolate and candy canes while you take in the parade. It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year.
Public Skates
Hear the bells ring, are you listening? Outdoor rinks are soon opening. It’s best to practice your skating skills at the Free Public Skates in our arenas before the outdoor skating season starts. If that’s not enough motivation to get on the ice think about all the incredible skates at Officers’ Square during FROSTival…. Now is the time to finally learn how to stop on those skates.
Sharpen your skates and get to the rink nearest you! Check out the Public Skate Schedule.
Recreational Swims & Aquatic Fitness
Brrrr it’s getting chilly out there. Warm up in the swirl pool and sauna at the Fredericton Indoor Pool. While you’re there, dive into a recreational public swim or a lap swim. Looking to spice up your fitness routine? Try an aquatic fitness class like aqua Zumba, aquatic stretching, and aquacise. Our incredible instructors can’t wait to meet you.
Don't wait, sign up for the next class now!
Senior Centre
It’s time for Festive Fun at the Fredericton Senior Centre! From December 1 – 16 try your hand at felt ornament making, build the most impressive gingerbread house, satisfy your sweet tooth with the cookie social and more! While you’re there, learn more about all the amazing seasonal programs, classes and workshops the Fredericton Senior Centre offers.
Learn more about Festive Fun at the Fredericton Senior Centre.
Fieldhouse
Jack Frost might be nipping your toes, but don’t put those sneakers away just yet. The Fieldhouse is open weekly, offering open gym, youth activities and access to the weight room! Come to play the court sport of your choice or check out the youth room and mini skatepark in the mezzanine. If working out is more your style down the hall, you’ll find a weight room featuring treadmills, barbells, free weights and more!
For the weekly fieldhouse schedule, you can follow our Facebook page. To register for membership or drop-in time, click here.
Holiday Lights
Downtown Fredericton and Business Fredericton North make the community bright every holiday season with beautiful light displays. Take a walk under the simmering lights on the Northside and Southside trails along the icy Wolastoq (Saint John River). Remember to keep warm and wear your Santa hats.
Don’t forget to bring your cameras- we want to see the lights too!
With all these festive holiday activities, how do you choose just one? Good thing you don’t have to! Find more holiday fun by following Fredericton Recreation and Culture on Facebook or by viewing Fredericton Capital Tourisms Calendar of Events.