Christmas at the Manor

Christmas Market

Lady Smith Manor (LSM) nestled in the village of Dorchester, New Brunswick delivers an unforgettable experience at their annual Christmas Market, and this 5th year is lining up to be a showstopper. I can only imagine what LSM owners Miriam Andrews & Stephen Trites have up their sleeves this year. One thing is for sure though, Christmas at the Manor is an absolute delight for all ages and you do not want to miss it. Miriam plans for this event months in advance, then several weeks before opening day, the magical transformation begins. The manor is decorated to the nines, including setting up 20+ Christmas trees, decorating several mantels, and heaps of festively themed vignettes. The reward, Miriam shared, is seeing the smiles on visitors faces. Miriam shoots for the stars for every event she plans, but there seems to be an extra special push to tie up the year in a big spectacular bow for this annual Christmas Market.

Christmas at the Manor’s 2024 festive extravaganza will take place Saturday, November 16 from 11am - 7pm and Sunday, November 17th from 10am - 4pm. Enjoy this glimpse back to Christmas at the Manor events in the past to get a little taste of what you can look forward to, then purchase your tickets through the link at the bottom of this article.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in 2021 was the first LSM Christmas Market I attended. I knew from that first experience, that I had to make this event an annual tradition, and I have to say that Miriam & Stephen have continued to set the bar high year after year with their outstanding festive touches.

A Dicken’s Christmas

Each year, there is an exciting new showcase of fun & festivities to captivate visitors. In 2022, LSM brought us A Dicken’s Christmas. Oh what fun it is year after year to discover the vignettes of pure joy and magic throughout this historic home.

The Nutcracker

In 2023, The Nutcracker was the enchanting theme. There was a fun scavenger hunt, giant nutcrackers to pose with, waltzing snowflakes, a sugarplum fairy & land of sweets display, a mouse king, a golden nutcracker, a tree ornament decorating station, a costume contest, a photo opportunity with Hendricks - The Thirsty Whippet mascot, and so much more.

Local Artisans and Vintage-Inspired Vendors

A curated selection of local artisans and vintage-inspired vendors are invited each year to showcase their hand-crafted products and/or collected vintage items at LSM’s Christmas Market. They are set up in decorative booths throughout the first floor of the manor and outside under tents on the beautiful grounds. Miriam hand-picks 20+ talented, creative vendors for the lineup every single year. Sweet treats, vintage treasures, holiday wreaths, art, leather craft, homeware, decor, candles, jewelry, bath & body products, farm produce, and much more awaits you at Christmas at the Manor.

1840 Georgian Manor

LSM’s 1840 Georgian manor was once the residence of Sir Albert James Smith, former Premier of New Brunswick. In 2019 Miriam and Stephen purchased the manor, and have since been pouring their hearts and souls into extensive renovations. They plan to return this provincial treasure back to its original grandeur. LSM’s Summer and Christmas Markets give nostalgic nods to the events that were once held here. The backdrop of this exquisite manor, along with its 19th & 20th Century antique furnishings, make these events extra special. They deliver one-of-a-kind events.

Christmas at the Manor Grand Door Prize

Christmas At The Manor has an impressive Grand Door Prize Draw each year, so be sure to fill out a ballot. The winner is drawn live on Facebook on the Monday following the market. The coveted basket includes a precious goodie from each vendor. It is a wonderful sample of the products. and items sold by all the local artisans, creators, makers and merchants.

Unique Holiday Gifts & Stocking Stuffers

LSM welcomes visitors to come to their Christmas Market to shop for unique holiday gifts & stocking stuffers, as well as enjoy delectable sweets & treats all made by local makers and creators. Be prepared to be wowed by these talented folks.

Lady Smith Manor Diaries

Miriam has been recording a weekly vlog diary of the renovation progress on this 25-room, 8000 square-foot manor since it all began in 2019. Follow Lady Smith Manor Diaries to see what is new at the manor, and pick up creative techniques, or helpful renovation tips. Miriam also manages a website, with an online shop of branded items, a special LSM coffee blend, and more. She is very active on social media too. In 2021 she created a YouTube Advent Calendar series, and gave daily posts that led up to the very first Christmas Day celebration in the manor. In 2022 & 2023, a Twelve Days of Christmas series was highlighted. Miriam shares various favourite holiday traditions, with how-to festive decorating tips, and festive recipes along with some pretty fabulous daily giveaways - one of which is a coveted overnight stay at the manor. Miriam promises to always have something novel each year. This lady will inspire you beyond measure and she has many more grand plans coming in the new year.

LSM Star Baker

Cake decorators have been invited in the past to participate in a Star Baker & Junior Star Baker cake competition during special events at the manor. I really enjoyed this at my first Christmas at the Manor. Entries were displayed in a glass cabinet for visitors to vote for Best Decorated favourites. The winner of each category was later presented with a LSM Star Baker apron. The Best Tasting Cake was also judged by a panel of three judges (one of whom included the Mayor of Dorchester). Activities like this change yearly, so you have to stay tuned or come & see for yourself what fun activities will be happening in 2024.

Christmas Music

Guests enjoyed an extra special treat in 2022 with Victorian-costumed piano and guitar singing duo Tunes in Tune, sharing both English & French Christmas music. Miriam is always finding new ways to support local talent, and enhance guest experiences at the manor’s events.

Holiday Treats

The Hot Chocolate Bar offers warm apple cider from Bellevue Orchard. Mrs. Dunster’s bite-sized chocolate and sugar donut nuggets are served, with Eggnog and Candy Cane Sussex Ice Cream. Enjoy your scrumptious holiday treats, cozied up at the outdoor warming station, then have some fun with posing for your Victorian Christmas Card photo opportunity. Update your Facebook profile or “feed the gram” with your fav Instagrammable Christmas at the Manor moment. Don’t forget to add the #ChristmasattheManor hashtag.

Limited-Edition LSM Keepsake

Each year a new Limited-Edition LSM Keepsake hand-crafted tree ornament is released for Christmas at the Market. Collectors clamour to be the first to get theirs. Stay tuned to LSM’s social media for an upcoming announcement of their latest creation for 2024.

Victorian Christmas

Discover the wonders of the holiday season hidden inside a Victorian Christmas at Lady Smith Manor. Christmas at the Manor’s 2024 festive extravaganza will take place Saturday, November 16 from 11am - 7pm and Sunday, November 17th from 10am - 4pm. Admission is $5 and FREE for those under 12 years of age. To purchase your Christmas at the Manor tickets, watch for announcements via the LSM website by clicking on the LSM logo at the very end of this article. Tickets sell quickly, so book ahead. You do not want to miss out on this spectacular event.

Book Lady Smith Manor for your Special Event

LSM takes bookings for photo shoots, creative workshops, meeting spaces, and corporate events. An Exclusively Yours Weekend Wedding Package is available, too. It includes LSM accommodations, use of the complete manor including The Thirsty Whippet Pub, wedding planner-assisted support, personalized decor design and setup, rental of all furniture, tableware and much more. LSM also offers an Elopement-Style Wedding Package option.

Special Events Venue

Look for Vintage Picnics, Afternoon Teas, Live Music events, Murder Mystery Nights, and a Downton Abbey themed New Year’s Eve Ball happening at Lady Smith Manor in 2024. This special events venue will soon be opening The Thirsty Whippet Pub in 2024, too.

The Manor Keys

New in 2024, is The Manor Keys Program. Unlock exclusive access, experiences and rare opportunities that bring you closer to the heart of LSM & The Thirsty Whippet Pub. As a Manor Key holder you get discounts, rewards, and first access to all LSM event tickets. You will also have an opportunity to book a stay at the Manor and I can assure everyone that this is a privilege and honour that in itself is a wonderful reason to become a Manor Key Holder. I have had the unique opportunity to stay in both the Parisian Suite and the Sandpiper Suite. They are both divine. Take a sneak peak below then learn more about The Manor Keys program and how you can book a stay at the manor by clicking on the LSM logo at the end of this article.

Lady Smith Manor’s Summer Market

Turn back time and stroll into a country Summer Market. Be allured by the charm of an 1840 Georgian Manor nestled in the village of Dorchester, New Brunswick. Discover vintage treasures & local artisans, family-fun activities and old-fashioned summer treats. Treasure an unforgettable experience at Lady Smith Manor. Learn more by clicking on the photo link below.

This post was sponsored by Lady Smith Manor; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest & Twitter. Be the first to receive my latest articles by clicking on the ‘subscribe’ link at the top of this page. PIease share articles you love with your social media community. There’s No Place Like Home!