Lady Smith Manor’s Christmas Market

UPDATED OCTOBER 15, 2026

A Wizarding Christmas (2026)

This November, the historic Georgian Manor at Lady Smith Manor in Dorchester, New Brunswick, will transform into A Wizarding Christmas, the seventh annual Christmas Market and another imaginative holiday adventure.

Expect a world of enchantment, curious treasures, whimsical decorations and festive cheer. With 28 local artisans and vendors, there’s plenty to discover as you explore the manor’s rooms, each offering opportunities to find handcrafted gifts and vintage-inspired treasures.

The School of Christmas Magic Apprentice’s Quest Scavenger Hunt invites visitors to solve spellbinding riddles, uncover hidden clues and complete curious challenges along the way. Add a wizarding costume competition, an enchanted photo spot and festive refreshments by an outdoor fire, and you have the makings of a memorable Christmas outing.

When you’re ready for a break from browsing, head to The Thirsty Whippet Pub to linger a little longer over a bite to eat and a drink.

New this year is The First Spell of Christmas, an exclusive Friday evening preview offering a first look at the market, a festive cocktail or magical mocktail, and savoury and sweet nibbles. Tickets are limited, making this a special opportunity to enjoy the experience before the weekend crowds arrive.

Whether you’re planning a festive outing with friends or bringing the family along for a little wizarding adventure, this year’s theme offers plenty of reasons to visit.

What to Know

Location: Lady Smith Manor, Dorchester, New Brunswick

The First Spell of Christmas | Friday, November 13, 2026
5:30–8:30 p.m. | $25 per person

Enjoy an exclusive evening preview of the market, including a festive cocktail or magical mocktail, savoury and sweet nibbles, and admission to the market throughout the weekend.

Saturday, November 14, 2026
11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Sunday, November 15, 2026
10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Food & Drinks: The Thirsty Whippet Pub will be open during the market for those wishing to enjoy a bite to eat and a drink.

Weekend admission: $5 per person, per day. Children under 12 are free.

My recommendation: Book your tickets in advance, particularly if you’d like to attend the limited-ticket Friday evening preview.

For full details and tickets, visit Lady Smith Manor Christmas at the Manor 2026.

A Look Back at Past Christmas Market Themes

Each year, Lady Smith Manor introduces a new Christmas theme, giving visitors a fresh reason to return. Since my first visit in 2021, I’ve enjoyed watching Miriam Andrews and Stephen Trites bring their creative ideas to life, transforming the Georgian Manor into imaginative festive settings.

Here’s a look back at the themes that have delighted visitors over the years.

Alice’s Christmas Wonderland (2025)

In 2025, Alice’s Christmas Wonderland began with an impressive display in the foyer: Alice’s legs dangled from the ceiling as though she’d tumbled through a rabbit hole, landing in a flower bed below.

Visitors and vendors embraced the costume challenge with enthusiasm, making the judging a near-impossible task. The Curious Christmas Quest, Tea Passport Trail and Through the Looking Glass booth were among the highlights, adding playful discoveries throughout the market.

Narnia-Inspired Wonderland (2024)

In 2024, visitors were invited to unlock the magic of Christmas by stepping through the wardrobe into a Narnia-inspired wonderland.

The Quest for Narnia challenge encouraged guests to solve clues and complete tasks as they explored, making the market an adventure for visitors of all ages.

The Nutcracker (2023)

The 2023 market brought the world of The Nutcracker to life with giant nutcrackers, waltzing snowflakes and a Sugarplum Fairy in the sparkling Land of Sweets.

Visitors could also search for the Mouse King and the elusive Golden Nutcracker, adding a playful scavenger-hunt element to the festive experience.

A Dicken’s Christmas (2022)

In 2022, the manor took on the atmosphere of a Victorian Christmas inspired by Charles Dickens. Scenes from A Christmas Carol unfolded throughout the rooms, inviting visitors to explore festive vignettes filled with period-inspired details and familiar characters.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (2021)

My first encounter with the Lady Smith Manor Christmas Market was in 2021, when the theme was ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. I was immediately impressed by the attention to detail and the imagination behind the displays.

Miriam’s creative vision, combined with Stephen’s skill in bringing her ideas to life, established a high standard from the beginning. Since then, I’ve returned to see what the next Christmas theme will bring, and the anticipation has become part of the appeal.

Local Artisans and Vintage-Inspired Vendors

Beyond the decorations and themed activities, the opportunity to shop from local artisans is an important part of the Christmas Market experience.

Each year, carefully selected vendors fill the manor’s rooms and extend onto the grounds beneath outdoor tents. Their offerings range from handcrafted jewellery, candles, leatherwork and artwork to bath and body products, homewares, holiday wreaths, fresh preserves and sweet treats.

It’s an opportunity to find distinctive Christmas gifts, support independent makers and discover products you might not encounter in a conventional retail store. Whether you’re shopping for someone on your list or treating yourself, the variety makes browsing part of the fun.

With 28 artisans and vendors participating in 2026, there should be plenty to explore as you make your way through the manor and outdoor market area.

The Manor’s History and Restoration

The historic Georgian Manor at Lady Smith Manor was once home to Sir Albert James Smith, a former premier of New Brunswick. Today, the property has a new purpose as a venue for gatherings, celebrations and community events.

Owners Miriam Andrews and Stephen Trites purchased the property in 2019 and undertook an extensive restoration to revive the historic home and create a welcoming place for people to gather.

Alongside the Christmas Market, the manor hosts summer markets, afternoon teas, vintage picnics, live music, movie nights, book clubs and themed events. It is also a distinctive venue for weddings and corporate gatherings.

For me, the Christmas Market is a wonderful example of how the owners have combined their creativity with the character of the historic setting. Each year’s theme brings a different personality to the manor, while the local vendors and thoughtfully planned activities make the event much more than a shopping excursion.

Lady Smith Manor’s Summer Market

Summertime at the Manor brings its own kind of enchantment. Set against the picturesque village of Dorchester, the Lady Smith Manor Summer Market evokes a sense of stepping into the past. Visitors browse vintage treasures and artisan creations while enjoying family-friendly activities, nostalgic touches, and old-fashioned treats. It’s a charming warm-weather tradition that complements the magic of the Christmas Market.

This post was sponsored by Lady Smith Manor; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!