12 Reasons Why Fredericton Feels Like a Hallmark Holiday Movie

Fredericton has that Hallmark Christmas Movie Small-Town Magic

With twinkling lights, historic streets, and that unmistakable small-town magic, Fredericton, New Brunswick feels straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Here, the holidays are warm and nostalgic — where historic inns glow with candlelight, downtown shops are dressed for the season, and time seems to slow in the best possible way. From a B&B that inspired a real Hallmark film, to sleigh rides, concerts, and cozy cafés, the city and surrounding region create a storybook holiday escape. If you’re dreaming of a festive getaway filled with simple joys, here are 12 magical reasons Fredericton delivers the wonder of Christmas.

1. Stay in a Storybook Setting

Karen Schaler, a three-time Emmy Award-winning storyteller, author, screenwriter for Netflix, Hallmark & Lifetime, journalist, and national TV host, was so inspired after staying at Quartermain House that she based her Christmas Camp novel and subsequent Hallmark film script on it.

She’s said that Quartermain House felt exactly like stepping into a Hallmark movie, where Debra’s whimsical historic home, warm welcome, and delicious cooking captured her heart from the moment she arrived.

In 2022, Quartermain House was featured on the cover of Schaler’s novel Love Always, Christmas, with the acknowledgement:

“There is a real place like Cece’s red cottage in the book, a magical place you can visit — Quartermain House.”

It has also been voted one of the Best B&Bs in North America.

Stay a Night & Dinner’s On Us Package

Book the Stay a Night & Dinner’s On Us package between October 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026 and receive $75 in BONUS CASH in Downtown Fredericton or Business Fredericton North dollars to spend during your visit. This special promotion also applies to many other accommodations in the Fredericton Capital Region.

2. Festive Markets & a Dreamy Downtown Shopping Experience

Support local makers at festive markets happening throughout the Fredericton Capital Region.

Step into: ‘Twas the Month Before Christmas in Downtown Fredericton, where twinkling lights, charming shops, and holiday cheer spill from every doorway.

The Downtown Spectacular (November 28 at 5:30 PM – November 30 at 4 PM) adds extra magic with Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday promotions all weekend.

Downtown Dollars (Online) Blowout Sale

Circle the date! On Thursday, November 20, 2025 beginning at 10 AM, you can purchase Downtown Dollars at a 20% discount online, and get a deal on your holiday shopping! Downtown Fredericton will have $100,000 Downtown Dollars available for this event. Similar to gift certificates, they’re just like cash and can be used at participating business throughout the downtown area. Remember, Downtown Dollars are sold year-round, never expire, make great gifts, and are a wonderful way to support local.

3. Holiday Day Trip: Christmas in the Village - Gagetown

Just 45 minutes from Fredericton, Christmas in the Village returns for its 28th year on November 29 & 30, 2025 (10 AM – 5 PM). Handcrafted treasures, cozy pop-ups, seasonal treats, warm drinks, visits with Santa, carollers, and horse-drawn wagon rides fill the village with pure small-town Christmas charm. With potters opening their studios and festive displays tucked everywhere, it’s a holiday outing for all ages.

4. Holiday Home-Décor Dreams

The I.O.D.E. Evergreen Tour is an annual fundraising tradition showcasing four beautifully decorated homes in and around Fredericton. Get inspired by festive décor and seasonal styling, then enjoy a special reception at historic Government House following the tour.

5. An Enchanting Magical Shopping Stop

Step into a twinkling holiday wonderland at the whimsical Serendipity Shoppe, just 15 minutes from Fredericton. Every corner is filled with charming décor, curated gifts, and festive inspiration — a must-visit for holiday dreamers.

6. Christmas Dinner at Kings Landing

Since 1983, guests have followed candlelit paths through the snow to the warm glow of the Kings Head Inn. Inside, Christmas music fills the room before the call to dine.

After your meal, enjoy treats of port, walnut toffee, and gingerbread cookies. Tens of thousands have made this nostalgic holiday escape part of their family tradition.

7. Kings Landing’s Christmas Village Aglow

A magical new tradition, Christmas Village Aglow transforms Kings Landing into a sparkling historic village of lights.

Wander past historic buildings glowing under the night sky, sip hot chocolate or apple cider, warm up by the campfire in front of the Grant Store, shop at The Peddler’s Market, and let the little ones visit with Santa or Mrs. Claus.

Inside Ingraham House, listen to a Christmas story by the hearth and create Victorian collage cards — a keepsake to treasure. Carolling at St. Mark’s Church completes the magic.

Slow down, reconnect, and experience Christmas together in a one-of-a-kind historic setting.

8. Twinkle Tours

The Downtown Spectacular weekend (November 28–30) marks the official start of Fredericton’s festive season, featuring the Legislature and City Hall tree lightings and a full lineup of enchanting holiday activations.

Fredericton’s own Tony LePage—acclaimed actor, singer, and producer — will kick-off the celebration with a dazzling evening performance immediately following the tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate or apple cider, snap photos with some beloved holiday characters, and soak in the joyful energy of the crowd.

Then wander through downtown to discover a pop-up tree lot, craft zone, ornament decorating, letters to Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, and s’mores roasting by a warm fire pit. It’s a heartwarming evening designed to bring the whole community together in true holiday spirit.

Other twinkling light experiences across the region include:

Fredericton Riverfront Trail & Pedway Bridge — a scenic stroll with festive evening lights, perfect for a winter walk
Pine Grove Festival of Lights — celebrating its 16th year with more than 70 brilliantly decorated trees
Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation) — a beloved local tradition where the community goes all-out, creating a spectacular display that rivals Clark Griswold himself

A Holly Jolly Jill Barber Christmas - Courtesy of The Playhouse

Country Boys Christmas Edition - Courtesy of The Playhouse

Choir! Choir! Choir! - Courtesy of The Playhouse

9. Holiday Performances

Holiday stages shine all season long, including several performances at The Playhouse:

Christmas with the Ennis Sisters
Stadacona Band: Sleighbells in the Sun with Jah’Mila
A Holly Jolly Jill Barber Christmas
Country Boys Christmas Edition
New Brunswick Country Showcase: Down Home Country Christmas
Fredericton Symphony Orchestra’s Seasonal Concert
Kenny & Dolly’s Tribute
Christmas in Cape Breton
Choir! Choir! Choir! Un-Silent Night: An EPIC Holiday Sing-Along!
Home for Christmas

More Christmas performances can be found on Fredericton Capital Region’s Calendar of Events and below:

NUTCRACKER MAGIC

Nutcracker Tea at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery (Sunday, November 23, 2–4 PM) — sweet treats, live music, dance, art activities, and a Land-of-the-Sweets experience
The Nutcracker at the Playhouse — full-length ballet with original choreography for Dance Fredericton Danse, elaborate sets and costumes, the classic Tchaikovsky score, and guest soloists from Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet

To keep the seasonal magic flowing, downtown businesses are decking out their storefronts with Nutcracker-themed décor.

10. Santa Claus Parade

Santa Claus is coming to town! Bundle up with hot chocolate on Saturday, November 29 at 5:00 PM, when the Santa Claus Parade makes its merry way down Fredericton’s Southside. Bring your wish list!

11. Sleigh Rides & Winter Cheer

Sandwith’s — Horse-drawn sleigh rides for groups of 10–20 (weather pending). Ride out to a rustic lakeside camp for homemade hot chocolate, cookies, a bonfire, playground fun, and sliding.
Savage’s Bicycle Centre — Rent a fat bike from Canada’s longest-established bike shop and hit the snowy trails.
Officer’s Square Oval — A chilled outdoor rink (seasonal opening early December) offers FREE skate loans, skating aids, and winter fun Thursday–Sunday (4:30–9 PM).

12. Festive Lunches, Warm Drinks, and Holiday Spirits

Fredericton’s cafés, restaurants, pubs, and bars offer the perfect cozy retreat during the holiday season. Settle in for comforting seasonal dishes, rich hot chocolate, warm spirits, and festive cocktails that sparkle with the flavours of winter. Whether you’re meeting friends for a midday bite or slipping away for a quiet moment with a warm drink, there’s no shortage of welcoming places to unwind.

This year, the Festive Forks—A Prix Fixe Lunch for a Cause initiative invites diners to enjoy specially crafted lunch menus at great value while supporting a meaningful community cause. Paired with the return of the 2025 NB Spirits Festival, there are countless ways to sip, savour, and celebrate throughout the season.

Mill Town Roasters, Barista Brian Creation of me!

Fredericton is Where the Holiday Magic Feels Real

Whether you’re wandering through twinkling streets, taking in a holiday performance, meeting local makers, or settling in for a festive meal, Fredericton offers a seasonal experience that feels both classic and refreshingly authentic. The holidays here aren’t rushed — they’re something to be enjoyed, savoured, and shared. In every light, every event, and every cozy corner, Fredericton proves that holiday magic is most powerful when it feels real.

This post was supported by Fredericton Capital Region & Downtown Fredericton, Inc.; 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!