festive — Maritimes Maven Blog - hidden treasures and gems in NB NS PEI

12 Reasons Why Fredericton Feels Like a Hallmark Holiday Movie

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.

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Saint John and the Towns by the Bay for the Holidays

Searching for the perfect holiday escape? Saint John and the Towns by the Bay have everything you need to capture the magic of the season. Imagine sparkling lights, charming window displays, unique boutique shopping, heartwarming theatre productions, cozy rural markets, festive food and drink, and of course, visits with Santa, all wrapped up in a warm embrace of holiday cheer. There’s truly snow place like Saint John and the Towns by the Bay for the holidays to discover all the ways to make this season unforgettable.

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Lady Smith Manor’s Christmas Market

Each holiday season, the grand 1840’s heritage home at Lady Smith Manor in Dorchester, New Brunswick transforms into a festive experience like no other. Guests wander room to room discovering local art, handcrafted décor, and vintage-inspired treasures, all thoughtfully curated to spark wonder and connection.

Kings Landing's Christmas in the Valley

Kings Landing welcomes you to experience a Victorian “Christmas in the Valley” on two special weekends in December. Make your way to this historical settlement on the Saint John River, in Prince William, New Brunswick. Stroll the festively-decorated village and soak up the most wonderful time of the year. You will leave with a heart overflowing with holiday spirit.

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Christmas in the Village in Gagetown New Brunswick

Christmas in the Village is an annual two-day festive celebration held each November in the riverside Village of Gagetown, New Brunswick, just 45 minutes from Fredericton. Now in its 28th year, this beloved tradition fills the streets with handcrafted treasures, holiday flavours, and small-town Christmas cheer. Come see why people return year after year.

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The I.O.D.E. Evergreen Tour

The I.O.D.E. Evergreen Tour is a annual fundraising event showcasing four festively decorated homes in and around Fredericton, New Brunswick. Get inspired for the holidays as you visit beautifully curated homes in celebration of the most wonderful time of the year. Then enjoy a very special reception at Government House following the tour. Get your tickets early as this year is sure to be a quick sell out.

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Home for the Holidays

Imagine having a floral stylist decorate your home for Christmas. It was a dream come true for me when Reuben Mark Stewart taught me how to forage, then style my home in a whimsical flair. Get inspired to bring the outside - in to create your very own stunning holiday showcase including a show-stopping step-by-step mantel.

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'Twas the Month Before Christmas in Downtown Fredericton

Step into the twinkling lights, cozy shops, and the spirit of Christmas in downtown Fredericton. In a whimsical spin of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, explore charming local shops, enjoy delicious stops, and find gifts that bring holiday joy.

Christmas at the Station

Take McAdam Railway Station, a provincial and national treasure, gather a village of volunteers, and decorate every nook and cranny to create a holiday wonderland. Next, add lights, glitter and sparkle, and a well-timed snowstorm. Bake cookies for the children, and make an abundance of hot apple cider. Add festive music - a carol… “It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas,” then have the stationmaster open the doors and welcome visitors to Christmas at the Station.