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12 Ways to Experience Holiday Magic in Charlottetown
November 1, 2024
We’re kicking things up a notch or two in Charlottetown and doing a seven-week run of the Charlottetown Christmas Festival Nov 22, 2024 – Jan 2, 2025. That’s right! We’ll have the return of the open-air Victorian Christmas Market (Nov 29 – Dec 1), the all-new Mistletoe Market (Nov 22 – Dec 22), as well as the return of Christmas Town – A Whoville-inspired Village, the Indigenous Artisans Christmas Market (Nov 30), LIVE @ the Centre Holiday Programming, Deck the Hall Series at Founders’ Food Hall & Market, and so much more!
You can also expect Horse & Wagon Rides each weekend, carollers and live music, Breakfasts with Santa, and more! Don’t miss your chance to embrace all the Christmas magic in Charlottetown this holiday season. Read on for 12 reasons to attend the Charlottetown Christmas Festival Nov 22 – Jan 2.
1. Step into a Storybook at the Victorian Christmas Market
Atlantic Canada’s largest open-air winter market is back and bigger than ever! Inspired by European Christmas markets, Queen Street in the heart of Charlottetown will be closed off to make room for more than 50 local vendors during the 10th annual Victorian Christmas Market November 29 – December 1. Discover local artisan wares, tasty foods, Christmas crafts and more while enjoying the market’s festive ambiance created by warm fire pits, sparkling lights, hot cocoa, plenty of Christmas decor, and all of your favourite holiday tunes live!
2. Visit with Santa
Santa loves a big Christmas celebration! He’ll be around many different locations throughout the Charlottetown Christmas Festival. Be sure to have your kiddies (and even your pups) save up their wishlist! Keep an eye on the full schedule of events to see where & when you can find him this holiday season.
Want to treat the kids to an extra special experience?
Different restos and cafes around town will be hosting very special “Breakfasts with Santa” every weekend throughout the festival.
3. An All-New & Unique Way to Shop Local
The Mistletoe Market (Weekends from Nov 22nd – Dec 22) is the Charlottetown Christmas Festival’s newest edition! Nestled in the heart of Downtown Charlottetown in Boulder Park, this boutique open-air market features eight whimsical huts, each transformed into delightful little stores where a selection of local artisans will showcase their crafted goods to shop through in the spirit of the holiday season.
4. Founders’ Deck The Hall Series
Deck the Hall at Founders’ Food Hall & Market (Weekends from Dec 6 – 22) has something for everyone this holiday season! Each weekend, discover a rotating selection of pop-ups, local retail vendors, food & drink demos, live entertainment, visits with Santa (pets welcome!), ice carvings, firepit gatherings, movie nights, and more.
Grab those last-minute stocking stuffers for your family, friends, and even pups all in one place this year with merchants such as Oh Hey PEI, Two Beggars, Maritime Madness and more (you’ll even see, and taste, some brand new vendors)!
More About Founders’ Deck The Hall Series
5. Cozy up in a Nearby Hotel
Treat yourself to a Christmas getaway and enjoy exceptional rates and special holiday-inspired packages at some of Charlottetown’s most welcoming accommodations.
Visiting during the Victorian Christmas Market (Nov 29 – Dec 1)?
6. Let A Whoville Inspired Village Enchant You
Get ready for an extra dose of holiday magic this season with “Whoville”, a part of the Charlottetown Christmas Festival. Clustered amongst the Mistletoe Market at Boulder Park, festive-goers will be greeted by over 50 unique, handmade Whoville-inspired characters and fantastical Christmas decor. These characters have been lovingly created by two key local artists, Julie Doneff and Becca Griffin, with added install & beautification support from Island Pride Farms. We hope you enjoy checking them out as much as they enjoyed making them!
7. Hop on a Horse & Wagon Ride Through Town
We are bringing back a crowd favourite: horse-drawn wagon rides! Families can experience this timeless winter tradition and enjoy the beauty of historic downtown Charlottetown the way it’s meant to be viewed throughout the festival.
PRO TIP: line-ups for this attraction can get long during peak times but early birds are likely to luck out with short waits!
8. Join in on the City’s Traditions
Don’t miss the magical returns of the infamous Charlottetown Tree Lighting on Confederation Plaza (Fri, Nov 29) and Charlottetown Christmas Parade (Sat, Nov 30th), both presented to you by the City Of Charlottetown!
9. Find Special Gifts at Various Local Craft Fairs & Markets
It wouldn’t be the holidays in Charlottetown without a slew of Christmas craft fairs & markets on the go! Be sure to swing by the following:
Nov 22 – Dec 22 (Weekends) | Open-Air Mistletoe Market in Boulder Park
Nov 22 – 23 | Colonel Gray Christmas Craft Fair
Nov 22 – 24 | PEICC Christmas Craft Fair at The Seaport
Nov 29 – Dec 1 | Victorian Christmas Market on Queen Street
Nov 30 | Indigenous Artisans Market at the Confederation Centre
Nov 30 – Dec 1 | Holiday Maker Market at the Eastlink Centre
Dec 8 & 15 | Artisan Christmas Market at the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market
10. Carol Until Your Heart’s Content
It’s not a Christmas celebration until the sounds of classic carols fill the streets. You can look forward to live music, traditional caroling and even a brass quartet throughout the Charlottetown Christmas Festival.
Schedules may vary each weekend. Please consult the schedule of events before heading out!
11. Step Back in Time & Uncover Holiday Lore
Experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes that the original residents of Charlottetown would have enjoyed around the holidays, back in the Victorian era. Explore traditional Christmas décor, culinary history, Christmas lore and traditions, live entertainment (like a musical harp performance!), and more at Beaconsfield Historic House this December (weekends from the 6th to 15th).
Learn More About a Victorian Christmas Experience at Beaconsfield
12. 2025 is Calling…
Ring in the New Year right from the heart of the Island this year. Join in on the all-day celebrations, including live music, family activities, hot cocoa and more, at Founders’ Food Hall & Market for Capital New Year on Dec 31st!
And here you have it – 12 reasons why you’ll want to mark your calendar and join the holiday fun at the Charlottetown Christmas Festival from November 22nd – January 2nd!
Charlottetown Christmas Festival: More Details & Schedule Of Events
Need a place to stay? Check out our amazing selection of accommodations. Curious about what else to do around Charlottetown? Don’t miss a beat over on our events page.
