Holiday Traditions by the Bay

November 12, 2025


It's the most wonderful time of the year, and the Saint John Region is pulling out all the stops to make sure you can be part of all the holiday cheer! Plan a bay-cation, and be part of some of our favourite local traditions and celebrations - from tree lightings to community festivities, and everything in between.

'Claus' for Celebration

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, we're telling you why - Santa Claus is coming to town! Enjoy all of the Santa Claus Parades taking place throughout our region:

November 15th | Saint John Santa Claus Parade - with a new route along Water Street in uptown Saint John for 2025!

November 23rd | Dirt Road Christmas Parade

November 29th | Fundy-St. Martins Christmas Parade

November 29th | KV Santa Claus Parade

November 29th | Grand Bay-Westfield Christmas Parade

More Ways To Join In On The Fun

The holiday season brings laughter and light to community celebrations. Take part in the festivities happening throughout our region:

November 19th | Kick off the holiday season in Quispamsis at their annual Tree Lighting! Enjoy a hot beverage and get ready for a special visit from Santa.

November 19th to January 2nd | Enjoy the Holiday Dreamland Light Display at the Quispamsis Arts and Culture Park. Bring your skates for some added winter fun, and wander through the incredible LED light display.

November 29th and 30th | Head to Fundy-St. Martins for Christmas in the Village! Take pictures with Santa at the Sea Caves, visit with the Grinch, enjoy a variety of holiday activities, and take in a wonderful selection of vendors at the market. Don't forget to stop by the open shops and restaurants, too.

November 30th | Join the community of Nauwigewauk for their annual Tree Lighting! There will be music, cookies, fire trucks, and fun for everyone to enjoy.

December 1st to 24th | Take a journey through uptown Saint John to explore The Gingerbread Trail. Businesses create gingerbread-themed displays that light up windows and doorways with creativity and charm. Can you find them all on this self-guided trail?

December 5th | Step into a world of twinkling lights and holiday cheer at Uptown Sparkles! This magical, one-night celebration brings uptown Saint John to life with dazzling displays, live music, cozy firepits, and festive surprises around every corner. Enjoy special deals and offers from local shops, restaurants, and galleries, and explore everything that makes the season sparkle.

December 5th to January 2nd | Explore the Lights at Hampton's Town Square. This festive light display makes for great photo ops for the whole family - and your favourite four-legged friends, too!

December 6th | Celebrate the season at Hampton's Winter Wonderland! Enjoy a day full of activities for the whole family, finishing with a meet-and-greet with Santa himself in the Town Square.

December 6th | Don't miss out on the celebrations in Grand Bay-Westfield at the Mayor's Tree Lighting. Enjoy music by the Harbour View High School Student Choir, as well as hot chocolate and treats to enjoy.

Land acknowledgement

The Saint John Region is situated on the traditional territory of the Wolastoqiyik, Mi’Kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati Nations. This territory is covered by Peace and Friendship Treaties signed with the British Crown in the 1700s. The treaties recognized the significant and meaningful role of the Wolastoqiyik, Mi’Kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati in this province and the country with the intent to establish a relationship of trust and friendship.

Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency pays respect to the elders, past and present, and descendants of this land, and is committed to moving forward in the spirit of truth, collaboration, and reconciliation.