Experience a Prince Edward Island Christmas: Top 2024 Events
Prince Edward Island (PEI) transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season, offering a plethora of events that capture the island's unique charm and festive spirit. From traditional markets to enchanting performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here's a comprehensive guide to the 2024 Christmas events across PEI, complete with locations, dates, times, special highlights, and local tips to enhance your holiday experience.
1. Charlottetown Christmas Festival
The Charlottetown Christmas Festival is one of the most anticipated holiday celebrations on Prince Edward Island, transforming the city into a charming Christmas wonderland. This multi-week event, running from November 22, 2024, to January 2, 2025, captures the spirit of the season with Victorian-themed markets, twinkling lights, festive performances, and more. Families, friends, and travelers gather to enjoy a variety of holiday activities that make Charlottetown truly magical. From exploring open-air markets to participating in traditional Christmas parades, this festival offers an unforgettable holiday experience in the heart of PEI.
Highlights
- Victorian Christmas Market
Step back in time at this charming Victorian-themed market featuring handmade crafts, local food vendors, and live carolers. Discover unique holiday gifts and festive decorations.
Location: Queen Street, Downtown Charlottetown
Dates: November 29 – December 1, 2024 - Mistletoe Market
Enjoy an open-air market with local vendors offering holiday treats, handmade goods, and seasonal decor. This market is perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and sweet treats.
Location: Boulder Park, Charlottetown
Dates: Fridays to Sundays, November 22 – December 22, 2024 - Christmas Town – Whoville Village
Enter a whimsical world inspired by Dr. Seuss’s Whoville, featuring quirky decorations, character encounters, and interactive displays. A fun and magical experience for kids and families.
Location: Victoria Row, Charlottetown
Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 2, 2025 - Charlottetown Tree Lighting Ceremony
Witness the grand lighting of Charlottetown’s Christmas tree, a dazzling display accompanied by holiday music, live performances, and hot cocoa to warm up the evening.
Location: Confederation Centre Upper Plaza
Date: November 29, 2024 - Charlottetown Christmas Parade
Join in the holiday cheer at Charlottetown’s annual Christmas parade featuring festive floats, local performers, and Santa Claus. The whole community comes together to celebrate the season.
Location: Downtown Charlottetown
Date: November 30, 2024
Local Tips
Arrive early for the tree lighting to secure a good viewing spot, and don’t miss the festive horse-drawn wagon rides offered during festival weekends.
2.Christmas Fairs and Holiday Markets
Prince Edward Island transforms into a bustling hub of holiday craft fairs and markets each Christmas season, offering the perfect opportunity to discover unique gifts while supporting talented local artisans.
Milton Hall Christmas Craft Fair
Milton Hall hosts a lively holiday fair featuring handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and a welcoming community spirit. This cozy event is ideal for finding gifts and meeting local artisans.
Highlights: Browse through two floors of handmade crafts, holiday decor, and unique gifts. The fair includes canteen services and door prizes, adding to the festive atmosphere for shoppers of all ages.
Location: Milton Community Hall, 7 New Glasgow Rd, Miltonvale Park
Dates and Time: November 9 – 10, 2024, starting at 9:00 AM
Local Tip: Bring cash, as some vendors may not accept cards. Early arrivals can score the best finds and avoid the busiest crowds.
Carr's Holiday Craft Fair
Held in a picturesque setting, Carr’s Holiday Craft Fair showcases local craftsmanship with a mix of traditional and modern holiday creations. Enjoy this festive atmosphere while supporting the community.
Highlights: Explore a range of handmade items from talented local artisans, with a portion of proceeds going to charity. Enjoy a limited take-out menu featuring local favorites.
Location: Carr's Oyster Bar, 32 Campbellton Road, Stanley Bridge
Dates and Time: November 9 – 10, 2024 Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Local Tip:Plan for a meal at Carr's Oyster Bar to experience PEI’s seafood specialties, then shop the fair for one-of-a-kind gifts.
The Village Christmas Market
Set in the heart of Acadian culture, The Village Christmas Market brings together artisans, visual artists, and small businesses, offering a unique cultural twist to traditional holiday shopping.
Highlights: Enjoy handmade goods, unique art, and festive decor in a lively market. Special appearances by Santa add holiday magic for the kids, making it a family-friendly outing.
Location: Village Musical Acadien, 1745 Route 124, Abram Village
Dates and Time: November 15 – 17, 2024, starting at 1:00 PM
Local Tip: Be sure to try the Acadian cuisine offered at the market. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the local culture while shopping for holiday treasures.
Christmas in a Barn Craft Show
Nestled in a rustic barn setting, this craft show blends the warmth of the holidays with the charm of the countryside, creating a cozy space for holiday shopping and festive cheer.
Highlights: Shop for crafts, treats, and holiday decor inside a rustic barn. Enjoy hot chocolate and roast marshmallows by the outdoor bonfire for a nostalgic Christmas experience.
Location: 435 Appin Rd, Bonshaw
Dates and Time: November 14 – 17, 2024
Local Tip: Wear layers, as the barn can be chilly. Don’t forget a reusable bag for your finds and maybe a camera to capture the cozy setting.
Vintage Christmas in Alberton
Vintage Christmas in Alberton combines the nostalgia of past Christmases with the charm of a small-town holiday gathering, making it a delightful evening event filled with holiday spirit.
Highlights: Enjoy mini photo sessions, holiday classics, and cozy refreshments as you stroll through this vintage-inspired holiday gathering. Perfect for capturing memories and enjoying classic Christmas vibes.
Location: 491 Main Street, Alberton
Dates and Time: November 14, 2024, starting at 6:00 PM
Local Tip: Arrive early to secure a photo session and enjoy Alberton’s enchanting holiday ambiance, which brings a timeless feel to the festive season.
3. Festival of Lights in Summerside
The Festival of Lights transforms Summerside into a radiant holiday destination. This enchanting event features thousands of twinkling lights illuminating downtown, festive storefront displays, and family-friendly activities, creating a magical experience for residents and visitors alike.
Highlights: Stroll through light-filled streets, enjoy festive decorations, and catch pop-up caroling performances. Horse-drawn carriage rides and Santa visits are also part of the experience, adding warmth and joy to the holiday season.
Location: Downtown Summerside
Dates: November 25 – December 31, 2024
4. Confederation Centre of the Arts Holiday Events
Celebrate the holiday season with the Confederation Centre of the Arts, which hosts a diverse range of events that capture the spirit of Christmas, from classical ballet performances to holiday concerts, making it an artistic hub for festive celebrations.
Highlights: Catch performances of The Nutcracker from December 6 – 8, a holiday concert series starting December 10, and weekly screenings of Christmas movie classics.
Location: Confederation Centre of the Arts, 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown
Dates: Various dates throughout December 2024
5. Tignish Christmas Parade
The Tignish Christmas Parade brings holiday cheer to the small town of Tignish, featuring festive floats, community spirit, and holiday treats. It’s a charming event that reflects the close-knit atmosphere of PEI's towns.
Highlights: Enjoy a festive parade with decorated floats, local performers, and a grand finale featuring Santa Claus. Warm up with hot cocoa from local shops after the event.
Location: Main Street, Tignish
Date: December 8, 2024, at 6:00 PM
6. Christmas at the Old Schoolhouse
Located in the scenic village of Victoria-by-the-Sea, Christmas at the Old Schoolhouse is a traditional holiday market featuring local crafts, treats, and festive decorations. This event is perfect for those seeking a quaint and cozy holiday shopping experience.
Highlights
Shop for local crafts and holiday decor in a charming historic schoolhouse setting. Seasonal treats and holiday music complete the cozy atmosphere, offering a true small-town Christmas experience.
Location:Old Schoolhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea
Dates: November 9 – 10, 2024
Prince Edward Island’s Christmas events bring together community traditions, holiday magic, and an inviting small-town charm that truly make the season special. From lively parades and holiday markets to cozy craft fairs and family-friendly farm festivities, PEI offers something for everyone to celebrate the joy of the holidays. Whether you’re visiting PEI or a local, these events will make your Christmas season unforgettable.
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