11 Ways to Embrace Holiday Magic in Charlottetown

We’re kicking things up a notch or two in Charlottetown and doing a six-week run of the Charlottetown Christmas Festival Nov 18, 2022 – Jan 2, 2023. That’s right! We’ll have the return of the open-air Victorian Christmas Market presented by the Confederation Court Mall Nov 25-27, as well as bringing back Christmas Town – A Whoville-inspired Village, plus the Indigenous Artisans Christmas Market (Nov 26), Holiday Magic Projection on the Plaza, LIVE @ the Centre Holiday Programming, Deck the Hall Series at Founders’ Food Hall, and so much more!

You can also expect Horse & Wagon Rides each weekend, carollers and live music, Breakfasts with Santa, Classic Christmas Movies at City Cinema, and more! Don’t miss your chance to embrace all the Christmas magic in Charlottetown this holiday season. Read on for 11 reasons to attend the Charlottetown Christmas Festival Nov 18 – Jan 2.

1. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Santa & Mrs. Claus love a big Christmas celebration and they’ll be around many different locations each weekend throughout the festival from Nov 18 – Dec 18. Be sure to have your kiddies (and even your pups) save up their wishlist to share with them!

See Santa’s busy schedule HERE

Want to treat the kids to an extra special experience?
The Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, The Delta Prince Edward, Cured Creations, The Gallery Coffee House & Bistro, and the Salvador Dali Cafe will be hosting very special “Breakfasts with Santa” every weekend throughout the festival until Dec 17. More info HERE.

2. Shop Under the Twinkle Lights at Founders’ Food Hall & Market

Founders’ Deck the Hall Series has something for everyone this holiday season. From culinary experiences & demos to artisan night markets, kids’ crafting events, and holiday music, you won’t want to miss these festive events! Located on the waterfront, this special historic space is now home to over 20 local food and artisan vendors. Grab those last-minute stocking stuffers for your family, friends, and even pups all in one place this year with merchants such as Doughnuts by Design, Oh Hey PEI, Two Beggars, and more (you’ll even see some new vendor faces around)!

Friday – Sunday from Nov 25th – Dec 24th

3. 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.

Book your Christmas getaway

4. Let Christmas Town: A Whoville Inspired Village Enchant You

Get ready for an extra dose of holiday magic this season as Discover Charlottetown presents “Whoville” as part of the Charlottetown Christmas Festival Nov 23 – Dec 18. Clustered along the Confederation Centre Plaza and Victoria Row, 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!

5. 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. Find the starting point at Founder’s Food Hall & Market (6 Prince St).

Fridays 5-8pm, Saturdays 2-6pm, and Sundays 1-4pm from Nov 18th – Jan 2nd.

PRO TIP: line-ups for this attraction can get long during peak times but early birds are likely to luck out with short waits!

6. City Night Lights

Watch the city come to life before your very eyes from November 18, 2022- January 2, 2023 with Holiday Magic On The Plaza – A magical holiday-themed projection and music show that will bring the north main façade at Confederation Centre of the Arts to life every evening beginning at 5pm.

Speaking of a light show, don’t miss the return of the Charlottetown Christmas Parade on Sat, Nov 26th at 5pm! Until then, gather your family at the Confederation Court Mall for songs & stories, cookie decorating, gift wrapping, & more at the Pre-Parade Holiday Bash from 1 – 3pm on Sat, Nov 26th.

7. 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! Don’t miss the following:

• Nov 18 – 20 | PEICC Christmas Craft Fair at The Delta
• Nov 25 – Dec 24 (Every weekend) | Founders’ Deck the Hall Series
• Nov 25 – 27 | Victorian Christmas Market on Queen Street
• Nov 25 – 26 | Colonel Gray Christmas Craft Fair
• Nov 26 | Indigenous Artisans Christmas Market at the Confederation Centre
• Dec 3 | Deck the Hall: Holiday Night Market at Founders’ Hall
• Dec 3 – 4 | Etsy Team PEI Holiday Market at The Delta
• Dec 9 – 10 & 16 – 17 | Holiday Craft Market at Beaconsfield Carriage House
• Dec 11 & 18 | The Artisan Christmas Market at the Charlottetown Farmers Market

8. 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 six weeks leading up to Christmas during the Charlottetown Christmas Festival. Schedules may vary each weekend. Please consult the schedule of events before heading out!

9. Relive Your Childhood Holidays With Classic Christmas Movies

The Charlottetown Christmas Festival will be serving up a selection of your favourite classic Christmas movies such as Elf, A Christmas Carol, and The Polar Express to enjoy throughout the festival at City Cinema. Grab a mug of hot chocolate and treats from the many nearby local shops (or indulge in the cinema’s licensed bar + delicious popcorn!), then settle in for a healthy dose of holiday nostalgia.

Check out the full list of holiday classics & buy tickets HERE

10. One-Stop Shop

‘Tis the season of cheer, mistletoe, aaand last minute Christmas shopping. We totally believe you when you say next year you’ll get your Christmas shopping done early, but we’ve got you covered this year. Here’s some one-stop shop destinations in Charlottetown for all of your gift-giving hopes and dreams:

• Founder’s Food Hall & Market
• Confederation Court Mall
• Royalty Crossing Mall

These streets were made for walkin’
Don’t miss out on a dose of downtown holiday magic on Queen Street & Victoria Row. With door-to-door shops to stroll through, that stocking will be stuffed in no time.

11. 2023 Is Calling…

A glance at Dec. 31st in Charlottetown:

Ring in the new year right from the heart of the Island this year. Join in on all-day celebrations at Founders Food Hall & Market for Capital New Year, from 11am – 8pm. If hopping on a horse & wagon ride before 2022 ends happens to be on your bucket list, you’re in luck! Horse & wagon rides run from 2 – 6pm (Cash only – pick up at Founders’ Hall). Dance the night away with Ben Chase & Friends at the Eastlink Centre (8pm start) or at the Ultimate NYE Dance Party at Trailside Music Hall (8pm – 1am).

Past Event: Step into a Storybook at the Victorian Christmas Market

*From us to you, a huge thank-you to everyone involved in creating a truly magical experience at another successful Victorian Christmas Market! Save the date: Nov 24 – 26, 2023

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 Victorian Christmas Market. 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!

And here you have it – 11 reasons why you’ll want to mark your calendar and join the holiday fun at the Charlottetown Christmas Festival from November 18th, 2022 to Jan 2nd, 2023.

More Details & Schedule Of Events