12 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 24, 2023 – Jan 2, 2024. That’s right! We’ll have the return of the open-air Victorian Christmas Market presented by the Confederation Court Mall (Nov 24-26), the all-new Mistletoe Market, as well as bringing back Christmas Town – A Whoville-inspired Village, the Indigenous Artisans Christmas Market (Nov 25), 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, 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 24 – 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 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!

2. Visit with Santa

Santa loves a big Christmas celebration and he’ll be around many different locations throughout the festival. Be sure to have your kiddies (and even your pups) save up their wishlist to share with him!

Check out the Victorian Christmas Market Schedule HERE to see when Santa will be around from Nov 24-26!

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. Find more info HERE.

3. An All-New & Unique Way to Shop Local

This year, we’re welcoming a brand-new addition to the Charlottetown Christmas Festival- the Mistletoe Market! Nestled in the heart of Downtown Charlottetown on the Confederation Centre Plaza, 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. Find more info & a vendor lineup HERE.

4. 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 Dec 1st – 17th

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.

Book your Christmas getaway

Visiting during the Victorian Christmas Weekend (Nov 24-26)? We have a special little lineup of packages just for you. Check them out HERE.

6. 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. 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!

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 24) and Charlottetown Christmas Parade (Sat, Nov 25th), 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 24 – 26 | PEICC Christmas Craft Fair at The Port Charlottetown
Nov 24 – 26 | Victorian Christmas Market on Queen Street
Nov 24 – 25 | Colonel Gray Christmas Craft Fair
Nov 24 – Dec 24  (Weekends) | Open-Air Mistletoe Market on the Plaza
Nov 25 | Indigenous Artisans Market at Confed Centre
Dec 2 – Dec 3 | Holiday Maker Market at Chi Wan Young Sports Centre
Dec 1 – 17 (Weekends) | Deck the Hall Presented by Founder’s Food Hall & Market
Dec 10 & 17 | The 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. 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.

12. 2024 Is Calling…

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!

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 24th – January 2nd!

Charlottetown Christmas Festival: More Details & Schedule Of Events