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12 Ways to Experience Holiday Magic in Charlottetown
October 8, 2025
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and we can’t think of any better way to get in the festive spirit than visiting PEI’s charming capital for the Charlottetown Christmas Festival: Nov 21st – Jan 2nd.
Featuring holiday markets galore, breakfast with Santa, horse & wagon rides, live ice sculpting, firepits & cozy outdoor seating, live music & carollers, children’s programming & much, MUCH more.
Read on for 12 reasons to attend the Charlottetown Christmas Festival Nov 21 – 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 downtown Charlottetown will be closed off to make room for more than 50 local vendors during the 11th annual Victorian Christmas Market, November 28 – 30.
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. A Unique Way to Shop Local
The Mistletoe Market (Weekends from Nov 21 – Dec 21) is the Charlottetown Christmas Festival’s newest edition! Nestled in the heart of Downtown Charlottetown in Boulder Park, this boutique open-air market features twelve 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 5 – 21) has something for everyone this holiday season! Cozy up by the fire pits, watch ice sculptors create frosty masterpieces, snap a selfie with Santa, or enjoy live local music.
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)!
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.
6. Take In A Holiday Show
Enjoy live theatre and performances all season long, including LIVE @ The Centre Holiday Shows, Elf: The Musical at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall, and rotating acts at Trailside Music Hall.
Charlottetown’s independent theatres, Tivoli Cinema and City Cinema, are screening holiday favourites throughout the season. Check their websites to plan a cozy movie night, or bundle up for a free outdoor screening of Elf at Founders’ Food Hall & Market on Saturday, December 13th.
You’ll also find live holiday music and pop-up carolling across the Charlottetown Christmas Festival – check the full schedule to see what’s happening when.
7. Hop on a Horse & Wagon Ride Through Town
We’ve brought 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 Ceremony on the Confederation Centre of the Arts Plaza (Fri, Nov 28)
- Charlottetown Christmas Parade throughout downtown Charlottetown (Sat, Nov 29th)
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 21 – Dec 21 (Weekends) | Open-Air Mistletoe Market at Boulder Park
Nov 21 – 22 | Colonel Gray Christmas Craft Fair at Colonel Gray High School
Nov 21 – 23 | PEICC Christmas Craft Fair at Port Charlottetown
Nov 22 | Indigenous Artisans Market at Port Charlottetown
Nov 28 – 30 | Victorian Christmas Market on Queen Street
Nov 29 – 30 | Holiday Maker Market at the Eastlink Centre
Dec 5 – 21 (Weekends) | Deck the Hall at Founders’ Food Hall & Market
Dec 7 & 14 | Artisan Christmas Market at the Charlottetown Farmers Market
10. Cozy Up at Charlottetown’s All-New Holiday Pop-Up Bar
Step into Miracle on Sydney Street, Charlottetown’s festive pop-up bar inside Marc’s Lounge!
All season long, the lounge transforms into a cozy Christmas wonderland with twinkling lights, holiday décor, and handcrafted seasonal cocktails. Watch classic Christmas movies, relax with friends, and soak up the holiday magic.
11. Step Back in Time at Beaconsfield
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 Holiday Extravaganza from December 5 – 7!
Friday, Dec 5: Explore hands-on crafts, storytime, Victorian Christmas décor tours, treats on the veranda, and a holiday craft market. The evening features a lawn lighting ceremony with Queer Choir PEI, a tree-decorating fundraiser, and more.
Saturday, Dec 6: Enjoy ongoing décor tours, live harp music, kids’ crafting, and the curated craft market. Cap off the night with a Lady Gaga tribute drag show in the Carriage House.
Sunday, Dec 7: Take your final chance to see the Victorian décor, hear live harp music, and enjoy more seasonal activities in the Carriage House.
12. Explore The City On Foot
Stroll through Charlottetown and soak up the holiday magic! Wander the all-new Christmas Tree Trail, spot charming Nutcrackers outside local shops, sip your way through the Hot Chocolate Trail – or do all three for the ultimate adventure. It’s the perfect way to admire our cozy, festive little city.
PLUS: 2026 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 21 – January 2!
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.