It’s that time of year, when wisps of white can fill the air, the stars come out earlier and our South Shore communities come alive with holiday festivities. One of the most anticipated events of the Holiday Season is the Mahone Bay Father Christmas Festival.
Celebrating its 15th year, the festival begins with it’s tree lighting ceremony on the evening of Friday November 29th, the festival then runs the weekends of Nov 30 – Dec 1 and Dec 7-8. There are some returning favourites and some new experiences for all to enjoy. Let’s stroll through town, with a cup of cocoa in our hands, past the handmade Father Christmas figures and discover some of what you can experience at this year’s Mahone Bay Father Christmas Festival.
Christmas Fantasy Experience
We were most excited to hear the news that the “Christmas Fantasy” will be returning to the festival this year. Vicki Bardon her team of elves have been working on this years experience “Winter Gardens”. Inspired by the German tradition of intricate paper cutting known as Scherenschnitte, you will be delighted by the magical “Garden of Children’s Delights”, the “Wondrous Winter Garden”, and the twinkling “Fairie Gardens”. We’ve even heard tale of a life-size paper tree! Each garden features handmade Father Christmas figures ready to amaze and delight all ages. This years display is located at whimsical Kitch’inn Bed & Breakfast. This is one experience you will not want to miss.
a sneak peek a lovely example of Scherenschnitte from snippetygibbit
“Homes for the Holiday” Decorated House Tour
Once again you can be delighted by the “Homes for the Holiday” decorated house tour. Be inspired as you visit four Mahone Bay homes dressed up in all their festive best, and maybe even take home some new ideas to use in your own home. We are always amazed at some of the simple, yet beautiful ideas that the decorating teams come up with. This year, three of the four houses are historical homes and all are within walking distance in the town.
Another favourite that is back this year is the One Size Fits All Art Show and Sale. Last a part of the festival in 2017, this years show features over 70 artists participating and 258 original works of art on display and for sale. Such a unique event, incredible to see such a varied collection of pieces all the same size. Attend the preview and opening reception Friday Nov 29th, before the sales begin Nov 30th. A great chance to find something for yourself, or someone on your list.
Around the Bay and Through the Shops
The festival invites you to take a stroll around the bay and through the shops in the town of Christmas abundance. Your festival program includes three “neighbourhood strolls” highlighting all the wonderful shops and restaurants in town, all decked out and ready to welcome you. Take one, two or all three of the strolls and wrap up your Christmas shopping. Make sure to have your Festival Wish List in hand and for a chance to win all the items you desire.
New this year, there will be a special late-night shopping event on Thursday Dec 5th. Shops will be open until 8pm, you can expect to find giveaways, special offers or refreshments at each establishment. Leave the kids at home, grab your girlfriends and make a night of it.
2017 Festival Wish List Winner!
Yuletide Gourmet Market & Craft Show
As you are strolling through the town, you can make your way to the Yuletide Gourmet Market & Craft Show. Happening both Saturdays at the Mahone Bay Centre, you will find festive flavours from local makers and bakers for your holiday entertaining and gift giving.
Activities for the young, and young at heart
The Festival is full of wonderful things for the little ones to take part in as well. There are free kids card crafts and exhibit tours at the Mahone Bay Museum, the Cookie Walk, Gingerbread Decorating, Tiny Trees, and new this year, the One Size for All Multi Media Art Workshop can all be found in the Mahone Bay Centre. Of course the Christmas Fantasy will delight the little ones too.
Tiny Tree delivery! Cookie Walk Complete
2019 Reindeer Fun Run
If you have a little pep left in your step, why not enter the 2019 Reindeer Fun Run on Sat Dec. 7th? Put on your best holiday tutu, tights or onesie and join in the fun. Antlers and Flashing Noses for all participants, as well as this years souvenir Amos Pewter Reindeer Ornament “Prancer” for adult registrants. This years 3km walk/run benefits Autism Nova Scotia and the C. Joseph Feeney Bell Tower and Library.
This year Mahone Bay is making it easier for those living in and around the HRM to come and visit. Partnering with Ambassatours, you can book yourself, your family or the girlfriends a ticket for a Day Trip to Mahone Bay. No worrying about the weather or parking, how nice does that sound? Your ticket includes round trip travel from the HRM, lunch and admission to the Christmas Fantasy. You also have the option of adding a “Homes for the Holiday” decorated house tour ticket. What a wonderful opportunity for those who otherwise would not be able to attend this wonderful festival.
These are just a few of the many things happening during this years Mahone Bay Father Christmas Festival. The town will be alive with strolling Father Christmases, carollers and warming stations. Stop in at the Festival Welcome Centre & Christmas Quilt Display at 583 Main Street or the Visitor Information Centre to pick up your program, Festival Wish List and Home Tour Tickets.
Strolling Carollers Visitor Information Centre Festival Welcome Centre & Christmas Quilt Display
We hope that this has helped you decide to add the Father Christmas Festival to your holiday bucket list. Please see the full festival program for the dates and times for all the events of this years festival. Ticket information for “Home for the Holidays” decorated house tour and “Christmas Fantasy Experience” can be found, and advance purchases made online at mahonebay.com. We hope to see you there!
Tag us on Instagram on your Father Christmas Festival adventures @SimpleLocalLife or #simplelocallife for a potential repost.
