There is no question that the holidays are going to look and feel a little different this year. Family gatherings will be smaller or virtual, school concerts and some events cancelled, but one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us, is our ability to make the best of an unusual situation, and still support each other. One way to continue this sense of community, is to visit the modified holiday markets and town festivals on the South Shore, and support local in every way we can!
New Ross Christmas Festival
There is nothing like a trip to a local holiday craft fair or town festival to get you in the spirit of the season. Strolling past booths and festive displays with a warm cup of cider in your hand, a wonder of local treats and handmade treasures to feast your eyes upon, all with the promise of the festivities to come, you will find it hard not to smile.
Enjoying town festivals is a tradition for many families. Gathering to share stories and song, lighting Christmas trees, real ones or those made of lobster pots, and greeting the carollers, gingerbread men & gnomes in various towns, all helps to bring in some holiday cheer. Make a point to get out and celebrate and make some new traditions along the way.
Liverpool, Mahone Bay, Chester & Lunenburg
Visiting South Shore holiday markets can be the quiet beginning to checking off all those holiday lists. It can be hard to find something special, and this is where holiday markets shine. With unique, one of a kind items, you are bound to find that one item that will be the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Bridgewater Christmas Market & Christmas at the Barn
Not only will you discover many wonderful gift ideas, the selection of local gourmet goodies to grace your table and wow your bubble family with is truly tantalizing. Make sure to stop into one of the local cafes and restaurants for a delicious meal, or sweet treat to keep you going.
Christmas at the Barn
Christmas at Petite, White Point Artisans Show & Bridgewater Christmas Market
We are so very lucky in Nova Scotia, and on the South Shore, to be able to see these events happening this year, even if they do look a little different. Visiting these markets and festivals should help you get into the holiday spirit.
Barrington Lobster Pot Tree
South Shore Holiday Market Tour
We’ve put together a list of all the South Shore markets and festivals happening over the next few months. It’s time to get out your calendar and start planning your adventures!
** Please visit festival and market websites or facebook pages for required COVID-19 protocols**
Multiple Weekend Holiday Markets & Festivals
Bridgewater Christmas Markets (Bridgewater) : Nov 22, 29 Dec 6, 13 & 20
Queens County Museum Festival of Trees & Dickensville – Cancelled
Chester Village Christmas Festival (Chester): Nov 27, 28 & 29
Tis a Mahone Bay Christmas (Mahone Bay) : Nov 27 – Dec 24
Christmas at the Barn Markets (Hubbards): Cancelled
Mahone Bay Centre Giant Book Sale (Mahone Bay): Cancelled
New Ross Christmas Festival (New Ross): Cancelled
Christmas in the Country Ross Farm Museum (New Ross): Cancelled
Privateer Christmas Markets (Liverpool) : Dec 12 & 19
Ross Farm Museum
Annual Holiday Markets
Nov 7 – Seaside Centre Christmas Craft Show (Beach Meadows, Brooklyn)
Nov 8 – Liverpool Fire Dept Ladies Auxiliary Annual Christmas Craft Sale (Liverpool)
Nov 14 – LaHave Craft Co-op Pre-Christmas Craft Market (West Dublin)
Nov 14 – Downtown Shelburne Christmas Shopping Event (Shelburne)
Nov 14 – New Germany Legion Annual Christmas Market (New Germany)
Nov 21 & 22 – Christmas in Petite (Petite Riviere)
Nov 28 & 29 – Artists of White Point Show & Sale (Liverpool)
Cancelled – Christmas at the Winery (Petite Riviere Vineyards)
Nov 29 – Chester Farmers & Artisan Christmas Market (Chester)
Cancelled – Christmas at the Kitch’Inn – A Maker’s Market (Mahone Bay)
Cancelled – Christmas Pop Up Market (New Ross Fairgrounds)
We hope that this helps you get a start on you holiday planning, now that you know all the local South Shore markets that are ready to help make your holiday season bright.
We’ve even made this into a download you can print and stick on the fridge or in your planner. Just to make it easier for you to enjoy the holiday markets and festivals on the South Shore.
We’ve also made you some Holiday Planner sheets to help you organize everything from your gift list to baking supplies here.
Tag us on Instagram on your holiday market & festival adventures @SimpleLocalLife or #simplelocallife for a potential repost.
