With the holidays soon upon us, we will be looking forward to spending time with friends and family. Whether planning big adventures or quiet get togethers, the South Shore has many wonderful things to do and take part in. In fact, there is so much to do, that it can be hard to remember it all. Let us help you make your plans with our South Shore Holiday Bucket List.
Skating at the LCLC or Emera Centre
Pack up your partner, your kids, heck even your parents and lace on a pair of skates at the LCLC in Bridgewater or Emera Centre in Liverpool. For just $2 a person, what a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. The LCLC does have skates for borrowing if needed, on a first come first serve basis.
Catch a Lumberjacks or Privateers Game
Enjoy a night out with the South Shore Lumberjacks or Liverpool Privateers. Great hockey, great fun for the family. Grab some popcorn and hot chocolate and get ready to cheer.
Snowshoe, cross country ski or take a walk along the Rum Runners Trail system.
The South Shore is home to an incredible trail system that is just waiting for you to enjoy this holiday season. Hike, ski or snowshoe your way along a section of the Rum Runners trail and then head to the nearest coffee house or craft brewery for a warm up.
Search for the perfect Christmas Tree as Gryphon Hill Farm or Hughes Christmas Tree Farm
Do you look for a “Charlie Brown” tree or one that fills the entire living room? Whichever you are looking for you are sure to find it at one of the many u-pick/u-cut locations across the South Shore like Gryphon Hill Farm and Hughes Christmas Trees.
Go for a winter’s walk at Hirtles or Carters Beach
There is something about walking along a beach in the winter, that makes you appreciate the simplicity of sand meeting ocean in a whole new way. Pack a picnic and make your way to Hirtles Beach, Carter’s Beach or your own personal favourite and enjoy. Beaches are not just for the summer.
Go to the Christmas by the Sea Outdoor Market in Lunenburg
Christmas shopping under the stars? We say yes please. Lunenburg hosts Christmas by the Sea Outdoor Market with booths of local crafts, food, arts, and many other unique vendors lining up along King Street. With warming stations and plenty of hot cocoa you will feel the warmth from your heart to your toes.
Enjoy the Mahone Bay Father Christmas Festival or Christmas in the Country in New Ross
The South Shore is home to many wonderful festivals and the holiday season is where it shines the brightest. Plan a visit to the Mahone Bay Father Christmas Festival and celebrate the return of the Christmas Fantasy or take a trip back in time with Christmas in the Country at New Ross Farm and enjoy some holiday traditions of long ago.
Take the kids to the Queens County Museum or DesBrisay Museum in Bridgewater
Like our festivals, the South Shore is home to many incredible museums. Why not load up the car and head to the Queens County Museum with their Festival of Trees & Dickensville display in Liverpool or the DesBrisay Museum in Bridgewater and marvel at their Folk Art Collection.
Go sledding at the MARC
Blue skies, sunshine and a slight nip in the air means only one thing, it’s time to go sledding. Grab your wooden toboggans and plastic saucers and hit the hills at the MARC in Dayspring, or your favourite local hill and start sliding.
Visit Bob’s Christmas Village in Dayspring
Word of mouth on the South Shore over the years has made “Bob’s Christmas Village” in Dayspring a must on anyones holiday bucket list. Bob’s display has over 20,000 LED lights and attracts visitors from around the world.
Celebrate at the Christmas on the Lahave Parade, or the Yarmouth Candy Cane Lane Stationary Parade
The Santa Claus Parade, the unofficial kick off to the holiday season. Oh the anticipation of that last float when the big guy makes his appearance, no matter your age, you will feel like a kid again. Head to Christmas on the Lahave Parade in Bridgwater or the new Yarmouth Candy Cane Lane Festival and it’s stationary parade, and help kick off the season.
Check out the Lobster Trap Christmas Trees in Barrington and Lunenburg
Lunenburg County may be the Balsalm Fir Christmas Tree Capital of the World, but have you ever seen a tree made from lobster traps? Well, you have not one, but two places where you can find these incredible trees. Head to Barringtons Christmas on the Causeway or Lunenburg historic waterfront and be amazed.
Do some winter bird watching at Cape Sable Island.
There are numerous varieties of birds that make the South Shore their home over the winter. Why not take a trip to Cape Sable Island or Kejimkujik National Park and see what new birds you can find.
Volunteer at the Queens County, Lunenburg or Mahone Bay Food Banks.
The holidays are a wonderful time to give back to your community and help spread some cheer. Volunteer your time at a local food bank like Queens County, Lunenburg or Mahone Bay, or a charity close to your heart and help make the holidays brighter for someone else.
Attend “A Christmas Carol” at the Astor Theatre or “A Christmas Dollhouse” in Mahone Bay
As a family, we always attend a play, a concert or even a movie together over the holidays. Sharing an experience with your family can be the greatest gift. Enjoy the timeless classic A Christmas Carol at the Astor theatre or experience the musical for all ages A Christmas Dollhouse based on the novel of the same name by Halifax author Richard Rudnicki.
Participate in the Reindeer Fun Run in Mahone Bay
Work off some some of those holiday treats you have been enjoying and raise money for a good cause by taking part of the Mahone Bay Reindeer Fun Run. Get out your best costumes and sneakers. Antlers and flashing noses free for all participants! This year monies raised go towards the C.Joseph Feeney Bell Tower & Library and Autism Nova Scotia.
We hope that our South Shore Holiday Bucket List helps you find new and exciting things to do with friends and family over the holidays.
To make it even easier to check off your bucket list we have created a download of our list for you print off for handy access.
Tag us on Instagram on your adventure @SimpleLocalLife or #simplelocallife for a potential repost.
