No matter where you find yourself on the South Shore this weekend, you will find something festive! Discover everything from town festivals, parades, tree lightings, craft markets, plays and maybe even The Grinch himself. This weekend is the start of three major holiday festivals including the Mahone Bay Father Christmas Festival, Yuletide in Lunenburg and Chester Village Christmas! Have a peek through our list and let’s see what’s happening on the South Shore this weekend.

What’s Happening on the South Shore Friday November 29, 2019

Nov 29 – Mahone Bay Father Christmas Festival Begins

The 15th Annual Father Christmas Festival begins tonight with the lighting of the new permanent tree. Join in at 7pm at St. John’s Church for a celebration of word and song, and then head across for the lighting of the tree to officially open the Festival. Over the weekends of Nov 30-Dec 1 and Dec 7 – Dec 8, the town invites you to stroll around the bay and through the shops in the town of Christmas abundance.

Highlights of the Festival include the annual “Homes for the Holidays” decorated house tour. A chance to visit four homes, designed and decorated to inspire you. The Christmas Fantasy is back to the excitement of many! This years “Winter Garden Experience” is housed at the Kitch’inn B&B and should not be missed! Stop in to the Mahone Bay Centre where the kids can decorate gingerbread house and tiny trees to take home. The Mahone Bay Museum is also offering free kids activities and tours during the festival, always a fun time. For a full listing of all the events happening, including the Yuletide Gourmet & Makers Market, Art shows, Late Night Shopping and the Reindeer Run, please see the official program.

Nov 29 – Beauty and the Beast (Lunenburg)

The South Shore Players presents “Beauty and the Beast“, a pantomime by Ben Crocker. This family-friendly production promises to be fun for “kids” of all ages. Tickets are $20 for Adults and $12 for Kids 12 and under, available online, or see poster for select retail locations.

Nov 29 – Christmas Bake Sale (Bridgewater)

The Friends of the Debrisay Museum are holding a Christmas Bake Sale this Friday starting at 9:30 am. Head to the food court entrance at the South Shore Centre Mall for a wonderful selection of home made goodies with proceeds going to the museum.

Nov 29 – Pet Pics with Santa (Bridgewater)

Bring your furry friends to Gow’s Home Hardware and Furniture for Pet Pics with Santa., talk about the cutest Christmas Cards! Photos are taking place between 6:30pm-8:30pm, with all proceeds going to the SHAID Tree Animal Shelter.

Nov 29 – Kids Drop-in Cookie Decorating (Bridgewater)

Gow’s Home Hardware and Furniture invite you to drop your kids off in the Jean Fielding Community Room to decorate some cookies, while you have some time to catch up on some Christmas shopping in the store! Shop kid free from 6:30pm-8pm, this is a free event.

Nov 29 – Black Friday Sampling Event at Petite Riviere

Petite Riviere Vineyards invites you to a Black Friday Sampling Event. Sample the wines featured in their Red Wine Case and Holiday Case Specials! Enjoy light food pairings as you sip on our featured wines. Admission is free, tickets available at EventBrite.

Nov 29 – Chester Village Tree Lighting (Chester)

The Town of Chester invites you to their Village Tree Lighting Ceremony. Song along with Christmas Carollers, enjoy treats from the Treat Truck, get dancing with En Pointe Studio and have a visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause. The fun starts at 6:30pm, a great way to start the holidays! A wonderful part of what’s happening on the South Shore this weekend.

Nov 29 – Festival of Lights : Year of the Lobster (Liverpool)

White Point Beach Resort kicks off it’s annual Festival Lights with this years “Year of the Lobster ” theme. Running from Nov 29 – Jan 5, get ready to take a seat in their Lobster-drawn sleigh, meander along the paths, marvel at the giant ‘snow globes’, jack-a-lopes, the Three Wise-lobsters, and more as the sun sets at the resort. Warm up by the fire in the main lodge, which will be decked out in its holiday finest.

What’s Happening on the South Shore Saturday November 30, 2019

Nov 30 – Yuletide in Lunenburg

Celebrate Yuletide in Lunenburg with two weekend of Christmas Spirit for the whole family. Join the fun at the Lunenburg Christmas Parade this Saturday at 3pm, with the Lighting of the Trees & Pilgrimage at 7pm. Meanwhile take in the Outdoor Market along King Street until 9pm.

The second weekend of the Festival is where you will find Annual Lunenburg Christmas Craft Festival. Housed in three building, you are sure to find something unique for those on your list. The highlight of the second weekend is the much loved Lighting of the Vessels Celebration hosted by the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. There will be events and activities for the whole family on the wharf and inside the museum, including local food vendors, Kiddie Theodore Dory Train Ride, Marshmallow Roast, Christmas Carol Sing A Long, Face painting and much more.

Nov 30 – Chester Village Christmas (Chester)

The Village of Chester is rolling out the red carpet this weekend and inviting you to come and explore a Chester Village Christmas this weekend. Filled with all kinds of festive activities, it will be hard to not get into the Christmas spirit.

The long running and very popular Chester Gingerbread Festival and the Merchant’s ‘Shop Under the Lights’ event have been added to with a wide variety of family oriented events and activities spanning from the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus to light the Chester Christmas tree, extended merchant and restaurant hours, to crafts and cookie workshops and friendly competitions such as Mystery Tree Decorating and Christmas Wreath Tossing along with a village wide Elf Selfie Scavenger hunt, Gingerbread Chase Fun Run, a Christmas Tree Festival, local street vendors, a ‘Village Festival of Trees’, a Christmas Pet Parade and Costume Competition, Christmas movies and so much more!!  

Nov 30 – New Germany Countryside Christmas

New Germany celebrates the holidays with their Countryside Christmas. Organized by the New Germany Area Promotion Society (NGAPS), start your weekend at the Christmas Open House at the Village Glassworks and Community Tree Lighting and Livewires Countryside Forest on Sunday Dec 1st. The celebration carries on to next weekend with a Victorian Christmas Tea, Christmas Festival at the New Germany Elementary School with Santa’s village, Whimsical Children’s Store, Mini Trees, Lions Club mini-train and more! Close off the festival with song at the Annual Community Christmas Concert at the Branch La Have Community Hall. For more event information please see the NGAPS Facebook page!.

Nov 30 – Breakfast with the Grinch (Bridgewater)

2nd Bridgewater Pathfinders invite you to have Breakfast with the Grinch! That loveable character, just make sure he doesn’t steal your pancakes! What a great way to start your day. Breakfast will be served at the Bridgewater Firehall with pancakes (plain or blueberry), sausages, tea/coffee and milk/juice from 7:00am until 11am. Tickets are at the door: Kids 3 and under are free, $4 for Ages 4-10, $7 Ages 11 and up. There will also be a table of baked goods. This is a fundraiser in support of the 2nd Bridgewater Pathfinders Europe 2020 trip.

Nov 30 – Pancakes with Santa (Chester)

Unsure about breakfast with the Grinch? How about pancakes with Santa? Join the Chester Sea Cadets for Pancakes with Santa at the Chester Legion. Enjoy breakfast of sausages, pancakes, juice, tea and coffee and get your photo taken with the Big Guy himself! Adults $8, Children $6, Children under 5 are free. 50/50 tickets will be available for $5.

Nov 30 – Biscuit Eater Holiday Bake Sale (Mahone Bay)

The Biscuit Eater Cafe & Bookstore’s first annual Holiday Bake Sale is happening on the Saturdays of the Father Christmas Festival from 9-11am. Buy or bring a tin and fill it up with cookies by the dozen, choose from their homemade cakes and pies, tarts, bars, scones, biscuits and so much more handmade goodness including holiday classics and gluten free and vegan options. Don’t worry about the holiday baking this year, support a local family owned business and let them sweeten the season for you!

Nov 30 – 2019 Wickwire Winterfest (Port Mouton)

The POW Wickwire association invites you to 2019 Wickwire Winterfest, a holiday craft fair and kids movies at Wickwire Academy. A selection of gifts, crafts, art, baked goods and treats available from over 20 vendors/crafters will make for a great Holiday shopping experience. As you do some shopping there will be two holiday kids movies playing back to back to entertain the kids with a special visit from Santa at 12pm. There is a $1 entry or adults, kids are free.

Nov 30 – Downtown for the Holidays (Liverpool)

The streets Liverpool will be bustling with all the activities planned for this Saturday’s “Downton for the Holidays“. With over 30 businesses participating, you will find everything from refreshments, to special offers, visits with Mr. and Mrs, Claus, cookie decorating, bake/craft sales, live music, the list goes on. Please check the Facebook Event for all the details.

Nov 30 – Elizabeth Brown Woodcarving Christmas Open House (Liverpool)

Do you secretly indulge in the Hallmark Christmas Movies this time of year? Now is you chance to meet Elizabeth Brown and see her whimsical Santa Carvings featured in Hallmarks “Nostalgic Christmas“. This is a chance for everyone to see the transformation that the little Corner Store Studio has undergone and check out the carvings and other interesting things on display. **Please note! there will not be any Santas available for sale on site.

Nov 30 – Lexicon Books Annual Open House (Lunenburg)

Join Lexicon Books for their annual Holiday Open House this Saturday 10am – 5pm. Special guests Sydney Smith and Alison Smith will be in to sign copies of their award-winning booksfrom 10-12; in-house authors Jo Treggiari and Alice Burdick will also be on hand to sign their books. Enjoy 15% off purchases, complimentary gift wrapping, hot apple cider, snacks & good cheer!

Nov 30 – Elderdog Christmas Bazaar (Lunenburg)

ElderDog Canada Lunenburg County Pawd invites you to their 6th Annual Elderdog Christmas Bazaar. Do some Christmas shopping, get your dogs photo taken with Santa, and our 2020 Calendars will be for sale as well, all in support of PAWD. Free admission, Dogs welcome! 2020 Calendars for sale here.

Nov 30 – Community Tree Lighting and Social (Hunt’s Point)

Head to Hunt’s Point Community Hall this Saturday for their annual Tree Lighting and Social. Start the holiday season by making a special ornament and enjoy a treat with friends and neighbours. Craft supplies will be provided along with tea, coffee and hot cider. Bring along a treat if you wish for all to share.

Nov 30 – Chester Playhouse Festive Open House

Drop into the Chester Playhouse Theatre this Saturday between 2pm-5pm for their Festive Open House. Visit with friends and neighbours, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate will be served, with rotating screenings of The Grinch and Charlie Brown Christmas for extra holiday spirit.

Nov 30 – Christmas by the Sea Outdoor Market (Lunenburg)

Christmas by the Sea is bringing back the Outdoor Market this Saturday.
Booths of local crafts, food, arts, and many other unique vendors will line King Street in Lunenburg between 12pm-9pm. With monitored warming stations and plenty of hot cocoa you will feel the warmth from your heart to your toes. Shopping under the stars on a winters eve? Sounds lovely.

Nov 30 – The Chronicle Herald Christmas on the LaHave Parade (Bridgewater)

The annual Chronicle Herald Christmas on the LaHave Parade and celebration of the coming holiday season is happening this Saturday. Starting at 6pm, the parade route will take its traditional course from the NSCC on High Street through to Downtown Bridgewater and south on King Street. Stick around downtown as the parade will be followed by the annual fireworks display!

Nov 30 – 2nd Annual St. Andrews Day Celebration (Mahone Bay)

South Shore Pipes and Drums Association and Saltbox Brewery are hosting the 2nd Annual St. Andrews Day Celebration this Saturday from 6pm-10pm. Snack on sandwiches and sweets, tap your toes to great live music, take part in the silent auction and don’t forget to get your pictures in the photo booth. Pre-booked tickets are $12, ($15 at the door). All proceeds go to the South Shore Pips and Drums Association.

Nov 30 – Kenny’s 11th Annual Toy Drive (Bridgewater)

What’s happening on the South Shore this weekend? Well Boston Pizza in Bridgewater is hosting the Kenny’s 11th Annual Toy Drive. Helping out the kids of the community and having a pre-holiday get together with your friends sounds like a great combination. Enjoy GameChangers music, food and drink specials on between 7:30pm-11pm.

Nov 30 – A Christmas Dollhouse : A Musical (Mahone Bay)

The Mahone Bay Centre presents “A Christmas Dollhouse” this Saturday at 7pm. “A Christmas Dollhouse” is a musical for all ages written by Vladimir Sitnikov and Cheryl Edgett, based on the novel by Halifax writer Richard Rudnicki. It is based on a true story that took place in Halifax during the 1930’s. The story is a reflection of friendship, forgiveness, kindness, celebration and community during the Christmas season in Nova Scotia. One for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets range from $15-$60 and are available via Eventbrite.

What’s Happening on the South Shore Sunday December 1, 2019

Dec 1 – Yuletide Art Sale (Lunenburg)

The Lunenburg Art Gallery is holding a Yuletide Art Sale this weekend, 10am-4pm both days. Enjoy a cup of hot apple cider and a cookie while shopping for a unique piece to enhance your home and enliven your spirit.
They will have select paintings and giftware on sale as well. Bring a friend or two and give the gift of art this season!

Dec 1 – Chester Christmas Market

Head to the Chester Legion this Sunday from 9am-2pm for the Chester Farmers Market Annual Christmas Market. With even more vendors this year you can find all your Christmas essentials and many of our summer outdoor Market vendors bringing their Christmas treats.

Dec 1 – Annual Christmas Cookie Contest & Auction (Chester)

Do you think you make the best Christmas cookies on the block? Now is your chance to prove it! Bake your best batch and enter into the Chester Cookie Competition and Auction. Good food, good fun, good music all for a good cause!

Dec 1 – Community Carol Sing (Shelburne)

The Shelburne Pastoral Charge is once again hosting it’s annual community carol sing. A variety of reading, biblical and secular and the handbell choir will give your voice a break, but the audience is the true star as you sing along with all your favourite Christmas carols. Entrance Fee: Donation of food or money to the local Food Bank.

Dec 1 – Wreath Making Workshop (Chester)

Oceanview Home & Garden is offering a fun and festive Make-and-Take Wreath Class. You will use a variety of fresh seasonal greens to make a lush wreath to hang on your door for the holidays. Demonstration, guidance, materials, and refreshments will be provided. – Pre-registration is required. Please call the store to register- payment required in full at time of booking. Cost: $35 (902) 275-2505

Dec 1 – Holiday Craft Fair (Milton)

As a part of Christmas on the Mersey, stop by the Milton Memorial Hall for a Holiday Craft Sale Sunday from 9am-1pm. Browse a number of crafters/makers for just the right gift. Canteen and Brunch will be available and there will be a 50/50 Draw. Admission is $2 or donation to the food bank.

Dec 1 – Christmas Family Day (Caledonia)

The North Queens Fire Association welcomes you to join in at their annual Christmas Family Day. Craft/Food sale and Kids activities from 1pm-3pm, Community Supper goes from 3:30-6pm and then head out for the parade of Lights! There will be a 50/50 draw and Donation Boot as well.

Dec 1 – Santa Walk/Run for Christmas Daddies (Lunenburg)

The 23rd annual Walk/Run for Christmas Daddies is this Sunday, beginning at 1pm at the Central United Church on Lincoln Street. Please donate a toy, book or winter clothing item for a child or make a cash donation. Head out for a half hour walk or run, followed by chili, soup, bread and treats. Dress in festive garb if you would like.

Dec 1 – Christmas Daddies Benefit Show (Liverpool)

Top Notch the Band are very pleased to be playing a set for the variety show in Liverpool at the Legion hall benefiting the Christmas Daddies Telethon. The annual Christmas Daddies fund Raising Event was started several years ago by a gentleman named Bill Martin. Head down for an afternoon of great fun all for a great cause.

Dec 1 – “Love Actually” at the Chester Playhouse

The Chester Playhouse Theatre is screening the holiday favourite “Love Actually” this Sunday at 4pm. This classic Holiday Romantic Comedy follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England Tickets are $10 available here.

Holiday Markets

As our wonderful farm markets have closed for the season, we can make our way to the many local Holiday Craft Fairs and Markets. With so many markets happening, we put together a South Shore Holiday Market Guide for you! Happy shopping!

We hope that this helps you make your plans now that you know What’s Happening on the South Shore this Weekend.

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To submit an event for our weekly What’s Happening on the South Shore post, email jen@simplelocallife.com with event info and relevant links.