What to do with the family this weekend in Greater Moncton (Nov 15-17, 2024)

Welcome to a wonderful weekend, everyone! There is SO much starting to happen to ring in the holiday season, so buckle up for lots of markets, events, & more. A quick heads up: there won’t be a weekend round up for Nov 29-Dec 1, but we are starting to fill our ‘looking ahead’ section to keep you covered. (Mama & Papa Pickle are going on a little Christmas vacation – watch our social media to follow along!)

A few ongoing seasonal highlights to share:

Watch for more seasonal events & activities to start soon, like the lights downtown & along the riverfront; find some highlights at the end of the post in the ‘looking ahead’ section – including our list of Santa Parades!

I’ll be co-hosting a special Facebook Live on Friday, November 15 for the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation to mark World Prematurity Awareness Day.

Tantramar’s Moonlight Madness begins tonight, with businesses throughout Sackville staying open late for your shopping pleasure. Santa will be at Bill Johnstone Park to light the tree at 6pm, there’s hot chocolate at the corner of Bridge & Main Street from 6-9pm, the food bank will have an open house, and there will be crafts & more at the library, too!

Shawn Desman is at Casino New Brunswick tonight for an all ages show at 8pm.

FRIDAY SKATING TIMES

The Salisbury Lions Club hosts its monthly pancake & sausage breakfast, with sweets, drinks, & more. Open 7-10am, cost is $10 for adults, $5 for those ages six to 10, and free for preschoolers.

There’s a guided walk in Mill Creek, leaving at 9am. The theme is ‘decades’ – you’re encouraged to dress up & take a walk through time! You’ll enjoy bingo at the lookout before returning.

In honour of World Adoption Day, the lovely Josephine Watson will be reading her book, Momma Gave, at the Moncton Library. Register in advance (phone 869-6000); for ages five to eight.

Tri-County Ground Search & Rescue is holding a fun event at Centennial Park today, raising money to support their work. There will  bemusic, lots of kid-friendly activities, giveaways, check out the rescue basket & ropes, learn about training, and more. Drop by between noon & 4pm.

There’s a great kids’ painting event happening at Bar Laitier Amiro Dairy Bar; get in touch (506) 204-2264) to see if there’s still space to join!

Youth ages eight to 15 can sign up for a Christmas ceramics workshop at the Dieppe Arts & Culture centre, happening November 16 & 23.

If you’re up for a little road trip, the Rothesay Yule is on today. A Christmas fundraiser worth the drive! You can keep going to Saint John for their Santa parade, too!

RELATED: Pickle Planet’s Guide to the Royale Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade (happening next Saturday, Nov 23!)

Roller Disco is back at the Moncton Coliseum, celebrating hits of the 70s. There’s a Family Skate from 4-6pm, and from 6-8pm. Rentals available!

Cirque Musica’s Holiday Wonderland is on stage at Casino New Brunswick tonight, 7pm.

Atlantic Slam returns to Moncton with amazing basketball action this weekend. The Northeastern Huskies face off against the CCSU Blue Devils at 7pm at the Avenir Centre.

SATURDAY MARKETS

SATURDAY SKATING TIMES

There’s an awesome artisan market happening November 17 at Tire Shack Brewing, noon till 5pm.

The Mom Market is popping up November 17 at Mapleton Park Lodge, opening at 10am.

Curt’s 4th annual Christmas Market will be at the Riverview Lion’s Club today, 10am-4pm.

SUNDAY SKATING TIMES

🏊‍♀️ The indoor splash pad at the YMCA North End is an amazing option for kiddos – with public openings every day of the week! Check the schedule as times vary day-to-day; cost to attend for non-member is $6.

🏊‍♀️ For indoor swimming, there are public options at the YMCA Greater Moncton (love their small, warmer pool for little ones – Friday public swim 7-8pm, Saturday public swim 6:30-7:45, & Sunday public swim 2-3pm – thanks to the City, Friday & Sunday swims are just $3/person), the Pat Crossman Aquatic Centre in Riverview (Saturday public swims, 2-3:30pm), and the Dieppe Aquatic Centre (with the awesome sloped entry & pirate ship splash zone!).

👧 Hop! Skip! Jump! is perfect for little ones, as well as the cool climbing wall & laser room for older kids.

🎳 Bowling is always a fun idea! Go retro vibes with Marvelous Holy Bowly in Riverview, check out glow bowling times at Fairlanes in Moncton, or head to Bowlarama & its awesome arcade in Dieppe. (We recommend calling ahead to book in advance so you’re not disappointed.)

🎨 Creative mood? Try DIY Studio to paint your own pottery!

🪨 Want to move as a family but need to be indoors? Try a visit to FitRocks Climbing Gym!

🔫 Book laser tag at Marco’s Clinic or the Sportsdome.

🛹 Riverview Indoor Skatepark & Riverview Youth Centre are a great space to learn to skate or practice your skills!

🛹 There’s a borrowing program at YMCA North with skateboards, helmets, and protective gear for use on their great outdoor ramps!

🔐 Up for a challenge? Room Escape Atlantic usually has a few non-scary, kid-friendly options & Mystery Moncton Mystere is great for the teens & up. There are also online options you can purchase to play on your own time, like … Motive for Murder audio game — A great ‘any time of day’ option for the true crime fans who are up for a little hometown sleuthing. Download a whodunnit set in Moncton!

💥 Gamer in the family? The Comic Hunter hosts Friday Night Magic Modern sessions,  Sunday Lorcana Locals & Pokémon sessions, Monday Star Wars Unlimited Weekly Play & lots of other gaming events. Check out their September calendar for details.

🎲 If board games are your family thing, check out the new shop on Moncton’s Main Street, Board Miniatures! The have a standing paint and play tabletop session on Sundays.

🐟 Bass Pro’s 12,000-gallon freshwater aquarium with striped bass, Atlantic sturgeon, trout, perch, and more is always fun to visit, especially when you need an indoor option.

🏫  Resurgo Place is a spot we love to visit again & again; history, hands-on science & arts, & special programming, too!

📚 Local libraries are always a great spot to visit, with lots of programming for all ages – and also another rainy day must visit option.

🤘 BGC Dieppe is always a great place for families to connect.

🎧 There’s a roughly one hour iTour of downtown Moncton’s historical & cultural locations you can use to help you explore – a great way to add a little movement, a little history, and a little fun to your family outings! Be sure to check out all the amazing public art installations around the downtown core, too!

🦙 Llamazing Adventures is a great way to get out & get moving! Take the llamas for a walk!

🐯  The Magnetic Hill Zoo is open five days a week (closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays) in November.

Heads up: when we checked, there were still spots for the next Home Depot Kids DIY session coming up November 30. And we see The Art Room still has spaces for a fun kids’ event coming up in December – but you need to register soon!

Check out our Guide to Santa Parades & Winter Festivals for details on lots of fun activities throughout the season; here’s a quick list of dates:

FICFA – the French film festival – takes place November 19 – 24.

Riverview’s Light Up switch will go on Thursday, November 21 at 7pm. Check out this fun pre-event photo op & dinner idea, too!

Tickets are on sale for the Antler Breakfast on November 22.

Turner’s Christmas at the Coliseum takes place November 22-24.

Follow the Royale Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade Facebook page for all the info on one of the largest Santa parades in the country, happening Saturday November 23 at 5pm!

The Capitol Theatre will offer hot cocoa with Kevin in the lobby from 4-6pm, for those waiting for the parade. They also have a host of shows throughout the holidays!

The Arches of St. George is hosting holiday pop-ups on Nov 23, 30, Dec 7, & 14.

Ventus Machina will again play a holiday concert at Moncton’s Free Meeting House, followed by a reception at Resurgo Place, on Nov 24.

The Green Pig Country Market is hosting a Holiday HogNog November 28 & 29 & December 5 & 6. Dozens of different vendors on various nights!

Magnetic Hill Winery is also planning a Sip & Shop night on November 28, from 6-9pm.

Wild Lights returns November 29, transforming the Magnetic Hill Zoo into a winter wonderful of light!

Blossom Grove Barn will be a magical place November 30 & December 1st! Holiday crafters, yummy treats, and visits with farm animals & Mr. & Mrs. Claus!

Canvas Hotel is hosting Sleigh the Holidays Market with more than 30 vendors on November 30, 10am-2pm.

Christmas in the Country is a beautiful celebration with events throughout Albert County, November 30 & December 1.

Koliada is a Christmas festival hosted by the Ukrainian Club of Moncton, being held at Riverview’s Coverdale Centre on December 1.

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