What to Do with the Family This Weekend (Nov 16-18)
It’s that wonderful time of year again, when there are so many holiday events we’re going to split the round up in two parts from now until Christmas! And be sure to follow us on Facebook for lots of great local holiday content coming up over the next few weeks: buy local picks, homemade gift ideas, stocking stuffers, advent book suggestions, Elf on the Shelf help, and more is all coming your way! (We’re also working on a special round-up of the holiday events in advance, but these power outages and cancelled school days have been making it tricky for us to get ahead of your requests this year. Be patient; it IS coming!)
First up, the non-Christmas theme events this weekend; and don’t forget, there are more ideas on our MEGA List of Local Family Fun (like bowling, indoor skating, trampoline parks, arcades and more) that offers ideas for weekday outings, too!
(A reminder to please always check the links we provide to confirm the event hasn’t been postponed or cancelled due to weather this time of year!)
FRIDAY
The Magnetic Hill Lions Community Centre’s party room is scheduled to be open Friday afternoon , with bouncy castles, ride on vehicles, plasma cars, and more. Entrance is $4. In the evening, there’s laser tag for $5/person (contact the centre to register in advance). The centre offers party rentals now; this is a great way to check it out!
The Town of Riverview is showing Mama Mia: Here We Go Again on the big screen Friday night! Popcorn and movie are free; doors open at 6pm.
This weekend is the annual Moncton Kennel Club Dog Show, which is open to the public with an entrance fee of $5. Check their Facebook page for times.
SATURDAY
November 17 is World Prematurity Awareness Day. You can read more about our family’s journey with babies born too early, as well as some tips on supporting those who are in the situation, and everyone is welcome to stop the Moncton Hospital lobby on Saturday morning to mark the occasion.
Start your morning off with a wonderful breakfast prepared by the Salisbury Lions Club. Pancakes, sausages, treats, and more for just $8/adult, $3 ages six to 10, and free for pre-schoolers.
Toys R Us is holding a Harry Potter event on Saturday, with a chance to check out a talking sorting hat, try a training wand, and have a special photo op!
The whole family can enjoy Brazilian storytime at the Moncton Library on Saturday afternoon.
Saturday morning at Resurgo Place you can learn to build a stomp rocket launcher – and bring it home! Workshop costs $5. Register by calling 856-4383; youth under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
The Moncton Magic’s home opener at the Avenir Centre is Saturday night.
SUNDAY
The Magic also play an afternoon game on Sunday!
There is an all-ages, bilingual drop-in Sensory Sunday session at the Moncton Public Library this weekend, from 10am until noon. (Those with sensory sensitive children may be interested to know this year’s Santa parade in Sussex plans to have a one-kilometre quiet zone,
Sunday afternoon there’s a children’s science session at the Moncton Library.
You can also spend Sunday afternoon learning to sew patches at Resurgo Place. Please bring your own items; this is free, but children under 14 need adult accompaniment.
Now, for the holiday events!
If you’re up for some Christmas-themed day tripping, I’ve been wanting to check out Christmas at the Station in McAdam and the Father Christmas Festival in Mahone Bay (with rides on the Reindeer Flyer Train!). If you’ve been to either, I’d love to hear about it! They both look like such fun community celebrations with an old-fashioned flair. Heading to Saint John to see the production of Elf, the Musical was also on my wish list this year!
It’s also going to be a magical Christmas weekend in Amherst, with the community’s annual Santa parade on Saturday evening and a special Boston Tree Send Off on Sunday! Saturday will also see a wonderful authors market at Dayle’s with more than 40 East Coast writers with perfect gift ideas for readers of all ages on your list.
This weekend is also sure to be lots of fun in downtown Moncton, particularly at Gifts Galore! The shop is holding its 33rd Christmas Open House Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Enjoy hot apple cider, freshly baked cookies, and a lovely snowfall to make it all magical!
FRIDAY
Friday night there’s a wreath making workshop at the Tankville School; this is a fundraiser for the Fundy Biosphere Reserve. Cost is $25; please reserve via Eventbrite or by phoning 874-3272.
A holiday experience unlike any other is promised with CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY’s Wonderland at the Avenir Centre on Friday night. Enjoy a live symphony orchestra, acrobats, aerialists, and more!
SATURDAY
Saturday is a busy day for the Big Man in Red! Santa’s arriving at Bass Pro Shops for the season at 5pm, along with lots of crafts and other activities at the store. Earlier in the day he makes his arrival at CF Champlain, where you can book your time to visit! Thankfully he’ll start his day off with a hearty breakfast at the Irishtown Community Centre.
It’s also a big day for craft fairs! The annual Wintergreen Craft and Gift Fair is happening at the Moncton Lions Club on Mark Avenue (kids 12 and under free, others $2; open 10am-4pm), the Magnetic Hill Christmas Tea and Craft Fair is open at the school from 9am until 2pm (you can shop for $2/person, with kids free, or enjoy lunch as well for $7/person or $4/students – and we hear Santa might pop by as well!), and the Mistletoe Market is taking place at Northrop Frye School from 10am until 2pm with choir performances and more ($2/person, 12 and under free).
Saturday is Toy Test Day at Scholar’s Choice. Drop in between noon and 2pm to test out some awesome potential gifts!
You can enjoy Home Alone on the big screen for just $2.99 Saturday morning! (ELF is December 1 and Polar Express on December 8.)
Both the Kids Club craft and the afternoon session are holiday-themed at Michael’s this Saturday.
A Beary Merry Christmas is Saturday night at Riverview Middle School, featuring the Salvation Army Fairview Citadel Band and the Anglophone East In Harmony Choir. This concert kicks off the local Red Kettle Campaign and you are asked to bring a new teddy to donate at the door, if possible.
Fans of Golden Oldies might want to grab a ticket to the Oh What a Night Christmas show at CasinoNB on Saturday night.
SUNDAY
Sunday afternoon there’s a great holiday show taking place at the Riverview Arts Centre, featuring Ivan & Vivian Hicks, The Richard Family, Samantha Robichaud, Fundy Ceilidh, and more. The fun begins at 2pm!
Looking ahead …
A quick head’s up on one holiday event next week: the Dieppe Market will open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:30am to 7pm with holiday shopping in mind! You can find a great list of holiday markets and craft shows over on the Wee College blog, if you’re looking for more events to attend.
Be sure to watch for our holiday events round up and a special ‘Local Picks’ shopping guide coming to our Facebook page soon! You might also want to check out our list of Santa parades to enjoy, as well as our holiday crafts and more.
One last request this holiday season: please share this post with your family and friends! It only takes a few seconds for you to pass along this information, but it is a wonderful gift you can give us. We’d also love if you’d take the time to let local businesses and events that you visit know you heard about them via Pickle Planet Moncton. Thank you!