What to do with the kids this weekend in Greater Moncton (Dec 1-3)

Welcome to December, everyone!

The next few weeks are FULL of family fun ideas & activities; we’re doing our best to keep track of them all, but if you know of something we missed, drop it in the comments or send us a note! (Remember, you can ALWAYS let us know about upcoming events & activities; we love sharing the details in our round up and the best way to be included is to email us the details.) Also, don’t forget to click through to the source for the current updates before heading out; we do our best to update if we know of cancellations, but we don’t always know.

WHERE TO FIND SANTA

• 🎅 Santa is at CF Champlain for the season; you can book a photo op on line.
• 🎅 Santa is also posing for photos at Bass Pro Shops. We love the photo ops outside, too – and a visit to the aquarium is always a hit!
• 🎅 Santa & Mrs. Claus are stopping by MacArthur’s in Moncton Saturdays & Sundays, 1-3pm, until Dec 17.
• 🎅 Santa & Mrs. Claus are also stopping by the Christmas Ice Cream Hot Chocolate Barn by the Chocolate River Station each Thursday night until Christmas.
• 🎅 And mark your calendars now for Santa’s annual call in show on Rogers December 7 & 8!

Santa will also be part of the Three Rivers/Petitcodiac Santa Claus Festival of Light Parade on Friday night. The parade begins at 7pm at the Baptist Church on Renfrew, making its way to the Fire Hall where Santa will greet children & hand out treats!

Breakfast is important for Santa, too! He’ll be dining at the Irishtown Community Centre on Saturday morning, 9am-noon. Bring the family to enjoy the meal; admission is by donation. Santa is scheduled to arrive at 10am.

Santa will be at the Hillsborough Christmas Parade this Saturday. (Check our Market section for details on the 21^st annual Christmas in the Country events happening throughout Albert County this weekend!)

Bouctouche’s parade is Saturday night, 6pm; Santa will be there, too! There’s a special holiday market happening on Saturday, too; spend the whole day explore the area & celebrating the season!

Santa will also be stopping by Sussex this weekend, as their annual parade is happening Saturday night, starting at 6:30pm. We hear it’s set to be one of their largest parades in years, with nearly 70 entries! The forecast has prompted organizers to postpone till December 9.

On Sunday, Santa will join the parade in Cap-Acadie! It starts at 6pm.

He’s planning to pop into some local markets this weekend, too; find a list of those events further down our round up!

WEEKEND EVENTS

For the non-holiday seekers, it’s a big weekend for high school basketball in the GMA, with the annual DNA Men’s Hoop Classic taking place. There are various games Thursday through Saturday, at various high school gyms.

The Sue Stultz Turkey Drive in on until Saturday; the goal is 3979 turkeys so that local families have a full holiday meal. An amazing community tradition since 1991!

There are so many great ways to give to those in need this season; one fun way to donate toys is through the 14^th annual Stuff a Bus Toy Drive with the crews from 96.9 & Q! They’ll have a Codiac Transpo bus at Sobeys on Vaughan Harvey from 6am-6pm on Thursday & Friday. Bring a new toy, gift card, or cash donation; all items will be given to the Salvation Army for their Christmas drive.

Can’t make it there? Look for the Toy Box if you’re at CF Champlain. Drop off a new, unwrapped gift before December 16^th to help Moncton Headstart fill Toyland.

Wild Lights at the Zoo starts Friday; always a magical outing to see the beautiful displays throughout the grounds.

Friday is also the kick off to Dieppe’s Fun on Ice series; enjoy live music, bonfires, & more at the Place 1604 Skating Oval, starting at 6:30pm.

We know it’s an event for some families – the BGC Riverview’s Christmas Tree Lot opens on Friday night!

If you’re looking for some swoon-worthy photo backdrops for holiday magic, check out Trueman’s Christmas Tree Trail! Head to their Facebook page to see what it’s all about; you’ll fall in love! The farm is also offering holiday train rides this Saturday & next, with rides at 1pm, 2pm, & 3pm. We suggest reaching out in advance to secure your spot. Cost is $15/person or $50/group of 4. That includes the ride, a treat, and a hot chocolate!

The annual Holiday Tea at Thomas Williams House stats this weekend, with sittings Saturday & Sunday (as well as next weekend). There are pastries, scones with cream and jams, chocolates, and more from a variety of local suppliers. Phillippe Desjardins will be playing music, too! Seats are $15, tables for four are $50. Reserve your seats in advance; you can call 506-856-4327 or stop into Resurgo Place. (PS: Don’t forget – their temporary exhibit with Albert the Dinosaur and a Picasso painting is wrapping up in early January. Don’t miss it!)

Sunny Brae Baptist Church is holding a Deck the Halls event for the whole family on Saturday evening, 6-7:30pm. It’s sure to be a great time with live animals, live music, a scavenger hunt, treats, & more!

BGC rock climbing wall is open to the public this Saturday, 10am-3pm, for just $2. Ages 7+; indoor shoes required. Look for their upcoming December events, including cookie decorating, a showing of ELF, & so much more.

Boyle Family Farm’s Christmas trees are now on sale & they’re offering free pony rides, Saturday & Sunday, 10am-5pm.

Global Pet Foods is holding their annual Pet Photos with Santa at their Moncton store on Saturday and their Riverview store on Sunday; photos by donation.

CARMA Moncton is holding a SantaPaws Pet photo session at Pet Valu on Mountain Road Saturday; sign up online for a photo of your pet with Santa between 11am and 2pm. $25 minimum donation.

We always love a visit to the local library & this Saturday, the Moncton library is holding a holiday themed Bingo at 10:15am.

AKA Dance Studio is hosting a kids’ Christmas event at the Motorsports Hall of Fame in Petitcodiac Saturday afternoon, 1-4pm. Pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, crafts, & more. Admission is $5.

New Hope Community Church (on the Homestead Road) is holding a free movie night Saturday, starting at 6pm, featuring The Star movie.

The Wildcats host the Sagueneens de Chicoutimi on Saturday at 7pm at the Avenir Centre.

The Journey Church in Allison is hosting a Gingerbread Bash on Sunday. This is a free event, but you need to register in advance. You’ll get a nativity set to decorate, enjoy hot chocolate, snacks, and more.

The Fundy Blades Skating Club is hosting a free skate at the Hillsborough Arena on Sunday for World Skate Day. Stop in between 6 & 7pm; popcorn & hot chocolate will be provided! (More weekend skating times below!)

Want to know how to make your own gingerbread from scratch – and from products made right here in New Brunswick? Tune in December 7 when I co-host a baking segment from the Crosby’s Kitchen with Emma from Mrs. Dunster’s! You can register online to get the recipe we’ll be using – and the details on the prizes to be won!

CHRISTMAS MARKETS & SHOPPING EVENTS

• While it’s not exactly a market, Kept on Main is holding an Open House Friday & Saturday that we just had to mention. Their holiday displays are worth the visit alone – not to mention the customer service & awesome gift finds! They’ll be open until 7pm on Friday, will have hot drinks to share, special giveaways, and a food drive.
• Salisbury’s Big Red Barn hosts a Farmers & Artisans Market on Saturdays, with extra holiday flair in December. Open 8am-2pm.
• You’ll also want to drop in to the annual Christmas Craft & Bake Sale happening at Salisbury Baptist Church, just a few doors down, happening 9am-2pm. (And be sure to pop into the Antique Mall between them!). There’s also the annual Christmas Bazzar at the Salisbury Legion this Saturday, 9am-2pm.
• On your way to or from Salisbury, stop at the Country Christmas Market event at Blossom Grove Farm in Colpitts Settlement. There will be 25+ vendors, petting farm with goats, bunnies, pigs, and ponies, Christmas trees & wreaths for sale, yummy hot chocolate, and a chance to visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus! The event happens Saturday & Sunday, 10am-4pm. (Admission is $5.)
• It’s the 21^st annual Christmas in the Country happening throughout Albert County this weekend, with dozens of special events & shopping opportunities, including some specials at Broadleaf Ranch on trail and wagon rides & a market at Farmer Brown’s with face painting & more for the kids.
• Saturday is also the annual Kids Day at Green Diamond Equipment. Enjoy a remote control tractor trail, leaf blower races, face painting, crafts, treats, & a visit from Santa between 11am & noon. In-store specials, too!
• Maritime Creations’ craft fair will be at the Riverview Community Hall (145 Lakeside Drive, by the Byron Dobson Arena) on Sunday, 9am-3pm. More than 45 vendors, free parking and entry.
• The Rare Flair Christmas Craft Fair is happening at the Riverview Lions Club on Saturday, 9am-3pm.
• Maplewood Studio in Lakeville is hosting a Holiday Market on Saturday, 10am-4pm, with live painting upstairs and a Kids Zone downstairs! Kids can colour, use hand-carved stamps, make Christmas cards, and more. There will also be a printing station, holiday photo booth, canteen, and more!
• Queen Elizabeth Home & School Association is hosting its annual Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair on Saturday, 10am-2pm.
• Sleigh the Holidays Pop Up is happening Saturday at Canvas Moncton, with more than 30 vendors. Admisison is by donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Moncton.
• The Arches of St. George are filled with holiday cheer, hosting pop up markets along with their usual fabulous vendors. Stop in Saturday between 10am & 3pm for some extra special shopping!
• The Marché de Noël de Memramcook takes place Saturday, 9am-3pm, at École Abbey-Landry.
• Dieppe’s Holiday Market at Doiron House takes place this Sunday and next, 9am – 2pm. There will be different vendors each day, Santa will pop by each afternoon for photos from 3-5pm, and classic holiday movies will play each night, 6-8pm. This Sunday, the movie is Frozen (in French with English subtitles). Next week it’s A Christmas Carol.
• A great Sunday outing could be a trip to Grand Barachois Hall for the Art in Your Face event! There will be 40 artists’ work on display, face painting for the kids, live music, & more. No entry fee & lots of great local gift ideas! The event is on from 10am-4pm.
• The East Botsford Recreation Centre (near Murray Beach) is holding a Christmas Market this Sunday, 8am-noon, with breakfast, vendors, Santa and more.
• The Mom Market Moncton is hosting a pop up at Flying Boats Brewing this Sunday, 1-5pm.
• If you’re heading to Shediac this weekend, many downtown stores are offering specials December 1 & 2!
• And if you’re up for a drive, consider the Belding Hill Farms Outdoor European Market in Norton, the Olde Tyme Christmas at the Bates Barn, or the Rockwood Park German Christmas Market this weekend. All are sure to be worth the visit!

ONGOING FUN ACTIVITIES & IDEAS

It’s Christmas light season – and you’ll love driving or strolling along the Riverfront Trail in Riverview, exploring the installations along the streets of Moncton and Dieppe, and of course traveling through neighbourhoods to find the best and brightest! The Lobster Trap Tree is in place in Alma; a must visit that pairs perfectly with this weekend’s Christmas in the Country!

Here’s our trusty list of places you might want to check out with the family anytime! (Also a good check list for experience gift ideas this holiday season.)

• Resurgo Place’s dinosaur & Picasso are only here till January; don’t miss your chance to visit! The museum is always a hands-on hit with our kids; a great outing anytime. (Open 10am-5pm Saturday and noon-5pm on Sunday; it’s half-off on admission on Thursday nights, 5-8pm, if you’re looking for an evening outing.)
• Llamazing Adventures often has weekend spots available this time of year. A great way to get out & get moving!
• Wanna test your adventure skills outdoors? Check out Off Grid Adventure in Anagance!
• Magnetic Hill Zoo is currently open five days a week, 10am-4pm (closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays), then open again in the evening for Wild Lights!
• Add a little neon flair to your weekend with Glow Zone nights Friday & Saturday at SkyZone. Lasers, black lights, fog machines & more! All ages welcome, wear white or florescent colours, 7-10pm.
• Looking for something geared just to littles? Hop Skip Jump is the place to check out.
• Cineplex is always a fun option for a family outing.
• The City of Moncton generally hosts two public swims every weekend: Saturdays 3-4:35pm at the University of Moncton’s CEPS ($3 admission), and Sundays 1:303pm at the YMCA ($3 admission).
• You might also want to check out swimming at the Riverview Aquatic Centre (open swim on Saturdays at 1:35 & 2:40) & the Dieppe Aquatic Centre (public swims on Saturday at 3:15pm & 6pm, Sunday at 3:15pm), or check out the indoor splash pad at the North End YMCA.
  • DYK: Dieppe Aquatic Centre offers preschool swims on Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays from 10-11:25am. The pool is a sloped, walk-in perfect for littles AND there’s an awesome pirate ship to play on! You can find more info on daytime swims in our updated Guide to Swimming in Greater Moncton.
• We’re always a fan of visiting the library – whether there’s special programming or just to drop in & explore!
• Another family favourite is hitting the bowling alley or arcade. Go retro vibes with Holy Moly in Riverview, check out glow bowling times at Fairlanes in Moncton, or head to Bowlarama & its awesome arcade in Dieppe.
• Want to move as a family? Try a visit to FitRocks Climbing Gym, Marco’s Clinic (laser tag), or the Riverview Indoor Skatepark & Riverview Youth Centre. We see the new Moncton North skate park is open now at the North End YMCA, too!
• Creative mood? Try DIY Studio to paint your own pottery! They usually have lots of holiday themed pieces – now’s a great time to start thinking ahead for holiday gifts, too!
• 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!
• ⛸️ The Oval at Place 1604 in Dieppe is ready for the season! Lace up your skates (or use their free loan program – check for available dates & times on their website) daily (weather permitting) from 10am – 9pm, though there are short closures from 1-1:30 & 5-5:30pm for maintenance.

SKATING SEASON — INDOOR SKATING TIMES

You can find all the details for skating throughout the week on our Guide to Ice Skating in Greater Moncton, but here’s what you need to know this weekend (these times are free unless otherwise noted; if they’re crossed out, they’re not happening this weekend):

Friday:

• ⛸️ Shediac 8:30-9:30am
• ⛸️ Dieppe AJL preschoolers with sticks, 9:30-10:30am
• ⛸️ Superior Propane Centre parent & tot 10-11am
• ⛸️ Sackville Parent & Tot 10:15-11:15am
• ⛸️ Hillsborough public skating 8:15-9:15pm ($2/person or $5/family)
• ⛸️ Crossman Community Centre Kay Arena parent & tot 10:15-11:15am
• ⛸️ Riverview parent & tot 1:30-2:30pm
• ⛸️ Crossman Community Centre Kay Arena 3:30pm-4:30pm
• ⛸️ Riverview 12 & under, 4-5:15pm

Saturday:

• ⛸️ Moncton Coliseum parent & tot 9:30-10:30am ($2)
• ⛸️ Hillsborough public skating 2-3pm & 8-9pm ($2/person or $5/family)
• ⛸️ Crossman Community Centre Kay Arena 2:30-4pm ($2)
• ⛸️ Moncton Coliseum 3:45-5:15pm ($2)
• ⛸️ Riverview 3:45-5pm
• ⛸️ Dieppe’s AJL 6:15-7:15pm

Sunday:

• ⛸️ Superior Propane Centre parent & tots 9:45-10:45am ($2)
• ⛸️ Dieppe’s UNIplex 11:45am-12:45pm
• ⛸️ Superior Propane Centre 11:45am-12:45pm ($2)
• ⛸️ Memramcook Eugene Leblanc Arena 11:45am-12:45pm
• ⛸️ Dieppe’s AJL 1-2pm
• ⛸️ Petitcodiac 1pm-2:30pm ($2/skater, free for ages five & under)
• ⛸️ Crossman Community Centre Kay Arena 2:30-4pm ($2)
• ⛸️ Hillsborough family skating 2:15-3:15pm ($2/person or $5/family)
• ⛸️ Sackville 2:30-3:30pm ($8/family, or $3/adult & $2/senior or child under 12)
• ⛸️ Riverview public 2:30-4pm
• ⛸️ Shediac 5:30-6:30pm

For more on weekday options, check out our Skating Guide!