Charlottetown is preparing for a major tourism and economic lift as the Charlottetown Christmas Festival returns for its 2025–26 season, promising expanded programming, enhanced décor, and new attractions aimed at drawing visitors throughout the holiday period. Running from November 21, 2025, to January 2, 2026, the six-week festival is expected to generate strong activity for retailers, hospitality operators, artisan vendors and event partners across the city.
Organized by Discover Charlottetown in partnership with the City of Charlottetown, Founders’ Food Hall & Market and a range of community organizations, the festival has grown into one of Atlantic Canada’s most recognizable holiday tourism drivers. This year’s programming includes a mix of long-established favourites — such as the Victorian Christmas Market and the Charlottetown Christmas Parade — alongside newly added experiences designed to bolster visitor engagement and extend stays.
The festival’s lineup features multiple markets, including the popular Mistletoe Market, the Deck the Hall Holiday Market at Founders’ Food Hall & Market, seasonal craft fairs and an array of live performances at venues across the city. Families can also enjoy horse and wagon rides, Breakfasts with Santa, carolling, children’s entertainment, ice carving demonstrations and the Island-wide Hot Chocolate Trail. Organizers say the slate is designed to appeal to both residents and tourists looking for a “Hallmark-style” holiday experience.
Heidi Zinn, Executive Director of Discover Charlottetown, said the festival’s growth reflects long-term investment in positioning the city as a key winter tourism destination. “Discover Charlottetown is proud to serve as a catalyst for the creation of so many holiday events in Charlottetown throughout November and December,” she said. “It has been deeply satisfying to watch the level of programming, community spirit, and city décor grow as we attract visitors and work towards making Charlottetown the premier Christmas destination in Atlantic Canada.”
The City of Charlottetown will again play a central role, contributing holiday décor, hosting major gatherings and supporting festival partners. Municipal crews are installing large wreaths, real bows, Christmas trees and seasonal lighting across the capital. The city also remains responsible for staging the Charlottetown Christmas Parade and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting — two of the region’s biggest seasonal events.
A major addition this year is the new Christmas Tree Trail, developed jointly by Discover Charlottetown and the City. The trail features seven uniquely decorated trees located throughout the downtown area, designed to encourage exploration and increase foot traffic for local businesses.
The festival’s well-known Nutcracker Trail also returns, featuring hand-carved nutcrackers positioned outside participating shops. This initiative has become a popular family activity and a key driver of visits to small businesses during the holiday shopping season. Adding to the expanded programming is Miracle on Sydney Street, a new Christmas-themed pop-up bar operating out of Marc’s Lounge on select evenings.
Market events remain a cornerstone of the festival’s economic impact. The open-air Mistletoe Market, held Fridays through Sundays at Boulder Park from November 21 to December 21, includes 12 vendor stalls offering locally crafted gifts. Visitors can browse under festive lighting while enjoying live entertainment, Santa visits, hot chocolate and horse and wagon rides.
The Victorian Christmas Market — a signature downtown attraction — runs November 28–30 and transforms Queen Street into a European-style holiday marketplace. More than 50 artisans, food vendors and crafters are expected to participate, offering seasonal goods alongside warm beverages, music, fire pits and carolling.
Inside Founders’ Food Hall & Market, the Deck the Hall Holiday Market will feature more than 40 decorated trees, festive lighting, selfie stations and weekend programming that includes ice sculpting, musical performances and photo opportunities with Santa. The market will operate daily from December 5–21.
The festival’s culminating event, Capital City New Year, takes place December 31 at Founders’ Food Hall & Market. The family-friendly celebration will include live ice carving, face painting and a performance by Iconix: A Pop Icon Tribute Band, followed by a 7 p.m. fireworks display.
The Charlottetown Christmas Festival is supported by the PEI Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture, the Special Event Reserve Fund, Port Charlottetown and Capital City Events. Tourism officials say the multi-partner model continues to strengthen the festival’s economic footprint by increasing capacity, broadening programming and driving visitation during a key period for local businesses.
More details and a full schedule are available at CharlottetownChristmasFestival.com.