Looking to plan a fine holiday outing, find last minute gifts, a chance to sing some carols, to rock out, or simply be entertained? Here’s our big list of holiday events happening in Fredericton this season.
December 10
Christmas Recital: A Winter’s Night at Christ Church (Parish) Church. The Fredericton Cecilian Singers and friends, under the direction of Dianne Wilkins and accompanied by Alice Boyd, will present their Christmas recital. The choir will be joined by a male ensemble, guest musicians Graysen and Andy LaPointe, and by cellist Maggie Kerr. The program will feature both reflective and joyous Christmas selections and spirituals. 7 p.m.
December 11
Les gars du nord at the Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne. Les gars du nord, Wilfred Le Bouthillier, Jean-Marc Couture, Maxime McGraw, and Danny Boudreau, are back for a 6th consecutive year with their holiday tour! Do not miss this acoustic holiday show. It is intimate, full of emotions, and humour! You will hear holiday classics revisited by Les gars du nord and many of their respective hits. 7:30 p.m.
December 12
TNB presents It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at The Playhouse. It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play takes the familiar story of George Bailey and presents it as a 1940’s radio play broadcast before a live studio audience. This year’s production will mark TNB’s first extensive holiday tour in nearly twenty years with performances planned for Fredericton, Bathurst, Miramichi, Moncton, Sackville, Florenceville-Bristol, and St. Andrews. The production will feature the return of New Brunswick actors Wally MacKinnon (Any Given Moment), Jenny Munday (The Americans Are Coming) and Kirsten Alter (Come Down From Up River), and introduce two popular Toronto stage actors – Beau Dixon and Ryan Hinds. 7:30 p.m.
Holiday Humour – Dinner + LIVE Stand Up Comedy ft. Eric Johnston at the Delta Hotel. Join the folks from Live Stand Up Comedy as renowned comedian Eric Johnston headlines a hilarious night of live comedy over a delicious festive feast served by our award-winning team. Hosted by Sabrina Harnish, featuring Matt Richardson and Mike Peters. 6 p.m. Tickets
December 13
Christmas 5 à 7 with La gang arrive at Tribute Bar & Lounge. La Gang Arrive is a local band with René LeBouthillier, Robert Duguay, Bruno LaPlante, and Sébastien Boudreau. They will perform Holiday classics in a Christmas kitchen party setting! Fun guaranteed! Admission is free. This concert is presented by the Centre communautaire Sainte Anne. 5 p.m.
TNB presents It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at The Playhouse. It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play takes the familiar story of George Bailey and presents it as a 1940’s radio play broadcast before a live studio audience. This year’s production will mark TNB’s first extensive holiday tour in nearly twenty years with performances planned for Fredericton, Bathurst, Miramichi, Moncton, Sackville, Florenceville-Bristol, and St. Andrews. The production will feature the return of New Brunswick actors Wally MacKinnon (Any Given Moment), Jenny Munday (The Americans Are Coming) and Kirsten Alter (Come Down From Up River), and introduce two popular Toronto stage actors – Beau Dixon and Ryan Hinds. 7:30 p.m.
December 14
Maggie’s Farm Christmas Fundraiser in the Wilsers Room. Come warm your heart and feet while taking in Maggie’s Farm Revival for their Annual Christmas Benefit show, live at the Wilser’s Room! Start the night off right while grooving to high energy rock n roll & R&B! 7:30 p.m.
TNB presents It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at The Playhouse. It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play takes the familiar story of George Bailey and presents it as a 1940’s radio play broadcast before a live studio audience. This year’s production will mark TNB’s first extensive holiday tour in nearly twenty years with performances planned for Fredericton, Bathurst, Miramichi, Moncton, Sackville, Florenceville-Bristol, and St. Andrews. The production will feature the return of New Brunswick actors Wally MacKinnon (Any Given Moment), Jenny Munday (The Americans Are Coming) and Kirsten Alter (Come Down From Up River), and introduce two popular Toronto stage actors – Beau Dixon and Ryan Hinds. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Motherhood + Jon Mckiel + Neuroseance at The Capital. A trio of deep-thinkin’ rippers, New Brunswick’s Motherhood achieve one very rare and uncomplicated feat: they sound EXCITING on record and stage alike. Come see for yourself and also enjoy a performance from Jon McKiel, one of New Brunswick’s best songwriters (#handsdown) and a DJ set by neuroseance. 10 p.m.
December 15
Jimmy Rankin: Home for the Holidays at The Playhouse. Get yourself in the holiday spirit with one of Canada’s favourite stars: Jimmy Rankin. Caroling selections from his holiday classic Tinseltown album mixed with a good dose of beloved hits and tunes from his latest production, Moving East, Jimmy serves up a night full of great music and yuletide cheer. Don’t miss this season’s highlight destined to become an annual tradition. 7:30 p.m.
FHS Holiday Concert in the Tom Morrison Theatre. Featured groups include the String Ensemble, Glee Choir, Concert Band, and Jazz Ensemble. Admission is by donation. Come and enjoy some holiday favourites to put you in the mood for the season! 2 p.m. (If necessary, the storm date will be Tuesday, December 17 at 7 p.m.)
Lansdowne Concerts presents Tomato Tomato. In the past few years, this genre-bending power duo has played many shows across Canada including performances at the Vancouver and Regina Folk Festivals as well as the National Arts Centre while also maintaining a busy international touring schedule. The band has been honoured with nominations for Contemporary Folk Album of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and Songwriter of the Year and Group Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards. This concert will feature some songs from their Christmas CD, Pinecones & Cinammon, and other hits. Seating is limited so reservations are required. The cost is $25 and you can reserve your seat by contacting pmm56@me.com. 41 River Front Way. 2 p.m.
December 16
Barra MacNeils’ East Coast Christmas at The Playhouse. A traditional favourite, the Barra MacNeils’ An East Coast Christmas is a treat for the whole family. The five siblings are known for their brilliant instrumentals, ringing harmonies and delightful flair for story-telling. Their unique seasonal show is crafted each year to bring a special Celtic spin on traditional favourites and original east coast treasures with songs, stories and dance. Their stunning rendition of “O Holy Night” is just one of the many highlights that brings audiences to their feet. Fans can also look forward to gems like “Ave Maria”, “Christmas in Killarney”, and “Auld Lang Syne”, among an array of originals and seasonal delights. 7:30 p.m.
December 17
Shivering Songs’ Tales of a Charlie Brown Christmas with the Jerry Granelli Trio at The Playhouse. In 1965, world-class jazz musician Jerry Granelli, the newest member of the Vince Guaraldi Trio, was joined by Fred Marshall on bass in a San Francisco studio. Together, they recorded the soundtrack for a scrappy little animated Christmas special featuring the Peanuts gang. No one knew then that this recording would become the iconic soundtrack to the classic A Charlie Brown Christmas. Granelli’s trio will share the stage with a local children’s choir to bring A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack to life. This show promises stories, music, and a wave of Christmas spirit. 7:30 p.m.
December 18
Community Carol Sing at Christ Church Cathedral. This is for everyone who loves to sing the old familiar carols. Come and enjoy the Christmas spirit! Mulled cider and treats will be served. All are welcome. 7 p.m.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Organ Recital & Readings at St. Paul’s United Church. Dr. Sharon Pond, organist at St. Paul’s, will provide the music; Jane Blakely will be the reader. This is a must see for organ and music enthusiasts! A freewill offering for the CBC’s Feed a Family campaign will be received. 7 p.m.
December 19
Holiday Concert: Maureen & Richard at The Beaverbrook Art Gallery. Soprano Maureen Batt and Richard Belding (bass) return home to Fredericton, joining forces to celebrate the season with music and more! Enjoy Maureen’s moving vocal performance, make jingle bells, and sing along to holiday favourites. Tickets are $15 at http://bit.ly/381zJJK, or free for children 12 and under. 6 p.m.
16th Annual Christmas Cover Show (Part 1) at The Capital Complex. The Capital’s annual cover show in support of Greener Village Food Bank, featuring Iron Maiden Run For Your Lives), Pixies (Motherhood), Fleet Foxes (The Hypochondriacs), Patsy Cline (Penny & Friends), AC/DC (Riversmoke), Thin Lizzy (Monteith), Soundgarden (Monkey Circus Freak) and Royal Blood (Brother). $12 at the door, $10 with a non-perishable food item. 9 p.m.
Fortunate Ones Holiday Show with Special Guest Dylan Menzie at Wilmot United Church. Fortunate Ones is a Canadian indie folk duo from St. John’s, Newfoundland, consisting of Andrew James O’Brien and Catherine Allan. Two songs from the album, “Lay Me Down” and the title track “The Bliss”, reached #1 on CBC Radio 2‘s The Radio 2 Top 20 in 2015.
With his unmistakable and compelling vocal range, a striking mix of familiar yet sophisticated musical lines and adept guitar skills, Dylan Menzie is quickly becoming one of Atlantic Canada’s prime musical exports. Hailing from Belle River, PEI, Menzie has been likened to Tom Petty and was highly praised by Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexmith. 8 p.m.
December 20
George Canyon & Aaron Pritchett: 12 Days of Christmas at The Playhouse. Join George and Aaron as they share the stage, stories and songs together in this fun-filled holiday concert. 7:30 p.m.
December 21
Symphony New Brunswick presents The Christmas Concert at The Playhouse. Join us for Christmas Classics with guest conductor, Kevin Mallon, and guest soprano soloist, Sally Dibblee. There will be a pre-concert talk at 6:30pm. Show at 7:30 p.m.
The Tragically Hip Tribute: Fredericton Food Bank Fundraiser at the Boyce Farmer’s Market. Hosted by The Fabulously Rich at the Boyce Farmer’s Market. Part of The Capital Complex’s annual Christmas Cover Show series. 8 p.m.
Home for the Holidays 90’s Nostalgia Dance Party at The Phoenix. Dance the night away to your favourite holiday hits. 10 p.m.
Feels Good’s Annual Xmas Market! Last Minute Gifts! Find that last minute Christmas gift from more than 20 local vendors with a wrapping (Rapping) station featuring Ceeb Dread. Live music all afternoon. 10 a.m.
December 22
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at Christ Church Cathedral. The Cathedral choir, under the direction of interim organist and choir director, Dr. Willis Noble, will sing many early traditional German and French carols, and works by Vaughn Williams, Bach, and Holst. All are welcome. 4 p.m.
The Feels Good Xmas Party XII. Get your fancy outfit prepped, and start the countdown for a night of music, art, dancing, and general merriment!! 7:30 p.m.
December 27
Kidstage Series presents DuffleBag Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty at The Playhouse. This holiday season, DuffleBag Theatre brings the classic story of Sleeping Beauty to life, with lots of hilarious twists along the way! DuffleBag’s fractured fairy tales are an annual favourite, full of spontaneous fun and audience involvement. 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
