Enjoy a little magic this Holiday season in the town of Pictou. Throughout November and December, you will find an array of activities, events, and Holiday contests that will keep you busy this season, a little something for everyone.
Light Up Pictou Decorating Contest
Light Up Pictou Decorating Contest has begun. Let's brighten the season with lots of lights this year. Contest open to residents and businesses.
Categories include:
- Best "Cozy Up" theme decor
- People's Choice Award
- Best decorated door
How to Enter Contest:
Prizes for each category. To enter for residents, email info@townofpictou.ca with "Lit On (your street address)" in the subject line. To enter as a business, please email and enter "Lit @ (business name)" in the subject line.
Alternatively, you can comment on the Town of Pictou's social media posts for the contest. You will then be eligible for judging in all categories. Judging will take place December 21st.
Cards for Seniors
Create Christmas cards and a note to seniors in our community; pick up cards from Town Hall or Library beginning on November 17th, and drop off on December 4th. Names will be provided. Delivery will take place on December 7th.
Santas Mail Box
Location: Pictou Town Hall
Mailbox outside of the Town Hall at 40 Water Street opens December 1st. Last day to send a letter is December 16. Replies from Santa will be available for pickup December 17-21.
Schedule of Events
(more events will be added as confirmed)
Performances at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre
For dates, performers and how to book tickets, visit deCoste Centre. Be sure not to miss special Holiday shows.
Murray Family (Pictou) Public Library
The Pictou Library has a full lineup of programs over the Holidays for all ages. Drop by to connect, share, learn and relax in their new facility. Check their calendar of events here: Pictou Library events calendar.
Craft Fair
Saturday, November 7
9:00 am-1:00 pm
Shiretown Nursing Home invites everyone to a craft fair. Free admission. 280 Haliburton Road
Christmas Coffee Party
Saturday, November 7
10:00 am-12 noon
First Presbyterian Church Hall, 10 Prince St
Get some friends together and come for brunch. Pantry table, new-to-you table, books. Admission $1
Christmas at the deCoste - Craft Show
Saturday, November 14th & Sunday, November 15th
10:00 am-4:00 pm
Tickets available at decostecentre.ca or at the door. Admission is just $5 (free for kids under 5)
November Noel
Saturday, November 14th
9:00 am-1:00 pm
Pictou United Church
Featuring homemade goodies & fudge, re-gifting table, Christmas decorations, jewellery, kids shopping room and gift wrapping area and craft vendors.
Pictou County Christmas Fund
Sunday, November 22
1:00-6:00 pm
deCoste Performing Arts Centre
The Pictou County Christmas Fund is BACK for its 51st YEAR.
Entertainers and audience members will once again enjoy the show and make donations in person.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday, November 27
Beginning at 5:15 pm
Market Square, Free Event. Get ready to kick off the Christmas season in Pictou with some festive fun at the Annual Christmas Light-Up at Market Square!
Join us for an evening filled with holiday magic, including the annual tree lighting, music by the talented McCulloch Education Centre and Saltsprings Choir, and a special visit from Santa himself! But that’s not all! Get moving with our Elf Workout, hang a special ornament on the Christmas Memory Tree, enjoy fun art activities, and don’t forget to warm up with hot drinks and cookies! Plus, there’ll be prize draws you don’t want to miss!
Mini Holiday Pop Up Market
Friday, November 27
4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Holiday Lights & Local Delight with the The Pictou Farmers Market during the Pictou Christmas Light Up. Join a few of the summer vendors with their local wares at Market Square.
Fill Up the Truck Food Drive
Saturday, November 28
10:00 am-4:00 pm
Pictou Sobeys Parking Lot
In support of the Pictou West Food Bank, drop by and donate for the Christmas season
Christmas Tea and Sale at the Kirk
Saturday, November 28
2:00-4:00 pm
Enjoy an afternoon of sweets and treats, carol singing, a little Christmas shopping, plus raffle draws. $5 admission.
Waterfront Christmas Village
December 12
6:00-8:00 pm
Step into the magic of the season as the Pictou Waterfront transforms into a cozy, festive village at 27 Creighton Street. Stroll through the beautifully lit village, enjoy the warmth of crackling fire pits, and savour hot cocoa, spiced cider, and tasty holiday bites.
Capture memories with a special photo op with Santa, join in with carolers spreading holiday cheer, and toast marshmallows under twinkling lights. Embrace the spirit of the season with family and friends.
Candy Cane Fun Run/Walk/Roll
December 12
11:30 am
Registration opens at 11:30 am; run takes place at 12noon. Meet at the Pictou Library. A fundraiser in partnership with the Pictou Academy Grade 12 Class and Pictou Recreation and Parks.
Prizes for best festive outfits and team costumes. Pre-registration required: email info@townofpictou.ca or call 902-485-4372 by December 4th. Cost per participant: $5 or $10 per family. Rain date: December 13th.
Big Fun Carol Sing
December TBA
3:00-4:00 pm
Pictou United Church. Enjoy an afternoon of music and cookies, a little bit of traditional Christmas magic.
Gift Card Bingo
Sunday, December 13
Doors open at 12:30 pm; starts at 2 pm
The Pictou Agriculture Society is hosting a Gift Card Bingo Fundraiser. Come out and play to win some great gift cards all in support of the Exhibition. Location: Pictou Legion
Lights of Pictou Bus Tour
Saturday, December 12th
Pick-up times: 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm
A light tour of Pictou in partnership with Chad Transit. There will be a change in pickup spots for this year; all participants will be picked up and dropped off at the Vendors Village.
We are providing three 1-hour trips for anyone without access to a ride to see the lights around Town. Registration for the tour will go live soon.
Santa Run
December 19, 2:00 pm
Meet the jolly fellow himself at Market Square in downtown Pictou at 2 pm. Treats for all. Santa will then make a run through Town on the fire truck. A big thank you to the Pictou Fire Department for organizing Santa's visit!
Solstice Walk
December 21, 6:00 pm
Join Pictou Recreation and Parks staff for a magical evening walk along the Jitney Trail! Meet up at the Jitney Trail Brown's Point Road entrance and parking lot.
What to Expect:
- Learn how to make a "Leave No Trace" fire.
- Set meaningful intentions for the year ahead.
- Connect with nature under the night sky.
Plus it's free!
Christmas Ceilidh
December TBA
Winter Solstice Christmas Ceilidh at The McCulloch House Museum & Genealogy Centre will be an afternoon event this year! Fiddle, guitar, singing carols, Highland dance, step dance, storytelling, tea, hot chocolate, cookies, all the Christmassy goodness!
Free, limited seating. To reserve tickets, call the McCulloch Centre at 902485-4563 or email celticpictou@gmail.com. Donations are welcome.
