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:
1. Best "Magic of the SEAson" theme decor
2. People's Choice Award
3. 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 meda posts for the contest. You will then be eligible for judging in all categories. Judging will take place December 22nd.
Pictou Business Treasure Hunt
Are you a sleuth? There are treasures to be won in downtown Pictou!
3 Super Prizes to be Won
- 1st Prize - $100 Pictou Bucks
- 2nd Prize - $75 Pictou Bucks
- 3rd Prize - $50 Pictou Bucks
How it works: Pick up a treasure hunt form at the Pictou Town Office, the pool or a business. Find the "treasures" located at participating businesses in Pictou. Each treasure has it's own special name, write the name down on the form and return it to the Town Office before 4pm on December 19th. The winners will be drawn at the Christmas Village on the Waterfront on December 20th in the evening. If you are not able to be there, you will be contacted. HAVE FUN !
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, drop off December 5th. Names will be provided. Delivery will take place December 8th.
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 pick up December 17-20.
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Schedule of Events (more events will be added as confirmed)
November & December
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 "Cowboy Christmas", "Christmas in Cape Breton", "Pictou County Pop Christmas", "The Nutcracker" or "A Gunning and Cormier Christmas".
Murray Family (Pictou) Public Library
The Pictou Library has a full line up 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 https://www.parl.ns.ca/events/calendars/PIC.php
Christmas Coffee Party
Saturday, November 1
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
Carols at the Kirk
Saturday, November 15
1:00-3:00pm
Enjoy an afternoon of sweets and treats, carol singing, a little Christmas shopping plus raffle draw. Music by Kim Hayden, $10 admission.
Christmas at the deCoste - Craft Show
Saturday, November 22nd & Sunday, November 23rd
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 22nd
9:00 am-2:00 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 30
1:00-6:00pm
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 28
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!
Fill Up the Truck Food Drive
Saturday, November 29
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
Waterfront Christmas Village
December 5, 20
6:00-8:00pm
Step into the magic of the season as the Pictou Waterfront transforms into a cozy, festive village at 27 Creighton Street. Stroll through beautifully lit village, enjoy the warmth of crackling fire pits, and savor 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/Wall/Roll
December 13
11:30am
Registration opens at 11:30am; run takes place at 12noon. Meet at the Pictou Libray. 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 12th. Cost per participant $5 or $10 per family. Rain date: December 14th. https://forms.gle/TmxuuH89CYa6XfQw5
Big Fun Carol Sing
December 7
3:00-4:00pm
Pictou United Church. Enjoy an afternoon of music and cookies, a little bit of traditional Christmas magic.
Gift Card Bingo
TBA
Doors open at noon
The Pictou Lobster Carnival is hosting a Gift Card Bingo Fundraiser, come out and play to win some great gift cards all in support of the Lobster Carnival. Location: Pictou Legion
Lights of Pictou Bus Tour
Saturday, December 20th
Pick up times 5:00pm, 6:00pm or 7:00pm
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. https://forms.gle/2MepHWQnJfTWhT1e7
Santa Run
December 20, 2pm
Meet the jolly fellow himself at Market Square in downtown Pictou at 2pm. 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
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 its free!
Meeting Point: Love Local Christmas Village on the Waterfront
Distance: 5 km (~1.5 hours)
Christmas Ceilidh
December 21 2:00-4:00 pm
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.
