Calendar of Events
The Father Christmas Festival of Mahone Bay
November 25~December 4, 2011
Congratulations to the winner of the Wish List--
Tanya Oickle from Kentville!
Congratulations to the winner of the Quilt--
Alice Findley from Halifax!
Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of our Annual Father Christmas Festival. Come stay in one of our charming B&B's and dine in the delicious warmth of our restaurants.
Please see a detailed schedule below or pick up a program and map at one of the participating merchants in Mahone Bay.
Highlights for 2011 include:
- Town Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Larger than life Father Christmas Figures
- Win your Wish List - $1800 of your Favourite Gifts
- Fun filled Activities for Kids
- Yuletide Gourmet Market
- Enchanted Villages at Suttles and Seawinds Barn
- Music, concerts & choirs
- ‘Tis the Season Decorated House Tour
- Horse Drawn Transit
Annual Tree Lighting will be held on Friday, November 25th, 7:00pm at the Bandstand. Please help us kick off the holiday season with our annual tree lighting ceremony. Bring your lanterns, bring your cheer, bring your voices loud and clear! Enjoy Christmas music with the Bayview Mouse Choir and the Mahone Bay Legion Swing Band! Don’t forget your old sets of lights to trade in for new! Trade 2 old style sets for 1 new LED set - Courtesy of Nova Scotia Power. (Starting between 6:30 and 7 pm).
Join in the Lantern Parade led by the Bayview Mouse Choir following the Town Christmas Tree lighting as we walk to the Mahone Bay Centre for Cocoa, Cookies and Carols.
Cocoa, Cookies, & Carols--Join us at the Mahone Bay Centre immediately following the tree lighting ceremony on Nov 25th (around 7:30pm til 9pm) for Treats and Singing. Along with the Bayview Mouse Choir and Mahone Bay Legion Swing Band, Father Christmas will be on hand in person to hear your Christmas wishes. Have your photo taken with Father Christmas in our fantasy photo area ($1 ea).
Father Christmas Figures - Over 65 larger than life Father Christmas figures line the streets of Mahone Bay during the festival. A delightful and magical sight to see!
Visit Enchanted Villages – you will be enchanted when you visit these whimsical villages – magical places created by the artists and craftspeople of Mahone Bay to spark the Christmas spirit in all ages - young and not-so-young! Upstairs over the Gourmet Market at the Suttles and Seawinds Barn (#5) Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm - 4:00pm both weekends, and 2-4pm weekdays Nov 28th - Dec 2nd. $2 per person, Children under 12 FREE with parent or guardian.
Yuletide Gourmet Market
Enjoy the treats, eats and specialties of many delightful vendors! Puddings, sweets, pies, pastries, bakery bread, wine, and shall we go on? Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm - 4:00pm both weekends inside the Suttles & Seawinds Barn. (#5)
Enjoy hot cider, and toast marshmallows over an open fire! Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm - 4:00pm both weekends outside the Suttles & Seawinds Barn. (#5)
Horse Drawn Transit Have fun and experience what it was like for our ancestors, as you ride through the streets of Mahone Bay taking in the festively decorated houses, shops and, of course, Father Christmas Figures! With five stops, it's a great way to get around. $2.00 round trip! Saturdays 11 - 4 and Sundays 12 - 4.
Photo courtesy of James Latter Photo
Children's Activities--Gingerbread Decorating and Charlie Brown Tree Decorating at the Mahone Bay Centre both Saturdays 1-3pm. Decorate your own gingerbread house and people. Also your chance to decorate your very own Charlie Brown Tree. provided by the Settlers Museum. This free event is held for children ages 3-10 accompanied by an adult. Donations appreciated.
Win Your Wish List! --While browsing through our lovely shops, take time to fill out a "wish list" available at all participating merchants and enter for a chance to win over $1800 worth of wonderful gifts.
Music, Concerts & Choirs --The streets of Mahone Bay will be filled with the sounds of the season during both weekends of the festival. We have carollers, wandering minstrels and don’t miss the Bayview Mouse Choir and carollers at the tree lighting!
Christmas Market Places--Find everything you need in live greenery for the holidays at the Lions Club Market (including hot snacks, hot drinks, and Santa!) across from the Town Monument, Tom Ernst Forest Products in Clearland, Svenja Dee’s Garlands and Greens at the Eclectic Garage and Balsamea House.
The Riverport and Area Community Choir and Mahone Bay Legion Swing Band will be joining forces for the first time for the Father Christmas Festival. This concert will take place in St. James Anglican Church at 3:00pm on Sunday Dec 4th. Tickets are $10 ($5 for students) and will be available at Kinburn Pharmasave in Mahone Bay, and Fulton’s Pharmacy in Lunenburg.
Christmas at the Museum--Drop by the Settlers Museum, 578 Main Street, to check out the holiday exhibits-Dell’s Delightful Doll Collection and Lunenburg Settlers 1754 presents. Saturdays 12pm - 4pm and Sundays 1-4pm
Sample our Festive Flavours--Take a break from shopping to enjoy a warm drink, tasty meal or seasonal dessert at our popular local eateries – from convenient take-out to fine dining. Festive Flavours flyers are available at restaurants, and at most participating merchants along with Wish Lists.
Christmas Craft & Antique Market--Old Mader’s Wharf Emporium (#2)-Specialty foods, demos and more! Saturday and Sunday, 10am-7pm, both weekends.
Yuletide Tastings--Old Mader’s Wharf Emporium (#2) – Learn to make festive cocktails! Cocktail demos and tastings, Saturday & Sunday, 3-5pm both weekends
‘Tis the Season Decorated House Tour--Mahone Bay home owners are graciously opening their doors to share homes beautifully decorated for the Holiday Season. Visit three homes for $10 on Saturdays 10am – 4pm or Sundays 12-4pm during the Father Christmas Festival.
Tickets available ONLY at the Kinburn Pharmasave on Main Street (not at decorated houses)
More Great Happenings!
16th Annual Christmas Fair-South Shore Waldorf School and Kindergarten--Unique Crafts, Luncheon & Coffeehouse, Seasonal Children’s Activities, Live Music, Silent Auction, Farmers Market. Come and enjoy!Free admission. November 26th, 10am - 4pm,64 School Rd., Blockhouse. (#14)
Cecilia’s Retreat--Musique Royale presents pianist Paul Halley in an event in support of the Mahone Bay Islands Conservation Association on Sat., Nov. 26 at 11 am at Cecilia’s Retreat, 1199 Oakland Rd., RR#2 in Mahone Bay. The concert is one hour followed by a special scallop brunch. Please reserve through e-mail at barbara.butler@ns.sympatico.ca or at 624-0506. Tickets are $30.
St. James’ Anglican Church Chowder Lunch with Baked & Craft Sale--St. James’ Anglican Church Parish Hall, Parish Street (#8) Saturday, November 26th, 11:30-1:30pm.
Trinity United Church Christmas Bake Sale with Soup Lunch--Trinity United Church, 101 Edgewater St. (#10), Saturday December 3rd,10am-2pm
Ham and Bean Lunch--Proceeds to First Steps, a home based program for pre-school children with special needs. Saturday December 3rd, 11am–2pm at St. James’ Anglican Parish Hall. (#8) Adults $9, Children 5-12yrs $5 and under 5 free! To order delivery or take-out within town limits call 531-3500 or email firststeps@eastlink.ca
"A Christmas Letter" presented by the Lunenburg Chorale, at St. John's Lutheran Church, (#9) Saturday, December 3rd at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15.00 and will be available at Kinburn Pharmasave. Jane Kristenson, Director
DETAILED SCHEDULE
Please pick up a program which includes a map of venues from one of the participating merchants in Mahone Bay.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25th
7:00pm Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Bandstand & Light exchange with NS Power (#4) Following tree lighting, Lantern Parade from Bandstand to Mahone Bay Centre (#1)
7:30pm Cocoa, Cookies, Carols,& pictures with Father Christmas - Mahone Bay Centre (#1)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26th
10:00am - 4:00pm Yuletide Gourmet Market (#5)
10:00am - 4:00pm Enchanted Villages (#5) (also open 2pm-4pm Mon-Fri Nov28-Dec2)
10:00am - 4:00pm Christmas Marketplaces: trees, wreaths & garlands (#6,7,11,13)
10:00am - 4:00pm Decorated House Tour (#1, 2, & 3 - in triangles)*
10:00am - 4:00pm Annual Waldorf School Christmas Fair (#14)
10:00am - 5:00pm Svenja’s Holiday Garlands & Greens at Eclectic Garage (#6)
10:00am - 7:00pm Christmas Craft & Antique Market (#2)
11:00am - 4:00pm Horse-Drawn Transit (see map for route)
11:30am - 1:30pm Chowder Lunch, Baked & Craft Sale, St. James’ Parish Hall (# 8)
12:00pm - 4:00pm Christmas at Settlers Museum (#3)
1:00pm - 3:00pm Gingerbread and Charlie Brown Tree Decorating (#1)
3:00pm - 5:00pm Yuletide Tastings (#2)
Listen for Carollers and the Mouse Choir throughout the town during the day.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27th
10:00am - 4:00pm Christmas Marketplaces: trees, wreaths & garlands (#6,7,11,13)
10:00am - 7:00pm Christmas Craft & Antique Market (#2)
12:00pm - 4:00pm Decorated House Tour (#1, 2, & 3 - in triangles)*
12:00pm - 4:00pm Horse Drawn Transit (see map for route)
12:00pm - 4:00pm Yuletide Gourmet Market (#5)
12:00pm - 4:00pm Enchanted Villages (#5) (also open 2pm-4pm Mon-Fri Nov 28-Dec2)
12:00pm - 5:00pm Svenja’s Holiday Garlands & Greens at Eclectic Garage (#6)
1:00pm - 4:00pm Christmas at Settlers Museum (#3)
3:00pm – 5:00pm Yuletide Tastings (#2)
*This year the Enchanted Villages will also be open during the week Monday through Friday November 28th, 29th, & 30th and December 1st & 2nd, 2pm - 4pm Suttles & Seawinds Barn (#5)
SATURDAY DECEMBER 3rd
10:00am - 2:00pm Bake Sale and Soup Lunch, Trinity United Church Hall (#10)
10:00am - 4:00pm Yuletide Gourmet Market (#5)
10:00am - 4:00pm Enchanted Villages (#5) (also open 2pm-4pm Mon-Fri Nov 28-Dec2)
10:00am - 4:00pm Christmas Marketplaces: trees, wreaths & garlands (#6,7,11,13)
10:00am - 4:00pm Decorated House Tour (#1, 2, & 4 - in triangles)*
10:00am - 5:00pm Svenja’s Holiday Garlands & Greens at Eclectic Garage (#6)
10:00am - 7:00pm Christmas Craft & Antique Market (#2)
11:00am - 4:00pm Horse-Drawn Transit (see map for route)
11:00am - 2:00pm Ham and Bean Lunch, St. James Parish Hall (# 8)
12:00pm - 4:00pm Christmas at Settlers Museum (#3)
1:00pm - 3:00pm Gingerbread and Charlie Brown Tree Decorating (#1)
3:00pm - 5:00pm Yuletide Tastings (#2)
7:30pm ‘The Christmas Letter’ Lunenburg Chorale, St. John’s Lutheran Church (#9)
SUNDAY DECEMBER 4th
10:00am - 4:00pm Christmas Marketplaces: trees, wreaths & garlands (#6,7,11,13)
10:00am - 7:00pm Christmas Craft & Antique Market (#2)
12:00pm - 4:00pm Decorated House Tour (#1, 2, & 4 - in triangles)*
12:00pm - 4:00pm Horse Drawn Transit (see map for route)
12:00pm - 4:00pm Yuletide Gourmet Market (#5)
12:00am - 4:00pm Enchanted Villages (#5) (also open 2pm-4pm Mon-Fri Nov 28-Dec 2)
12:00pm - 5:00pm Svenja’s Holiday Garlands & Greens at Eclectic Garage (#6)
1:00pm - 4:00pm Christmas at Settlers Museum (#3)
3:00pm - 5:00pm Yuletide Tastings (#2)
3:00pm – 4:30pm Mahone Bay Legion Swing Band/Riverport Area Community Choir (#8)
Finally, we would like to thank our sponsors from 2011:
2011 Primary Sponsors:
Amos Pewter – “exciting new designs for everyone on gift list”
Bank of Montreal – “making money make sense
Eastport Financial – “impacting more than just your business”
2011 Financial Contributors: Abe's Furniture, Bailly's Fuels Limited, Bayside Pizza and Donair, Birdsall & Worthington Pottery Ltd, Bluestone Magik, Bob Youden, DMR Financial Services Inc., For the Birds Nature Shop, Gazebo Cafe, Have a Yarn, Kinburn Pharmasave, LaHave Bakery, Mahone Funeral Home, Mug & Anchor Pub, Northern Sun, Peacocks Antique & Vintage, Ptarmigan Enterprises Ltd./Dell Macomber, Saltspray Cafe, South Shore Veterinary Services, The Biscuit Eater Books & Cafe, The Dog Shop Bathhouse & Boutique, The Eclectic Garage, The Teazer, Tim Hortons, Top of Main Cuisine, Valentino’s Ristorante, Zack & Nemo Mercantile, Zwicker’s Inlet Restaurant & Cafe .
A thank you to all members and volunteers that contributed in kind and in person to make this year's festival a success!
And a very special thanks to Suttles & Seawinds for their contributions to the festival this year! Also a very special thank you to Tom Ernst Forest Products for the festive town tree and to Lighthouse Media Group for their contribution to our advertising and to the Town of Mahone Bay for their continuing support.
