Sometimes the best thing you can give for Christmas is a memory, or maybe a concussion, possibly a scar or two. Rather than add to the mass of physical objects we all try to cram in under our roofs, let’s get people out to experience something. Here are a few suggestions from around Atlantic Canada.
Saint John Theatre Company
(Saint John, New Brunswick)
Less adventurous, but certainly out of the house, the Saint John Theatre Company routinely puts on quality shows. From their larger productions at the Imperial Theatre to their more intimate affairs at their own BMO Studio Theatre, they’re guaranteed to give an exceptional experience. Fortunately for your theatre loving friends, SJTC are offering a discount on the remainder of their main-stage shows, including Shakespeare In Love and Mamma Mia!
Treego Moncton / Mactaquac
(New Brunswick)
Give the gift of an increased life expectancy by getting people outside. With two locations in New Brunswick at Moncton and Mactaquac, this is a great way to see the province’s most famous feature: the trees. The heights alone should get their hearts racing. While Treego doesn’t reopen for the season until late April, they currently offering a 10% Christmas discount, so don’t wait.
Seven Bays Bouldering
(Halifax, Nova Scotia)
Like the idea of climbing, but don’t want to worry about the weather? Check out Seven Bays Bouldering in Halifax. Their 6000 sq ft facility on Gottingen Street hosts a 120-foot long bouldering wall and a licensed café. Along with their monthly memberships, they also offer introductory courses on climbing and a great place hang.
Folly X-mas Sale
(Gagetown, New Brunswick)
Yeah, it’s Folly Fest, our favourite music festival. It’s also easily the friendliest festival on the east coast (also funkiest and probably cleanest… we have a lot of positive adjectives to apply here). We don’t even know who’s performing yet, but we know that we’ll absolutely be there, and we hope you will be, too! They’ve got a super early bird Christmas sale on right now, so why not celebrate the holiday season and treat yourself and your loved ones for the festival season?
Shivering Songs
(Fredericton, New Brunswick)
Can’t wait for the summer festival season? Need an immediate music fix? Shivering Songs in Fredericton might be the perfect winter hookup for your favourite music lover. Reeny Smith, Hillsburn, David Myles and, of course, founding band The Olympic Symphonium will all be there, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Big Axe Craft Beer Festival
(Nackawic, New Brunswick)
The way to anyone’s heart might be through their stomach, but if you really want to give them the warm fuzzies this Christmas, maybe take a detour through their liver. The Big Axe Craft Beer Festival in Nackawic, New Brunswick is officially the largest outdoor festival of its kind in Atlantic Canada. Craft brewers from all over Canada’s east coast and Maine will be pouring delicious beer for attendees to enjoy. This event sells out, so Christmas is the perfect time to start planning ahead.