CHESTER VILLAGE CHRISTMAS RETURNS — A FESTIVE WEEKEND TO REMEMBER

November 28–30, 2025 | Chester, Nova Scotia

The seaside village of Chester will once again sparkle with holiday magic as Chester Village Christmas returns from November 28–30, 2025. Presented by the Chester Merchants Association, the weekend-long celebration brings together families, friends, and visitors for three days of festive fun.

This annual tradition turns the heart of Chester into a winter wonderland, featuring the Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring Santa & Mrs. Claus arriving by fire truck, Family Fun Fair, Gingerbread Run, Pet Parade, Merry Match-Up Hockey, and much more! Local shops and restaurants will be open with special events and offerings and special in-store promotions to welcome shoppers and visitors.

“Chester Village Christmas is about small-town joy at its finest,” says Robin Carling, Chair of the Chester Merchants Association. “It’s a weekend where neighbours gather, visitors explore, and the whole community shines with holiday spirit.”

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

All weekend long visitors can shop the Fresh Cut Christmas Tree Sale put on by the Lions Club at Oceanview. Head over to Going Coastal for their annual Christmas Art Show & Furniture Sale. Check out the Festive Mini Art Auction,  Gingerbread Competition & Display, and the Celebration of Trees auction. The Village Emporium will have their In-Store Contest! This year, Tanner & Co Brewing is having a Beer & Cheer Bake Off matching cookies with new brews!

Friday, November 28, 5-7pm — Tree Lighting Ceremony

Gather at the Chester Bandstand as the village lights up the night! Enjoy caroling, cookies, and hot chocolate, with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by fire truck to lead the countdown. This year we will also be hosting the Sparkle & Sip tasting market with alcoholic and non-alcoholic vendors spreading joy!

Saturday, November 29 — Family Fun Fair

The heart of the weekend: the Gingerbread Fun Run, Merry Match-Up Hockey Tournament, the Festive Fashion Pet Parade, and Chester Art Centre’s On-Site Colouring Contest for kids. Catch a holiday film at the Chester Playhouse in the afternoon and check out the live music at the Fo’c’sle Tavern. 

Sunday, November 30 — Snowy Sunday

Round out the weekend with wreath making at the train station, the Community Christmas Concert featuring the Chester Brass Band and Windsor Choir at St. Stephen’s Parish, Festive Mini Art Auction Closing Reception at the Chester Art Centre,  Gingerbread Competition & Display Closing in tandem with the Celebration of Trees Auction Closing at Engle & Volkers to wrap up the weekend festivities!

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Visitors are invited to stroll the streets, shop local, and enjoy the magic of the season in one of Nova Scotia’s most charming seaside communities.

The full weekend schedule, participating merchants, and event details are available at www.chestermerchants.com or by following @chestervillagechristmas on social media.

Media Contact:

Emily Petley-Jones, Pink Buoy PR

Marketing & Communications – Chester Merchants Association

emily@pinkbuoypr.com |  www.chestermerchants.com

For up-to-date information on this year's festival events be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For sign-up forms check out our Linktr.ee here.

Gingerbread Competition & Display Entry Form Link: https://linktr.ee/chestervillagechristmas2025

Celebration of Trees Entry Form: https://linktr.ee/chestervillagechristmas2025

Volunteer Sign Up Link: https://linktr.ee/chestervillagechristmas2025