The province of Newfoundland and Labrador, located in the easternmost part of Canada, is known for its unique culture and traditions. One of the most special times of the year in Newfoundland is Christmas, a time when families and friends come together to celebrate the holiday season. Here are 7 ways to experience a Newfoundland Christmas:
Christmas is a time for joy, giving, and spending time with loved ones. In Newfoundland, the holiday season is a special time of year when people come together to celebrate and make memories that will last a lifetime. From traditional foods to holiday events, there are many ways to experience a Newfoundland Christmas.
One of the best ways to experience a Newfoundland Christmas is to try some of the traditional foods that are popular during the holiday season. One of the most iconic Newfoundland Christmas foods is Jiggs dinner, a boiled dinner that typically consists of salt beef, carrots, turnips, cabbage, and potatoes. Another popular Christmas food in Newfoundland is peameal pudding, a type of pudding made with peameal (dried peas) and often served with turkey or ham.
Attend a Christmas Market
Another great way to experience a Newfoundland Christmas is to attend a Christmas market. Many communities in Newfoundland host Christmas markets, where local vendors sell handmade crafts, foods, and other unique gifts. These markets are a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and to get into the holiday spirit.
Some popular Christmas markets in Newfoundland include:
- The St. John's Christmas Market, held annually at the St. John's Convention Centre
- The Corner Brook Christmas Market, held at the Corner Brook Civic Centre
- The Grand Falls-Windsor Christmas Market, held at the Grand Falls-Windsor Civic Centre
Take a Sleigh Ride
Taking a sleigh ride is a fun and festive way to experience a Newfoundland Christmas. Many farms and stables in Newfoundland offer horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snowy countryside. This is a great way to enjoy the beautiful winter landscapes of Newfoundland while getting into the holiday spirit.
Some popular places to take a sleigh ride in Newfoundland include:
- The Newfoundland Sleigh Ride Company, located in St. John's
- The Corner Brook Sleigh Ride Company, located in Corner Brook
- The Grand Falls-Windsor Sleigh Ride Company, located in Grand Falls-Windsor
Go Ice Skating
Ice skating is a popular winter activity in Newfoundland, and many communities have outdoor ice skating rinks during the holiday season. This is a fun and festive way to enjoy the winter weather and get some exercise.
Some popular outdoor ice skating rinks in Newfoundland include:
- The St. John's Ice Skating Rink, located in Bannerman Park
- The Corner Brook Ice Skating Rink, located in Margaret Bowater Park
- The Grand Falls-Windsor Ice Skating Rink, located in the Grand Falls-Windsor Civic Centre
Attend a Christmas Concert
Newfoundland is known for its rich musical heritage, and Christmas concerts are a popular holiday event. Many communities in Newfoundland host Christmas concerts, featuring local musicians and choirs performing holiday music.
Some popular Christmas concerts in Newfoundland include:
- The Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra's Christmas Concert, held annually at the St. John's Arts and Culture Centre
- The Corner Brook Christmas Concert, held at the Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre
- The Grand Falls-Windsor Christmas Concert, held at the Grand Falls-Windsor Arts and Culture Centre
Take a Winter Hike
Newfoundland has some of the most beautiful winter landscapes in the world, and taking a winter hike is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the province. Many hiking trails in Newfoundland are open year-round, and winter hiking is a popular activity.
Some popular hiking trails in Newfoundland include:
- The East Coast Trail, a 300km hiking trail that runs along the eastern coast of Newfoundland
- The West Coast Trail, a 30km hiking trail that runs along the western coast of Newfoundland
- The Tablelands, a unique hiking trail that takes you through a barren, rocky landscape
Visit the Cape Spear Lighthouse
The Cape Spear Lighthouse, located on the easternmost point of Newfoundland, is a popular holiday destination. The lighthouse is decorated with lights and decorations during the holiday season, and visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse and enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
In conclusion, a Newfoundland Christmas is a unique and special experience that offers something for everyone. From traditional foods to holiday events, there are many ways to experience the magic of the holiday season in Newfoundland.
What is a Jiggs dinner?
+A Jiggs dinner is a traditional Newfoundland boiled dinner that typically consists of salt beef, carrots, turnips, cabbage, and potatoes.
What is peameal pudding?
+Peameal pudding is a type of pudding made with peameal (dried peas) and often served with turkey or ham.
What is the East Coast Trail?
+The East Coast Trail is a 300km hiking trail that runs along the eastern coast of Newfoundland.