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 - $300 Pictou Bucks
- 2nd Prize - $200 Pictou Bucks
- 3rd Prize - $100 Pictou Bucks
Watch for details. A draw will take place in December.
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 "Love the Holidays" theme decor
2. People's Choice Award
3. Best themed 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 dates TBA.
Move More Avent Calendar
Introducing the 2024 More Move Advent Calendar! Available online or in print on December 1st. This isn't your typical holiday advent calendar filled with chocolates and treats. Instead, it's packed with physical activities and events to help you stay active and move more! The Move More Advent Calendar will showcase special events, tips, suggestions, and recommendations for things you can do this December to boost your physical activity without even realizing it! We encourage all of you to share this initiative with your friends, family members, teachers, and anyone you think would enjoy participating in this fun challenge!
Just like any other advent calendar, you have the option to indulge right away. In this virtual advent calendar, you can skip ahead each day and spoil the surprise for yourself, or you can follow each day as intended, making every day exciting and something to look forward to – that's how we recommend doing it!
Schedule of Events
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 "Christmas in Cape Breton", the Barra MacNeils" 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
Creative Pictou County
Studio Drop-Ins, deCoste Culture Hub
November 7, 21 and December 5 and 19
6:00-8:00 pm
Join us for open studio time! Bring your works in progress or new materials you want to explore with and chat with fellow artists.
Executive Director Carissa will be available to discuss plans for the studio space and will collect any feedback on what you would like to see happen.
As this is a shared studio, please do not bring any caustic materials that require ventilation.
Christmas Sale
Saturday, November 9
1:00-3:00 pm
St Andrews Presbyterian Church Hall
Christmas at the deCoste - Craft Show
Saturday, November 16th & Sunday, November 17th
10:00 am-4:00 pm
Tickets available at decostecentre.ca or at the door.
Craft Fair
Saturday, November 23
9:00am-1:00pm
Shiretown Nuring Home invites everyone to a craft fair. Free Admission. 280 Halliburton Road.
Pictou County Christmas Fund
Sunday, November 24
1:00-6:00pm
deCoste Performing Arts Centre
The Pictou County Christmas Fund is BACK for its 50TH YEAR!
This milestone year is a real celebration: it marks a return to the deCoste Performing Arts Centre theatre. Entertainers will return to the familiar deCoste stage agian and audience members can return to the seats to enjoy the show and make donations in person.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday, November 29
5:45 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 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 30
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
"All Roads Lead to Home" with Ashley George
Saturday, November 30
7:00-9:00 pm
"All Roads Lead to Home" concert series live from TABITHA + CO.
"The Stonehouse" is turning it up with Ashley George.
Save the date and grab one of the limited tickets at Eventbrite
before they sell out. All proceeds for the Skate Park Society.
Waterfront Christmas Village
December 6, 13, 21
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 artisan stalls filled with handcrafted holiday treasures, 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.
Gift Card Bingo
Sunday, December 7
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
Braeshore Winter Wonder Lane
Watch for details. Three Brooks Road on the way to Caribou Park
Enjoy this annual winter wonderland light show with many photo opportunities. A must see this Holiday season!
Christmas Lights Tour
December 20th, pick up times are 5:00pm, 6:00pm or 7:00pm.
A light tour of Pictou in partnership with Chad Transit. There will be three pick up and drop off locations: the Pictou Legion parking lot, New Horizon's Club parking lot and the Construction Engineering Flight parking lot on Welsford Street. We are providing three 1 hour trips for Pictonians without access to a ride, to see the lights around Town. We will also have a special stop at the Braeshore Winter Wonder Lane. Registration for the tour will go live soon.
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!
Ticket information will be available soon!
Lights of Pictou Video
A Christmas Eve 2024 Facebook event featuring footage of Pictou's brightest lights and most decorated homes! A video will be shared on Facebook at 6pm Christmas Eve. See Pictou lit up without leaving your home or if you are far away. A tremendous thank you the the Property Guys Pictou Antigonish & Guysborough County for creating the video.
New Year's Eve Family Skate and Fireworks
December 31
6:00-8:00 pm
Hector Arena, Naylor Drive
Fireworks following skate at 8:15pm. $5 per person or $20 per family. A fundraiser for the Pictou Lobster Carnival.
