An Advent calendar full of seasonal events in Dartmouth

As our weather slowly gets colder, it becomes time to turn our minds towards the Christmas season. Brimming with cultural events and seasonal markets, Dartmouth has you covered.

From November 12 to 14, Rooted Dance Projects presents “Not Your Average Nutcracker,” a jazzy retelling of three classical ballets: Romeo & Juliet, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. This show is created and performed by local dancers and live musicians, and is on stage at Alderney Landing Theatre.

From November 13 to 15, the Dartmouth Handcrafters Show takes place at the Zatzman Sportsplex. This large craft event is typically very busy, and brimming with gift ideas and handmade products from talented local makers.

November 14 is also the day for the North Woodside Community Centre‘s Kris Kringle craft show and pancake breakfast, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This is a neighbourhood favourite, and the pancakes sure add a yummy flavour. 

Another winter show takes the stage at Alderney Landing theatre from November 27 to 29: “The Snow Queen,” presented by Coastal Dance Theatre. Follow Gorda as she journeys through far away lands filled with goblins, gardens, forests, and ice castles to save her best friend Kaya from the evil spell brought upon her by the cold-hearted Snow Queen. A show for all ages.

The Dartmouth Makers hold their annual winter market on November 27 and 28 at Christ Church Hall. A visit is certainly worthwhile, and you can purchase locally made craft items in downtown Dartmouth.

The Dartmouth Players theatre company presents “Memories of a Christmas Ornament,” a musical about a magical Christmas ornament coming to life and witnessing a couple’s life unfold — their joys, struggles, milestones, and enduring love — while becoming a silent keeper of their family history across the years. Show dates are November 26 to December 12.

Meanwhile, the Central Zone Players are performing “It’s a ’60s Christmas” at Alderney Landing theatre on December 3 and 4. It’s December 24, 1999, and down-and-out local TV producer, Roger Pfeffer, is betting his career on bringing back the wholesome family variety shows of the ’60s – and landing his own national show. While Roger’s big dream seems doomed, a little Christmas magic puts the show on the road.

The by-now traditional Christkindlmarket at Alderney Landing takes places on the weekend of December 4 to 6. Local crafters will open open their stalls, while carousel rides and the singing Christmas tree will be in action.

The Sanctuary Arts Centre also has some Christmas shows in their program, including “Home For Christmas” (December 7), a show gathering three cherished East Coast voices—Heather Rankin, Rachel MacLean, and Dale Miller—for a heartfelt evening where Celtic roots mingle with seasonal classics, and every chorus feels like a hug.

And on December 16, Jon Bryant presents “Maritime Mistletoe” at the Sanctuary Arts Centre. This is a cozy annual concert filled with Christmas tunes, original faves and maritime good cheer!