FROSTival in Fredericton, New Brunswick
All of Fredericton’s FROSTival family friendly festival fun that you are going to love!
FROSTival is one of New Brunswick’s most anticipated winter festivals, and for good reason. Not only is the list of activities endless, it spans three weekends and has something for every age and ability. Take in world-class musical & theatrical performances, outdoor skating, snow tubing, skiing, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, incredible art galleries & craft workshops, pancake breakfasts & morning markets, delicious dining & cozy taprooms all throughout the Fredericton Capital Region.
Here’s the roundup of our favorite FROSTival experiences in Fredericton, New Brunswick over the years as a family! Be sure to visit the official 2026 FROSTival page for all the details.
FROSTival runs from January 22nd to February 8th 2026.
Spoiler alert: Pancake breakfasts, Forest Skating and Pottery Classes were a hit with the kids!
The FROSTival pancake breakfast at Dumfries Maples feels like one of those slow, happy mornings you wish you could tuck into your pocket and keep forever. The sugar shack is warm and cozy, filled with the comforting smells of wood smoke and fresh pancakes, and the gentle hum of people lingering over plates instead of rushing through their morning. The hosts welcome everyone with genuine kindness, as if you’ve been coming for years even if it’s your first visit. The portions are very generous, and the maple syrup—rich, amber, and impossibly delicious—poured generously, and tasting like the very essence of New Brunswick. Be sure to pick up some maple syrup and butter on your way out, so you can relive the experience at home! Prices 7 – 14$ – Gluten-friendly options available
There’s nothing like a morning at Boyce Farmers Market, sunlight spills across wooden stalls stacked with handmade wares, warm loaves of bread, freshly squeezed orange juice and the air smells faintly of coffee, herbs, and baked goods. People are there to savor, to admire, and bump into old friends, letting the day ease into motion. There’s a simplicity in it all – a return to how things used to be – market basket in hand, choosing something fresh and good to fuel the family for the week ahead. Open Saturdays, 7 to 1pm
Gliding along the winding tree-lined trail at Mactaquac Provincial Park, the sounds of the forest wrap around you instantly—the soft scrape of skates on ice, chickadees calling to one another overhead, and the gentle creak of the pines dancing in the wind. Memories of childhood will certainly flood back and make you smile, as you hear the sound of laughter echoing through the woods from the rosy cheeked families enjoying the trail. The path is lined with twinkle lights if you are up for a night skate, the experience is a delight. Thursday to Sunday, 12 – 9pm Adults $8.70, Youth $4.35, Family $21.74 (kids under five skate free)
An afternoon at Sandwidth Sleigh Rides feels like stepping back in time, the owners adopt you instantly and care for you like they would their own. Wrapped in blankets as the horses move steadily through the snow, the world grows quiet except for the soft jingle of bells, the steady thump of hooves and the satisfying crunch of snow beneath the runners. Cold air flushes your cheeks, but there’s a deep, cozy warmth in the moment—shared smiles, steaming breath, and the simple wonder of letting yourself be carried forward without rushing. A stop at the coziest cabin for hot chocolate, treats, a warm up by the woodstove and some playful banter with your hosts, will leave you feeling like you just spent an afternoon in a storybook. Pricing and packages vary
Mactaquac Provincial Park turns into a winter wonderland in the colder months, the long shadows from the trees and filtered sunlight make the entire area “picture perfect”. You will love snowshoeing the wide groomed trails, perfect for little ones getting used to walking with snowshoes for the first time. Did you know that Mactaquac Provincial Park offers snowshoe ($15 for 4h or $20 for Full Day), fat bike ($25 for 2h or $40 for 4h) and snow tube rentals ($8.50 for 2H)? This provision is perfect for those looking to try out a new winter sport without the commitment but all are welcome to use the trails with their own gear!
The FROSTival Kilted Skate at Officer’s Square carries a kind of joyful charm that makes winter feel lighter. Skates glide over the ice while kilts sway, and music drifts through the cold air, blending tradition with playfulness in the most effortless way. The sound of bagpipes echoing through the square is an experience that can’t be missed. Young and old are encouraged to wear their kilts, come for a free skate or sit by the fire and enjoy performances by the St. Andrew Pipe Band and Highland Dancers while feasting on haggis burgers, shortbread and hot chocolate. Food prices vary
The pottery class at Megan Billings Pottery is a cozy, hands-on escape where you don’t just sit quietly and listen to instruction – you join in and feel it with every press of clay under your fingers. In this beginner-friendly session, you’ll play with slabs, learn simple shaping and joining techniques, and start building your own mug while guided gently through each step. The sky is the limit with all the options for patterns and carvings to make your creation completely unique. Your mug is then left in the studio to be fired and glazed before scheduled pickup. $75 per person for the full two hours, materials and instruction included.
There’s always a hum in the air when it’s Dine Around Freddy time in Fredericton, New Brunswick—wandering into a cozy local restaurant, shrugging off your winter coat, and settling in for a chef-crafted three-course meal that feels both special and simple. For 2026, participating eateries across the city are offering these curated dinners at $45 per person, letting you savor Maritime flavors without fuss, as the snow falls outside and friends stay close, lingering over dessert and drinks. It’s one of those experiences that turns a cold night into a warm memory—perfect for date night, a catch-up with friends, or just treating yourself to flavors you might not otherwise try. Here‘s the full line up of participating restaurants.
An afternoon as a family at Beaverbrook Art Gallery feels like stepping into another time and world together. As you wander through bright galleries admiring familiar favorites and discovering new pieces, from bold Canadian landscapes to surprising contemporary pieces, the kids’ questions and observations turn each turn into a tiny shared adventure. The pace is unhurried and welcoming—lots of quiet smiles, little bursts of inspiration, and maybe even a spontaneous sketch in the café afterward. Be sure to have a peek at their upcoming exhibits, FROSTival workshops and drop-in classes. $20 adults, $8.50 youth,$40 family (kids under 6 free)
There’s a special kind of joy that happens when skating under the stars at Officers’ Square in downtown Fredericton during FROSTival’s DJ Night Skate — colorful lights shining the path ahead, music pulsing through crisp air, and everyone gliding (or laughing while trying) to beats that turn a chilly night into a carefree party on ice. Best of all, this icy dance party is free to join in 2026, with no admission cost and free skate rentals right on site, so you can focus on letting the music lift your spirits. See the FROSTival event page for all the details!
Thanks for coming along and sharing in our favorite FROSTival moments over the years!
Which one is your favorite, and which did we miss?
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