Guests will often hear me suggest that the best time to visit Newfoundland is “Right now!”, and never have I believed this to be truer than “Right Now!” While our traditional tourism season runs from late May through the end of October, I guarantee that anyone who pays us a visit at Christmas, will receive the warmest welcome, and an experience that defies comparison.
“
… there’s nothing normal about Newfoundland…”
Of course, I also like to remind people that; “There’s nothing normal about Newfoundland – and this is not a normal time to visit”. Thus, guests might find themselves overwhelmed by the unusual sights, scenes, and events they’ll experience. As such, we thought it only “Fitting and Appropriate” to compile this ‘Christmas Listicle’ to help potential visitors make the leap of faith and join us for their, “Best Christmas Yet!”
“… best Christmas yet!”
1. While the rest of the world celebrates 12 days of Christmas – Newfoundland tears it up for a full 30 days. ‘George Street’ rocks every night from December 6 through to Old Christmas Day, so great cheer and fun is guaranteed no matter how long or when you decide to visit.
2. You’re guaranteed to find extra Christmas spirit anywhere you find so many fellows named ‘Noel’
“… thank Paddy Boyle…”
3. We can thank Paddy Boyle for the observation regarding ‘Noel’, and for a fabulous evening of Jazz with pianist, Bill Brennan. Paddy, like so many more world class entertainers, make the pilgrimage home every Christmas where they truly appreciate an opportunity to entertain an audience that doesn’t ask them to repeat everything twice.
4. Guests are rare at this time of year, so you are an anomaly and will be treated accordingly. There are few people who exhibit the kind of bravado and abandon it takes to tackle a Christmas vacation in Newfoundland. While folks might say “there’s something wrong with you!” we prefer to think you’re “Special”
“… wild varieties of weather,,,”
5. Landscape photo subjects are endless given the many wild varieties of weather, ever changing skies and unpredictable snow conditions we experience in December.
6. Wildlife and bird watching are in peak season, with enhanced views due to the lack of foliage and the ability to better track animals in the snow. Many of our summer birds will over-winter because of an abundance of berries and food, while more northern species make Newfoundland their winter haven, availing of our temperate climate and food supplies. Hardly any of Newfoundland’s mammals hibernate and they tend to be more active during the winter months as they search further and more frequently for food.
“… endless strings of coloured bulbs…”
7. Just like the bright paint we use on our homes, so too does Christmas provide an excuse to light up our world with endless strings of coloured bulbs – wrapping trees and hedges, fence lines, eaves, window casings, and even our boat gunnels and rigging, makes Newfoundland a kaleidoscope of colour at this time of year.
8. Christmas is the season for “Real” Kitchen parties and you will likely find yourself singing and dancing along with the crowd in a truly authentic fashion. To quote Allan Doyle; “I’ve never been invited to a kitchen party but I’m after being to t’ousands of em!”
“… discover our baked goods.”
9. The grub is amazing this time of year. There’s a reason we’ve become the darling of the foodie world and if our unique protein cuts weren’t enough, wait till they discover our baked goods. Molasses cookies, Gum Drop cakes, Figgy Duff, short breads, rocky road, bread pudding – my God you’ll die man!
10. “Mass”, or “Church” for the protestants. There is nothing so grounding as a service in a St. John’s Cathedral – let alone a ‘Basilica’. We have magnificent churches whose pipe organs were customized to compliment the building’s natural acoustics. Beautiful music and intriguing sermons remind us of simpler times and a “sense of belonging” to a place called “home”.
