
Get in the Christmas Spirit: deCoste Performing Arts Centre’s Craft and Food Fair is Back!
The holiday season is just around the corner, and the deCoste Performing Arts Centre in Pictou is ready to kick off the celebrations with its much-loved Christmas at the deCoste Craft and Food Fair! The success of last year's event is getting us even more excited to welcome everyone back for the weekend of Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Not only is this fair a wonderful way to dive into holiday shopping and find unique gifts, but it’s also a major fundraiser for the deCoste Centre, a not-for-profit venue that brings incredible artists from across the region and beyond. So, by attending, you’re also supporting the arts in Pictou!
Images of Shoppers and Vendors in 2024 (photos by Maggie McLaren)
A Shopper’s Delight with Over 45 Vendors
Prepare to be amazed by the creativity of over 45 talented artisan vendors. It won’t be hard for anyone to find something truly special, from beautiful artwork and handcrafted jewelry to cozy quilts, natural soaps, intricate woodworking, and perhaps a snack along the way. There’s a perfect gift waiting for everyone on your list—and maybe a little treat for yourself.
We’re thrilled to welcome both new faces and some of our cherished returning vendors. Whether you’re looking to decorate your home or find the ideal present, there’s something for everyone!”
Fuel Up at the Christmas Café, hosted by the Pictou County 4-H
When you need a break, head over to the Murray Room, where the café will be buzzing with delicious soups, sandwiches and sweet snacks. This year, it’s run by the Pictou County 4-H Clubs as a fundraiser. Expect tasty treats and a cozy spot to relax and recharge.

Christmas Cafe Menu 2025
Gift Experiences with deCoste Dream Vacation Tickets and Gift Cards
Looking for a gift that goes beyond the ordinary? Stop by the deCoste booth to purchase a Dream Vacation Draw ticket, one of our new tiered memberships, tickets to a show or a deCoste Gift Card. These are the perfect gifts for the person who has everything. A live show at the deCoste is an experience they’ll remember long after the holidays!

Great gift ideas for yourself or your loved ones!
A Special Visit from Santa Claus
For families with little ones (or anyone young at heart!), Santa Claus himself will be making an appearance on Saturday, November 22, from 1 pm to 4 pm & Sunday, November 23, from 10 am to 1 pm. Pre-book a photo session with the big guy in red through photographer Maggie McLaren—by clicking the link here.

Make it a Full Day of Festive Fun in Pictou
Parking is easy, with free spaces on both sides of the deCoste Centre at 99 Water Street and other nearby spots along Water Street and Caladh Avenue. Entry is just $5 to be paid on your way through the Water Street (Pictou Library entrance at the deCoste Box Office) or click the link below to purchase in advance. Bring the receipt as proof of payment.
Mark your calendars and bring your holiday cheer!
For anyone wishing to attend the event as a patron, admission will be $5.00/person (children 5 and under are free). You can pay in advance using the link on the "JOIN THE JOY" image, or at the door.
List of Vendors for Christmas at the deCoste:
| Business / Individual | Owner / Operator |
| A Little Character | Tracey Truly |
| Amber Gauthier | Amber Gauthier |
| Amber Lane Creations | Annette Baillie |
| April M Designs and Linda's Art | April Baird |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters | Brenda MacNutt |
| Brenda Scott | Brenda Scott |
| Bruisen Beek Farm | Emma ten Brinke |
| Carol Pounder Art | Carol Pounder |
| Chapel Cove Chocolate | Allan Keefe |
| Copycat Cookies and Ash and Meadow | Rosanne Cavanaugh |
| Cosmos Treats and Treasures | Brenda MacPhee |
| Darlene Dixon Art | Darlene Dixon |
| deCoste Performing Arts Centre | Jennifer MacLennan |
| Fargocatdesigns | Deborah Lecreux |
| Frasers Flames | Tara Fraser |
| Handmade by Janet | Janet O Brien |
| Handmade flower shop | Hillary Liu |
| Jampy | Chris Smith |
| Karen Wilson Denyse Stronge | Karen Wilson |
| Kelly Gillis | Kelly Gillis |
| Kisses and Zerberts | Amy Lawson |
| Laggan Fused Glass | Kinnon Sutherland |
| Le Soap | Sarah LeBlanc |
| Louise Norman | Louise Norman |
| Magnetic Wellness Jewelry | Kim Upshaw |
| Marilyn Whalen Arts | Marilyn Whalen |
| Mary Condon | Mary Condon |
| McLean Manor Originals | Darlene McLean |
| Melmerby Adventures | Sam Thompson |
| Mrs MacGregor's Shortbreads | Helen Buchan |
| Mystical Scents Soy Candles | Sandi Unterlauf |
| NetherNerd Creations | Melanie Radford |
| Patsy Chapman | Patsy Chapman |
| Pebbles and Purls | Pam Levangie |
| Pinpoint Metal Art | Kelly Gillis |
| Raw Beast Pet Treats | Tanya whitehead |
| RODNEY TATE | RODNEY TATE |
| Rose Van Veen | Rosalie C Van Veen |
| Simply Bee Products and Services | Twyla Heighton |
| Simply Lovely Jewelry | Crystal MacEachern |
| Strokes of Colour Art Studio | Carolyn Vienneau |
| The Enchanted Door Gifts and Crafts | Diana Spurvey |
| Thom Duggan | Thom Duggan |
| Whimsy Glass | Kathryn van Vliet |
| Wonky Woodworks | Kevin Baillie |
| zimmply | Zelda McLaren |

