Every year we plan a series of holiday events to make the season just that little bit extra special, creating new memories and bringing back the fondest recollections of seasons gone by.
Sending Off the Tree for Boston
We love holiday traditions, and one of the best is sending off the tree for Boston as it leaves Nova Scotia. After the Great Halifax Explosion, Boston rapidly provided aid to the devastated port city. For many years – as a token of thanks – Nova Scotia has sent a Christmas tree to Boston. It visits communities along its route and Amherst is the final stop before it leaves the province.
We will announce the 2026 date to come out and enjoy live music, hot chocolate, and to wish this year's tree well before it takes its place in Boston Common.
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Holiday Light-Up Event in Victoria Square
Join us for some wonderful festive cheer as we gather to enjoy music and good company in the square. We’ll serve up free hot chocolate and count down to the illumination of thousands of lights and decorations effectively flipping the switch on the holiday season, which is a great time to head into First Baptist for a carol sing. It’s an annual Amherst tradition. Stay tuned for 2026 date and time!
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Annual Christmas Parade
Many Amherst groups and businesses make it their mission to create fantastic parade floats that embody the year’s theme – you won’t be disappointed. Gather along our sidewalks to marvel at the creativity and soak in the holiday spirit. We will share details here about 2026 parade theme, date and time.
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2025 Parade Details
Theme: Winter Wonderland
Parade Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Start Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Gather in Town Square Mall parking lot, 147 South Albion Street, by 5 p.m.
Route: Turn left onto Albion Street. Turn left onto Church Street, then turn right onto Victoria Street. Turn when directed - into the TD or Dayle's parking lot.
Registration: No fee!
Prizes: Prizes will be awarded by a select panel of judges. Awards will be handed out in the week following the parade.
Prize Categories:
- Best Overall Theme (1st, 2nd, & 3rd)
- Best Youth Involvement
- Best Charity or Non-Profit
- Holiday Spirit Award
2025 Parade Guidelines and Application
We will share 2026 parade information a little later this year - stay tuned.
The deadline for applications was November 15, 2025.
pdf Access all parade guidelines and the 2025 application form here(4.35 MB) .
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