One of Newfoundland’s most unusual Christmas traditions is making a colourful comeback this holiday season!
The Mummers Festival returns to St. John’s from November 20 to December 12, 2026, bringing quirky costumes, traditional music, festive workshops and one of the most entertaining Christmas parades in Atlantic Canada.
Instead of traditional holiday costumes, participants dress in oversized clothing, colourful disguises, masks and mismatched outfits inspired by a Newfoundland tradition that’s been around for more than 300 years.
And the best part? Everyone is invited to get involved!
What Is Newfoundland’s Mummering Tradition?
Mummering is a centuries-old Christmas tradition in Newfoundland and Labrador that involves dressing in elaborate disguises and visiting the homes of friends and neighbours.
Traditionally, groups of mummers would arrive at someone’s doorstep wearing unusual outfits made from whatever they could find around the house.
They might wear oversized coats, scarves, hats, masks or clothing stuffed with pillows to make themselves difficult to recognize.
Once invited inside, the visitors would sing, dance, joke around and challenge their hosts to guess who was hiding beneath the disguises.
After their identities were revealed, the celebrations would continue before the mummers moved on to another home.
Today, mummering remains an important part of Newfoundland’s cultural identity, and the annual festival celebrates the tradition through music, art, workshops and community events.
The Mummers Festival Returns November 20, 2026
Now in its 18th year, the Mummers Festival brings together residents and visitors to celebrate Newfoundland’s unique Christmas heritage.
The 2026 festival takes place from November 20 to December 12, with activities scheduled throughout St. John’s.
Events include:
- Traditional Newfoundland kitchen parties
- Mummer-themed arts and crafts
- Ugly stick making workshops
- Family-friendly storytelling
- Costume and disguise-making activities
- Printmaking workshops
- Traditional music and jam sessions
- The annual Mummers Parade
Many of the activities are designed to help newcomers learn about the tradition and create their own mummer costumes.
Make Your Own Ugly Stick At A Traditional Newfoundland Workshop
One of the festival’s most unusual activities is the Ugly Stick Workshop.
An ugly stick is a traditional Newfoundland percussion instrument decorated with objects that rattle and make noise when played.
Participants can create their own instruments and bring them along to the Mummers Parade.
2026 Ugly Stick Workshop Details:
- Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Time: 12 PM – 4 PM
- Location: CLB Armoury, 82 Harvey Road, St. John’s
- Admission: Free, with donations appreciated
- Ages: 7 and older
The workshop is drop-in, with no advance registration required.
Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
Christmas Kitchen Parties, Crafts & Family Activities
The festival also features several events leading up to the big parade.
Some of the highlights on the 2026 schedule include:
November 20: Mummers Festival Kitchen Party
November 28: Mini Mummers Storytime and Craft
November 29: Family-Friendly Printmaking Workshop
November 30: Adult Mummer Printmaking Workshop
December 1 and 3: Mummers Memory Mug Up gatherings
December 5: Ugly Stick Workshop
December 6: Mummer Family Fun Program
December 7: Adult Printmaking Workshop
December 8: Mummers Memory Mug Up
December 9 and 10: Mummering-themed events at The Rooms
December 12: Mummers Rig Up, Jam Session, Parade and Scuff ’n Scoff
Individual events have different locations, registration requirements and admission policies, so visitors should consult the official festival schedule before attending.
The Colourful Mummers Parade Takes Place December 12
The highlight of the festival is the annual Mummers Parade, when participants gather in colourful disguises and celebrate Newfoundland’s Christmas traditions.
Unlike a typical parade where spectators simply watch from the sidelines, this event encourages people to dress up and become part of the celebration.
The parade features unusual costumes, traditional music, homemade instruments and plenty of Newfoundland humour.
2026 Mummers Parade Details:
- Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Time: 1 PM – 1:45 PM
- Location: Bowring Park, St. John’s
- Starting point: West End Gates on Park Road
- Weather postponement date: Sunday, December 13
The parade begins and ends near the park’s west entrance.
Organizers encourage participants to arrive in costume, although a Mummers Rig Up event will also help visitors put together disguises before the parade.
Whether you’re participating or watching, it’s a colourful celebration of Newfoundland culture and community.
How Can You Join The Mummers Parade?
You don’t need to be from Newfoundland or have any previous mummering experience to participate.
Visitors are encouraged to create their own costumes using unusual combinations of clothing and accessories.
Popular costume ideas include oversized jackets, colourful scarves, patterned fabrics, hats and other playful disguises.
The goal is to create a fun character that makes you difficult to recognize.
Participants can also bring traditional musical instruments or homemade noisemakers to add to the atmosphere.
The festival’s workshops are a great place to get inspiration before the big day.
Why Is Mummering So Important To Newfoundland?
Mummering has been part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Christmas celebrations for more than three centuries.
Although the tradition has evolved, it continues to represent the province’s sense of humour, creativity, music and community spirit.
Over the years, mummers have inspired local artwork, Christmas ornaments, handmade crafts, music and holiday decorations.
The Mummers Festival helps introduce the tradition to younger generations while giving longtime participants an opportunity to celebrate their heritage.
It’s also a fascinating experience for visitors who want to discover something distinctly Newfoundland during the Christmas season.
Plan Your Visit To The 2026 Mummers Festival
The Mummers Festival takes place in St. John’s, Newfoundland, with events running from November 20 through December 12, 2026.
The main parade takes place at Bowring Park on December 12, with December 13 reserved as the weather postponement date.
Visitors should check the festival website for individual event locations, workshop registration details and any schedule changes.
Whether you’re looking for a unique Christmas activity, a family-friendly outing or a chance to experience a centuries-old Newfoundland tradition, the Mummers Festival offers something completely different from the usual holiday celebrations.
Event: 2026 Mummers Festival
Dates: November 20 – December 12, 2026
Location: St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Main Parade: December 12 at 1 PM, Bowring Park
Website: https://www.mummersfestival.ca/
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