The Town of Antigonish and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish are excited to announce that acclaimed East Coast musicians J.P. Cormier and Dave Gunning will headline this year's Christmas on Main celebration with a festive concert.
Taking place on Friday, November 27, beginning at 6 p.m., Christmas on Main will bring holiday spirit to downtown Antigonish with an evening of live entertainment, family activities, and festive fun. The free community event will be held on Main Street between Church Street and College Street.
In addition to the festive entertainment, attendees can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies supplied by St. Francis Xavier University, free Christmas photos with Lisa Delorey-Myers in the Recreation Office at Town Hall, as well as an opportunity do some holiday shopping supporting local businesses.
The event is designed as a festive experience for all ages and provides an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the holiday season.
Additional holiday events are currently being planned by the Town and County, including the Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 21 and Santa’s County Tour. Santa will visit Lochaber, St. Joseph’s, Maryvale, Arisaig, and Lakevale on Saturday December 5. He will also visit St. Andrews, Glen Aire Estates, Pomquet, Heatherton, and Paqtnkek on Sunday, December 6.
Residents are encouraged to follow the Town of Antigonish and Municipality of the County of Antigonish Facebook pages for event updates.
Quotes:
“We're thrilled to welcome J.P. Cormier and Dave Gunning to Antigonish for what promises to be a memorable evening of holiday entertainment. Christmas on Main has become a wonderful tradition for our community and having two of Atlantic Canada's most notable performers help us celebrate the holiday season will make this year's event even more meaningful. We invite residents and visitors alike to join us downtown and enjoy everything the evening has to offer." - Mayor Sean Cameron
"Christmas on Main is a great opportunity for people from across the County and Town to come together and get into the Christmas spirit. It’s always nice to run into familiar faces, catch up with friends and neighbours, and see everyone out enjoying the day while supporting our local shops and businesses. It’s events like these that make our community so special. I hope everyone comes out, enjoys the festivities and takes a little time to connect with one another." - Warden Nicholas MacInnis
About J.P. Cormier:
J.P. Cormier is one of Canada’s most accomplished and versatile musicians, celebrated as a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and entertainer. Originally from Ontario and raised in a Cape Breton, Cormier has built an award-winning career spanning more than four decades. A professional musician since the age of 13, he has released 17 albums, earned multiple ECMA Awards, a Canadian Folk Music Award, Music Nova Scotia Awards, and two Juno Award nominations. Renowned for his exceptional mastery of guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and vocals, Cormier has performed alongside some of the industry’s most respected artists and has produced more than 150 recordings for fellow musicians. Today, he continues to captivate audiences across Canada with his remarkable musicianship, engaging storytelling, and unforgettable solo performances.
About Dave Gunning:
Dave Gunning is one of Canada’s most respected folk singer-songwriters, known for his heartfelt storytelling, engaging stage presence, and deep connection to the communities that inspire his music. Hailing from Pictou County, Gunning has spent more than two decades touring and recording, releasing fifteen acclaimed albums and earning multiple East Coast Music Awards and Canadian Folk Music Awards along the way. His songs celebrate everyday people and explore themes of community, resilience, and social responsibility, resonating with audiences across Canada and beyond. Renowned for his warmth, humour, and authenticity, Gunning continues to captivate listeners through both his live performances and recordings, most recently with his 2025 album Field Notes, a collection that reflects his gift for crafting songs that are both deeply personal and universally meaningful.