SHERBROOKE — Organizers of Christmas at Sherbrooke Village (CSV) have reversed their decision to charge admission on opening night for one of the community’s most cherished traditions and will now offer the event free of charge – restoring a custom that was quietly dropped earlier this fall.
In a Nov. 7 release, executive director of Sherbrooke Village Museum York Lethbridge stated, “Sherbrooke Restoration Commission is pleased to confirm additional support from the Province of Nova Scotia through Guysborough-Tracadie MLA Greg Morrow, plus an anonymous donation, to make opening night of CSV free for all attendees.”
In an emailed statement to The Journal this week, Morrow said, “I first heard of the decision to charge admission to this important community event when the village commission chair reached out to me directly and asked if there was any way I and/or the province could help. I offered funds through my MLA office, but also immediately worked with Community, Culture, Tourism and Heritage (CCTH) Minister Dave Ritcey and his staff, and I’m very thankful they were able to help. I know there were a lot of disappointed people when the event didn’t happen last year, so I wanted to do my part to make sure as many people as possible could participate in its return this year, without any sort of financial barrier, which is how the event was always intended to be- in the true spirit of Christmas.”
Heather Laybolt, a founding volunteer of the event’s tree lighting ceremony and former board chair of the Old Fashioned Christmas (OFC) committee – which previously oversaw the festival, called the announcement an early gift. “Having received an early present with the announcement that funding for the tree lighting and opening night has been secured... Christmas has come early to Sherbrooke and all of Nova Scotia,” Laybolt said.
With the cancellation of last year’s OFC event in Sherbrooke, the announcement of the 2025 return of the event – newly named Christmas at Sherbrooke Village – had been met with much enthusiasm, albeit with one drawback – the Friday, Nov. 28 opening night admission fee.
In recent months, Lethbridge said the commission has made outreach efforts to support the museum taking on this local holiday tradition, and as presented at the first community meeting in August, Sherbrooke Village faced a significant deficit to create a new Christmas festival.
“Costs have increased considerably for the museum in organizing a new event, compared to what they were for the volunteer association that previously ran OFC, which was last held two years ago,” he explained, adding organizers implemented a modest entry fee for adults on opening night “to close the gap,” reasoning that the fee covers a portion of the expenses not covered by other revenue.
Lethbridge said the organization shares the desire to maintain the event’s community focus while ensuring its sustainability, and over the past few months has been working to secure additional funds to reduce financial barriers to participation.
“We are delighted that MLA Greg Morrow and the Ministry of CCTH have stepped up to help out, in addition to an anonymous local donor,” he said.
The matter of the impending fee for the Friday night Christmas tree lighting and the arrival of Santa had attracted widespread opposition and criticism from numerous longtime residents and former event organizers and had cast a shadow over the newly revamped event.
Laybolt was vocal about her opposition to the opening night admission fee, expressing her feelings about the new fee to the organizers of the event, to local politicians, as well as in an interview with The Journal.
“I’ve lived all my life in this community,” said Laybolt. “I’ve always been a part of this event – I’m a Lion – I served on the OFC board for 10 years.”
She stated that the tree lighting was not started in or by Sherbrooke Village Museum, but was volunteer-led and driven – a partnership between the St. Mary’s District Lions Club, the Sherbrooke and Area Fire Department, Nova Scotia Power, and the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s started more than 40 years ago “to kick off the holiday season and as a way for the community to come together during the season of giving.”
Laybolt noted that when OFC began, organizers of that event partnered with the community tree lighting – adding a candlelight procession down to the museum where children’s entertainment, hot chocolate with timbits, and fireworks took place. Activities were free and sponsored by groups, corporate donations and grant monies.
In 2016, the event had grown so large that organizers were told they could no longer continue to hold it on Main St. and the following year it was moved into Sherbrooke Village, where the tree by the church was lit.
Laybolt said that although the move was not a popular decision, it ensured the tree lighting would remain a community event. The decision by the new organizers of the 2025 event – to implement a fee on opening night – was extremely upsetting.
“It was unacceptable,” she said, adding, “Those involved in creating the original event contributed everything required to make this event a free family outing.”
Admission fees for Saturday and Sunday aside, Laybolt said she didn’t see the reason for the admission fees for opening night, and why the community and its families could not come together and celebrate a free tree lighting and a visit from Santa. She began to write letters expressing her dismay regarding the opening night fees.
“Thanks to everyone who advocated to keep this event free and family-friendly, as it has been for over 30 years,” she said, noting she appreciates Sherbrooke Village’s support of the opening night and tree lighting, and hopes future funding along with volunteer and village partnering will maintain this valued tradition for years to come.
“This event was never meant to be a money maker,” Laybolt said. “After all… ’Tis the season to give.”
Lethbridge said the Village is committed to reducing and removing barriers to participation in heritage experiences whenever possible and is grateful to the funders and donors who have generously contributed to support the event.
“Furthermore,” he added, “we express our deep appreciation for the dedication and hard work of our volunteer team members, without whose tremendous efforts CSV would not be possible.”
He stated the Village “recognizes the strong local history and desire to have a compelling and accessible Christmas event at our very special and unique site.”
“Esteemed longtime volunteers have set a very high bar,” said Lethbridge, “and our team is working hard to live up to our community’s expectations while ensuring the event continues to have a sustainable future.”
Christmas at Sherbrooke Village runs Nov. 29 and 30, with opening night celebrations Nov. 28 from 5–8:30 p.m., featuring family-friendly games and activities, heritage animations, more than 40,000 lights and culinary experiences. Details about this event can be found at www.sherbrookevillage.ca
Although the tree-lighting and Santa’s arrival are covered, the $20 admission for anyone 13 and over on Saturday and/or Sunday remains.
