Riverview Celebrates 50 Years of Winter Fun

RIVERVIEW (N.B.) – Creating warm winter memories since 1975, Riverview Winter Carnival is celebrating its 50th year with activities that will cater to every taste. Embrace the winter season with 10 days of outdoor adventures, inclusive winter wellness activities, and fun for the whole family. Be part of this momentous celebration, January 31 – February 9, 2025.  

With a mix of 65 indoor and outdoor activities hosted by the Town of Riverview and community partners, festivalgoers will find there’s something for everyone! 

Winter Carnival Ignite kicks off festivities on Jan. 31  (Storm date, Feb. 2) 
Celebrations Ignite with fireworks at Winter Wonderland Park (Quinn Court) on Friday, Jan. 31, just in time for National Hot Chocolate Day. Bundle up and stop by any of the eight participating local businesses to grab your free hot chocolate on your way (remember to Bring Your Own Mug, and download the Driftscape app to see all 8 businesses). Enjoy maple candy on the snow ($3) from 6:30- 7:30 p.m, with free hot chocolate and s’mores while supplies last. Weather permitting, there will also be skating and sledge skating on the outdoor oval – remember to bring your helmet! Fireworks start at 7 p.m. Sliding is not permitted on Friday due to the fireworks display set-up. Special thanks to our Ignite event and activity sponsors D.R. Docusafe, Inglis Jewelers, and Rehab 1.  

Golden Era Photo Contest, Jan. 31 – Feb. 9 
Celebrate the festival’s 50th anniversary by submitting your favourite event or activity photo for a chance to win great prizes from local businesses! Whether your image is from 2025 or years past, we want to see your carnival memories. Photos and winners will be shared on Facebook on Monday, February 10. 

Here’s just a quick glance at some of the activities you’ll find by category in the Riverview Winter Carnival guide at www.riverviewwintercarnival.ca. Follow us on Facebook @TownofRiverview for cancellation or storm date notices. 

A Great Place to… 

Explore 

• Snowshoe adventures on various trails across town. Adventures range from family-friendly fun to a sunrise experience, be sure to visit townofriverview.ca/snowshoe for the details.  
• Try your hand at completing the Winter Carnival Adventure Lab to earn 1 of 100 limited edition trackable coins. This year’s design celebrates the 50th anniversary of the festival and Winter Wonderland’s skating oval. Visit townofriverview.ca/wintergeocaching for full details. Thanks to our sponsor, Karma GIS Consulting Services.  
• Snowshoe Artists Matt Robinson and Sheldon Benoit are on standby for the right conditions to create a sustainable art piece in Mill Creek Nature Park. 
• Challenge yourself and your friends to a thrilling Velo NB sanctioned fat bike race along the beautiful snowy trail network in Mill Creek Nature Park! 

Party 

• Laugh along with the crowd at two HUBCAP Comedy Festival shows at Holy Whale Beer Hall.  
• Dance the night away at the Snowflake Shindig Dance.  
• Mingle at the Pre-Teen Dance with BGC Riverview at the Coverdale Centre (ages 10-13).   
• Bundle up for a traditional bonfire roast and singalong at the lookout with Riverview Scouts and musician Chris Glidden.  
• Hit the rink under glowing lights with vibrant neon colours at our Glow Skates!  
• See the talent of local youth with Battle of the Bands at the Riverview Arts Centre  
• Dive in for a free swim at the Coconut Carnival Pool Party! We’re bringing back the retro vibes of our iconic Winter Carnival swims at the Pat Crossman Memorial Aquatic Centre. 

Nourish 

• Fill your belly with pancake breakfasts, a chicken luncheon, and soup and chowder night.  
• The Mayor’s Luncheon is back for residents aged 60+ to enjoy a delicious meal provided by the Homestead Restaurant. Special thanks to our sponsor Riverview Guardian Pharmacy.  
• Join the Seed Swap to share, browse, and donate seeds among fellow gardeners preparing for spring!  
• Pack a winter picnic and join the 1st Moncton BPSA Traditional Scouting at the lookout in Mill Creek Nature Park for a variety of treats to warm you up.  

Play 

• The Maritimes’ premiere winter skateboard contest - The Frozen Open - features the top skateboarders in Atlantic Canada throwing down tricks for cash prizes. 
• Unwind with free yoga, Pilates, and sound healing for all levels. 
• Learn a new sport by joining one of the Pickleball Clinics or attending the Ringette Try It Day. 
• Register for a groovy Polar Night Aquafit at the Pat Crossman Memorial Aquatic Centre. 
• Join the Giant Card Party at Parkland Riverview and Crib Tournament at the Lions Club. 
• Enjoy a snowshoe poker run at Farmer Brown’s Greenhouse. 

Connect 

• Bring your stuffie for a Stuffie Sleepover and Storytime at the Riverview Public Library. 
• Tap into your creative side with a workshop — endeavours include pottery mosaics with Tim Isaac, winter bunny needle-felting, watercolour painting, and bike repair.  
• Learn something new by attending a presentation on Community Building with Harvest House Atlantic, join a wastewater tour at TransAqua, or attend the e-book and audiobook workshop at the Riverview Public Library.  
• Attend the triple-feature film screening “A Fervent Pull”, the story of three extraordinary Albert County residents. 
• Check out the Maritime Closed Highland Dance Championships and February Fling at Riverview East.  

  Over 25 participating businesses across Riverview will be offering specials and promotions through the festival. Stay tuned to townofriverview.ca/warmspecials for full details. 

The Town of Riverview thanks our communication partners Stringray, New Country 96.9 FM, and Pickle Planet Moncton.