“Step Back in Time, Step into Joy: Lady Smith Manor’s Nutcracker Market Emerges as a Holiday Highlight in N.B”
Discover the magic of Christmas at the New Brunswick Christmas market, where the former premier mansion has been transformed into a magnificent Nutcracker suite.
In the heart of Greater Moncton, a Christmas market like no other captivated visitors at the enchanting Lady Smith Manor in Dorchester, New Brunswick. Nestled just 30 minutes away from the city, the fourth annual Christmas market unfolded in the historic 1840-built manor, once owned by Sir Albert James Smith, a former Premier of New Brunswick.
Miriam Andrews and her husband Steven Trites, the current owners of the 8,000-square-foot manor, moved from Kelowna, B.C., in 2019, infusing the historic residence with new life. This year’s theme, the Nutcracker, transformed each room into a festive wonderland, showcasing meticulous decorations that breathed life into the nearly 200-year-old home.
Despite the significant effort invested in decorating the manor, Andrews expressed her love for the project, highlighting the joy it brings to both them and the community. Visitors experienced not only a unique shopping opportunity with local artisans but also engaged in various market activities that fostered a sense of community.
Crystal Richard, a visitor, praised the market’s uniqueness, declaring Lady Smith Manor’s Christmas market as one of the most distinctive in New Brunswick and the Maritimes. She emphasized that any market organized by Andrews attracts attendees from across provinces, providing a remarkable platform to showcase local talent and celebrate the holiday season.
As attendees explored each room, they marveled at the diverse themes, immersing themselves in the Nutcracker story. Miriam Andrews shared her vision, stating that the goal was to make visitors feel fully immersed in the Christmas spirit from the moment they entered the manor.
The Lady Smith Manor has undergone extensive renovations over the past four years, with ongoing efforts to unveil the Thirsty Whippet Pub by year-end.