Traditional 1940s Christmas Dinner

Memory Lane Heritage Village, the 1940s living-history village on the Eastern Shore, serves its Traditional 1940s Christmas Dinner by candlelight in the traditionally decorated Cookhouse on November 14 and 15, 2026. The village is strung with lights for the occasion and diners are invited to stroll down Memory Lane before sitting down to a period meal: roast chicken with summer savory dressing and gravy, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, cranberry sauce and pickles, plum bread, then plum pudding or carrot cake with rum sauce and a selection of Christmas cookies. There is, famously, no turkey.

The dinner is a whole-evening event. Arrive for 6:00 p.m. and take in the free Musical Friends Christmas concert in the historic Clam Harbour United Church first, then walk the lit village paths to the Cookhouse for the 6:30 p.m. seating. Bookings are by whole table online, $390 for six seats, $520 for eight or $650 for ten, with smaller parties accommodated by phone at 902-845-1937. The village is a scent-free environment.

Lake Charlotte sits under an hour from Halifax along the Marine Drive, which makes the dinner an easy anchor for an Eastern Shore day trip centred on Memory Lane Heritage Village and a natural pairing with Sherbrooke Village's Old-Fashioned Christmas later in the month. The Nova Scotia in December guide places it in the full holiday calendar.

Make the most of your time in Eastern Shore - pair Traditional 1940s Christmas Dinner with our 100 Wild Islands guide, culinary trails guide, and surfing guide. They're each packed with itinerary ideas, local tips, and everything you need to extend your stay.