Contributed by: Melissa Hefford and Vanessa Coish
There are Christmas traditions. Then there is mummering.
If you grew up in Newfoundland, the very mention of it brings a warm wave of memories. The scent of molasses cookies in Nan’s kitchen. The squeak of snow under rubber boots. A knock on the door followed by the most iconic greeting in the province:
“Any mummers ’lowed in?”
For many Newfoundlanders, mummering isn’t just a holiday activity. It is a feeling. A spark. A little burst of playful mischief tucked into the heart of winter. For contributor Vanessa Coish, that feeling started when she was a young girl and it never faded.
“I’ve been absolutely obsessed with mummers since I was a little girl,” Vanessa says. “Anytime I think about them, I can feel that mix of fun, laughter, and pure Christmas magic.”
To set the mood, here is the classic Mummer’s Song from the 1986 CBC Land and Sea Christmas episode.
What Exactly Is Mummering?
Picture a holiday tradition where the goal is to dress as oddly as possible and then show up at a neighbour’s home while trying to keep your identity hidden. That is the heart of mummering.
A group of visitors disguise themselves using whatever they can find. It could be a bra worn over a parka, winter boots on the wrong feet, a quilt tied around the waist, or a pillowcase or lace curtain pulled over the head. Add in a tea cozy or mop for flair and the outfit is complete.
The mummers step inside the home and begin to stomp around the kitchen. They might play a tune, dance in a silly way, or speak in strange made-up voices to keep the guessing game alive. The hosts try to figure out who each mummer is. This often leads to fits of laughter and bold guesses. Someone will always think they have identified an uncle or neighbour based on a familiar wiggle or shuffle.
Once the guessing is over, the mummers reveal themselves, enjoy a treat or a toast, and continue on to the next home. It is a tradition rooted in joy, connection, and the unmistakable spirit of Newfoundland hospitality.
When Does Mummering Happen and Why?
Mummering traditionally takes place during the Twelve Days of Christmas, beginning on December 26 and ending on January 6, often called Old Christmas Day.
These days were historically meant for visiting, connecting with neighbours, sharing food, and lifting each other’s spirits during the long Newfoundland winter. Mummering brought energy and light into homes at a time when warmth and laughter were priceless.
The tradition continues today because it represents some of the most cherished values in Newfoundland culture. Families gather, communities reconnect, and everyone shares in a bit of harmless fun. It is Christmas spirit expressed in the most creative way imaginable.
The Mummers Festival: A Modern Celebration of an Old Tradition
For anyone who wants to experience mummering in a larger community setting, the Mummers Festival in St. John’s is the place to be. The festival invites people of all ages to learn, create, and celebrate.
The 2025 festival is scheduled from November 29 to December 13 and offers workshops, live music, folklore sessions, and of course the famous Mummers Parade.
Mummers at the St.John’s International Airport
Festival Highlights
Rig-Up Workshops
Participants can create their own costume using whatever fabrics, colours, and wild ideas come to mind.
Hobby Horse Building
This activity teaches people how to make a traditional hobby horse, one of the most unique characters in early mummering stories.
Ugly Stick Workshops
Visitors can build a Newfoundland favourite, the homemade ugly stick, and then proudly shake it as they participate in the parade.
Storytelling and Folklore Sessions
These sessions explore the humour, history, and meaning behind mummering.
The Mummers Parade
Hundreds of mummers fill the streets with colour, music, and laughter. Anyone can participate and the parade remains one of the most joyful celebrations in the province.
Scuff ’n Scoff
After the parade, everyone gathers for food, music, and a warm sense of community.
How to Take Part
Joining the festival is easy. There is no experience required and no rules when it comes to costume design. Anyone can get involved by:
attending a workshop
dressing up and joining the parade at Bowring Park on December 13
bringing children or friends
volunteering
sharing personal mummering photos or stories
following festival updates at https://www.mummersfestival.ca/
All you need is a sense of fun and maybe an old bedsheet.
Why Mummering Still Matters
In a world that often moves too quickly, mummering reminds us of the simple joy of gathering with the people around us. It celebrates connection, humour, and the magic that happens when a community comes alive.
Newfoundlanders have always understood the power of traditions that welcome people into each other’s homes. Mummering does it in a way no other tradition can. It invites spontaneity, creativity, and laughter at a time of year when people crave warmth and togetherness.
For many, including Vanessa, mummering is more than a quirky custom. It represents who we are when we share space with the people we love. Playful. Welcoming. Down-to-earth. Full of heart.
It may look unusual to anyone unfamiliar with it, but to a Newfoundlander it looks and feels like home.
Bringing Newfoundland’s Christmas Magic to Everyone
Whether you have participated in mummering your whole life or are discovering the tradition for the first time, it is easy to see why it continues to capture hearts. From the costumes to the guessing games to the music and memories, mummering remains one of the most uplifting and authentic holiday celebrations in Canada.
If you ever find yourself in Newfoundland during December, listen for the shake of an ugly stick or the sound of an accordion warming up. And if someone knocks on your door and asks the big question, you’ll know exactly how to answer.
“Any mummers ’lowed in?”
Special thanks to both Melissa Hefford and Vanessa Coish for contributing their personal insights and passion for this cherished Newfoundland tradition.