Christmas Markets in Nova Scotia You Won’t Want to Miss [2024]
If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, these Christmas markets in Nova Scotia are a perfect way to celebrate. From lively outdoor markets filled with festive lights, music, and warming treats, to cozy indoor craft fairs featuring handcrafted gifts, there’s a wide range of holiday markets to explore this season.
Whether you’re looking for a classic market experience or hoping to find a unique, locally-made gift, this guide covers the best Christmas markets across the province.
Christmas Markets in Nova Scotia: A Mix of Holiday Traditions
While I usually think of Christmas markets as outdoor events with festive lights, holiday music, and that unmistakable scent of warm cider or mulled wine, I’ll admit that’s a bit of a European slant.
Here in Nova Scotia, Christmas markets often take a different form, and while there are a few traditional outdoor markets, you’ll also find plenty of indoor craft fairs that still capture the holiday spirit. These fairs usually focus on locally-made gifts, Christmas-themed items, and that cozy community feel that we love this time of year.
In this post, I’ve included a mix of both types of Christmas markets. Though I couldn’t include every craft fair in the province, I’ve highlighted some of the most popular ones to help you plan your holiday outings.
Christmas Markets in Nova Scotia
From cozy outdoor chalets to festive neighbourhood events, Nova Scotia’s Christmas markets bring seasonal cheer to life with holiday lights, local artisans, and warming treats. These markets are ideal for anyone looking to experience the magic of the season while finding unique, locally-made gifts.
Evergreen Market – Halifax
Dates: November 22 – December 15
Times: Wed – Fri: 4 – 9 pm, Sat: 11 am – 9 pm, Sun: 11 am – 7 pm
The Evergreen Festival along the Halifax waterfront is one of the closest to a European-style Christmas market. It features 22 wooden chalets where you’ll find local artisans selling handcrafted gifts, warm drinks and holiday treats. There’s also plenty of gifts that are unique to Nova Scotia, from locally made soaps and jewellry to cider, wine and spirits made here in the province.
Personally, this is my favourite holiday event here in Halifax, and my kids and I look forward to it every year. My kids love sitting by the fire pits to warm up while they sip a hot chocolate under the lights, while I love finding unique gifts. And no matter what time you visit, it’s a great experience. While the lights in the evening add extra magic, daytime visits offer plenty of holiday cheer too.
If you’re interested in more Christmas events in Halifax, the Evergreen Festival is just one of many ways to celebrate the season in the city.
Agricola Street Holiday Market – Halifax
Date: November 17
Time: 12 – 5 pm
Located in Halifax’s vibrant North End, the Agricola Street Holiday Market brings a festive spirit to the neighbourhood as it kicks off the holiday season.
In addition to the shopping opportunities, there’s live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and in the spirit of a Christmas market, there’s mulled wine to sip on.
With live music filling the streets and even a chance to spot Santa strolling along, it’s the perfect spot for picking up unique holiday gifts from local artisans while enjoying a warm, festive day in Halifax.
Seaside Christmas – Musquodoboit Harbour
Dates: November 16-17
For a more rural holiday experience, Seaside Christmas is a community event that spreads throughout Musquodoboit Harbour.
With over 30 vendors and businesses participating, the town truly gets into the holiday spirit, from cafés offering seasonal treats to local shops and over 40 vendors at the craft market. There’s live music, great local food, and a holiday market atmosphere that fills the town with a festive, welcoming feel.
It’s a perfect choice if you want to make a day of exploring the community, meeting local artisans, and checking off some holiday shopping with handcrafted Nova Scotian items.
Our personal recommendations – Ataraxy Farm for goat milk products, Whistle Stop Craft Stop at the Railway Museum – you can check out the lobster trap Christmas tree too!, or Harbour Brewing Company, where you can try a flight or a tasting.
The Season of Father Christmas – Mahone Bay
Dates: November 24 – December 24
Mahone Bay transforms into a holiday wonderland for The Season of Father Christmas, a month-long celebration filled with twinkling lights, festive greenery, and classic Christmas characters around town.
Grab an eggnog latte and stroll through the beautifully decorated streets, where you’ll find local shops and cafés ready for the season. The festival includes unique displays like “Christmas at Hogwarts,” a magical Harry Potter-themed setup, and fun events like the nighttime Reindeer Fun Run.
It’s a perfect spot to spend a day checking off your holiday shopping list, while experiencing classic Christmas scenes that feel like stepping into a holiday postcard.
Christmas at the Forum – Halifax
Dates: November 1-3
Times: 10 am – 9 pm, Friday and Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm Sunday
A staple in Halifax’s holiday season for over 40 years, Christmas at the Forum is one of the biggest and most popular craft markets in Nova Scotia. With more than 300 vendors filling the space, this three-day event offers an impressive variety of handmade gifts, holiday decorations, and local treats. From artisan jewelry and hand-knitted items to gourmet snacks and holiday decor, it’s a perfect one-stop-shop for anyone looking to support local artisans.
If you’re looking for things to do in November to kick off the holiday season, Christmas at the Forum is a must-visit event, offering a festive atmosphere and endless shopping options. It’s easy to spend hours exploring and finding unique, meaningful gifts for everyone on your list.
Holiday Market at Kentville’s Holly Days Festival – Kentville
Date: November 22, 5 pm – 9 pm
Held as part of Kentville’s Holly Days Festival, this market takes over Bridge Street for a festive evening featuring local crafts, holiday treats, and live entertainment. The highlight is the tree lighting at 6 pm, adding extra holiday cheer to the outdoor market atmosphere.
Lunenburg Christmas Craft Festival – Lunenburg
Dates: December 7-8, 10 am – 5 pm Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm Sunday
Cost: $5 admission, kids under 12 are free, $4 student/senior
Set in the charming town of Lunenburg, this craft festival is a favourite on the South Shore for both locals and visitors. The Lunenburg Christmas Craft Festival features a unique selection of South Shore artisans offering handmade crafts, art, and seasonal treats.
After shopping at the craft market, be sure to explore all the other great things to do in Lunenburg. Pick up a warm drink at a nearby cafe, then wander the streets and check out the festive lights or the lobster trap Christmas tree on the boardwalk.
Admission to the craft fair is good for the whole weekend, so you can take your time exploring both the market and the town itself.
Shops at Fisherman’s Cove – Eastern Passage
Dates: Early Bird Christmas Market: November 23; Christmas at the Cove Annual Market: December 7; Last Chance Market: December 21-22
The Shops at Fisherman’s Cove bring a special holiday feel with three Christmas markets spread throughout the season. These shops are open year-round, but the holiday markets make it even more festive, offering everything from hand-painted ornaments to Nova Scotian-themed gifts.
We’ve found unique ornaments here that make perfect gifts for family outside the province. Pumpkin Village is known for quirky signs and local art, and Jo’s Old Fashioned Candy Shop is always a favourite for classic candy by the pound. With waterfront views and plenty of shops, these markets are a lovely spot to pick up gifts while enjoying the cozy atmosphere of Fisherman’s Cove.
Farmers Markets with a Holiday Twist
Several of Nova Scotia’s favourite farmers’ markets take on a festive twist during the holiday season. With seasonal foods, holiday crafts, and visits from Santa, these markets are a great spot to enjoy the holiday spirit and pick up fresh, local treats and gifts.
Christmas at the Grain Elevator – Tatamagouche
Dates: November 1-2
One of the first holiday markets in the province, the Tatamagouche market mixes holiday decor with local crafts, treats, and festive goods. With handmade gifts and seasonal foods, this cozy holiday market has a relaxed, community feel that’s perfect for kicking off your holiday shopping.
Pugwash Farmers’ Market Holiday Event – Pugwash
Date: November 16
The Pugwash Farmers’ Market turns up the holiday spirit with a festive-themed market that includes hot drinks, a fire pit, and a visit from Santa himself. This market keeps the focus on local goods with a holiday twist, making it a great place to pick up Nova Scotian treats and gifts while enjoying a relaxed, small-town holiday vibe.
Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market Holiday Event – Halifax
Date: December 1, 10 am – 6 pm
The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market embraces the season with its holiday-themed event, bringing in additional vendors, live holiday music, and festive photo-op stations. In addition to its usual lineup of fresh produce and local goods, you’ll find warm drinks and seasonal treats, making it a cozy spot for holiday shopping with a waterfront view.
Sample seasonal treats and warm drinks, or pick up some great options to go, like fresh asparagus, locally-made kombucha, and authentic German sourdough bread, plus great stocking stuffers like Rudi’s Hot Sauces.
If you’re looking for something to do in Halifax in December, this is a perfect way to start off the month!
Christmas Night at the Barn – Hubbards
Date: December 7
The Christmas Night at the Barn in Hubbards transforms the local farmers’ market into a festive evening event. Outdoor stalls decorated with lights offer local crafts, holiday treats, and cozy drinks, while the barn setting adds a rustic holiday charm. Perfect for an evening of relaxed holiday shopping with a community feel.
Privateers Farmers and Artisans Christmas Market – Liverpool
Date: December 7
Held at the Best Western in Liverpool, this holiday market brings together local farmers and artisans in a warm, indoor setting. With Christmas decor, seasonal treats, and a variety of handcrafted gifts, it’s a great option for supporting local makers while enjoying a festive holiday market atmosphere.
Holiday Craft Fairs in Nova Scotia
Holiday craft fairs across Nova Scotia highlight the best of local artistry, featuring handmade gifts, seasonal decor, and one-of-a-kind creations. With a focus on handcrafted items, these fairs are a wonderful way to support local artisans while discovering meaningful gifts.
Cole Harbour Annual Christmas Show – Cole Harbour
Dates: November 2-3
One of the first craft shows in the HRM, this is a popular one where you’ll find 50 local vendors selling everything from holiday decor to handcrafted jewelry. Admission is $2.
There’s also a Winter Wonderland Craft Show the following weekend, November 9-10, which has free admission.
Dartmouth Handcrafters Guild – Dartmouth
Dates: November 8-10
Held at the Zatzman Sportsplex, the Dartmouth Handcrafters Guild hosts one of the region’s longest-running craft fairs, offering a huge selection of handmade goods from local artisans. This indoor event is perfect for serious holiday shoppers looking to support local makers.
Happy Holidays Local Vendor Market – Jost Vineyards, Malagash
Date: November 10
Hosted at Jost Vineyards, this holiday market offers a unique atmosphere where you can shop for locally-made holiday gifts while enjoying a vineyard setting. With a mix of crafts and seasonal items, this is a festive market with a twist.
Christmas Craft Sale – Stellarton
Date: November 10
Held in Stellarton, this craft sale is a traditional Christmas fair featuring a variety of handmade items from local artisans. It’s an ideal spot to find holiday decor and gifts with a personal, handcrafted touch.
Lawrencetown Christmas Craft Fair – Lawrencetown
Dates: November 15-17
A smaller, community-focused craft fair, Lawrencetown Christmas Craft Fair features locally-made goods, seasonal crafts, and friendly faces. It’s ideal if you’re looking for unique gifts without the big crowds.
Christmas Market – New Glasgow
Date: November 16
This holiday craft market in New Glasgow features local artisans and seasonal items, offering a cozy indoor space to browse for handmade gifts and holiday crafts.
It’s a Grand Christmas Craft Show – Yarmouth
Dates: November 16-17
Held in Yarmouth, It’s a Grand Christmas Craft Show is one of the region’s main holiday craft fairs, bringing together a variety of local artisans and makers. With handmade goods, seasonal decorations, and local treats, this fair is a perfect destination for unique holiday shopping and finding one-of-a-kind gifts in Yarmouth.
Christmas Festival of Crafts – North Sydney
Dates: November 15-17
This long-running craft festival in North Sydney brings together vendors from Cape Breton and beyond. The Christmas Festival of Crafts is a great spot for holiday shopping, with a range of handmade gifts, holiday decor, and seasonal treats that celebrate Cape Breton’s artisans.
Handmade Christmas Market – Antigonish
Date: November 17
Focused on handmade goods from local artisans, the Handmade Christmas Market in Antigonish is a must-visit for those looking for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. It’s a true craft fair experience with plenty of unique, locally-crafted items.
New Minas Craft Show – New Minas
Date: November 23, 10 am – 3 pm
With over 100 vendors, the New Minas Craft Show is one of the Valley’s larger craft fairs, featuring a wide selection of handmade gifts, holiday decor, and seasonal treats. Perfect for holiday shopping, this one-day event has plenty to offer for those looking to support local artisans.
Merry Maker Market – Lower Sackville
Dates: November 23-24, 10 am – 3 pm
A holiday market with a community heart, Merry Maker Market brings together bakers, makers, and crafters in Lower Sackville. This event has a cozy feel and offers one-of-a-kind gifts, with a portion of the proceeds going to local charities.
Christmas in the Barn – Shelburne
Date: November 24
Set in a cozy barn, Christmas in the Barn offers a rustic holiday shopping experience filled with local crafts and handmade items. The setting adds a warm, rural charm, making it a lovely place to find unique holiday gifts.
Dartmouth Makers Winter Market – Dartmouth
Dates: November 24-25
The Dartmouth Makers Winter Market brings together local makers and crafters in a cozy indoor setting. Located in downtown Dartmouth, this market is ideal for finding handmade crafts, art, and specialty foods from some of the region’s most talented artisans.
Sackville Christmas Craft and Vendor Show – Lower Sackville
Date: November 25
Held at the Sackville Legion, the Sackville Christmas Craft and Vendor Show is a favourite for craft lovers, featuring a wide selection of local handmade goods. With a $3 entry fee (free for kids under 12), this event supports local businesses and artisans and offers a great community shopping experience.
Vintage Christmas Show – Halifax
Dates: November 30 – December 1
Held at the Lighthouse Arts Centre, the Vintage Christmas Show features a wonderland of vintage Christmas decor and unique holiday finds. With a $5 admission event, it’s a great place for those who love classic, nostalgic holiday items.
Kentville Christmas Craft Fair – Kentville
Date: December 7, 10 am – 3 pm
The Kentville Christmas Craft Fair offers a cozy, community-centered holiday shopping experience with locally made Christmas crafts, unique gifts, arts, and baked goods. It’s a great spot for those in the Valley to find seasonal items close to home.
Conclusion: The Best Nova Scotia Christmas Markets and Craft Fairs
No matter where you are in Nova Scotia, there are plenty of festive markets, craft fairs, and holiday-themed farmers’ markets to explore this season. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, enjoying the holiday atmosphere, or supporting local artisans, these events offer something special for everyone. Start planning your holiday outings now, and make the most of Nova Scotia’s holiday markets!
More Inspiration for Your Nova Scotia Bucket List
The Best Halifax Christmas Events to Get You in the Festive Spirit
10 Fun Things to Do in Nova Scotia in November
Halifax in December: A Local’s Guide to Festive Fun in the City
10 Festive Things to Do in Nova Scotia in December
Lobster Trap Christmas Trees: A Unique Nova Scotia Tradition
Christmas Markets in Nova Scotia You Won’t Want to Miss [2024]
Where to See the Best Christmas Lights in Halifax and the HRM
