The Best Halifax Christmas Events to Get You in the Festive Spirit

The holiday season is one of my favourite times of year to explore Halifax. There’s just something about the decorations, festive events, and holiday cheer that makes the city feel magical.

In fact, my kids and I first moved to Nova Scotia in mid-November a few years ago, so we got to experience Halifax through its holiday events. I’ll never forget our first few weeks here—staying in an Airbnb right across from Sullivan’s Pond in Dartmouth, with holiday lights and the big tree lighting just steps away. It was the perfect welcome to our new home, and now we look forward to these events every year.

From twinkling light displays to family-friendly parades and a variety of holiday markets, Halifax truly comes alive in December. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate, we’ve put together a list of must-see highlights and a full guide to the best holiday events in Halifax. Whether you’re here to start a new family tradition or just enjoy the festive energy, Halifax has plenty to make your season merry and bright.

🎄 Must-See Christmas Events in Halifax 2024 🎄

Nova Scotia Power Holiday Parade of Lights
December 8, 2024 | 5:00 pm | Downtown Halifax
Don’t miss this iconic parade featuring festive floats, marching bands, and Santa
Evergreen Festival
November 22 – December 15, 2024 | Halifax Waterfront
Shop local artisans at the Evergreen Market, walk under twinkling light displays, and enjoy live entertainment by cozy firepits along the waterfront
Halifax Christmas Tree Lighting
November 23, 2024 | 6:00 pm | Grand Parade
Celebrate the season with music, fireworks, and the City Hall light projection show

Signature Holiday Events

These festive highlights are at the heart of the holiday season in Halifax, bringing people together to celebrate with music, lights, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Halifax Christmas Tree Lighting

This annual tradition is one of Halifax’s most anticipated holiday events. Hosted in front of City Hall at the Grand Parade, the Halifax Christmas Tree Lighting features an hour-long show with musical performances, festive activities, and a breathtaking finale when the massive Christmas tree is lit up. The light projection on City Hall is also unveiled, making it a perfect way to welcome the holiday season.

When: November 23, 2024, at 6:00 pm
Where: Grand Parade, 1770 Barrington Street

a large tree decorated with many strings of lights stands in front of Halifax's city hall, which is illuminated with a colourful light display

Nova Scotia Power Holiday Parade of Lights

This year, Halifax’s Santa parade will look a little different. Moving from its usual mid-November spot to Sunday, December 8 and with a new sponsor, the Nova Scotia Power Holiday Parade of Lights promises all the festive fun of past parades with a refreshed format. Expect beautifully decorated floats, lively marching bands, and, of course, Santa’s grand arrival to kick off December in style.

When: December 8, 2024, at 5:00 pm
Where: Downtown Halifax (Upper Water St, Barrington St, Spring Garden, Queen St to University Ave)

Evergreen Festival

For four weeks, the Evergreen Festival transforms the Halifax Waterfront into a cozy Christmas wonderland. The festival features a Christmas market with local vendors, light displays, live music, and outdoor games to keep the holiday spirit going all season long. With firepits and festive décor lining the waterfront, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the magic of winter by the sea.

When: November 22 – December 15, 2024
Where: Halifax Waterfront

large lighted letters spelling "evergreen" are set atop a wood fence with a green garland and wreath. the wreath and garland are covered in snow

Festive Family Events

Halifax and the surrounding communities have plenty of festive, family-friendly events that are perfect for kicking off the season. From tree lightings to a step back in time at the Citadel, these events are perfect for families looking to share in the holiday spirit.

Dartmouth Tree Lighting

This is one of my personal favourite Christmas events in Halifax traditions and a great way to experience the holiday season in Dartmouth. Starting at Sullivan’s Pond, you’ll find hot chocolate, festive activities, and live entertainment leading up to the big tree lighting. Afterward, join the crowd as they head to the Christkindlmarket at Alderney Landing for more seasonal fun.

When: December 7, 2024, 4:30 – 6:15 pm
Where: Sullivan’s Pond, Dartmouth

Sackville Tree Lighting

Head to Acadia Park in Lower Sackville for a cozy community event with local entertainment, free hot chocolate, and hot dogs. This tree lighting is perfect for families, with a special visit from Santa and a cheerful start to the holiday season.

When: Saturday, November 30, 2024, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: Acadia Park, 650 Sackville Dr

Halifax Shopping Centre Tree Lighting

Celebrate the start of the season with Halifax Shopping Centre’s tree lighting event. With live performances and a dazzling 20-foot Christmas tree, this event even includes a special guest from the North Pole.

When: November 15, 2024, at 6:30 pm
Where: Halifax Shopping Centre, 7001 Mumford Rd

Victorian Christmas at the Citadel

For something a little different than tree lightings, head to the Citadel where you’ll step back in time and celebrate Christmas as Queen Victoria’s soldiers did at the Halifax Citadel.

With parades, campfires, 19th-century games, and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, this event brings Victorian holiday traditions to life. Meet Father Christmas, enjoy festive performances, and see how soldiers and their families celebrated the season.

When: November 23–24, 2024, 12:00–4:00 pm
Where: Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Cost: Included with Citadel admission

Wake Up Woody at Mic Mac Mall

And of course, we can’t forget Woody – the talking Christmas tree! We were introduced to Woody when we first moved to Nova Scotia, and even though my kids are older now, they still love it.

Woody, the talking Christmas tree at Mic Mac Mall, has become a bit of a holiday icon, and each year’s wake-up party feels like the official start of the season. The event is full of kid-friendly activities, and this year’s theme is a PJ party, so come dressed in your comfiest pajamas.

Plus, everyone leaves with a miniature “Woody” tree to plant at home, so you get a little piece of the holiday magic to keep growing year-round.

When: Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 10:00 am
Where: Mic Mac Mall, Dartmouth

a boy standing facing a large fake tree decorated with lots of balls in silver, red and green, and with a large face in the middle of the tree. this is woody, the talking tree at mic mac mall in dartmouth.

Holiday Parades

While the larger Halifax parade is a signature holiday event, other communities in the HRM also host their own festive parades that are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. These local parades bring lights, music, and plenty of cheer to neighbourhoods throughout the region, offering other fun ways to celebrate the season – without the hassle of traffic!

Light Up Bedford Parade

This annual parade brings holiday cheer to Bedford with an evening of festive floats, music, and treats. Local businesses along the parade route offer free hot chocolate, cookies, and other goodies, making it a fun and welcoming event for families.

When: Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 5:45 pm (rain or shine)
Where: Bedford Highway, from Convoy Run to Bedford Place Mall

Spryfield Santa Parade

Join the community along Herring Cove Road in Spryfield for the annual Santa Parade. This fun event brings Santa, Mrs. Claus, and holiday cheer to the streets, with plenty of excitement for kids of all ages.

When: Sunday, November 24, 2024
Where: Herring Cove Road, Spryfield

Holiday Markets

Halifax and Dartmouth are filled with fantastic holiday markets, perfect for finding unique gifts, sampling local treats, and enjoying festive activities. Here’s a look at some of the best seasonal markets to explore this year.

Christmas at the Forum

Christmas at the Forum is a long-standing Halifax holiday tradition. This is the longest-running Christmas craft show in Atlantic Canada, bringing in people from all over the province, and it’s definitely one of the not-to-miss events in November. With a huge selection of high-quality crafts, art, antiques, and food, it’s a one-stop shop for unique, handmade gifts.

When: November 1 – 3, 2024
Where: Halifax Forum, 2901 Windsor St
Cost: $10

Evergreen Market

The Evergreen Market is Halifax’s Christmas Market. With 22 wooden chalets offering unique gifts, local foods, and seasonal drinks, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for someone special, or treat yourself to a warm drink or some tasty treats.

There’s also firepits to warm up at and other activities nearby to keep everyone entertained. Try out the curling rink beside the market, or one of the acitivities on the boardwalk. One year, they even had an ‘igloo brick’ maze for kids, and holiday light displays add extra sparkle along the waterfront.

When: November 22 – December 15, 2024
Market Hours: Wed – Fri 4:00 – 9:00 pm, Sat 12:00 – 9:00 pm, Sun 12:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: Halifax Waterfront

people milling about a large square that has lights strung overtop. snow is on the ground and people in the foreground are sitting around a firepit. this is the evergreen festival, one of the top halifax christmas events

Dartmouth Christkindlmarket

Alderney Landing’s Christkindlmarket brings a traditional German Christmas market vibe to Dartmouth, with live music, family activities, free carousel rides, and festive food and drinks. It’s a wonderful mix of European holiday traditions with Nova Scotia charm, and a perfect place to soak in some seasonal cheer.

When: December 6 – 8, 2024
Where: Alderney Landing, Dartmouth

Agricola Street Holiday Market

Head to Agricola Street for a lively holiday market featuring local artisans, live music, and festive food trucks. Enjoy mulled wine and a beer garden while you shop, and even meet Santa himself!

When: Sunday, November 17, 2024, 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Where: Agricola Street, Halifax

Carols & Candy Canes

Held in downtown Dartmouth, Carols & Candy Canes is a charming street festival with carollers, candy canes, and a special visit from Santa. It’s a short but sweet holiday experience with a cozy community feel.

When: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Where: Downtown Dartmouth

Looking for more holiday shopping options? Check out our full guide to Nova Scotia’s best holiday markets, from vintage finds to local artisan crafts.

sign with text saying welcome to christkindl alderney landing. a lighted carousel can be seen behind the sign

Holiday Light Displays

Halifax and Dartmouth sparkle during the holiday season, with light displays and outdoor installations perfect for an evening stroll or drive. Here are some of the best spots to see the city sparkle.

Delightful Downtown

Explore stunning light installations and festive projections throughout downtown Halifax with Delightful Downtown. The displays include beautifully wrapped trees and seasonal light pole displays throughout the downtown area.

But the main highlight is the projection show at the former Halifax Memorial Library on Spring Garden Road. The light show runs nights from dusk until 11 pm, and features a holiday-themed display until December 26, followed by a special New Year’s show and then a winter-themed show through January 12, 2025.

Where: Spring Garden Road and Grafton Street.
When: Holiday Show: November 22 – December 26, 2024; Winter Show: December 27 – January 12, 2025

Peace and Friendship Park

Located in downtown Halifax, Peace and Friendship Park features twinkling winter-themed decorations, including a dazzling 28-foot tall tree that will light up the park from mid-November until the end of March 2025.

When: Begins mid-late November until March 2025
Where: Peace and Friendship Park, Barrington and South Streets, Halifax

Evergreen Bright

As part of the Evergreen Festival, Evergreen Bright is an outdoor trail that offers a beautiful walkable route through light displays stretching along the Halifax waterfront, through downtown, and even across the harbour in Dartmouth at Alderney Landing and Sullivan’s Pond. It’s a perfect way to see the city dressed up in holiday lights.

When: November 22 – December 15, 2024
Where: Halifax Waterfront and throughout downtown Halifax and Dartmouth

Sullivan’s Pond

The festive lights at Sullivan’s Pond hold a special place in my heart. When we first moved to Nova Scotia, we lived right across from the pond and we walked around it every night. The trees strung with lights and the glow from the bridge over the canal created a magical atmosphere that made those early days in our new home feel so welcoming.

Now, every year, visiting the lights at Sullivan’s Pond is a tradition that brings us right back to that first Christmas in Nova Scotia and always puts us in the holiday spirit.

When: Begins early December
Where: Sullivan’s Pond, Dartmouth

Light Projection at City Hall

Every evening, Halifax City Hall comes alive with a vibrant light projection that complements the nearby Christmas tree in Grand Parade. The display adds a pop of colour to downtown and is best viewed after dusk.

When: November 23 – December 31, 2024, 6:00 – 10:00 pm
Where: 1841 Argyle Street, Halifax

Halifax Public Gardens

Throughout the holiday season, the Halifax Public Gardens are lit up with beautiful light displays, turning the gardens into a quiet, magical space for a winter evening walk. The lights bring an extra touch of charm to one of Halifax’s most picturesque spots.

When: Begins November 22, 2024, 6:00 – 9:00 pm nightly
Where: Halifax Public Gardens, Spring Garden Road

South End Light Display on Connaught Avenue

Another of our favourite holiday traditions is to drive through the south end of Halifax and check out the lights on Connaught Avenue. Here, you’ll find the impressive holiday display by the Giacomantonio brothers, who transform their houses with lights, decorations, and themed displays that go all out for Christmas.

One house has a classic holiday style, complete with festive music and traditional scenes, while the other goes for a Charlie Brown Christmas theme, even playing the movie on a screen right on the lawn. The brothers claim they’re not competing, but each year’s display just seems to get a little more elaborate! It’s a fantastic display, guaranteed to get everyone in the spirit, and they even accept donations for local food banks.

When: Throughout December
Where: Connaught Avenue, Halifax

For more ideas and light displays just outside of the city, be sure to check out the full post on where to find the best holiday lights in Halifax and the HRM.

Conclusion: Christmas Events in Halifax You Won’t Want to Miss

Halifax and Dartmouth truly come alive during the holiday season, offering endless ways to celebrate and create special memories. From light displays and festive markets to tree lightings and parades, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Planning to check out any of these events? Share your photos and tag us to spread the holiday spirit! We can’t wait to see how you celebrate Christmas in Halifax this year.