How to enjoy the Halifax holiday season

The Halifax holiday season is officially upon us! While some people started getting ready for the holidays in November, December is the real kickoff to the festive season. To celebrate, we thought we would share some events and activities to explore around the city this month. There’s no shortage of things to do in Halifax this season, but here are some of our top suggestions!

Halifax Holiday Market

Visit the Halifax waterfront to explore the 2023 Halifax Holiday Market! Here, you will find over 100 local vendors providing a huge selection of holiday goods, food, and crafts. This is a great way to get some of your holiday shopping out of the way while also supporting small businesses. Admission is $6 per person, with proceeds supporting small business grants. However, parking is free, as are children under 10. The event is also wheelchair accessible, and service animals are permitted, so everyone can enjoy the festivities.

When: December 8th – December 9th 

Where: Halifax Waterfront

Website: Halifax Holiday Market

Glow Gardens

The Glow Gardens is a festive event for all ages! This exhibit allows you to enjoy a walk through light displays and interactive activities, giving you a chance to immerse yourself in millions of beautiful lights. Kids can enjoy a special children’s zone full of games, food, and interactive amusement. For adults, there is a bar on-site where you can enjoy a snack and drink if you need a little break. Plus, there is a winter market that features several local vendors, giving you time to buy items for loved ones (or for yourself!).

When: November 22nd – January 1st

Where: Halifax Exhibition Centre

Website: Glow Gardens

Acadia Park lights

If you’re looking for some more lights this Halifax holiday season, you can visit Acadia Park in Lower Sackville to get your fix. The park will be full of glowing lights to make a little winter wonderland right in Halifax. This display is sponsored by Sackville businesses, so we recommend supporting their efforts by paying Acadia Park a visit! You can check out these lights every night from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is a perfect way to take a nice walk while also getting into the festive spirit.

When: November 24th – December 31st

Where: Acadia Park

Website: Acadia Park lights 

Emera Oval skating

No winter in Halifax is complete without a trip to the Emera Oval for some ice skating. This rink is the size of three NHL arena rinks, covering a massive area for all Haligonians to enjoy. Opening in mid-December, the Oval stays open throughout the whole winter season. You can take advantage of free equipment rentals and public washrooms on-site. People of all skating abilities come out to enjoy this unique experience, so don’t worry if you’re not a pro! This is the perfect way to spend some time with friends and family outdoors. Keep an eye on their website for updates on the official opening day!

When: Mid December and onwards

Where: Emera Oval, Halifax Common

Website: Emera Oval

Explore neighbourhood lights

If you’re looking for a more casual way to enjoy the Halifax holiday season, we recommend exploring the neighbourhoods around you and hunting for the best light displays. This activity is free, flexible, and it can be as long or short as you want. It can be a great way to squeeze in a winter walk, or you can enjoy the comfort of a warm car if that’s more your style. This is always a fun way to spend an evening with friends, spouses, or children. Wrap up in your warmest clothing, make a cup of hot chocolate to go, and see which houses boast the most impressive displays!

No matter how you prefer to enjoy the holiday season, Halifax has something for everyone to check out. Take advantage of some of our city’s cool offerings, and spend some time outside before the weather becomes too bitter! We hope you have a great start to December, and an excellent holiday season.

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