It’s the most wonderful time of the year! December is here and it’s time to eat, drink, be merry and check out all the festive events that are happening around HRM.

Here is our month-at-a-glance which highlights some of the family-friendly events in December and if you are looking for upcoming events, the Family Fun Halifax calendar is continually being updated with the latest news.

December

Tree Lightings in HRM (November 15 December 7):

Nothing says the holidays quite like the majestically lit Christmas Tree! Santa is going to be busy helping to light all the trees in HRM and you can join in the festive fun at these FREE Tree Lighting Ceremonies!

Holidays at Halifax Shopping Centre (November 15 – December 23):

Experience the magic and wonder of the season with Santa visits and more at Halifax Shopping Centre.

Halifax Glow Gardens (November 20 – January 1):

Celebrate the winter season under the twinkle of a million lights with Glow Halifax.

Evergreen Festival (November 22 – December 15):

Enjoy 4 weeks of outdoor family-friendly festive fun with Halifax’s newest holiday experience – the Evergreen Festival! Take in the lights, markets, and special events to get you in the holiday spirit.

Mahone Bay’s Season of Father Christmas Festival (November 29 – January 1):

Celebrate the winter season under the twinkle of a million lights with Glow Halifax.

Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (December 5 29):

Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is back on stage in Halifax, at Neptune for its 19th year! Take a break from the holiday rush and settle in for this dramatic telling of this holiday classic.

Christmas at Alderney Landing (December 6 8):

Get in the holiday spirit with the Traditional German Market, Food, Drinks, Carousel Rides, and lots of festive fun at The Alderney Landing!

Musquodoboit Harbour Christmas Parade of Lights (December 7):

The 11th Annual Musquodoboit Harbour Christmas Parade of Lights is a great community event with hot apple cider at the library before the parade! Non-perishable food items and toys for the local food bank will be collected along the parade route.

Halifax Parade of Lights (December 8):

Kick off the holiday season with some great family fun… a parade and a visit from the Jolly ol’ Fella! Downtown Halifax will celebrate the 29th annual Nova Scotia Power Holiday Parade of Lights, presented by Eastlink and hosted by the Holiday Parade of Lights Society.

Concerts and shows

Christmas Concerts and Shows

Kids love the sounds of Christmas, and in Halifax, we are blessed with a huge variety of concerts and shows to get your family in the Christmas spirit.

For more information, click here.


Holiday markets

Holiday Craft Fairs & Markets

Whether you are searching for the perfect gift for someone special or simply enjoy keeping up with holiday traditions, there will be lots of amazing finds at each Christmas Craft Fair and Holiday Market in HRM this season.

For more information, click here.


Santa sighting

Visits with Santa (and other Characters)

Want to know where to see Santa this holiday season? He is an extremely busy fella this time of year but luckily we have found a few places in HRM where you can catch up with him.

For more information, click here.


Christmas tree

Christmas Tree U-Cut

Have you ever cut down your own Christmas tree? Selecting your own special tree, measuring it, sawing it down, and lugging it back to the car makes for a great family tradition that the kids will always remember. Here is our list of the best places to pick your own Christmas tree near Halifax this season. Please call before you go as some places may be closed based on weather conditions. Most farms are cash only.

For more information, click here.


Christmas Light Displays

It’s that time of year again… we are ‘Lighting Up HRM’! From Halifax to Bedford, Fall River to Dartmouth and everywhere in between, these are the best Christmas lights in HRM.

For more information, click here.


COMPLETE Christmas Events Guide

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and the holidays are in full swing! With dazzling light displays throughout the city, Santa sightings, Christmas markets and opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, there are plenty of holiday events in HRM for everyone to enjoy.

For more information, click here.


Don’t forget, in addition to the events above, there are lots of ongoing activities at these great Halifax attractions:
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Discovery Centre, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Museum of Natural HistoryAfricville Museum, Halifax LibrariesArt Gallery of Nova ScotiaShearwater Aviation Museum, Ross Farm Museum and Shubenacadie Wildlife Park.

Be sure to visit our calendar for current events happening in your community.

Have a fantastic December everyone!