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.
Our month-at-a-glance 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 activities.
Tree Lightings in HRM | November 14 – December 5
🆓 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!
Halifax Glow Gardens | November 20 – January 3
Celebrate the winter season under the twinkle of a million lights with Glow Halifax.
Evergreen Festival | November 21 – December 14
🆓 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 28 – December 24
🆓 Mahone Bay is ready to welcome you to their annual Season of Father Christmas Festival! As you stroll through the walkable town, interactive displays and beautifully decorated designs will make the perfect backdrop for fun family photos or selfies galore.
Dickens’ A Christmas Carol | November 27 – December 28
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.
Musquodoboit Harbour Christmas Parade of Lights | December 6
🆓 The annual Musquodoboit Harbour Christmas Parade of Lights is a great community event, and Eastern Shore Mental Health invites all to gather afterward to warm up and enjoy more treats and hot chocolate at the Community Centre Bingo Hall. Non-perishable food items and toys for the local food bank will be collected along the parade route.
The Nutcracker: Land of Sweets at the Bella Rose Arts Centre | December 5 & 6
The enchanting holiday classic, The Nutcracker, is coming to the stage of the Bella Rose Arts Centre for a limited time this December. This timeless tale will delight audiences of all ages, but grab your tickets ASAP, as there are only two performances: Friday, December 5th at 7 PM, and Saturday, December 6th at 1 PM.
Symphony Nova Scotia Presents The Nutcracker | December 5-7 & 11-14
Join Symphony Nova Scotia, along with members from Halifax Dance and the Mermaid Theatre, for the 2025 presentation of The Nutcracker! This classic ballet has been one of Halifax’s favourite holiday traditions for over 25 years.
Meaghan Smith: The Holiday Show at the Bella Rose Arts Centre | December 19 & 20
Warmth, whimsy, and nostalgic charm will be brought to the Bella Rose Arts Centre on December 19th and 20th as JUNO Award–winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Meaghan Smith takes to the stage with her trademark vintage-sparkle sound. She’s here this December to host The Holiday Show—a full-band concert celebrating the release of her debut picture book, It Snowed, inspired by her beloved holiday song.
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 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.
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 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 and some require reservations.
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 History, Africville Museum, Halifax Libraries, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Shearwater 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!
