Evergreen Festival

Evergreen Bright is a walkable outdoor trail of twinkling holiday light displays and installations along the Halifax waterfront, throughout downtown Halifax, downtown Dartmouth, and beyond.

For an enhanced experience, explore the interactive Evergreen Festival map—your ultimate guide to finding chalets, events, public washrooms, and more.

Tip: Use the filter widget to focus on specific categories.

Stop by the Winter Welcome Booth for maps, festival information, colouring fun, candy canes, and a joyful dose of festive cheer! The booth is located across from the Waterfront Warehouse and Amos Pewter, next to Freedom Foods (1549 Lower Water Street).

Winer Welcome Booth Hours:
Fri: 4pm – 9pm
Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 11am – 7pm

Shop local on the Halifax waterfront at the open-air Evergreen Market. Discover 22 cozy wooden chalets with vendors from across the province offering a variety of local food, drink, apparel, gifts, and more. The market is located on the Halifax Waterfront, at Foundation Lot South: 1549 Lower Water Street.

Market Hours:
Mon-Tue: Closed
Wed-Fri: 4pm – 9pm
Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 11am – 7pm

The Evergreen Express Train, brought to you by the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront and CN Rail, invites you to hop on and off as you immerse yourself in the magic of the waterfront festivities. There is no cost to join the ride.

Departures are from the North Pole Station at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront on the hour and half hour, and from the South Pole Station in the Cunard Residences Public Space at quarter past the hour (:15) and quarter to the hour (:45).

The train conveniently stops at Central Station at the Evergreen Vendor Market on every trip.

Evergreen Express Hours:
Fri: 4pm – 9pm
Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 11am – 7pm

Spruce the holiday gonk is Evergreen’s friendly mascot! You’ll find him taking in the lights, enjoying hot cocoa and other seasonal treats, hanging out at the market, and greeting visitors to the Halifax Waterfront.

You can find Spruce down on the Halifax waterfront during the following hours:

Fri: 5pm – 8pm
Sat: 1pm – 7pm
Sun: 1pm – 7pm

Bundle up and get cozy at the BG (Beer Garden) on the Halifax Waterfront to hear some of your favourite local bands and musicians perform live, brought to you by Legendary Hospitality. With cozy firepits, music and drinks, you can enjoy the Halifax Waterfront at the most festive time of year!

The BG hours:
Fri: 12pm – 9pm
Sat: 12pm – 9pm
Sun: 12pm – 6pm

Experience free winter sports activities and games, including ball hockey, curling rinks, and more! Need a break? Warm up and relax in our cozy warming stations.

Join the fun at the Evergreen Winter Sports Zone located in Foundation Lot South on the Halifax Waterfront (1549 Lower Water Street).

Winter Sports Zone Hours:
Fri: 4pm – 9pm
Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 11am – 7pm

Illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights set against a serene ocean backdrop, the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront’s Merry & Bright Patio is the perfect spot for festive gatherings. Enjoy cozy treats like hot cocoa, mulled wine, or the celebrated local seafood chowder by the fire. Capture unforgettable memories in the stunning 7-foot ornament or participate in the reindeer games at the “Holly Jolly Fun Zone.” This lively installation is also a stop for the Evergreen Express, with hourly departures right on the hour.

The patio is free to attend. Food and drinks are extra.

Merry & Bright Patio and Activities Hours:
Fri: 4pm – 9pm
Sat: 4pm – 9pm
Sun: 3pm – 8pm

Step into a world of holiday magic at Queen’s Marque this Evergreen Festival. Explore festive dining, immersive art, and unforgettable experiences that bring the season to life. From cozy winter treats to dazzling lights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Celebrate with your pup and meet Santa Paws at The Fog Company, sip cocktails at Bar Sofia’s Sleigh Bar, linger over French classics at Café Lunette, indulge in Peacock’s seasonal fondues, or explore the radiant Luminous Cloud installation.

Enjoy the joyful harmonies, infectious energy, and festive cheer of East Coast Carolling quartets bringing timeless holiday classics to life along the Halifax waterfront.

East Coast Carolling Hours:
Sun: 1pm – 3pm

The magic of the Halifax Public Gardens Holiday Lights is back! From November 29th to January 1st, the Gardens will sparkle with holiday cheer every evening from 6pm to 9pm. Grab a hot chocolate, take a stroll, and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Take a break from the cold at Nordic Sauna Rental’s Warming Stations at Sands at Salter (bottom of Salter Street, Halifax Waterfront) before continuing to explore the festival.

Warming Stations Hours:
Fri: 4pm – 9pm
Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 11am – 7pm

The Evergreen Festival is teaming up with charitable organizations to spread joy and make a positive impact this holiday season. Join in the festive fun and participate in exciting activities supporting meaningful causes.

Pet Photobooth by Wet Nose Images in Support of the SPCA

Location: Container Stage at Foundation Wharf

Bring your furry friend down for a festive holiday photo by Wet Nose Images—it’s completely free! While there’s no charge, donations to the SPCA are warmly welcomed to help support animals in need. Caffè Lucca will be treating four-legged companions to delicious puppuccinos.

Dates: November 23 and December 7 from 1pm – 4pm

Festive Fun with CavUnity and the IWK Foundation

Location: The Coastal Can in Salt Yard

Join CavUnity and the IWK Foundation as they team up to bring festive, family-friendly fun to the Evergreen Festival! Enjoy holiday activities including gift wrapping, custom ornament-making, concessions, and a photo booth. Best of all, your support will go directly toward the world-class care provided right here in the Maritimes at IWK Health, helping patients and families across our region. Celebrate the season, spread joy, and make a meaningful impact!

Dates: November 26–30

Hours:
Wed-Fri: 4pm – 9pm
Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 11am – 7pm

Making a Difference With Souls Harbour 

Location: The Pop Can in Salt Yard

This holiday season, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is taking over The Pop Can on the Halifax waterfront as part of the Evergreen Festival! Stop by to shop for handmade items crafted by participants in The Helm—Souls Harbour’s recovery program, which supports men on their journey toward new beginnings. The Pop Can will also serve as a donation station, giving visitors a chance to contribute directly to the cause. Come meet the team and learn more about their mission.

Dates: Every weekend from November 21 to December 14

Hours:
Fri: 4pm – 9pm
Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 1pm – 7pm

Local businesses are offering holiday hot chocolates and other festive drinks to help keep your spirits high and bellies warm as you explore the festival! Check out the list of participating vendors below!

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with Spruce’s Evergreen Cocoa Trail, running November 21 to December 14, 2025. Local cafés and restaurants in downtown Halifax and Spring Garden Road area are serving up cozy, limited-edition hot chocolates and festive drinks to warm your spirits. Join in the fun with the Cocoa Trail Passport – visit participating spots and collect a sticker for every delicious cup you enjoy! Once you’ve collected five stickers, enter to win a festive prize package*. Pick up your passport at the blue and yellow Winter Welcome Kiosk in the Salt Yard area on the Halifax Waterfront, just behind the Waterfront Warehouse at 1549 Lower Water Street, or at participating businesses. Be sure to check the social media pages of participating businesses for more details on their special cocoa creations!

Proudly supported by the Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia & Dairy Farmers of Canada.

*The prize package includes gift cards to the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront, Harbourstone, Sweet Pea Boutique, and Duggers, along with a prize basket featuring items from the Evergreen Market and a cheese board and wine courtesy of the Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia and Dairy Farmers of Canada. Must be 19 or over to be eligible to win. Terms, Conditions, and Prizing Details here.