Cue the holiday markets, festive lights, and cozy vibes. Make the most of this month with our list of 10 things to do in Halifax this November.
1. Meet your favourite author at a literary festival
Calling all bookworms! AfterWords Literary Festival is bringing 53 authors and hosts from across Canada, the United States, and abroad together for readings and workshops at 9 venues across Halifax and Millbrook First Nation. Enjoy readings, conversations, Q&As, workshops, and more with your favourite authors during this week-long festival.
AfterWords Literary Festival | October 29 – November 5 | Multiple locations
2. Find the perfect gift at a holiday market
Halifax is bursting with craft markets this month, making it the perfect excuse to get ahead on holiday shopping. Check out a holiday market to browse locally crafted artisan goods of all kinds – with so many vendors to shop from, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Christmas at The Forum | November 3-5, 10-12, 17-19 | The Halifax Forum
Agricola Street Holiday Market | November 12 | Agricola Street
Seaside Christmas | November 17-19 | The Old School
3. Get hands-on with the Discovery Centre's newest featured exhibit
Looking for something fun to do with the family? Explore the science of climate change at the Discovery Centre’s newest featured exhibit, Our Climate Quest, showcasing a full floor of interactive exhibits centred around youth climate action. Choose your adventure in an interactive Climate Theatre while you play, compete, shop, and reflect to discover the impacts on the environment.
Our Climate Quest | On view until December 31 | Discovery Centre
4. Get your live entertainment fix
From whimsical plays to awe-inspiring performances, Halifax is showcasing some incredible live entertainment this month. Plan a night out with your friends or family and settle into a show you won’t forget.
Cirque Musica | November 8 | Scotiabank Centre
Come From Away | November 14-19 | Scotiabank Centre
Almost Maine | November 15-19 | Neptune Theatre
Cinderella | November 21 – January 7 | Neptune Theatre
5. Get an inside look at one of Canada's most exclusive art collections
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s newest exhibition, Generations, offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of Canada’s most legendary private collections, featuring more than 170 works from iconic artists, from the Group of Seven to Quebec Impressionists, contemporary Indigenous artists, and more.
The best part? The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is offering free admission to Nova Scotians for the duration of this exhibition.
Generations: The Sobey Family and Canadian Art | On view until January 14 | Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
6. Kick off the holiday season at a festive event
November is jam-packed with holiday events. From iconic parades to tree lightings and festive light shows, there’s holiday magic happening in every corner of the Halifax region.
Saltwire Holiday Parade of Lights | November 25 | Downtown Halifax
Light Up Bedford Parade | November 19 | Multiple locations
Glow Gardens | November 22 – January 1 | Halifax Exhibition Centre
Sackville Holiday Tree Lighting | November 25 | Acadia Park
Walk Through Christmas Past | November 25-26 | Memory Lane Heritage Village
7. Celebrate Black culinary excellence during ByBlacks Restaurant Week
Get ready for a week-long celebration of delicious food, vibrant culture, and community where you’ll get to experience the rich diversity of Black-Canadian cuisine and highlight the exceptional culinary talent of Black chefs across the Halifax region. From African to Caribbean cuisine, dive into mouthwatering prix-fixe menus at approachable prices – you just might find your new favourite restaurant.
ByBlacks Restaurant Week | November 20-26 | Multiple locations
8. Step into a winter wonderland at Halifax's most magical holiday festival
Evergreen Festival returns to Halifax this month, spreading festive cheer throughout the city. Bundle up and head down to the Halifax waterfront to enjoy an outdoor holiday market, live music, interactive games, and more. Enjoy dazzling light displays throughout the city, warm up with toasty drinks along the Cocoa Trail, and be merry during this 4-week-long festival.
Evergreen Festival | November 24 – December 17 | Multiple locations
9. Discover local gems with a curated itinerary
Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting from afar, find the hidden gems and explore the unconventional with itineraries created to help you experience Halifax in a new light. From urban foodie and shopping itineraries to rustic relaxation and outdoor adventure, explore the Halifax region like you never have before.
10. Check out a new restaurant
Make your way to ButterMilk, a brand-new restaurant serving up juicy chicken fried ribs and fried chicken at unbeatable prices.
Pazzo Ristorante also opens this month and will offer fresh handmade pasta, meats and cheeses cured in-house, and specialty wines in the heart of downtown Halifax.
ButterMilk | Now open | 600 Windmill Rd
Pazzo Ristorante | Opening this month | 1566 Barrington St
