Halifax's most beloved winter festival is back, spreading holiday magic throughout the city. From festive markets and live performances to seasonal food and drink, there are tons of ways to enjoy this enchanting festival, and you won't want to miss out. To help you navigate all there is to see and do, here’s everything you need to know about Evergreen Festival.
What is Evergreen Festival?
Evergreen Festival is a 4-week-long outdoor winter celebration of Nova Scotian culture, food, spirits, craft, art, and memorable experiences.
When and where is Evergreen Festival happening?
Evergreen Festival is happening from November 22 to December 15. While the main activations will take place on the Halifax waterfront, you’ll find elements of Evergreen Festival in areas throughout downtown Halifax and downtown Dartmouth. It’s important to note that a number of Evergreen activations will only operate on specific days of the week, weather permitting.
Does it cost anything to go?
Nope! All elements at Evergreen Festival all free of charge. There are no entry fees to any Evergreen activations, including the market, stage, winter sports zone, and Evergreen Express.
What should I wear?
Since Evergreen Festival happens outdoors, it’s best to dress warm. The Halifax waterfront can often feel colder than other areas around the city due to the ocean breeze, and temperatures in November and December can drop below freezing, so be sure to bundle up in some cozy layers. Always be sure to check the forecast before heading out so you’re dressed warm and comfortably.
What happens if the forecast doesn’t look good?
If the forecast calls for bad weather, most Evergreen Festival activations will be paused or cancelled. It is strongly encouraged to check out @evergreenfestns on Instagram for the latest updates before visiting. The only Evergreen element that will run, regardless of the weather, is Evergreen Bright.
What can I expect to see and do?
Evergreen Festival is filled with all kinds of festive things to see and do. The main festival components are the Evergreen Market, Evergreen Bright, Evergreen Stage, the Winter Sports Zone, and the Evergreen Express.
Will there be food or drinks?
Yes! You’ll find a variety of food vendors at the Evergreen Market and a selection of food trucks at the Evergreen Winter Sports Zone. The Halifax Beer Garden and Stone’s Throw Patio will also be serving up festive food and drink menus to cozy up with. If you’re looking for a warm drink to sip while you’re taking the festival in, the Evergreen Cocoa Trail will highlight a number of decadent holiday drinks offered by participating restaurants and cafés along the Halifax waterfront, downtown Halifax, and downtown Dartmouth.
Evergreen Market
The Evergreen Market is your one-stop shop for local holiday shopping. Almost like a scene from a Hallmark movie, this open-air market features 22 cozy wooden chalets with vendors from across the province offering a variety of local food, drink, apparel, gifts, and more. Here is where you can also treat yourself to all kinds of sweet and savoury treats from a variety of food and drink vendors. Pull up a seat at one of the fire pits and enjoy the ambience of this festive market. It’s completely free to enter, whether you’re stopping by for some holiday shopping, or just taking in the sights of the festival. It’s important to note that the Evergreen Market is not open every day during Evergreen Festival.
Market hours:
Mon-Tue: Closed
Wed-Fri: 4pm – 9pm
Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 11am – 7pm
Note: if the weather is inclement, the Evergreen Market will be closed. Always check @evergreenfestns for the latest updates before visiting.
Evergreen Bright
Evergreen Bright is a walkable outdoor trail of twinkling holiday light displays and installations along the Halifax waterfront, the Halifax Public Gardens, throughout downtown Halifax, downtown Dartmouth, and beyond. You’ll find most light displays along the Halifax waterfront, so if you’re in search of a dreamy evening stroll that guides you through the most concentrated area of lights, stick to the waterfront. Evergreen Bright light displays will be illuminated every evening throughout Evergreen Festival, no matter the weather. While most displays will simply be for gazing at, some will be interactive – and all of them will be 100% Instagrammable. Find a map of the light displays below.
Evergreen Stage
Hosted by The Halifax Beer Garden and Legendary Hospitality, the Evergreen Stage delivers live entertainment from some of your favourite local bands and musicians. All shows are free, and can be taken in on the Halifax waterfront. If you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy the show, The BG will be decked out in festive decor for the holidays, and will even be offering a festive food and drink menu for Evergreen Festival. Pull up a seat by a fire pit and enjoy some live tunes and treats for the full holiday effect. It’s important to note that the Evergreen Stage and the Halifax Beer Garden are not open every day during Evergreen Festival.
The BG hours:
Fri: 12pm – 9pm
Sat: 12pm – 9pm
Sun: 12pm – 6pm
Note: if the weather is inclement, the Evergreen Stage will be closed. Always check @evergreenfestns or @thebghalifax for the latest updates before visiting.
Evergreen Winter Sports Zone
Located in Foundation Lot South on the Halifax Waterfront (1549 Lower Water Street), the Evergreen Winter Sports Zone is filled with activities and games, including ball hockey, curling rinks, and more. Here is where you’ll also find a selection of food trucks to grab some treats from, plus some warming stations to relax and thaw from the chilly winter temperatures. It’s important to note that the Evergreen Winter Sports Zone is not open every day during Evergreen Festival.
Winter Sports Zone Hours:
Fri: 4pm – 9pm
Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 11am – 7pm
Note: if the weather is inclement, the Evergreen Winter Sports Zone will be closed. Always check @evergreenfestns for the latest updates before visiting.
Evergreen Express
The Evergreen Express is a train ride that takes you through some of Evergreen Festival’s main attractions. Perfect for children and families, this train departs from the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel every hour on the hour and from Cunard, the newest development to the Halifax waterfront, every hour on the half-hour, and it doesn’t cost anything to jump on for a ride. It’s important to note that the Evergreen Express does not run every day during Evergreen Festival.
Evergreen Express Hours:
Fri: 4pm – 9pm
Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 11am – 7pm
Note: if the weather is inclement, the Evergreen Express will not run. Always check @evergreenfestns for the latest updates before visiting.
Are there any activities for kids?
Evergreen Festival is a family-friendly festival, perfect for kids to experience. From the Evergreen Express to the Winter Sports Zone and everything in between, there are plenty of ways for kids to take in the festival, with no restrictions to any areas. There will also be a number of events happening throughout Evergreen Festival that will be geared specifically to children.
What else can I expect to see?
Spruce the Gonk, Evergreen’s friendly, festive mascot, will be strolling around the Halifax waterfront on select days during the festival. You’ll find him taking in the lights, enjoying hot cocoa and other seasonal treats, hanging out at the market.
You can find Spruce on the Halifax waterfront during the following hours:
Fri: 5 pm-8 pm
Sat: 2 pm-6 pm
Sun: 2 pm-6 pm
Note: if the weather is inclement, Spruce will stay cozy and warm at home. Always check @evergreenfestns for the latest updates before visiting.
Merry & Bright Patio
Located at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, the Merry & Bright patio will be one of the best spots to immerse yourself in the holiday season. This seaside patio will be illuminated by thousands of glimmering lights, taking mood lighting to a whole new level. Get cozy by the fire and enjoy treats like hot cocoa, mulled wine, or local seafood chowder. Take a photo by a 7-foot ornament and participate in the reindeer games at the Holly Jolly Fun Zone. The Merry & Bright patio is a stop on the Evergreen Express, with hourly departures right on the hour. The patio is free to attend, but food and drinks are extra. It’s important to note that the Merry & Bright patio is not open every day during Evergreen Festival.
Merry & Bright hours:
Fri: 4pm – 9pm
Sat: 4pm – 9pm
Sun: 3pm – 8pm
Nordic Sauna Experience
Yes, that’s right! During Evergreen Festival, you’ll be able get warm and toasty in a sauna right on the Halifax waterfront. Two mobile wood-fired barrel saunas will be available to book for 60-minute sessions throughout the festival. Each sauna will have access to a closed seating area for up to eight people, complete with propane fire tables and a private changing area. Make sure you bring a two towels, some swimwear, and a warm change of clothes. Water is essential to bring with you, and a light snack is highly recommended. Your belongings will be securely stored with a staff member on site. Extra towels, robes, and sauna hats available while quantities last.
What is the Evergreen Cocoa Trail?
The Evergreen Cocoa Trail highlights a variety of festive, seasonal drinks to warm your hands and heart during Evergreen Festival. Cafés and restaurants across downtown Halifax and downtown Dartmouth will be offering all kinds of decadent creations all throughout the duration of the festival.
Can I bring my dog?
Absolutely! Evergreen Festival welcomes leashed dogs in all outdoor areas. Just be sure to bring a pick-up bag for any waste.
Is Evergreen Festival accessible?
For the most part, yes. The main festival activations will take place on the Halifax waterfront, which is accessible for wheelchairs. While the Halifax waterfront is maintained very well, keep in mind that seasonal elements may inhibit the ease of getting around.
How should I get there?
Getting there and Parking
It is anticipated that there may be heavier than usual traffic in downtown Halifax and Dartmouth. Plan your route and parking in advance of visiting.
Parking Maps
Halifax – Parking | Downtown Halifax Business Commission
Dartmouth – Parking | Downtown Dartmouth
Public Transit
Evergreen Festival’s location on the Halifax waterfront makes it easy to get there via Halifax transit, with several bus routes that stop nearby and the ferry terminal’s close proximity. It costs $3 for adults to ride the ferry or bus, and children under the age of 12 can ride for free.
