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Evergreen Festival

Nov 22 - Dec 15, 2024
Halifax / Kjipuktuk
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Evergreen Festival is a 4-week-long outdoor winter celebration of Nova Scotian food, spirits, craft, art, and memorable experiences.

Local retailers, restaurants, hotels, attractions, and public spaces throughout the Halifax region will offer holiday light displays and festive programming to celebrate the season. Evergreen Festival is primarily on the Halifax waterfront, but light installations can be found all over Halifax & Dartmouth, including the Public Gardens, Peace & Friendship Park, Parade Square and Downtown Dartmouth.

Not sure where to start? Check out the Evergreen Bright map. For an enhanced experience, explore the interactive Evergreen Festival map—your ultimate guide to finding chalets, events, restrooms, and more. Tip: Use the filter widget to focus on specific categories.

Note: 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.

Evergreen Market

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

Evergreen Bright

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, restrooms, and more. Tip: Use the filter widget to focus on specific categories.

Music & Entertainment

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

Winter Sports Zone

Experience free winter sports activities and games, including ball hockey, curling rinks, and more! Want to take a break? Enjoy a bite at one of three food trucks or relax in one of our 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

Evergreen Express

Hop on and off the Evergreen Express and immerse yourself in the magic of the waterfront festivities. With departures from the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront every hour on the hour and from the Cunard Residences every hour on the half-hour, the train conveniently stops at key attractions, including the Evergreen Vendor Market and Queen’s Marque Courtyard, offering a fun way to explore the festival.

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

Merry & Bright Patio

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

Spruce the Gonk

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

Halifax Public Gardens Holiday Lights

The magic of the Halifax Public Gardens Holiday Lights is back! From November 30th to December 31st, the Gardens will sparkle with holiday cheer every evening from dusk until 9pm. Grab a hot chocolate, take a stroll, and soak in the festive atmosphere.

The Nordic Sauna Experience—On Wheels

Embark on a holistic wellness journey that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. During the Evergreen Festival, enjoy a 60-minute sauna session on the Halifax Waterfront in a premium red cedar barrel sauna equipped with wood-fired stoves designed in Finland.

Discover all the details and book your session here.

Charitable Partners

The Evergreen Festival is teaming up with three 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.

 

Feed Nova Scotia + Potikki’s

Location: The Pop Can in Salt Yard

Stop by to donate canned goods or make a monetary contribution in exchange for delicious apple fries made with locally sourced Nova Scotian apples from Potikki’s.

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

 

Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlantic Pop-Up

Location: former Visitor Information Centre (by the Wave and Submarine Playground)

Drop by to capture a joyful holiday photo, enjoy lots of free, fun festive activities, and purchase a teddy bear to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlantic. Your participation helps bring smiles to families in need!

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

 

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.

November 24th and December 8th from 12pm – 4pm

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