10 Things To Do in Halifax This December

1. Unleash your inner artist at a holiday workshop

Get crafty with an interactive workshop this month – whether you’re creating a festive centrepiece at a local floral shop for your dining table or crafting a quilt at Patch to put under the tree for someone special, these workshops are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

2. Take in a festive show

From theatre to symphony concerts, there’s tons of festive live entertainment to enjoy in Halifax this month, no matter what interests you.

Curmudgeon Christmas | On until January 11 | Grafton Street Dinner Theatre

3. Take holiday shopping to the next level

Spring Garden Road will transform into a Hallmark movie scene as the street closes for pedestrian access only to enjoy an evening of festive holiday shopping. You can expect to find festive photo ops, holiday trees lining the street, free hot chocolate stations, and a holiday crafters market in Park Lane Mall. There will be tons of incredible holiday promotions to take advantage of, and parking will be free at most surrounding locations. Holiday shopping has never been easier.

Shopping Under the Stars | December 6 | Spring Garden Road
*Rain Date: Friday, December 13

4. Lace up for a festive fun run

Celebrate the holidays in a fun and meaningful way at a festive fun run this month. Register for Quinpool Road’s Snow Folk Shuffle, where Dilly Dally Coffee Café will mark the start and finish line, welcoming all participants to finish off on a sweet note with some decadent hot chocolate. The Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk also happens on the same day along First Lake Trail in Lower Sackville with festivities to kick off and cap off the race. Whether you want to set a new world record or stroll at a leisurely pace, everyone is welcome at these fun runs, no matter what your skill level is. The best part? You’ll be giving back to the community, raising funds for Feed Nova Scotia and The Salvation Army.

Snow Folk Shuffle | December 7 | Quinpool Road

Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk | December 7 | 51 Metropolitan Ave

5. Catch a Thunderbirds game

13 Restaurants Within a 3-Minute Walk from the Scotiabank Centre

The Halifax Thunderbirds are kicking off the National Lacrosse League season in Halifax with a home opener on December 7 at the Scotiabank Centre. If you’ve never been to a Thunderbirds game, get ready for intense, fast-paced plays that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Halifax Thunderbirds Home Games | December 7, 14 | Scotiabank Centre

6. Feel the holiday spirit at Halifax's most iconic winter parade

The Holiday Parade of Lights is one of Halifax’s most iconic holiday events, drawing tens of thousands of spectators downtown to catch festive floats and high-energy performances making their way through the city streets. Santa will make a special appearance to cap it all off for the perfect family outing.

Nova Scotia Power Holiday Parade of Lights | December 8 | Downtown Halifax

7. Check out a new business

Several new businesses have opened their doors, from a vintage shop that’s settled into a massive historic home, to a highly anticipated live-fire restaurant on the Halifax waterfront, and more.

8. Indulge in a festive holiday meal

Halifax restaurants are decking their halls and offering festive menus to launch you into the holiday spirit. With special food and drink creations, holiday décor, and festive playlists that’ll leave you feeling nostalgic, there’s no better excuse to skip the cooking.

Morris East Holiday Menu | Offered until December 30

A Very Field Guide Christmas | Offered until December 31

Eastern Tea Bar Holiday Afternoon Tea | Offered until January 6

Feast & Be Merry | Drift, Bar Sofia, Daryâ, Café Lunette | Offered until December 27

9. Sweeten up the holidays with treats from a local bakery

10 Halifax Bakeries That Will Sweeten Up the Holidays

Every meal deserves to finish on a sweet note, especially during the holidays. No time for baking this season? No problem! Hang up your apron and head out to one of these fantastic Halifax bakeries for desserts that will please any crowd.

10. Ring in the new year with a celebration to remember

Step into 2025 with an iconic New Year’s Eve celebration to remember. Get dazzled for a night filled with music, fireworks, and high spirits in the heart of Halifax at Grand Parade. The city will be pulsing with parties along Argyle Street, just steps away from Grand Parade, and you won’t want to miss out on all the action.

New Year’s Eve 2025 | December 31 | Grand Parade