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December in Halifax feels like stepping into a snow globe, even before the first flurries fall. The city shines a little brighter this time of year, with twinkling festivals, cozy stages, and holiday markets around every corner. It’s a month for leaning into the season, whether that means cheering from the stands, crafting something festive, or treating yourself to a sugary finish. From countryside winter festivals to high-action sports events, unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebrations, and so much more, here are 10 things to do in Halifax this December.
Great for families
1. Catch Halifax in full glow at a holiday festival
If you’re looking to check out a festival with no shortage on holiday spirit, the dazzling Glow Gardens and enchanting Evergreen Festival have you covered. Whether you’re inside under a million lights at Glow Gardens or staying cozy fireside on the Halifax Waterfront at Evergreen Festival, both festivals offer their own magical vibe for all ages to enjoy.
Glow Halifax | November 20 – January 3 | Halifax Exhibition Centre
Evergreen Festival | November 21 – December 14 | Multiple locations
Great for families
2. Let Halifax’s stages warm your heart
From enchanting plays to intimate concerts, treat yourself to some live entertainment this month. As the days grow shorter, Halifax’s stages light up, offering the perfect opportunity to get out in the city for a show you won’t forget.
Dickens’ A Christmas Carol | On until December 28 | Neptune Theatre
74th Annual Festival of Carols | December 1 | All Saints Cathedral
Symphony Nova Scotia’s The Nutcracker | December 5-14 | Rebecca Cohn
Candlelight: Christmas Classics | December 7 | Joseph Strung Concert Hall
The Once Christmas | December 9 | Light House Arts Centre
Broadway Brunch – Holiday Edition | December 14 | The Carleton
3. Get hands-on at a festive 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.
Holiday Centrepiece Workshop | December 4, 11, 15, 18 | Props Floral Design
Cookie Decorating Classes | December 5, 14 | Henry G. Bauld Centre
Holiday Cardmaking Workshop | December 7 | Museum of Natural History
Ceramic Ornament Painting | December 13 | Best Kind Mud Shop
Holiday Workshops at the Patch | All throughout December | Patch Halifax
Great for families
4. Get your sports fix
The Halifax Thunderbirds are kicking off the National Lacrosse League season with a home opener on December 5 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. The Halifax Mooseheads are bringing tons of action to the ice this month too, perfect for all ages to enjoy. If you’re looking for some heart-pumping action, be sure to grab tickets to the kick-off game of the PWHL Takeover Tour, where the Toronto Sceptres and Montreal Victoire will battle it out on the ice on December 17. While it’s sold out, you can still find verified resale tickets for this thrilling game online.
Halifax Thunderbirds Home Games | December 5, 27 | Scotiabank Centre
Halifax Mooseheads Home Games | December 6, 7, 11, 18, 28, 30 | Scotiabank Centre
PWHL Takeover Tour: Montreal Victoire at Toronto Sceptres | December 17 | Scotiabank Centre
Great for families
5. 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.
Shopping Under the Stars | December 5 | Spring Garden Road Area
Holiday Hygge 2025 | December 6 | Halifax Brewery Market
Holiday Night Market | December 6 | Marquee Ballroom
A Christmas Night at the Barn | December 6 | Hubbards Barn
APT 3 & Tapestry Christmas Market | December 6-7 | TAPestry Beer Bar
Sip & Shop | December 6, 13 | The Halifax Beer Garden
Christmas in Mi’kma’ki | December 7 | Mic Mac Mall
Merry Makers’ Market | December 7 | Halifax Seaport Market
Kid’s Christmas Market | December 7 | Prospect Road Community Centre
Fisherman’s Cove Annual Christmas Market | December 13 | Fisherman’s Cove
Seaforth for the Holidays | December 13 | Seaforth Community Centre
South End Vintage Market | December 13 | Dalhousie SUB
A Merry Geeky Market | December 13-14 | Halifax Forum
Winter Market | December 21 | Oxalis
Japanese Holiday Market | December 21 | Halifax Brewery Market
Great for families
6. Dive into conservation, curiosity, and connection at the brand-new Beaty Marine Centre
Get excited for the opening of the Beaty Marine Centre for Biodiversity, a first-of-its-kind ocean science centre for Halifax. Located in the Steele Ocean Sciences Building at Dalhousie University, this marine centre will offer an immersive experience that highlights the history, beauty, and marine life of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean throughout a number of engaging exhibits. Discover how the Mi’kmaq people used the ocean’s resources for generations, and learn the concept of Netukulimk – honouring a way of life that emphasizes balance and respect for the ocean’s resources. See an 18-metre blue whale skeleton and learn about them through AR technology. Get up close to common and invasive species that live hidden from sight in the waters around Nova Scotia. This journey takes you from the tide pool and the shoreline all the way to the deep sea to explore different aquatic habitats and species, and you won’t want to miss it.
Beaty Marine Centre for Biodiversity | 6375 Edzell Castle Circle | Opening December 6
Great for families
7. Sweeten up the holidays with treats from a local bakery
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.
Great for families
8. Celebrate the winter season at a countryside festival
There’s nothing like the charm of a winter festival on a farm. This month, you can celebrate the season in full holiday mode with gentle bison at Lindsay Lake Farms, friendly goats at Ataraxy Farm, or a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Hatfield Farm. Not only will you get the chance to meet some gentle giants and little furry friends, you’ll also be able to shop from local vendors, warm up with drinks and treats, play games, and be merry at these family-friendly seasonal celebrations.
Christmas on the Farm | December 6 | Lindsay Lake Farms
Winterfest on the Farm | December 14 | Ataraxy Farm
Christmas Break Family Roundup | December 29-30 | Hatfield Farm
9. Dig into December with festive local feastings
Halifax restaurants have decked the halls and are 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.
Sleigh Bar | Offered until December 13 | Bar Sofia
Merry & Bright Patio | Offered until December 21 | Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Christmas Brunch Buffet & Dinners | December 24-25 | Seaport Social
Holiday Menu | All throughout December | Morris East
Nutcracker Afternoon Tea | All throughout December | Crème
A Very Field Guide Christmas | All throughout December | Field Guide
Christmas at The Stubborn Goat | All throughout December | The Stubborn Goat
10. Ring in 2026 with a celebration to remember
Step into 2026 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, or check out a local celebration that’ll promise a party to remember.
New Year’s Eve 2026 | December 31 | Grand Parade
NYE 2026 at Pacifico | December 31 | Pacifico
New Year’s Party | December 31 | Light House Arts Centre
New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl | December 31 | Multiple locations
Countdown 2026: Midnight in Positano | December 31 | Rumours HFX
NYE 2026 at The Marquee Ballroom | December 31 | The Marquee Ballroom
NYE Party with Rankin MacInnis & The Broken Reeds | December 31 | Casino Nova Scotia
