10 Things To Do in Halifax This January

Kick off the new year with some incredible new live music at Open Waters Festival. Celebrate the flow of new and improvised music from a variety of genres across a number of charming Halifax venues during this week-long festival. Grab a festival pass for access to all shows, or purchase tickets for individual concerts.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly outing that’ll keep your spirits high all winter, get cozy at the Marquee Ballroom for Rankin’s Winter Warmers, happening every Saturday afternoon until March 14. These high-energy shows sell out quick, but offer a small amount of tickets at the door worth lining up for. Children are always welcome, with reserved tickets held at the door for half the price, making it the ultimate family weekend outing ritual.

Rankin’s Winter Warmers | Every Saturday until March 17 | Marquee Ballroom

Open Waters Festival | January 6-11 | Multiple locations

The South End Vintage Market is kicking off 2026 with a trove of treasures to set the tone for the New Year. Shop through a highly curated selection of vintage records, books, décor, glassware, collectibles, clothing, accessories, jewelry, and more, from over 40 vendors. There’s a $2 entry fee, with free entry for children ages 12 and under.

South End Vintage Market | January 10 | Dalhousie Student Union Building 

The Halifax Mooseheads and Halifax Thunderbirds are bringing tons of energy to the Scotiabank Centre this month, perfect for all ages to enjoy.

If you’re looking for some heart-pumping action, be sure to grab tickets to the PWHL Takeover Tour, where Ottawa Charge and Boston Fleet will battle it out on the ice on January 11. Before the puck drops, the party begins – head to Gate D at the Scotiabank Centre for the PWHL Welcome Tunnel and cheer on the on the Ottawa Charge and Boston Fleet as they arrive. Bring your signs, bring the noise, and show the league the kind of energy Halifax is known for.

Looking for more ways to be part of the action? From open practices to an airport welcome to other community events, there’s plenty happening around the PWHL Takeover Tour.

If you haven’t bought tickets to this electric game and you’re looking for some extra fun, book a table at Stardust Bar + Kitchen for a 10am PWHL Takeover Tour Pre-Game Brunch with Queer Hockey Nova Scotia, and stay for a screening of the game that’s sure to promise a party.

Halifax Mooseheads Home Games | January 10, 15, 17, 23, 25 | Scotiabank Centre 

PWHL Takeover Tour: Ottawa Charge at Boston Fleet | January 11 | Scotiabank Centre 

Halifax Thunderbirds Home Games | January 16, 31 | Scotiabank Centre 

Trade the winter chill for a dose of hands-on creativity this month. Halifax is brimming with cozy workshops that invite you to unwind and tap into your artistic side – no experience required. Try your hand at clay handbuilding, paint while you snack on charcuterie, or pour your own candle in a scent that speaks to you.

Looking for something a little more luxe? Craft your signature scent for 2026 at The 7 Virtues Perfume Atelier, where you’ll blend your own custom fragrance with guidance from the experts. Whether you’re flying solo or gathering your crew, these experiences are the perfect excuse to get inspired indoors this winter.

Try Pottery | January 11, 31 | Best Kind Mud Shop 

Sip & Sculpt | January 23, 30 | Almonak 

Sunset Picnic Paint & Sip | January 24 | Fisherman’s Cove Heritage Centre 

Crafting & DIY Workshops | All throughout January | MOKÁA Art Lab

Drop-in Pottery Painting & Handbuilding | All throughout January | Thinking Ceramic

Whether you choose to bring your family, friends, or a date, skating at the Emera Oval is the perfect winter activity for everyone to enjoy. If you don’t own skates, don’t worry – free rentals are onsite with inclusive sizing options – bring a piece government-issued photo ID and you’ll be on the ice in no time.

Prefer to stay inside? If you have your own skates, you can head over to the Scotiabank Centre or Zatzman Sportsplex this month for more family-friendly skating sessions.

Scotiabank Noon Skate | January 19, 26 | Scotiabank Centre 

Drop-in Skating | Every Monday, Thursday – Saturday until March 30 | Zatzman Sportsplex 

Public Skating on The Oval | Open throughout the winter season | Emera Oval

Whether you’re craving ocean air or inner-city calm, these thermal experiences promise the perfect mix of heat, stillness, and seasonal reset to set the tone for the year ahead.

On the edge of the ocean, Oceanstone Resort offers a three-hour Hydrothermal Nordic Spa Journey inspired by Nova Scotia’s landscapes and rooted in tradition. Move through warm vitality pools, saunas, and a salt-inhalation hammam before taking an icy dip in the plunge pool. You can even opt for the twilight session for a serene evening soak after a visit to Peggy’s Cove.

Across the harbour, Nature Folk invites you into a peaceful two-hour thermal circuit steps from the Alderney Ferry Terminal. Nestled in Downtown Dartmouth, this cozy sanctuary includes Finnish saunas, a warm and cold plunge pool, and a ritual corner for reflection, all with complimentary mud masks and exfoliating salt scrubs to help you unwind in style.

Thermal Circuit | Nature Folk

Hydrothermal Nordic Spa Journey | Oceanstone Resort 

Get familiar with the local flavours of Halifax and indulge in an evening of perfect pairings at Sip n’ Shuck. Savour Nova Scotia’s world-renowned oysters and seafood, and sample local award-winning wines, beers, spirits, ciders, and craft beverages.

Sip n’ Shuck | January 23 | The Westin Nova Scotian  

From indulgent sweets and treats to sustainable shopping, and more, get out and discover a new local business in the Halifax region.

Ugly Dough | 109-640 Brookline Dr | Now Open

PreLoved & Luxe | 5431 Spring Garden Rd | Now open

Realms & Roses Bookstore | 203-2071 Hammonds Plains Rd | Now open

Hounds of Vintage | 250-2411 Agricola St | Opening soon

Craig’s Cookies | 1581 Barrington St | Opening soon

January 25 marks Robbie Burns Day, a spirited tribute to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Known for his lyrical odes to love, land, and liberty, Burns captured the heart of Scottish identity through verse. Burns Night is filled with whisky, poetry, music, and haggis, woven together with toasts, tartan, and timeless ritual.

This year, you’ll find several ways to mark the occasion. Settle in for a traditional three-course supper and live entertainment at The Old Triangle, or attend the long-standing Halifax Robert Burns Club Supper at Hotel Halifax. For whisky lovers, a guided tasting at The Port explores the six whisky regions of Scotland, paired with readings from Burns himself, for a more intimate, sip-by-sip celebration.

Burns Night 2026 | January 24 | The Old Triangle

Halifax Robert Burns Club Supper | January 24 | Hotel Halifax

Robbie Burns Day Whisky Tasting | January 26 | The Port by the NSLC

Downtown Dartmouth will transform into a magical winter wonderland as the streets fill with whimsical ice sculptures from January 30 to February 1 during the East Coast Credit Union Ice Festival. Grab your friends or pack up the kids and head out to the Icelandair Street Party on Saturday, January 31, to enjoy tons of live ice carving, family-friendly games, music, and other fun activities. Local businesses of all kinds will be offering in-store specials so it’s the perfect time to explore all that Downtown Dartmouth has to offer.

East Coast Credit Union Ice Festival | January 30 – February 1 | Downtown Dartmouth