Christmas in Halifax: Parades, Concerts, Holiday Theatre & Other Events

Credit: City of Halifax

Christmas in Halifax is a wondrous sight, even if you a local. There are many events and activities that visitors and locals alike will enjoy taking part in. Listed below is a list of Christmas events in and around Halifax including children’s events, Santa Claus Parades, Christmas lights, carols, live theatre, and other holiday events.

Contents

1. Christmas Lights & Santa Claus Parades
2. Christmas Carols & Holiday Concerts
3. Christmas Theatre
4. All Other Holiday Themed Events

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I. Christmas Lighting & Santa Claus Parades in Halifax

HSC Tree Lighting Featuring The Mellotones

November 15, 2019 | 6:30 PM – 8 PM

Halifax Shopping Centre

The Chronicle Herald Holiday Parade of Lights

24th Annual Chronicle Herald Holiday Parade of Lights and 5th Annual Red Nose Run. The Chronicle Herald Holiday Parade of Lights presented by Eastlink is the kick-off to the holiday season with festive floats, marching bands, dancers, and a visit from Santa Claus! Details

Saturday, November 16, 2019 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

The Parade begins on Upper Water Street, south of the CFB Halifax Dockyard, and continues onto Barrington Street via the Cogswell Interchange.
Down Barrington Street and turns right onto Spring Garden Road, continuing along Spring Garden Road and turning left onto South Park Street.
Right from South Park Street onto University Avenue, past the IWK Children’s Hospital, and ends at the corner of University Avenue and Robie Street.

Light Up Bedford Parade

Join for Bedford’s Santa Claus Parade. Usher in the holiday season and raise money for charitable organizations. Organized by The Bedford Lions Club!
Details

Sunday, November 17, 2019 | 5:45 PM

Parade Route: Starts at DeWolfe Park, goes along Bedford Hwy to the last bridge at Bedford Place Mall.

Bishop’s Landing Tree Lighting

You’re invited to the Bishop’s Landing Tree Lighting. The more the merrier as we light the tree on the Halifax waterfront with The Big Sing—one part kitchen party, one part concert, and one part comedy event. The holiday spirit will be in full swing as our community comes together to spread Good Tidings and sing our hearts out! Details

Friday November 22, 2019 | 6 PM

Bishop’s Landing, 1475 Lower Water Street, Halifax

Halifax Christmas Tree Lighting

This annual tree lighting event is a ‘must see’ for the whole family. The entertainment includes: live music, and the event finishes with a bang as Santa comes on stage to help light the Halifax Christmas tree and ignite an amazing fireworks display! Enjoy Christina Martin Band, Bob the Builder Live Show, Special Appearance by PAW Patrol Chase. Details

Saturday, November 23, 2019| 6:00PM-7:00PM
7:00 PM | Fireworks

Grand Parade, Downtown Halifax

Spryfield Santa Claus Parade

The longest running Santa Claus Parade east of Montreal is the 44th Annual Spryfield Santa Claus Parade. This popular parade is presented by the Spryfield and District Business Commission. Details

Sunday, November 24, 2019 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Herring Cove Rd, Halifax

The parade begins at Punch Bowl Drive at 2 pm and continues along Herring Cove Road to Dentith Road before concluding at the South Centre Mall (Canadian Tire/Lawtons/No Frills).

Christmas Glow

November 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020

200 Prospect Road, Halifax

$16.99 to $22.99

Halifax Lights Festival

Come down to Downtown Halifax for some holiday magic. Bright lights, holiday shopping, family fun, warm drinks, delicious food and festive entertainment await you. Join us!Details

Interactive holiday music and light display | November 30, 2019 to December 21, 2019

Downtown Halifax

BB Kinsac Lions Club Parade of Lights

Santa will stop at the community centre after the parade is over for cookies and hot chocolate!! Details

Sunday November 24, 2019 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Barrett Lumber yard – Beaver Bank Kinsac Community Centre, 1583 Beaver Bank Rd, Beaver Bank, NS

Annual Sackville Christmas Tree Lighting

Join us for the 11th Annual Sackville Christmas Tree Lighting. Every year, Sackville community organizations come together to provide live music, treats, a visit from Santa and the lighting of the Christmas Trees. Details

Friday November 29, 2019 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Acadia Park, 650 Sackville Drive

Musquodoboit Harbour Christmas Parade of Lights

Bundle up the kids and head out for a great community event. There will be activities throughout the community before and after the parade. We will be collecting non-perishable food items and toys for our local food bank. Bring your Santa letters!! Details

Saturday, December 7, 2019 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Musquodoboit Harbour

TD Dartmouth Christmas Tree Lighting

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting event. Events include a free ride on the Kiwanis Santa Claus Express Trains, Carollers, Fireworks and so much more! Details

Saturday, December 7, 2019 | 4:30 PM – 6:15 PM
Free ride on Kiwanis Santa Claus Express Train | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Visit with Santa | 4:30 PM – 5:55 PM
Dartmouth Christmas Tree Lighting | 5:50 PM
Fireworks | 06:00 PM

Alderney Landing Events Plaza, Dartmouth

II. Christmas Carols & Holiday Concerts in and around Halifax

Johnny Reid My Kind Of Christmas

Johnny Reid is coming to the Scotiabank Centre for the Holidays.
Details

November 20, 2019 | Show: 8:00 PM

Scotiabank Centre, Halifax

Christmas with Heather Rankin and Friends

November 29 to December 1, 2019

6101 University Avenue, Halifax,

Starting at $35

Tales of a Charlie Brown Christmas

Halifax Jazz Festival presents “Tales of a Charlie Brown Christmas,” featuring jazz legend Jerry Granelli, and the Jerry Granelli Trio. Experience this beloved music with the musician who was a part of its inception! Esteemed jazz percussionist Jerry Granelli was a member of the Vince Guaraldi Trio when the band scored and performed the original recording of A Charlie Brown Christmas more than a half century ago. Details

Sunday, December 15, 2019 | 7:00 PM

Spatz Theatre, 1855 Trollope Street, Halifax

$45

Lennie Gallant – The Innkeeper’s Christmas Concert

One of the country’s finest songwriters – Lennie Gallant – brings his Innkeeper’s Christmas show to The Carleton.
Details

December 10, 2019

The Carleton, 1685 Argyle Street, Halifax

The King’s Chorus- Saint Nicolas

Britten’s Saint Nicholas. The King’s Chorus, under the direction of Nick Halley, will perform Britten’s Saint Nicholas with guest soloist Nils Brown, organist Paul Halley, and a chamber orchestra. The text of Britten’s piece, written by Eric Crozier, puts into verse the wildest of the folk tales he dug up in his extensive research on Nicolas, the 4th-century bishop known to us as Santa Claus.
Details

December 6, 2019 | 8 PM

St. Mary’s Basilica, 5221 Spring Garden Road, Halifax

$10 to $100

George Canyon & Aaron Pritchett: 12 Days of Christmas

Canadian country legends and multiple CCMA Award winners George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett will be kicking off the holiday season at Casino Nova Scotia with their ’12 Days of Christmas’ tour on December 6, 2019. These award winning artists have teamed up to share stories, songs and lots of family friendly comedy.
Details

December 6, 2019 | 8 PM

Casino Nova Scotia

$50

A King’s Christmas

Described by the Chronicle Herald as “annual magic”, A King’s Christmas has become an annual tradition for many Nova Scotians. Each year features carols from the mediaeval to the modern, and seasonal readings selected by a special guest narrator. The narrator for this, our 12th season, will be Old Man Luedecke, Nova Scotia’s two-time Juno Award-winning songwriter and banjo player. Old Man Luedecke is loved by audiences not only for the folk tunes he writes with engaging lyrics but also for his off-the-cuff story-telling, both humorous and nostalgic, about life and love, often with a Maritime twist. Old Man Luedecke will be the first narrator of A King’s Christmas to bring both spoken word and new music to the role!
Details

December 15, 2019 | 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Cathedral Church of All Saints,1330 Cathedral Lane, Halifax

A Dave Gunning & J.P. Cormier Christmas

The Dave Gunning & J.P. Cormier’s are returning to The Carleton with their amazing Christmas show.
Details

December 20, 2019

The Carleton, 1685 Argyle Street, Halifax

Handel’s Messiah

Handel’s Messiah is a magnificent, electrifying masterpiece, and a highlight of the Christmas season for millions around the world every year. Together with four guest vocal soloists and the 80-voice Symphony Chorus, Symphony Nova Scotia presents a dramatic, uplifting interpretation of Handel’s glorious holiday favourite.
Details

December 20 & 21, 2019

Rebecca Cohn, 6101 University Avenue, Halifax

Holiday Concert

Start a new family tradition by attending the 8th Annual Holiday Concert of the Second Chances Community Band of Nova Scotia. Conductors: Stephanie McKeown and Chris Ward. Details

Saturday, December 14, 2019 | 2 PM

Halifax Central Library

To Bethlehem with Kings

Friday, December 24, 2019 | 4 PM

First Baptist Church, 1300 Oxford St, Halifax

$20/10 (general/student), $35 (priority), $75 (patron)

III. Holiday Theatre

Hard Candy Christmas

Its Holiday Party Time at the Marshmallow World Candy Company at the Halifax Lodge banquet room. The trouble is that the stuffy law offices of Suttis, McMadden, and Wray are also having a get together. Will the double-booking be merry and bright or a complete disaster? Details

November 15 to January 25, 2020 | 12 PM – 5 PM

Grafton Street Dinner Theatre, 1741 Grafton St. Halifax

Adult $47.83 (plus hst)
Child under 12 $29.87 (plus hst)
Seniors and Students $43.05 (plus hst)
Military Personnel $40.66 (plus hst)

Coastal Dance Theatre Nutcracker

Join for Coastal dance theatre’s nutcracker.

Details

November 29 to December 1, 2019

Alderney Landing Theatre
2 Ochterloney, Dartmouth Waterfront Dartmouth

Adult: $20; Child: $15

The Wizard of … Oz?

Follow some of our favorite past panto characters as they journey through the magical, mystical land of Oz. Can they find their way home or do they help of a Wizard? Details

November 21- December 7, 2019

Pond Playhouse, Halifax

A Cringle Christmas

The Cringle’s North Pole East Coast Distribution Center is about to be a hub of activity. The Gingerbread People prepare for the big night. The East Coast location is critical to a successful big night outcome. Not only is it a pick-up point for North America, South America and Antarctica gifts, it also stables the Reindeer in Reserve and serves as the secure Housing Ordinance of the Holiday Orb.
Details

December 5 – 7, 2019

Alderney Landing Theatre
2 Ochterloney, Dartmouth Waterfront Dartmouth

$17.50

Dickens A Christmas Carol

November 27 to December 28, 2019

The Neptune Theatre -Fountain Hall, 1593 Argyle Street, Halifax

$25 – $42

The Nutcracker

Symphony Nova Scotia’s The Nutcracker is Halifax’s favourite holiday tradition! When a young girl’s toy comes to life, she’s whisked away to an enchanted world where she meets magical creatures, colourful new friends, and the ferocious Mouse Queen. This production is complete with larger-than-life puppets, spirited dancing, and Tchaikovsky’s hauntingly beautiful music.
Details

December 6 to 15, 2019

6101 University Avenue, Halifax

Starting $35

The Celtic Christmas Show

This is a holiday treat for the whole family that will be sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. This year’s cast features the RCMP Pipes and Drums and dancers, the Diaga Irish Dancers, Acadian Step dancers, Scaip na Cleiti dancers, and a band led by Shannon Quinn, and more. Join us for an evening of tradition, culture, and celebration at the 2019 Celtic Christmas Show. Details

December 14 – 15, 2019

Alderney Landing Theatre
2 Ochterloney, Dartmouth Waterfront Dartmouth

Adult: $35; Child: $25

A Christmas Dollhouse

A Christmas Dollhouse is a musical for all ages written by Vladimir Sitnikov and Cheryl Edgett,
based on the novel of same name by Halifax writer Richard Rudnicki. It is based on a true story
that took place in Halifax during 1930s. The story is a reflection of friendship, forgiveness,
kindness, celebration and community at Christmas in Nova Scotia.
Details

December 14, 2019 | 7 PM – 9 PM

283 Thomas Raddall Dr, Halifax, NS

Adult: $25; Child: $15; 3 Member Family Ticket $50: 4 or 5 Member Family $60

IV. All Other Holiday Themed Events

Nova Scotia Tree for Boston Send-Off Event

Come wish me farewell before I depart Nova Scotia on Friday, November 15th at 12 pm. We’ll have performers, music and so much more. It will be a fun time!
Details

November 15, 2019 at 12pm to 1pm

Halifax Grand Parade

Gift Shop Holiday Open House

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at a discount. Sip some hot apple cider, munch on delicious cookies and other delectable treats while you browse the Gift Shop for locally made and one-of-a-kind products.
Details

November 16, 2019 | 9:30 AM – 5 PM

Canadian Museum of Immigration / Musée canadien de l’immigration
1055 Marginal Road, Halifax

Reel Family Movie Night

Get your free tickets to see How The Grinch Stole Christmas ten days before the event at the Alderney Landing Box Office or Scotiabank on Portland Street. Details

December 20, 2019 | 3 PM

Alderney Landing Theatre
2 Ochterloney, Dartmouth Waterfront Dartmouth

Your Very Happy Holiday Party!

Saturday, November 16, 2019 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. All events are subject to availability and weather permitting

Pondside Amphitheatre, The Village Shops, Dartmouth Crossing

Walk Through Bethlehem

Memory Lane Heritage Village will be transformed into the biblical scenes of the nativity, from the census taking of the soldiers of Caesar Augustus, to the “no vacancy” inn, to the marketplace of Bethlehem, to the birthplace of Jesus in the stable with live animals watching! A choir will be performing in the church throughout the duration of the walk, as well as local musicians in the clam factory and at the nativity scene.
Details

November 23, 2019| 4 PM – 7 PM

5435 Clam Harbour Road, Lake Charlotte

Free Will Donation

Festival of Trees

Join the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia for the Compass Group Canada Festival of Trees.Details

November 22 – 23, 2019
Shannex Holiday Luncheon | Friday, November 22 | 11:30 AM
TBC Black Tie Gala | Saturday, November 23 | 8 PM

Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle Street, Halifax

Shannex Holiday Luncheon: $125
TBC Black Tie Gala: $350

BBKCC Breakfast with Santa!

This is your chance to tell Santa what you want for Christmas and have your picture taken with him!
The delicious breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, tater tots & juice, coffee or tea! Details

December 7, 2019 | 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Barrett Lumber yard – Beaver Bank Kinsac Community Centre, 1583 Beaver Bank Rd, Beaver Bank, NS

Tinsel the Talking Christmas Tree!

Tinsel the talking tree is returning to Beaver Bank! December 10th and 11th from 6-8PM! The admission cost for this show is a non-perishable food item for the food bank. Details

December 10 & 11, 2019 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Barrett Lumber yard – Beaver Bank Kinsac Community Centre, 1583 Beaver Bank Rd, Beaver Bank, NS

Gingerbread Family Sunday

Create your own gingerbread house for the holiday season using graham crackers, icing sugar, and lots of colourful candy at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. There will be seasonal cardmaking too. Great for all ages!
Details

December 8, 2019 | 12 PM to 4 PM

1723 Hollis Street, Halifax

$5 per family plus admission

Victorian Christmas at the Halifax Citadel

Make your way to the Halifax Citadel as the historic fort takes on a festive air with Victorian carols, crafts, games and, of course, Father Christmas. Enjoy some hot cider and don’t miss the Parks Canada Victorian photo booth – it’s the perfect way to capture some holiday magic to share with family and friends. Details

November 23 – 24, 2019 | 12 PM -4 PM

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, 5425 Sackville St., Halifax

FREE with a cash or non-perishable food or cash donation to Feed Nova Scotia

Holiday Lunch Buffet

Indulge on our weekly lunch buffet, a fabulous festive spread including turkey and all the trimmings.
Details

November 28 &, 29 December 5, 6, 12, 13, 2019 at 12 to 2pm

The Westin Nova Scotian, 1181 Hollis Street

$26

Christmas Dinner & Dance Weekend

The more the merrier when it comes to holiday cheer – come sink your claws into it! The more the merrier when it comes to holiday cheer – come sink your claws into it!
Details

November 30, 2019

White Point Beach Resort, 75 White Point Beach Resort Rd, Hunts Point

Starting at $274.99 per couple

Festive Sunday Brunch

Sunday is for eating…a lot. We are known for our Sunday brunches, but this is much more special.
Details

December 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2019 | 12 to 2 PM

The Westin Nova Scotian, 1181 Hollis Street

$39

Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk

This merry event helps The Salvation Army to assist families and individuals in need during the Christmas season and throughout the year. The funds raised from this year’s Santa Shuffle will go towards community initiatives, families in need at Christmas, overnight stays in a shelter and many other programs. All funds raised from the Halifax Santa Shuffle stay local for initiatives specifically in HRM. Details

Saturday, December 7, 2019 | 10:00 AM

Starting line: Sackville Sports Stadium 409 Glendale Dr., Lower Sackville
Finish Line: Sobeys, 80 First Lake Dr., Lower Sackville

$20 – $30

Christmas Eve Sleigh Ride

Christmas Eve sleigh or wagon ride. The perfect holiday outing with family and friends! We will be serving hot chocolate to take away the chill after your ride. Details

December 24, 2019 | Noon to 6:30 PM

Hatfield Farm, 1840 Hammonds Plains Road
Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia

$240 for groups of up to 20 people. Above 20 people $10 per adult & $5 per child 3-12, due at the time of booking. Infants 2 and under are free to ride in a parent’s lap.
Reservation times depend on remaining availability. Call (902) 835-5676 to book!

Christmas Day Brunch

Brunch or supper: Celebrate Christmas Day at our famous annual Brunch Buffet. Whether you join us for brunch or supper, a classic roast turkey is the centerpiece of this lavish buffet. Your festive favourites transform from day to night!
Details

December 25, 2019 | 11 AM – 1:30 PM & 5 PM – 7 PM

The Westin Nova Scotian, 1181 Hollis Street

$39

Home for the Holidays Party

Why wait for New Year’s Eve? Glam it up and dance the night away at the season’s fabulous Home for the Holidays Party at the Westin Nova Scotian featuring Halifax’s favourite party band Big Fish and RS Smooth! Featuring BIG FISH. 19+.Details

Saturday, December 29, 2019 | 9 PM to 2 AM

Marriott Halifax Waterfront

$45 plus gratuity and tax; Ticket includes a complimentary first drink.*
The Westin Nova Scotian offers two special packages for Home for the Holidays attendees

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