Halifax 
The 28th Annual SaltWire Holiday Parade of Lights, presented by Eastlink, is set to illuminate Downtown Halifax on November 18, 2023.
This cherished event marks the beginning of the holiday season, with a new route to accommodate ongoing construction in the Cogswell District. The parade starts at 6 p.m. at the Cogswell Street roundabout, moving through various streets before concluding at George Street.
This year’s parade will honour the extraordinary efforts of Nova Scotia’s firefighters and first responders, led by Halifax Fire Chief Ken Stuebing as the parade marshal. Their tireless work during the recent wildfires and floods across Nova Scotia is a central theme of gratitude and recognition. The organizers acknowledge the collective efforts of numerous firefighters and personnel who played crucial roles in managing these crises.
The parade promises a spectacle of floats from community groups and corporate entities, bringing together families from across the region. An accessible viewing area will be available near Victoria Park, along with warming stations at key locations. Santa Claus, in his festive spirit, will conclude the parade.
Spectators are encouraged to bring donations, including non-perishable food items and toys, supporting Move 100’s Christmas Toy Drive and Virgin Radio’s food drive for Feed Nova Scotia. These collected items will assist in supporting local community needs.
Since its inception in 1995 by the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, the SaltWire Holiday Parade of Lights has grown into a key event, organized by the Holiday Parade of Lights Society, Halifax Regional Municipality, and numerous volunteers.
28th Annual SaltWire Holiday Parade of Lights 2023
- Date and Time: November 18, 2023, at 6 p.m.
Parade Route:
- Starts at: Cogswell Street roundabout near Emera Oval and Citadel Community Centre.
- Route: South on Ahern Avenue → Bell Road → South Park Street → East on Spring Garden Road → Left on Barrington Street → Ends at George Street.
Transportation and Road Closures:
- Road Closures: Begin at 3:30 p.m. along the parade route. Roads reopen post-parade.
- Parking: No parking along the route; vehicles will be ticketed and towed.
- Travel Advice: Plan ahead, expect increased traffic, and consider alternative transportation.
- Alderney Ferry Service: Free from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; encouraged donations to Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank.
- Bus Detours: Starting at 5:30 p.m.; details on Halifax.ca/htdisruptions.
Accessibility and Amenities:
- Accessible Area: Intersection of South Park Street and Spring Garden Road near Victoria Park.
- Warming Stations: Neptune Theatre on Argyle Street and The Cathedral Church of All Saints on Cathedral Lane.
Broadcast Information:
- Live Broadcast: On Eastlink Community TV at 7 p.m.
- Rebroadcasts: Every Saturday until Christmas at 4 p.m. on Eastlink Community TV.
