Halifax 
The 29th Annual Nova Scotia Power Holiday Parade of Lights, presented by Eastlink, is set to illuminate Downtown Halifax on December 8.
This cherished event with a new title sponsor, Nova Scotia Power — following Saltwire Network Inc’s sale to Post Media — will bring holiday cheer to downtown starting at 5 p.m. and promises a spectacle of floats from community groups and corporate entities, bringing together families across the region.
The parade follows the same route as last year, kicking off from Cogswell Street at North Park Street roundabout next to the Emera Oval and Citadel Community Centre. The parade will travel clockwise on the roundabout, then south onto Ahern Avenue, continuing on Bell Road to South Park Street. The parade continues east along Spring Garden Road, turning left onto Barrington Street and ending at George Street.
An accessible viewing area will be available at Halifax Central Library on Spring Garden Road, along with warming stations at key locations.
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.
Alderney Ferry service will be free from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the ferry every 15 minutes. Instead of paying a fare, passengers are invited to support the Parker Street Food Bank by donating money or non-perishable food items. Volunteers from the food bank will be stationed at the Alderney Ferry Terminal to accept donations.
Since its inception in 1995 by the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, the Holiday Parade of Lights has grown into a key event organized by the Holiday Parade of Lights Society, Halifax Regional Municipality, and numerous volunteers.
29th Annual SaltWire Holiday Parade of Lights 2024
- Date and Time: Sunday, December 8, 2024, 5 pm – 7 pm
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.
- Accessible Viewing Area: at the Halifax Central Library on Spring Garden Road.
Transportation and Road Closures:
- Road Closures: Cogswell Street, between Robie Street and North Park Street will be closed at 11 a.m. for parade marshalling. The rest of the parade route along Ahern Avenue, Bell Road, South Park Street, Spring Garden Road, Barrington Street, George Street and Duke Street will begin at 3:30 p.m. 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 8 p.m.; In lieu of fares for the Alderney Ferry, passengers are encouraged to donate money or non-perishable food items to the Parker Street Food Bank.
- Bus Detours: Starting at 5:30 p.m.; details on Halifax.ca/htdisruptions.
