Things to Do this Winter in Halifax: 2026 Festivals and Outdoor Fun

Credit: Discover Halifax

Halifax is the place to be in the winter if you love food, drinks and a good time. While it is cold outside, HRM comes alive with snow fun outside and inside. Here are a few things to do this winter in Halifax.

You may like: Winter in Nova Scotia

I. Events and Winter Festivals in Halifax

Open Waters Festival

Open Waters Festival is an immersion of new and improvised music from diverse sources.
Details

January 6 – 11, 2026

Various locations, Halifax

Halifax Cocktail Festival

The Halifax Cocktail Festival, produced by Curated Food & Drink Magazine, offers a 2-session tasting event at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel. Attendees can savour craft cocktails from Nova Scotia’s top mixologists during each 3-hour session.
Details

March 28, 2026

Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, 1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax

Downtown Dartmouth Ice Festival

Celebrate the winter at the annual Downtown Dartmouth Ice Festival. This year, the festival has grown to three days. There are free family fun events every day of the festival.
Details

January 30 – February 1, 2026

Dartmouth

Global Game Jam

Immerse yourself in game development at Nova Scotia’s Global Game Jam at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Computer Science. Join fellow enthusiasts for a creative weekend, collaborate, and turn your imagination into interactive gaming experiences.
Details

January 30 – February 1, 2026

The PIER at the Seaport, 1209 Marginal Road, Halifax

Credit: Savour Food & Wine Festival

Dine Around

Halifax is home to great food. During February, dozens of restaurants are offering prix-fixe menus that are only available for the month. Taste your way around Halifax without going broke.
Details

February 1 to 28, 2026

Halifax

Sackville Snow Days Festival

Back for its 7th year, the Sackville Snow Day Festival is four days packed with family fun events to get you out in the snow. Events include skating, crafts, parades, and the snowman photo contest.
Details

February 13–15, 2026

Lower Sackville

Hypothermic Half Marathon

The Hypothermic Half Marathon is a winter half-marathon and 10K event.
Details

Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 8:00 AM

Ashburn Golf Course, 3250 Joseph Howe Dr, Halifax

2026 Africa Festival of Arts and Culture Black History Month Dinner Event

Indulge in delicious African cuisine, immerse yourself in vibrant arts and culture, and honor Black History Month in style. This in-person event promises to be a memorable evening filled with music, dance, and community spirit. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and celebrate the rich heritage of Africa.
Details

February 14, 2026 | 6:00 PM

Rosaria Hall, Seton Road, Halifax

Halifax St Patrick’s Parade

St. Patrick’s Parade will feature floats, music, and Irish festivities. Experience the rich culture of one of our oldest communities in the region by joining in and becoming Irish for the day!
Details

TBA
March 16, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

The 2026 parade route TBA

+LIVE+

+LIVE+ will be performing all their big hits from throughout their career such as “Lightning Crashes,” “I Alone,” “All Over You,” “Lakini’s Juice,” “The Dolphin’s Cry,” “Pain Lies on the Riverside,” and more at the Scotiabank Centre!
Details

March 14, 2026 | 7:00 PM

Scotiabank Centre, Halifax

II. Attractions, Outdoor Winter Activities & Adventures in Halifax

Emera Oval

Spend the day skating on the largest outdoor, artificially refrigerated ice surface east of Quebec City. During the winter, The Emera Oval transforms into a skating trail. The ice surface is open every day as long as the weather is clear.
Details

5775 Cogswell Street, Halifax

Ski Martock

Just a short drive from Halifax is Nova Scotia’s most popular ski resort. The fun does not stop at dusk, as the lights turn on, the snow fun continues as the stars come out.
Details

370 Ski Martock Road, Martock

Halifax Commons

If you are just starting to snowshoe, try the flat terrain at the Halifax Common. The Emera Oval offers free equipment rentals, which include snowshoes. All you need is government issued photo ID to use the equipment.
Details

5775 Cogswell Street, Halifax

Sir Sandford Fleming Park

Sir Sandford Fleming Park is well maintained for a variety of winter activities, including hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The park has 2.8 kilometres of trails that will take you along the Northwest Arm of the Harbour.
Details

Dingle Road, Halifax

Shubie Park

Shubie Park is a popular park, located on the north side of Lake Micmac. The park is open during the winter. There are three main routes around the park. There are always plenty of people around the park.
Details

54 Locks Road, Dartmouth

MacDonald Sports Park

A popular location for cross-country skiing, MacDonald Sports Park offers almost 5km of trails to explore, with picnic areas to stop at. The trails take you through natural forest and open fields. Expect to share the trails in this park.
Details

1390 Cobequid Road, Waverley

The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail

South of Highway 103 near Timberlea is a lovely trail. The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail is popular, year-round. The trail rewards hikers with views of rock faces, waterways and protected forest. This trail is not for the inexperienced as you can easily get lost.
Details

2890 St Margarets Bay Road, Timberlea

The Pit

Merv Sullivan Park is home to one of the best tobogganing hills in HRM. The Pit requires you to wear a helmet when sliding down the hill. It is a steep hill, so be prepared for a fast ride and a long climb to the top.
Details

3791 Novalea Drive, Halifax

Citadel Hill

One of the tallest hills in Halifax, Citadel Hill is one of the most popular tobogganing hills. If you decide to go tobogganing here, avoid sliding into the roads. Be prepared for bumps along the way.
Details

5425 Sackville Street, Halifax

Ashburn Golf Course

On the West End of Halifax, the Ashburn Golf Course hill are a local favourite for tobogganing. It is a smaller, family-friendly hill. It is not the most popular spot, so it is less crowded.
Details

3250 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax

Gorsebrook Park

A popular location to toboggan and known for its varying levels of steepness, with a long landing area. On the corner of Robie and Inglis Street, Gorsebrook Park is conveniently located. There is enough room and varying steepness in the hill to keep kids of all ages entertained.
Details

Gorsebrook Park, Lundys Lane, Halifax

Oakfield Provincial Park

Just Fall River is Oakfield Provincial Park. The park is very popular in the summer for swimming. In the winter, the grassy hill turns into a great spot for tobogganing. You will have to park at the gate and walk into the park to the hill.
Details

366 Oakfield Park Road, Grand Lake

Sleight Rides at Hatfield Farm Cowboy Adventures

Once there is snow on the ground, sleigh rides start at Hatfield Farm Cowboy. If there is not enough snow, wagon rides are offered in place.
Details

1840 Hammonds Plains Road, Hammonds Plains

Discovery Centre

A visit visit location, The Discovery Centre, makes learning fun for all ages. Their five state-of-the-art exhibits allow you to have a hands-on learning experience. The centre hosts travelling exhibits, so there is also something new to check out.
Details

1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax