W hat better way to celebrate the holiday season than by supporting local? Whether you’re in the mood for theatre, music or shopping, Halifax is teeming with events over the next few weeks. Let The Coast guide you through all the happenings so you can curate your perfect December calendar.
If you know of any other events that would make a perfect addition to this list don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know.
Holiday Shows and Events
Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this classic story’s Neptune Theatre run.
December 1 to 30, Neptune Theatre, tickets $38-$60.[Theatre]
The Nutcracker
Symphony Nova Scotia, Halifax Dance and the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia team up to bring this longstanding Halifax tradition to life.
December 8 - 17, Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, tickets $35-$75. [Theatre]
Winter Wonderland Classics for Piano
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season with Greg Myre Piano and guest Catherine Little on cello.
December 18, The Music Room, 7pm, tickets $20. [Music]
Barra MacNeils: An East Coast Christmas
East Coast Christmas features a highly entertaining mix of traditional seasonal fare along with entertaining stories and dance, lush harmonies and dynamic instrumental stylings through a Celtic spin.
December 18 & 19, Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, 7:30pm, tickets $46. [Music]
Jokes n' Jingles A Musical Improv Spectacular
Get ready for a night filled with side-splitting jokes and toe-tapping jingles brought to you from Leftovers Comedy.
December 19, The Bus Stop Theatre, 7:30pm, tickets $10-20. [Music & Comedy]
Holiday Comedy Show
Laugh your way through the holidays with comedians Pat Williams and Nick Martinello.
December 20, The Bus Stop Theatre, 8 to 9:30pm, tickets $15. [Comedy]
Winter Solstice at the Farm
Celebrate the shortest day of the year with astronomer and co-author of “Mi’kmaw Moons” David Chapman, and wildlife illustrator and author Jeff Domm on a tea and sunset walk and art making evening and their shop is open for last minute gifts!
December 21, Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum, 4-6:30pm, admission by donation. [Solstice]
Handel’s Messiah
Symphony Nova Scotia brings this worldwide Christmas tradition to the main stage.
December 21 & 22, Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, 7:30pm, tickets $40-$80. [Music]
Holiday Concert with Daniel Matto, Scott Taylor & Anders Balderston
Celebrate the season with an afternoon of holiday songs from jazz vocalist Daniel Matto, painist Scott Taylor and violinist Anders Balderston. Drinks will be served after the music.
December 22, 11am to noon, Woodlawn Public Library, free! [Music]
Festive Special
House-Disco-Hip Hop dance party with DJ T-Woo, Grimrock, OKAY TK & Swee and Vandever Pizza pop-up until sold out.
December 23, Stillwell Taproom & Hi Fi, 8pm to 2am, tickets $12. [Dance]
OWAMBE VIBE Christmas Party
Step into a festive wonderland where the spirit of Christmas joyously harmonizes with the vibrant energy of a traditional Nigerian OWAMBE celebration featuring a buffet feat, dance music and a silent auction.
December 23, 16 Dentith Road, 7 to 10pm, tickets $65.
Take and Make: Mulled Apple Cider
Pick up your mulled apple cider kit to-go and enjoy a warm hug in your mug. Kits available while supplies last.
December 28, Central Public Library, 3 to 5pm, free! [Crafts]
Almost a week until Kwanzaa, so come learn about its history and how to celebrate while making your own fresh pasta.
Kwanzaa culminates with the Karamu Feast on December 31, and mac n' cheese is a staple, so these homemade noodles can become a centrepiece for your home.
December 20, Cole Harbour Public Library, 2:30 to 4pm, free! [Crafts]
Holiday Markets
Seven Days 'till the Holidays Holiday Market
December 18, Seven Bays Gottingen, 6 to 9pm.
Final Halifax Brewery Farmer's Market of the Year
December 23, Halifax Brewery Farmer's Market, 8 to 1pm.
Celebrity Sightings
Woody the Talking Christmas TreeNovember 19-December 24, Mic Mac Mall, Mon-Sat noon to 7pm, Sun noon to 5pm.
Santa at the Mic Mac Mall
November 18-December 23, Mic Mac Mall, Mon-Sat noon to 7pm, Sun noon to 5pm. Santa, Grinch and Billy the Elf at Dartmouth Crossing
Santa's Reindeer Forest at the Halifax Shopping Centre
November 25-December 23, Halifax Shopping Centre.
With files from Lauren Phillips.
