What’s On: Eight Things To Do in and Around Halifax This Week [dec 2-8 edition]

It’s officially December (somehow), which means that the holiday festivities are on full blast.

Winter celebrations, Dickens theatrical adaptations, pop-up markets, and holiday concerts are abounding this week in Halifax and, as they say, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.

Here’s our roundup of (mostly holiday related) things to do in and around Halifax this week:

Evergreen Festival

Head down to Halifax’s waterfront for this outdoor winter celebration of Nova Scotian culture, food, spirits, crafts and art.

You’ll find the vendor market — housed in cozy wooden chalets — music and entertainment, cozy fires at the beer garden, a winter sports zone, light installations, and even an Evergreen Express to get you feeling fuzzy with cheer.

Evergreen Festival is on Wed-Sun from now until Sun. December 15.

Find out more here.

Dickens' A Christmas Carol Presented by Neptune Theatre

What would Christmas be without Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future?

For this year’s fill of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, make your way to the Neptune Theatre where you’ll get to see this one-person theatrical adaptation full of zippy dialogue, physical comedy, and even audience participation.

Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is on from Thurs. December 5 to Sun. December 29.

Find out more here.

A Neighbourly Holiday Market

Whether you’re just getting started — or close to finishing up — your holiday shopping, A Neighbourly Holiday Market is here with local makers, artists, and artisans for all your gift-giving needs.

Park Lane Mall and Spring Garden Place will be transformed into a holiday market pop-up for two Fridays in a row this month to encourage all that shopping local.

A Neighbourly Holiday Market will be on Fri. December 6 and Fri. December 13 from 1-9 pm both days.

Find out more here.

Unwrapped -- A Queer Holiday Concert

Celebrate the diversity of the community and some innovative non-traditional music with Unwrapped — A Queer Holiday Concert.

Along with solos, duets and performances from the entire cast, the event will include a potluck-style lunch the day of to inspire community gathering, connecting with new friends, and — of course — celebrating the holidays.

Unwrapped will be happening at the Bus Stop Theatre at 7 pm on Fri. December 6.

Find out more here.

Symphony Nova Scotia Presents The Nutcracker

Who can resist enchanted worlds full of Sugar Plum fairies and Mouse Queens? If you’re a Nutcracker enthusiast (as are we), venture out to Symphony Nova Scotia’s presentation of The Nutcracker.

Along with the Symphony’s rendition of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, you can expect larger-than-life puppets and spirited dancing to sweep you away with this classic holiday tradition.

The Nutcracker is running from Fri Dec. 6 to Sun. Dec 15 at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium.

Find out more here.

Natalie Macmaster & Donnell Leahy -- A Celtic Family Christmas

The MacMaster/Leahy family is back at it with their Celtic Family Christmas for two Halifax performances full of traditional and original music, personal stories, and candid moments.

Catch A Celtic Family Christmas on Fri. Dec 6 and Sat. Dec 7 at the Light House Arts Centre. Tickets start at $66.30.

Find out more here.

Nova Scotia Power Holiday Parade of Lights Presented by Eastlink

The Parade of Lights is back for its 29th edition with new sponsorship from Nova Scotia Power and Eastlink.

This year’s parade will continue a long-lived holiday tradition with festive floats, vibrant performances, and — obviously — an appearance from Santa Claus, so bring out the whole family for the official start of Halifax’s festive season.

The parade will begin at the Cogswell Street roundabout and make its way through the downtown, ending at George Street.

The Holiday Parade of Lights will be happening from 5-8 pm on Sun. December 8th.

Find out more here.

Reeny's Family Christmas

Vocal powerhouse Reeny is returning to the Carleton with her spiritually uplifting Family Christmas Show.

Raised in North Preston, this local musician is the winner of three African Nova Scotia Music Awards and the Music Nova Scotia’s African Canadian Artist of the Year award (twice), so you can bet she’ll be bringing the energy, joy and musical chops to this holiday special.

Reeny’s Family Christmas is on Fri. December 6th at 8 pm. Tickets are $30 in advance.

Find more here.