What’s On: Seven Things To Do in and Around Halifax This Week [dec 9-15 edition]

The festivities continue in full force this week with vendor markets, holiday-themed brunch extravaganzas and patios, and even more nutcracker dolls and ghosts of Christmas.

If you’re looking for a break from all that, you might also check out a dazzling gala of Indigenous art and culture from performers across the Atlantic.

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

Evergreen Festival

Head down to Halifax’s waterfront for another week of 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 until Sun. December 15.

Find out more here.

Dickens' A Christmas Carol Presented by Neptune Theatre

Also still happening is a local production of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol — because what would Christmas be without Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future?

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 now until Sun. December 29.

Find out more here.

Symphony Nova Scotia Presents The Nutcracker

If you can’t resist enchanted worlds full of Sugar Plum fairies and Mouse Queens and you weren’t able to get out last week, fear not, because Symphony Nova Scotia’s presentation of The Nutcracker is back at it.

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 until Sun. Dec 15 at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium.

Find out more here.

2024 dreamers gala

The Annual Dreamers’ Gala is back for another spectacular evening of food, stories, and music by Indigenous performers from across Mi’kma’ki and Wolastoqey territory.

Hosted by the Ulnooweg Education Centre, this event brings together communities and supporters committed to the preservation of the Eastern Hemlock at Asitu’lisk and and the promotion of Indigenous education and culture. Performers include Alan Syliboy and the Thundermakers f. Morgan Toney, and Samaqani Cocahq and Friends f. the Hello Crews.

The Dreamers’ Gala is happening Thurs. December 12 at the Halifax Convention Centre Ballroom. Tickets are $275 and include a three-course meal inspired by the flavours of Mi’kma’ki.

Find out more here.

Merry and bright patio

Head down to the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront’s annual Merry and Bright patio — part of the Evergreen Festival “Bright” Trail” — for a night of twinkling lights, vibrant Adirondack chairs, a cozy fire and some festive mulled wine or hot cocoa.

The Merry and Bright patio is open Fri. December 13 and Sat. December 14 from 4 to 9 pm, and Sun. December 15 from 3 to 8 pm. Entry is free, food and drinks extra.

Find out more here.

broadway brunch — holiday edition

Brunch + cabaret — sounds dreamy to us. Catch the holiday edition of this Halifax cabaret series featuring Broadway tunes and scrumptious brunch down at The Carleton.

Broadway Brunch — Holiday Edition is happening on both Sat. December 14 and Sun. December 15 at 1pm both days. Tickets are $30.

Find out more here.

Haligonian Vendor Market

Still shopping for all those holiday gifts? Check out over 70 vendors at the Haligonian Vendor Market and find everything from crafts, quilts, and art to donuts, macarons, and other tasty treats.

The Haligonian Vendor Market is happening Sun. December 15 from 11 am to 5 pm at the Light House Arts Centre. Entry is free.

Find out more here.