Christkindlmarket at Alderney Landing

Dartmouth's answer to the German Christmas market takes over Alderney Landing on the downtown waterfront for the last weekend of November. The Christkindlmarket is the real thing — an authentic traditional German-style market the venue has run for years, pouring hot cider, presenting live music, and filling its gallery with a Living Christmas Tree where children's choirs sing. Admission is free, and the merry-go-round rides out front are complimentary too, which is why the ferry-terminal square fills with young families all weekend.

The market is deliberately timed to the TD Dartmouth Christmas Tree Lighting at Sullivan's Pond on the Saturday evening (November 28, 2026). The civic program ends with fireworks over the pond, then the whole crowd is invited on a carolling walk down to Alderney Landing to finish the night at the market — the 2025 edition ran Friday 4–8 p.m., Saturday 3–9 p.m. and Sunday noon–3 p.m. 2026 dates were still unannounced as of October 31, 2026 — alderneylanding.com lists only October events — so treat the last-weekend-of-November pattern as expected rather than confirmed. Between the artisan vendor stalls, Maritime Marionettes and Serpentine Studio keep younger visitors entertained; exact 2026 hours are confirmed closer to the date on the Alderney Landing site.

Getting there is half the charm: the Halifax–Alderney ferry docks a two-minute walk from the door, so you can leave the car in Halifax and make an evening of it. Pair the market with the same-weekend openings across the harbour — the Evergreen Festival on the Halifax waterfront and Glow Gardens — or see our Nova Scotia in winter guide for the full holiday calendar.

Make the most of your time in Halifax Metro - pair Christkindlmarket at Alderney Landing with our Halifax Dining Guide, Family Travel Guide, and Best Day Trips from Halifax. They're each packed with itinerary ideas, local tips, and everything you need to extend your stay.