Halifax Christmas Tree Lighting

Halifax switches on its holiday season the old-fashioned way: a municipal Christmas tree in the Grand Parade, the civic square between City Hall and St. Paul's Church that has been the city's front lawn since 1749. The 2026 lighting runs Saturday, November 28 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., and it is completely free — no tickets, just show up. One hour packs in a Gabby's Dollhouse dance party at 6 p.m., live music from the Julia Tynes band with special guests PAW Patrol Chase and Skye at 6:30, and the countdown, tree lighting and fireworks at 6:55, with a visit from Santa closing the evening. It runs rain, snow or shine — the event page's own advice is to bring a raincoat.

The lighting is deliberately built for young families: the dance party and PAW Patrol appearances are aimed squarely at the under-8 crowd, and the whole program is done in an hour, well before bedtime. Grand Parade is at the foot of Barrington Street, a five-minute walk from the Halifax waterfront and the ferry terminal — arrive by 5:30 p.m. for a spot with a view of the stage, and dress for late-November Nova Scotia, which means hats, mittens and waterproof boots. Downtown restaurants fill fast before 6 p.m. on lighting night; book ahead using our Halifax local guide.

The tree lighting is the starting gun for Halifax's holiday run. The Evergreen Festival opens the night before on the waterfront (November 27, running four weeks), Glow Gardens lights up the Halifax Exhibition Centre from November 19, and the Public Gardens holiday lights run nightly from late November — enough for a full festive weekend in the city. Dartmouth hosts its own TD tree lighting across the harbour the same weekend, with the Christkindlmarket at Alderney Landing after the fireworks. See our Nova Scotia in winter guide for everything else that's open in December.

Make the most of your time in Halifax Metro - pair Halifax Christmas Tree Lighting 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.