Quick Facts
| Dates | November 27, 2026 – December 20, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Location | Halifax waterfront (Market at Foundation Lot South, 1549 Lower Water Street), with lights across Halifax and Dartmouth |
| Region | Halifax Metro |
| Category | Community |
| Admission | Free (food and drinks extra) |
| Tickets | November 27 – December 20, 2026, Halifax waterfront. Market and lights free; food, drinks, and some special events extra. Market hours: Wed–Fri 4–9 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; closed Mon–Tue. |
| GPS | 44.6445, -63.5711 |
About Evergreen Festival
The Evergreen Festival turns the Halifax waterfront into a four-week outdoor winter celebration of Nova Scotian food, spirits, craft, and light, running November 27 to December 20, 2026. Wooden market chalets line the harbour at Foundation Lot South selling local food, small-batch spirits, hand-poured candles, and gifts; the Evergreen Bright walking trail strings light installations from the waterfront through downtown Halifax and across the harbour to downtown Dartmouth — including the Public Gardens, Peace & Friendship Park, Parade Square, and Queen's Marque. It is the anchor of a Halifax waterfront winter weekend and a natural stop on any best day trips from Halifax itinerary in reverse.
Most of the festival is free. The Evergreen Market runs Wednesday to Friday 4–9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (closed Monday and Tuesday). The free Evergreen Express train loops the waterfront from the North Pole Station at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront; the Winter Sports Zone offers free ball hockey and curling; Spruce the Gonk — the festival mascot — roams the chalets; and the Merry & Bright Patio pours local drinks beside firepits with live music. Spruce's Evergreen Cocoa Trail sends you café-to-café through downtown Halifax and Spring Garden Road collecting hot-chocolate passport stickers (five stickers enters you in a prize draw). The Halifax Public Gardens Holiday Lights glow every evening 5–9 p.m. from November 29 to January 1.
Planning notes: check @evergreenfestns on Instagram before you go — most activations pause in bad weather — and use the festival's interactive map to find chalets, washrooms, and parking. Warming stations by Nordic Sauna Rentals sit at Sands at Salter if the sea wind wins. Pair the festival with Glow Gardens' indoor light show at the Halifax Exhibition Centre (November 19 – January 2) or a drive down the South Shore for Mahone Bay's Season of Father Christmas; for cold-weather packing advice see our Nova Scotia in winter guide.
Make the most of your time in Halifax Metro - pair Evergreen Festival 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.
🎟️ Tickets & Admission
November 27 – December 20, 2026, Halifax waterfront. Market and lights free; food, drinks, and some special events extra. Market hours: Wed–Fri 4–9 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; closed Mon–Tue.
📍 Location & Getting There
Venue: Halifax waterfront (Market at Foundation Lot South, 1549 Lower Water Street), with lights across Halifax and Dartmouth
Region: Halifax Metro
Plan Your Visit
How long you'll need
Evergreen Festival runs November 27, 2026 – December 20, 2026, bridging November and December. The event fills the December window, so book accommodation early for the busiest weekends.
What it costs
Evergreen Festival is free to attend.
Getting there & parking
Downtown venues are an easy walk from most central hotels, and Halifax Transit — including the Dartmouth harbour ferry — is often faster than driving on event nights. Street parking and municipal lots fill quickly around start times, so arrive early or park a few blocks out and walk in.
Nearby dining & things to do
- Explore Halifax Metro
Attractions, dining, and places to stay across the region.
- Nova Scotia Cities & Towns
Every Nova Scotia city, town, and region compared - what each settlement is best for, drive times from Halifax, and how they cluster on the map.
- Halifax Local Guide
The complete insider guide to Halifax - neighbourhoods, hidden gems, where locals eat, and off-the-beaten-path spots.
- Halifax Airport Guide (YHZ)
Halifax Stanfield airport guide: Route 320 bus and taxi fares to downtown, 2026 card-only parking rules, exterior lot $25 minimum, ALT Hotel layovers, and winter fog delays.
- Halifax Dining Guide
Where to eat in Halifax - from lobster rolls on the waterfront to fine dining and craft breweries.
Evergreen Festival FAQ
When is Evergreen Festival?
Evergreen Festival runs November 27, 2026 – December 20, 2026.
Where is Evergreen Festival held?
Halifax waterfront (Market at Foundation Lot South, 1549 Lower Water Street), with lights across Halifax and Dartmouth, Halifax Metro. Coordinates: 44.6445, -63.5711.
How much are tickets and where do I buy them?
November 27 – December 20, 2026, Halifax waterfront. Market and lights free; food, drinks, and some special events extra. Market hours: Wed–Fri 4–9 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; closed Mon–Tue.
Where can I stay nearby?
Recommended areas to stay: Halifax waterfront, Downtown Halifax, Dartmouth.
🌊 Explore Halifax Metro
While you're in Halifax Metro for Evergreen Festival, take time to discover the incredible attractions, dining, and scenery this region has to offer.
🗓️ Plan Around These
Stack your trip with more festivals and events across the province.