Quick Facts
| Dates | Saturday, November 21, 2026 — 31st annual, stepping off at 6:00 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Location | Downtown Halifax — starts at the Cogswell Street roundabout, finishes at Barrington and George |
| Region | Halifax Metro |
| Category | Community |
| Admission | Free |
| Tickets | Official Parade Site — Holiday Parade of Lights Society |
| GPS | 44.6490, -63.5740 |
About NS Power Holiday Parade of Lights
Downtown Halifax switches on the holiday season with the NS Power Holiday Parade of Lights, presented by Eastlink and hosted by the Holiday Parade of Lights Society. The 30th annual parade ran in November 2025, drawing tens of thousands of spectators for a procession of illuminated floats from community groups and corporate partners, marching bands, and the man of the hour himself — Santa closes the parade every year. The 31st annual parade is confirmed for Saturday, November 21, 2026, stepping off at 6 p.m. and running about two hours.
The route is a downtown classic: floats assemble at the Cogswell Street roundabout beside the Emera Oval, head south on Ahern Avenue and Bell Road to South Park Street, turn onto Spring Garden Road, then roll down Barrington Street to finish at George Street. Anywhere along Spring Garden or Barrington gives a good view, but the earliest crowds claim the Cogswell start and the Barrington finish — bring mittens, a thermos, and something to donate. The parade doubles as the region's biggest charity kickoff: MOVE 100's Christmas Toy Drive with Canadian Tire and Virgin Radio's food drive for Feed Nova Scotia collect cash, toys and non-perishable food along the whole route.
The parade is the opening bell of a full Halifax holiday weekend. The Evergreen Festival opens on the waterfront in late November, Glow Gardens lights up the Halifax Exhibition Centre from November 19, the Christkindlmarket fills Alderney Landing across the harbour, and the Halifax Christmas Tree Lighting brings fireworks to the Grand Parade on November 28. Our Christmas in Nova Scotia guide strings them all into one itinerary — and a downtown hotel puts the parade route, the waterfront and the tree lighting all within a short winter walk.
Make the most of your time in Halifax Metro - pair NS Power Holiday Parade of Lights 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
Free — no tickets. The 31st annual parade steps off Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. from the Cogswell Street roundabout.
Tickets available through the official event website. Prices and availability subject to change.
📍 Location & Getting There
Venue: Downtown Halifax — starts at the Cogswell Street roundabout, finishes at Barrington and George
Region: Halifax Metro
Plan Your Visit
How long you'll need
NS Power Holiday Parade of Lights is a single-day event (November 21, 2026). Give yourself the whole day — arrive early to find parking and settle in before things get busy.
What it costs
NS Power Holiday Parade of Lights is free to attend. Buy through the official link in the Tickets & Admission section above.
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.
NS Power Holiday Parade of Lights FAQ
When is NS Power Holiday Parade of Lights?
NS Power Holiday Parade of Lights runs November 21, 2026.
Where is NS Power Holiday Parade of Lights held?
Downtown Halifax — starts at the Cogswell Street roundabout, finishes at Barrington and George, Halifax Metro. Coordinates: 44.649, -63.574.
How much are tickets and where do I buy them?
Free — no tickets. The 31st annual parade steps off Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. from the Cogswell Street roundabout. Tickets: https://www.holidayparadeoflightshfx.com/
Where can I stay nearby?
Recommended areas to stay: Downtown Halifax, Halifax waterfront, Dartmouth.
🌊 Explore Halifax Metro
While you're in Halifax Metro for NS Power Holiday Parade of Lights, 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.