The Holidays in Halifax: Enjoying Your Break on a Budget

Written by Sophie Downie Allen

@sophiedownieallen

Thumbnail and Header Photo by Алсу Вершинина on Unsplash

The holiday break is almost upon us! The end of the fall term means no more classes, no more assignments, and for some students, it means leaving Halifax and returning home for a while, wherever that may be. However, many SMU students will stay in Halifax over the break, whether because Halifax is their hometown, they live in the city full-time, or avoiding travel is more convenient and affordable. If you are one of the students planning to spend the holidays in Halifax, you may be curious about ways to get out and celebrate the season or just pass the time. Well, you’re in luck! Halifax has plenty of holiday attractions to offer during the winter months, with many of them being inexpensive or even free. Having lived here my whole life, I know the city can provide a unique and exciting holiday experience that doesn’t break the bank — you simply need to know where to look. Without further ado, here is my list of (affordable!) holiday-related activities that will allow you to make the most of your winter break in Halifax. 

Delightful Downtown: Free 

Delightful Downtown is a series of light shows organized by the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, running from October 2021 to March 2022. You can find light installations at various locations throughout Downtown Halifax, and many attractions are still yet to be announced. One of the installations of Delightful Downtown is a light projection series displayed onto the former Halifax Memorial Library at Grafton Park. The Downtown Halifax website states that the series features “different light shows that will change to reflect relevant seasonal and cultural themes.” So, if you choose to check out this light projection series over the break, you can expect to see vibrant holiday and winter-themed light shows. The light projection show starts at 5 pm each day and runs throughout the evening. Another fixture of Delightful Downtown is the winter-themed lights at the Peace and Friendship Park, which feature a 26-metre tall illuminated tree. So, if you’re looking for a low-effort and cost-effective way to get into the holiday spirit over the break, consider taking an evening stroll downtown!

Woody the Talking Christmas Tree: Free

By now, you’ve probably seen more than a few memes about Woody the Talking Christmas Tree. Woody is a 15-metre tall robotic tree, complete with a face, located at Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth, less than 10 minutes from Downtown Halifax. Woody’s interactive quality makes him unique; those who approach Woody can converse with him in real-time. Woody used to be a popular fixture during the holidays in Halifax until he was retired 15 years ago. Now, Woody has returned in a refurbished state, and the internet is certainly paying attention. Many have made comments about Woody’s “creepy” appearance; Jimmy Fallon even poked fun at the tree on his show by saying, “well, now we know what the Christmas episode of Squid Game will look like.” Despite the jokes, Woody remains widely beloved, especially by Haligonians. Many locals praised his comeback, lauding him as a “historical monument” and “Christmas treasure”. Whether you think Woody is cute or creepy, he is a unique attraction worth checking out, and it won’t cost you a dime. You can talk to Woody seven days a week, and he will remain at Mic Mac Mall until December 23rd.

Volunteering: Free 

The holidays signify a time of celebration and relaxation for most students. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone is fortunate enough to spend the holidays how they want. This time of year can be challenging for some people, especially if they are already struggling to acquire basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. Acts of kindness can truly make all the difference to those struggling during the holidays, and volunteering is an excellent way to exercise compassion and give back. Halifax has plenty of volunteer opportunities during the holiday season and you can find an extensive and chronological list of available positions here. 

Evergreen Festival: Prices vary

Live music, shopping, fair rides, and food — these are just some of the things you will find at Halifax’s one and only Evergreen Festival, located on the Halifax Waterfront. The festival website describes the event as a “4-week-long outdoor winter showcase of Nova Scotian culture, food, spirits, craft, art, and memorable experiences to celebrate and embrace the essence of the season.” Needless to say, Evergreen Festival is your one-stop shop for all things related to the holidays. Highlights of the festival include Evergreen Bright, a compilation of light installations and displays extending throughout the city; the Evergreen Market; a collection of local vendors selling holiday-related goods; and the Evergreen Stage, where you can watch local artists perform live on the water. So, if there is an event that will immerse you in the spirit of the season, it’s this one! The Evergreen Festival runs until December 19th, so make sure to pay a visit to the Evergreen Village before it’s too late.

Glow Gardens: $22.99-25.99 per person + additional expenses

If you’re intrigued by the Evergreen Festival but don’t want to spend extended time in the cold, the Glow Gardens are the perfect indoor alternative. The Glow Gardens, located at the Halifax Exhibition Centre, offer many similar amenities and events to the Evergreen Festival, such as live entertainment, a winter-themed market, and a fun zone. What separates the Glow Gardens from other holiday-themed events in Halifax is the elaborate light garden covering most of the exhibition centre. While light displays are a common theme in Halifax this holiday season, Glow Gardens features unique installations such as illuminated hanging picture frames, LED hopscotch and swings, and even a fully operational glowing train. The light garden is full of stunning photo spots, so if you’re a student with a passion for social media, taking a trip to the Glow Gardens could be the perfect chance to make your feed pop. The Glow Gardens will remain at the HEC until January 2nd and you can buy tickets to the event here.

A Christmas Carol at Neptune Theatre: $45 per person

Although the cost is slightly steep for the average student, I would recommend buying a ticket to Neptune’s rendition of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol if you can afford it. Several years ago, I saw A Christmas Story at the Neptune on Christmas Eve, and it is still one of my fondest holiday memories. Seeing the show with my family reminded me what the holiday season is truly about — spending quality time with the people you love. While you shouldn’t have to spend $45 to have a great time with your loved ones, taking your family or friends to see A Christmas Carol is a great way to get everyone feeling festive (and a little bit fancy!). This year’s rendition of A Christmas Carol sees the return of notable actor Rhys Bevan-John as Ebenezer Scrooge for the fifth year in a row, so you can be sure to expect a stellar performance on behalf of the cast. A Christmas Carol will be playing at Neptune until December 26th; you can view showtimes and purchase tickets based on availability here.

If you’re interested in learning more about upcoming holiday events in Halifax, you can visit the Discover Halifax website. You will find that Halifax has a lot more going on during the holiday season than what appears on this list, such as craft shows, Christmas buffets, comedy shows, and new year’s eve celebrations. So, if you get out and explore the city this winter break, you can be sure to find a holiday activity that appeals to you.

Claire Keenan