Discover Nova Scotia's Vibrant Event Scene
Nova Scotia is alive with events that cater to every taste, from music festivals and cultural celebrations to thrilling motorcycle rallies and scenic marathons. Whether you're exploring the rugged Highlands or delving into the depths of the ocean, there's always something exciting happening in Nova Scotia.
Don't miss out on the endless array of special events that promise to make your Nova Scotia adventure unforgettable.
Evergreen Festival
The Evergreen Festival is a four-week-long outdoor winter celebration of Nova Scotian food, spirits, craft, and art. The festival is primarily on the Halifax waterfront, but you'll find holiday light displays and festive programming offered by local businesses and public spaces throughout the Halifax region.
The Season of Father Christmas
Join the Season of Father Christmas in Mahone Bay from November 28 – December 24, 2025. Experience the town's holiday magic with twinkling lights, balsam scents, and Christmas gnomes! Fill your stockings with unique treasures and your belly with festive flavours.
New Ross Christmas Festival
The New Ross Christmas celebration begins with a community supper, followed by hundreds gathering to countdown the tree lighting while sipping hot chocolate. The weekend is packed with craft fairs, home-cooked meals, carolers, Christmas tree U-picks, children's fun, and visits to local artisans. The celebration culminates with magical entertainment, singing, and dancing the night away.
Merry Madness 2025
Tis the season to shop local! Merry Madness is returning to Downtown Yarmouth for its 8th year on Friday, December 5th, from 4:30–9:00 PM and Saturday, December 6th, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Don't miss out on this holiday shopping spectacular—secure your spot for a weekend of festive finds!
Lunenburg Christmas Craft Festival
Discover the artistry of Nova Scotia! This market features unique Nova Scotian Artisans and Crafters offering handcrafted pottery, woodcarvings, glass, sewing, wreaths, and various treasures—just in time for your Christmas shopping. Many artisans draw inspiration from the natural landscape to create their pieces. Come and find that unique treasure that captures a little piece of Nova Scotia!
Shelburne's Miracle on Dock Street
Get ready for another amazing year of Miracle on Dock St!!! A stationary parade on Water and Dock Streets, along with the Guild Hall Market, visits from Santa, fireworks and more!
Windsor Christmas Market & Parade of the Woodland Animals
Experience Windsor’s very first Christmas Market and Parade of the Woodland Animals! The event features spectacular illuminated puppets made by the talented artists at Mermaid Theatre. The festivities take place in The Alley (beside The Spitfire Arms Alehouse), which will be transformed into a cozy, covered Christmas Market.
New Glasgow Christmas Market
Step into the magic of the season at the New Glasgow Christmas Market! This festive event brings together talented local vendors offering unique, handcrafted treasures—perfect for holiday gift-giving. Stroll through the cozy market atmosphere, enjoy seasonal treats, and soak up the holiday cheer with friends and family. Find the perfect piece of Christmas magic right here in New Glasgow!
Previous Events
Pictou Christmas Light-up
Ring in the Christmas season in Pictou at the annual Christmas Light-up. Watch a festive parade in downtown Pictou, a vibrant tree lighting ceremony, a live Christmas play, story reading with Mrs. Claus, local entertainment, complimentary hot chocolate and, of course, Santa’s visit.
Antigonish Jazz Festival
Join us for three days of music across multiple venues in the Town of Antigonish, taking in the musical talents of local, regional, and international artists and ensembles.
Hal-Con
Hal-Con, Atlantic Canada’s largest sci-fi and gaming convention, is back in Halifax this fall. With celebrity guests, cosplay competitions, artist alleys, and pop culture panels, there's something for everyone.
Christmas at the Forum
Christmas at the Forum is back for its 47th year! This festive Halifax tradition brings together handmade crafts, local art, and delicious food. As one of Canada's largest and most beloved craft shows, it attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Nova Scotia Music Week
With over 80 artists spanning genres, there's something for everyone at Nova Scotia Music Week! This event engages musicians, fans, and industry professionals globally while showcasing exceptional emerging and established artists from Nova Scotia.
Devour Food & Film Festival
Join us for the 14th edition of Devour! The Food Film Fest, the world’s largest food film festival focused on all things culinary. Revel in the bounty of the Annapolis Valley while taking in exceptional films, workshops, special events and experiential tourism activities that explore the largesse of our region.
Nocturne: Art at Night
The Nocturne program guides residents and visitors alike to a variety of exhibitions in galleries and public spaces throughout downtown Halifax, Dartmouth and beyond.
Nova Scotia Giant Pumpkin Festival & Regatta
This event takes place Thanksgiving weekend on Shelburnes Historic Waterfront. It includes a giant pumpkin weigh off, pumpkin carving, a pumpkin regatta, local market, and many other fun activities for everyone to enjoy!
Valley Harvest Marathon
The Valley Harvest Marathon is a signature event in the Valley during the Thanksgiving weekend now in its 33nd year!
Celtic Colours
Revel in a unique celebration of Cape Breton’s living traditional culture. Discover hundreds of events and activities in communities around the Island, with tens of thousands of visitors from over two dozen countries.