The BEST Holiday Markets and Events in Nova Scotia (2021)

Celebrating the Holidays & supporting local are two things distinct, but it can easily be merged together. One great way to do so is to shop at those local markets in or around your city. Spread the joy this season with items that are more personal than that generic brand from the big stores.

We've combined a list below of the best 2021 holiday markets & events in Nova Scotia.

Evergreen Festival - Downtown Halifax, NS

Image source: https://www.evergreenfestns.com/

Evergreen Festival is 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.

Retailers, restaurants, hotels, attractions, public spaces throughout the Halifax region will bring to life illuminations, programming, and animations that create a festive feeling of celebration!

This festival is starting on November 26 until December 29.

Christmas At The Forum - Halifax, NS

Image source: https://christmasattheforum.com/

Christmas At The Forum has developed a well-earned reputation for presenting the largest, most diverse selection of quality crafts and art in the region, for creating a joyous, festive atmosphere conducive to selling, and for continuing to bring ever-larger crowds of enthusiastic buyers to the show each year.

It has been attracting tens of thousands of new and loyal visitors to the show for over 43 years, making it the most popular and longest running Christmas craft show in Eastern Canada. This is a show you don't want to miss!

The big show is being held November 5 – 7 with smaller shows running Friday-Sunday from November 12 until December 5.

The Winter Market - Dartmouth, NS

Image source: https://www.instagram.com/dartmouthmakers/

With over 50 Makers in the heart of Downtown Dartmouth, it's the one best in holiday shopping options for your local, handmade, and beautifully crafted items. Find a variety of locally made Jewelry, Ceramics, Stationary, Prints, Apparel, Textiles, Home Decor, Cosmetics, with lots of Food and more. Free admission.

The Winter Market will be held at Christ Church Parish Hall on Ochterloney Street in Downtown Dartmouth.

Nov 26, Friday's market is from 5pm-9pm and Nov 27, Saturday is 9am-5pm.

Christmas By The Sea - Lunenburg, NS

Image source: https://www.facebook.com/xmassea

Discover an outdoor Christmas market in the timeless Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Booths of local crafts, food, arts, and many other unique vendors lines up on King Street in Lunenburg on November 27, 2021 between 12 pm and 9 pm.

With monitored warming stations and plenty of hot cocoa you will feel the warmth from your heart to your toes. This event sails smoothly along with the annual Christmas Parade in the afternoon and the tree lighting at the Band Stand happening at 7 pm the same day!

Father Christmas Festival - Mahone Bay, NS

Image source: https://www.facebook.com/MahoneBayChristmas/

On the south shore in Mahone Bay, enjoy a 10 day of activities for the annual Father Christmas Festival. The lovely picturesque town will be filled with over 90 handcrafted life-size Father Christmas figures, carolers, vendors, and family-friendly events. The event happens usually in late novembre/early december each years.

Sherbrooke Village Old Fashioned Christmas - Sherbrooke Village, NS

Image source: https://oldfashionedchristmas.sherbrookevillage.ca/

Welcome to the annual Sherbrooke Village Old Fashioned Christmas. Discover the old feeling of celebrating the Holidays. The ceremonies will start with a night tree lighting, fireworks and entertainment. Enjoy throughout the weekend Christmas craft sales and workshops, entertainment, festive dining and lantern tours, a special visit to "Whoville", Victorian teas, Children's Christmas Tea and Storytime and more!

There's something for everyone this holiday season so get your “Hands On History” while getting into the holiday spirit at Sherbrooke Village, from Friday, Nov. 26th to Sunday, Nov. 28th.

SUMMARY

There are plenty more markets & events this 2021 holiday season. A simply search around each cities and you'll find smaller scale or lesser known ones, but just as awesome as the ones above. Feel free to share some that we've missed and we will add them to the list!