So it’s Christmas Eve and I’ve been so wrapped up in my Belgium recollections that I’ve completely ignored all the cool stuff that you can do in Halifax over the holiday season.  In the interest of information sharing, here’s some fun stuff that happened in November/December in ye ol’ Halifax:

Around the City

• Victorian Christmas at the Citadel: This was the last week in November and I’m sad I missed it.  Last year I went with a couple of friends and had a blast wandering around the fort, trying on kilts, writing on chalkboards, and drinking cider.
• The Tree Lighting: I didn’t make it to this either, but I’m sure it’s fun.  They set up a big stage, and Santa makes an appearance.  Besides, the tree stays up for a while, so you have loads of time to look at that.
• The Menorah Lighting:  Another thing I missed.  The menorah stays in the Grand Parade for Chanukkah, so while I missed the initial lighting I did get to walk by it on most nights. 

Craft Fairs

• The Halifax Crafters Market: The Halifax Crafters Society usually have a market 4 times a year, but their Holiday market was the first week in December.  So many talented people (I know some of them!) and lots of great work.  Very independant.  This is the place for local artists and crafters to sell their own works.  And no admission fee.
• Gothic Little Christmas: I’ve never been before, but it was the first week in December this year.  There is an admission fee to get in, but it sounds like they’ve got good stuff.  This was their 3rd year, so they must be doing something right.
• Christmas at the Forum:  Usually the first weekend in November, this is the big place for items from all over the province.  There’s admission to get in (you can buy a pass for the day or the weekend), but inside there are lots of crafts, candles, soaps, signs, ornaments, wine, food and everything else.  Oh, and did I mention the firefighters selling calendars?  I usually go there for the food to browse the gifts section.  And for the food.

Theatre-wise

• The Nutcracker – Symphony Nova Scotia: This show plays every year at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, and has been doing so for the past 20 years.  It features the young company of Halifax Dance, local talent, puppets from Mermaid Theatre, and live music.  The music is fantastic (I’m a big fan of the Symphony).  It’s a great show to take the youngins to.
• Holiday Musical – Neptune Theatre:  This year they’re showing “Elf: the Musical” which is based on the movie.  It’s been a while since I’ve seen the movie, but the show differs quite a bit.  That being said, it’s fantastic.  Full of amazing acting, wonderful sets and costumes, lots of laughs, and catchy songs.
• Local Theatre – There’s lots of local talent around Halifax, so you can be sure that something will pop up over the holidays.  LunaSea did their annual “Carols in the Cathedral”; Lions Den Theatre did a live staged reading of “It’s a Wonderful Life” (a radio play version); DaPoPo had a dinner theatre “The Heist Before Christmas”.

Maybe next year I’ll get my act together sooner.  …Or I’ll just link back to this page and call it a day.  Happy Holidays!