Ring in the holidays on the Halifax Waterfront

When the temperatures start to drop, the great debate begins — what are the best ways to spend the holiday season in Halifax?

Some say checking out the Mic Mac Mall’s (terrifying) Woody the Talking Christmas Tree is most enjoyable, and others might claim tedious, freeze-your-butt-off Christmas parades are the way to go. But for many, the Evergreen Festival by the harbour takes the cake.

The Evergreen Festival is an annual, month-long celebration that takes place on the Halifax Waterfront every holiday season. It is a venture of Build Nova Scotia, in association with Lupin Events. The festival features booths from local vendors, live music, a light show and a lot of hot chocolate.

The person behind the magic

Mace Munroe works at this year’s festival, taking up the identity of Spruce, Evergreen’s beloved mascot. Spruce is the festival’s take on the highly popular Gonk: a whimsical, gnome-like holiday character that has dominated seasonal merchandise for several years. Spruce, unlike other Halifax holiday mascots, is friendly and adorable rather than freakish and uncanny (looking at you, Woody).

“I find whenever I’m in the suit, I usually have a huge grin on, even though no one can see my face,” says Munroe. “It helps me stay in the character of being all energetic and optimistic and saying hi to everyone.”

A perfect way to spend the holidays

Munroe says the festival is not just a seasonal event, it’s a great way of bringing people together. 

“It’s really fun. It’s nice to talk to so many people,” says Spruce.

With a steady crowd of attendees browsing, playing and sipping, the holiday joy on the Waterfront is infectious. Chad Enwright and Sydney Blackmore, a couple who stopped by Evergreen to check it out, agreed on their favourite part of the holidays.

“I like spending time with my family and decorating and the togetherness and just giving,” says Enwright. The Evergreen Festival is the perfect place to do just that.

Happy paw-lidays 

And Evergreen’s fun isn’t just for humans — dogs get star treatment all across the festival, with pop-up photo studios and gourmet dog treat vendors. 

Krista Sherborn, the owner of Bailey’s Barkery says the Evergreen Festival is off to a great start.

“It’s been excellent. It’s our second time here. We love it. We really just like to pet the dogs.” 

Who doesn’t feel merry when dogs are around? Four-legged friends are a regular sight at Evergreen. Its open, walkable venue and friendly staff make it the perfect place to bring your pup.

Check out the festival this winter

The Evergreen Festival has been spreading holiday cheer since its first year in 2020. It’s interactive, fun for all and a classically sweet way to get in the holiday spirit. It has the perfect cheerful atmosphere for this time of year.

The festival takes place on Wednesdays to Sundays at the Halifax Waterfront, from Nov. 22 until Dec. 14.