It’s that time of the year again: the air is getting crisper, and the humidity is finally leaving (as much as it does in Halifax). It’s just about time for the fog-rain to turn into fog-snow, and that means it’s time to start thinking about the holidays. Do you have hard-to-buy-for people on your Christmas gift list? Don’t panic. There are tons of places to shop in the Halifax area that can offer you beautiful, unique, and hand-crafted gift items to put under your tree this year. From hand-crafted toys to original artwork and art prints, you have a lot of options close at hand. Just take a look through some of the holiday markets near you for more gift ideas than you’ll know who to buy them for.
When are the holiday markets in Halifax happening?
They’ve already started. Between now and Christmas, you’ll have a plethora of markets and craft fairs to choose from. Here is a list of the fan favourites that are coming up near you.
The Night Market is continuing from now through December at Carroll’s Corner to make sure you have enough time to shop for all the gifts that pop up on your list, so make sure you keep your Thursday nights clear. The Night Market will run November 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, as well as December 7 and 14. And don’t forget to wear your costume tomorrow (October 26), for the special Halloween edition.
Holiday Bliss is coming up this weekend at the Bedford Lions Den. From 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on October 28, you’ll be able to shop for unique gift items that have been handmade by local artisans. For admission, just bring a donation for The Halifax Shoe Box Project.
Christmas at the Forum will take place from November 3-5 at the Halifax Forum. Saturday’s special offer includes 2-for-1 admission after 5:00 p.m. Entrance fees cover you for the whole weekend, so be sure to stop by once, twice, or even three times to stock up on Christmas gift items.
Marley’s Hope Fall Craft Show is back from November 4-5, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Cole Harbour Place. With $2 admission, the price to explore all of the exciting gift ideas is hard to beat.
Christmas Craft Village will be held at the Halifax Exhibition Centre this year from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from November 10-12, and Cole Harbour Place will be hosting Christmas Craft Show on November 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Craft Nova Scotia Christmas Show will be back at the Cunard Event Centre at Pier 23 November 17-19. The Eastern Shore Annual Seaside Christmas will also take place November 17-19 at The Eastern Shore, and Christmas at the Club will be held at the Eastern Passage Buffalo Club on November 18. The 3rd Annual Tantallon Holiday Craft Market will follow on November 19 at Shining Waters Marine, admission by a non-perishable or cash food bank donation.
Back by popular demand November 24-26: The 2017 Dalplex Christmas Craft Market at the Dalplex. Christmas at the Sportsplex will also take place that weekend, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on November 25 at the East Hants Sportsplex. On November 25, The 2nd Annual Christmas Countdown Craft/Vendor Fair will take place at Saint Theresa’s Parish, and The Crafter’s Train Christmas Market will be back in town at the Full Gospel Church, Halifax. On November 26, Craft Fair for Bunnies will take place at Weir Recreation Hall.
Shopping Under the Stars will be back on Spring Garden Road from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on December 1 and again on December 8, and from December 1-3 you’ll also be able to check out the Christkindlmarket at Alderney Landing.
Estabrooks Holiday Market will take place December 2 at Estabrooks Community Hall, and the Halifax Exhibition Centre will be hosting The Holiday Wishlist from December 2-3. Lawrencetown Christmas Craft And Vendor Fair will also take place December 2-3 at the Lawrencetown Community Centre.
The 2nd Annual Christmas on the Basin will be held December 16 at Mount Saint Vincent University, Rosaria Hall, and finally, on December 9-10, pop by the Last Minute Christmas Craft Show at the Halifax Forum – Maritime Hall. Admission is free!
You have plenty of opportunities to find the most unique holiday gift items, so take advantage of all of the local artisans near you by checking out Halifax’s holiday market lineup.
Thoughts from the Gallery 