We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Halifax for 2026. The season starts on November 22 with Get Ready for the Light Up Bedford Parade and runs until December 23 (Elf on the Shelf). 7 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Canada.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Halifax, Dartmouth, Lower Sackville, Cole Harbour and Bedford
- First: Get Ready for the Light Up Bedford Parade, Bedford, November 22
- Free events: Puppet Show: Christmas at Creepy Castle and Letters to Santa, Puppet Show: Holiday Double Feature, Sensory-Accessible Concert by Cecilia Concerts: The Smith Sisters, Holiday Puppet Show, Puppet Show: Holiday and Puppet Show: Here Comes Santa Cat
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included).
Halifax Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities and towns
- Halifax, Dartmouth, Lower Sackville, Cole Harbour, Bedford and Upper Tantallon
- Season
- November 22 to December 23
- Free events
- 7
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Halifax
3 confirmed events in Halifax, soonest first.
Storytime: Oliver's Polish Christmas
Christmas story timeHalifax Public Libraries · Halifax
- Host
- Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Captain William Spry Public Library, 16 Sussex Street, Halifax B3R 1N9
- When
- Sat, Nov 28, 10:30 am to noon
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Captain William Spry Public Library hosts a special family storytime with author Tom Urbaniak, a political science professor at Cape Breton University, who reads his heartwarming holiday story for all ages about finding light and love during the season. The library frames it as a chance to learn about treasured family traditions and think about ways to make those traditions your own.
After the reading, families can enjoy hot chocolate and holiday crafts. The program is listed for all ages and runs for an hour and a half on a Saturday morning, which leaves time to linger over the craft table. Captain William Spry Public Library is on Sussex Street in Spryfield, in the Halifax mainland area.
Parent tip: Plan to stay after the reading for hot chocolate and the holiday craft.
See dates and details from Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Puppet Show: Holiday Double Feature
Christmas story timeFreeHalifax Public Libraries · Halifax
- Host
- Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Halifax Central Library (Lindsay Children's Room, Floor 2), 5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax B3J 1E9
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 11 am to noon
- Cost
- Free tickets, handed out 30 minutes before
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Halifax Central Library presents a holiday double feature puppet show in the Lindsay Children's Room on the second floor. Two favourite stories come to life on the puppet stage, one about a bear at Christmas and one about a bear at Hanukkah, so young children get a taste of both celebrations in a single visit. The library invites families to watch their favourite stories turn into a puppet show at the library.
The show is for all ages and lasts about an hour. Space is limited, and free tickets are handed out 30 minutes before the start time, so arrive early on what is likely to be a busy Saturday. The Central Library is on Spring Garden Road in downtown Halifax, and its children's room is on Floor 2.
Parent tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to pick up free tickets, since space is limited.
See dates and details from Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Sensory-Accessible Concert by Cecilia Concerts: The Smith Sisters
Christmas showFreeHalifax Public Libraries and Cecilia Concerts · Halifax
- Host
- Halifax Public Libraries and Cecilia Concerts (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Halifax Central Library (Paul O'Regan Hall, Floor 1), 5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax B3J 1E9
- When
- Sun, Dec 6, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Halifax Central Library and Cecilia Concerts host a Sensory-Accessible Concert featuring The Smith Sisters, Reeny, Haliey and Micah Smith, from a celebrated musical family rooted in North Preston's traditions. The program mixes gospel, R&B, Reeny's original songs and a few Christmas favourites, with Reeny on piano.
The series is designed for autistic, neurodivergent and intellectually disabled community members and their families, as well as anyone who prefers a relaxed setting. Audiences can listen at their own pace and move as needed. The monthly concerts are free, but registration is required and seating is limited, so sign up through the Cecilia Concerts website. The calendar lists preschoolers, kids, teens and adults as the audience.
Parent tip: Register through the Cecilia Concerts website; children are free to move around during the performance.
See dates and details from Halifax Public Libraries and Cecilia Concerts (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Dartmouth
3 confirmed events in Dartmouth, soonest first.
Puppet Show: Christmas at Creepy Castle and Letters to Santa (Dartmouth)
Visit with SantaFreeHalifax Public Libraries · Dartmouth
- Host
- Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Alderney Gate Public Library (Helen Creighton Room), 60 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth B2Y 4P8 (near Halifax)
- When
- Tue, Dec 1 and Sat, Dec 5, 10:30 to 11:30 am
- Cost
- Free tickets, handed out 30 minutes before
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 5
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Alderney Gate Public Library in Dartmouth stages Christmas at Creepy Castle, a heartwarming holiday puppet show featuring the Witch, her grumpy friend Bah Humbug, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The show is aimed at children ages 0 to 5 and runs on two mornings, a Tuesday and a Saturday, so families with weekday or weekend schedules can both find a time.
After the show, children can write a letter to Santa, share their Christmas wishes and send it to the North Pole through the library's special mailbox. Free tickets are handed out 30 minutes before the puppet show begins. Groups such as daycares can register by calling the branch at 902-490-5748. The library sits right by the Alderney ferry terminal on the Dartmouth waterfront.
Parent tip: Pick up free tickets 30 minutes before showtime; groups can register by phone at 902-490-5748.
See dates and details from Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Puppet Show: Here Comes Santa Cat (Dartmouth)
Visit with SantaFreeHalifax Public Libraries · Dartmouth
- Host
- Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Alderney Gate Public Library (Helen Creighton Room), 60 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth B2Y 4P8 (near Halifax)
- When
- Tue, Dec 15 and Sat, Dec 19, 10:30 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free tickets, handed out 30 minutes before
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 5
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Alderney Gate Public Library's second December puppet show follows Cat, who is worried he will not make Santa's nice list this year. His solution is to dress up as Santa himself so he is sure to get presents, but with help from his friends he learns what it really means to have holiday spirit. The story is gently funny and well suited to preschoolers.
The show is for ages 0 to 5 and lasts about 30 minutes, which suits short attention spans. It runs twice, on a Tuesday morning and a Saturday morning the week before Christmas. Free tickets are handed out 30 minutes before the puppet show begins, and groups can register by calling 902-490-5748. Alderney Gate is on the Dartmouth waterfront beside the ferry terminal.
Parent tip: Free tickets are given out 30 minutes before the show; the ferry from downtown Halifax stops right beside the library.
See dates and details from Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Puppet Show: Storytime with Mrs. Claus (Dartmouth)
Story time with Mrs. ClausFreeHalifax Public Libraries · Dartmouth
- Host
- Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Woodlawn Public Library, 31 Eisener Boulevard, Dartmouth B2W 0J1 (near Halifax)
- When
- Fri, Dec 18, 10 to 10:45 am
- Cost
- Free tickets, handed out 30 minutes before
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Woodlawn Public Library's monthly live puppet show turns festive in December with Storytime with Mrs. Claus. Mrs. Claus and her reindeer companion host a magical storytime full of festive stories, cheerful singalongs and cookies, with colourful characters and silly surprises on the puppet stage. The library calls it a merry celebration for the whole family.
Afterward, families are invited to stay and make holiday cards together. The program is listed for all ages and lasts 45 minutes on a Friday morning. Space is limited and free tickets are given out 30 minutes before the start time, so arrive early. Large groups are asked to contact the branch to register. Woodlawn Public Library is on Eisener Boulevard in Dartmouth.
Parent tip: Arrive 30 minutes early for free tickets; stay afterward for the holiday card craft.
See dates and details from Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Lower Sackville
3 confirmed events in Lower Sackville, soonest first.
Puppet Show: The Little Gingerbread Man (Lower Sackville)
Christmas story timeHalifax Public Libraries · Lower Sackville
- Host
- Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Sackville Public Library, 636 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville B4C 2S4 (near Halifax)
- When
- Fri, Nov 27, 10:30 to 11 am
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Sackville Public Library brings stories to life with a new puppet adventure each month, and the late November show is The Little Gingerbread Man. In this classic chase tale, the gingerbread man runs off shouting that nobody can catch him, while nearly everyone he meets is trying to eat him, and young viewers wonder when he will finally stop running.
The show is listed for all ages, with preschoolers and kids as the main audience, and lasts about 30 minutes on a Friday morning. Its gingerbread theme makes it a nice early start to the holiday season for toddlers and preschoolers. Sackville Public Library is on Sackville Drive in Lower Sackville. The library also runs a weekly elf hunt through December.
Parent tip: A short, preschool-friendly show; the same branch runs a weekly elf hunt through December.
See dates and details from Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)The Holly Jolly (Lower Sackville)
Christmas story timeHalifax Public Libraries · Lower Sackville
- Host
- Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Sackville Public Library, 636 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville B4C 2S4 (near Halifax)
- When
- Sat, Nov 28, 5:30 to 6 pm (Mini Holly Jolly at 2 pm)
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Planning to see the Sackville Holiday Tree Lighting in Acadia Park? Sackville Public Library invites families to start the evening at the library with stories, songs and plenty of festive fun at The Holly Jolly. The program runs from 5:30 to 6 p.m., so you can head straight over to the park afterward, and it is offered in partnership with the Sackville Business Association.
For families with little ones who have early bedtimes, the library also offers a Mini Holly Jolly at 2 p.m. the same day. Both are listed for all ages. Sackville Public Library is on Sackville Drive in Lower Sackville, part of the Halifax Regional Municipality, so it is an easy pre-event stop for families coming from Bedford or the city.
Parent tip: Toddlers with early bedtimes can attend the 2 pm Mini Holly Jolly instead of the evening program.
See dates and details from Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Elf on the Shelf (Lower Sackville)
Family Christmas eventHalifax Public Libraries · Lower Sackville
- Host
- Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Sackville Public Library, 636 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville B4C 2S4 (near Halifax)
- When
- Dec 1 to 23, during library hours
- Cost
- No fee listed, drop-in
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Esteban and Mirabell, the Sackville Public Library elves, are back for another December of mischief. Each week from December 1 to 23, drop by the library to find out what the two elves have gotten into this time. The library notes that last year they were skiing, so expect some creative scenes tucked around the branch.
When your child finds the elves, let the front desk know where they are and they will receive a sticker. It is a self-guided, drop-in activity listed for all ages, so you can fit it into any regular library visit and come back each week to see the new setup.
Parent tip: The elves move each week, so visit more than once in December to see each new scene.
See dates and details from Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Cole Harbour
2 confirmed events in Cole Harbour, soonest first.
Holiday LEGO Bingo (Cole Harbour)
Christmas craftsHalifax Public Libraries · Cole Harbour
- Host
- Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Cole Harbour Public Library, 51 Forest Hills Parkway, Cole Harbour B2W 6C6 (near Halifax)
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 2:30 to 4 pm
- Cost
- No fee listed, registration required
- Ages
- Ages 5 to 12
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Cole Harbour Public Library's Holiday LEGO Bingo challenges kids ages 5 to 12 to build holiday-themed LEGO creations to complete their bingo cards and win prizes. The library says the program encourages creativity, problem-solving and teamwork while giving kids a fun way to get into the festive spirit at the library.
The program runs for an hour and a half on a Saturday afternoon. Spaces are capped at 30 and the calendar uses online registration with a waitlist, so sign up ahead through the Halifax Public Libraries events page. It is a good pick for school-age kids who would rather build than sit through a story, and a nice break for parents during the busy holiday shopping season.
Parent tip: Register ahead; the program is capped at 30 kids with a waitlist.
See dates and details from Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Holiday Puppet Show (Cole Harbour)
Christmas showFreeHalifax Public Libraries · Cole Harbour
- Host
- Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Cole Harbour Public Library, 51 Forest Hills Parkway, Cole Harbour B2W 6C6 (near Halifax)
- When
- Fri, Dec 11, 10:30 to 10:45 am
- Cost
- Free tickets, handed out 30 minutes before
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Cole Harbour Public Library celebrates the holiday season with a festive puppet show designed to get young audiences into the spirit of the season. The library lists the program for all ages, and its audience tags include preschoolers and kids, so it is a natural fit for toddlers and younger school-age children.
The show is short, about 15 minutes, which makes it a good first theatre experience for little ones who cannot sit still for long. Space is limited, and free tickets are given out 30 minutes before the start time, so plan to arrive early and browse the children's section while you wait. Cole Harbour Public Library is on Forest Hills Parkway, east of Dartmouth.
Parent tip: The show is only about 15 minutes long, so it suits very young children; arrive early for free tickets.
See dates and details from Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Bedford
1 confirmed event in Bedford, soonest first.
Get Ready for the Light Up Bedford Parade (Bedford)
Santa Claus paradeHalifax Public Libraries · Bedford
- Host
- Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Bedford Public Library, 15 Dartmouth Road, Bedford B4A 3X6 (near Halifax)
- When
- Sun, Nov 22, 2 to 5 pm (parade at 5:45 pm)
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Heading to the Light Up Bedford Parade? Bedford Public Library invites families to start the evening at the library to get into the festive spirit. Drop in between 2 and 5 p.m. to warm up with hot chocolate or make a light-up glow stick accessory to wear while you watch the parade go by.
The library closes at 5 p.m., and the parade starts at 5:45 p.m., so there is time to find a good viewing spot along the route after you leave. The program is listed for all ages, from preschoolers to adults, which makes it an easy stop for the whole family. Bedford Public Library is on Dartmouth Road in Bedford, part of the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Parent tip: The library closes at 5 pm and the parade begins at 5:45 pm, so plan where you will watch before you leave.
See dates and details from Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Upper Tantallon
1 confirmed event in Upper Tantallon, soonest first.
Puppet Show: Holiday (Upper Tantallon)
Christmas showFreeHalifax Public Libraries · Upper Tantallon
- Host
- Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Tantallon Public Library, 3646 Hammonds Plains Road, Upper Tantallon B3Z 4R2 (near Halifax)
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 10:30 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free tickets, handed out 30 minutes before
- Ages
- Kids and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Tantallon Public Library hosts a magical holiday puppet show where beloved characters come to life and bring the holidays to the puppet stage. The library describes it as perfect for kids and families, full of laughter and festive fun, and its audience tags include preschoolers and kids.
A craft is available after the puppet show, so plan a little extra time to stay and make something to take home. The show itself runs about 30 minutes on a Saturday morning. Free tickets are given out 30 minutes before the start time. Tantallon Public Library is on Hammonds Plains Road in Upper Tantallon, west of Halifax.
Parent tip: Stay after the show for the holiday craft; free tickets are handed out 30 minutes before.
See dates and details from Halifax Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cozy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab)Halifax Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Halifax in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Halifax for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Get Ready for the Light Up Bedford Parade (Bedford), Puppet Show: The Little Gingerbread Man (Lower Sackville), Storytime: Oliver's Polish Christmas, The Holly Jolly (Lower Sackville), Elf on the Shelf (Lower Sackville), Puppet Show: Christmas at Creepy Castle and Letters to Santa (Dartmouth), Holiday LEGO Bingo (Cole Harbour), Puppet Show: Holiday Double Feature, Sensory-Accessible Concert by Cecilia Concerts: The Smith Sisters, Holiday Puppet Show (Cole Harbour), Puppet Show: Holiday (Upper Tantallon) and Puppet Show: Here Comes Santa Cat (Dartmouth). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Halifax?
Yes. 7 of the 13 events here are free, including Puppet Show: Christmas at Creepy Castle and Letters to Santa (Dartmouth), Puppet Show: Holiday Double Feature, Sensory-Accessible Concert by Cecilia Concerts: The Smith Sisters, Holiday Puppet Show (Cole Harbour), Puppet Show: Holiday (Upper Tantallon), Puppet Show: Here Comes Santa Cat (Dartmouth) and Puppet Show: Storytime with Mrs. Claus (Dartmouth). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Halifax this year?
Santa appears at Puppet Show: Christmas at Creepy Castle and Letters to Santa (Dartmouth), Puppet Show: Here Comes Santa Cat (Dartmouth) and Puppet Show: Storytime with Mrs. Claus (Dartmouth). Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Halifax?
Christmas story times on this page: Puppet Show: The Little Gingerbread Man (Lower Sackville), Storytime: Oliver's Polish Christmas, The Holly Jolly (Lower Sackville), Puppet Show: Holiday Double Feature and Puppet Show: Storytime with Mrs. Claus (Dartmouth). Library story times are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
