8 Events to Celebrate Heritage at this Holiday Season

It seems like we were just carving pumpkins and snacking on Halloween candy, but the cold weather has creeped up and leaves are slowly making their way off the branches. Atlas, the Holiday Season is right around the corner and it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

It’s time to get into the holiday spirit and there’s no better way to do that (in my humble opinion) than exploring local heritage and celebrating historic traditions.

Why not put a vintage twist on your Christmas season by attending these exciting events?

This year I have found 8 (yes, 8!) exciting events at heritage sites or celebrating the history of the holidays that I am eager to share with you! These are all located in Halifax County, Nova Scotia, Canada.

As this time of year can be expensive, all of my recommendations in this article are either free or low cost. There are a few pricier holiday booked tours that I will list in the “Bonus” section below.

Please note: Photos of events used in this article are from years past. At some venues, events are customized each year and may vary from what is shown in this article. All event posters / advertisements in this article are accurate for 2023.

1. Holiday Coffee House 

At the Dartmouth Heritage Museum 

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia 

November 23rd, 7-9pm 

What’s more relaxing than grabbing a cup of warm cider and cozying up inside? Well, doing it at a museum, of course! Join the Dartmouth Heritage Museum for their annual Coffee House as the perfect way to start off the holiday season with cheer.

Reservations required in advance, limited seating available.

Admission is by donation. 

For more information, visit the Dartmouth Heritage Museum website.

2. Deck the Decks: A 1940s Christmas Experience 

At the HMCS Sackville, behind the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic 

Halifax, Nova Scotia 

November 25th, 5-6pm 

If you know me, then you know that my area of expertise as a historian is the Canadian Home Front during the Second World War. You won’t be surprised then that I was delighted to learn of Deck the Decks. As part of the Evergreen Festival, visitors can step foot on the HMCS Sackville and learn how sailors aboard celebrated Christmas in the 1940s. Era appropriate décor and music are sure to transport visitors back in time!

No reservations required. 

Admission is free, donations are welcome. 

For more information, visit the Evergreen Festival website.

3. Walk Through Christmas Past: Illuminated Scenes of a 1940s Christmas 

At Memory Lane Heritage Village 

Lake Charlotte, Nova Scotia 

November 25th & 26th, 4:30-7pm 

The Memory Lane Heritage Village Walk Through Christmas Past is an annual event near and dear to my heart. Visitors can walk through the illuminated village, seeing the historic building in a whole new light. Peaking in the windows, watch scenes of 1940s happen before your eyes and discover the magic of a vintage Christmas.

I can say wholeheartedly that this is one of my favourite Christmas events and I cannot recommend it enough.

@themaritimehistorian

Oh how I love Christmas at museums! Does your local museum decorate or hold any events for the holidays? 🎄🎅 #memorylaneheritagevillage #halifax #novascotia #fyp #localmuseum #lifeincanada

♬ White Christmas – Vintage Mix

Reservations required in advance, limited tickets available.

Admission is by cash donation, which will be split 50/50 between Memory Lane and the Food Bank. 

For more information, visit the Memory Lane Heritage Village website.

4. Victorian Christmas 

At the Halifax Citadel 

Halifax, Nova Scotia 

November 25th & 26th, 12-4pm 

The Citadel, at the heart of Halifax, offers one of the most memorable holiday events in the city. Victorian Christmas turns back the clock to the Victorian era, showing how soldiers of the Citadel and their loved ones celebrated Noël.

Years ago I attended this event and remember beautiful seasonal décor, carols, a costume booth, and even a visit from Santa. If you’re looking for a way to get into the Christmas spirit, Victorian Christmas is sure to bring joy to your world.

No reservations required. 

Admission is by donation to the Food Bank, either by cash or non-perishable food item. 

For more information, visit the Parks Canada website.

5. Christmas at Scott Manor House 

At Scott Manor House 

Bedford, Nova Scotia 

November 25th, 10am-4:30pm 

November 26th, 12-4:30pm 

Scott Manor House delivers on the three C’s of Christmas: Cookies, Cider, and Carolers! With a holiday market, festive décor, and references to The Sound of Music; A Scott Manor Christmas is bound to warm hearts.

No reservations required. 

Admission is free, donations are welcome. 

For more information, visit the Scott Manor House website.

6. Holiday Lego Exhibit 

At the Museum of Natural History 

Halifax, Nova Scotia 

November 25th – January 7th, during museum hours of operation 

The excitement of Christmas often brings us back to childhood, and is there anything quite as nostalgic as Lego? At the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, find incredible creations by Bricks By The Sea.

No reservations required. 

Normal museum admission rates apply. 

For more information, visit the Museum of Natural History website.

7. Annual Christmas Tree Light & Ceremony 

At Africville Museum 

Halifax, Nova Scotia 

November 26th, 5pm 

Nothing is quite as merry or bright as a tree lighting! Join the Africville Museum at their annual Christmas Tree Light & Ceremony. The sparkle of the tree truly shows that it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

This event appears to be free, however the Africville website was inaccessible during the writing of this article.

For more information, visit the Africville Museum on Instagram.

8. Letters to Santa & Food Drive 

At the Dartmouth Heritage Museum 

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia 

December 1st, 3-5pm 

Whether you were naughty or nice this year, you can join the Dartmouth Heritage Museum at their Letters to Santa event to ensure your list is ready for the North Pole. While you put your festive thinking cap on, sip some hot chocolate and enjoy holiday treats.

Reservations required in advance. 

Admission is free, food or clothing donations for Margaret’s House will be collected. 

For more information, visit the Dartmouth Heritage Museum website.

Bonus Events

Here are some bonus heritage events happening around the holidays in the Halifax area. These are a bit more expensive and need to be booked in advance. However, if you are looking to share a historic experience with loved ones, these holiday events may be just what you’re looking for:

Raise Your Holiday Spirits! at the Halifax Citadel.

Citadel by Candlelight Holiday Tour at the Halifax Citadel.

Conclusion

However you choose to spend the holidays, I hope this season brings you much joy and relaxation.

Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Seasons Greetings,

Kirby

Which one of these events are you most excited for?

Did I miss something?

Let me know in comments below!

You may also enjoy:

The Mills Brothers Holiday Village at the Museum of Natural History

History at Memory Lane Heritage Village

“This Is What I Wish You Knew”: Mi’kmaq Identity and History at the Museum of Natural History in Kjipuktuk, Mi’kma’ki (Halifax, Nova Scotia)