Weekend Wrap-Up Nov. 24-26, 2017

How is your Halifax Holiday Hustle hanging? Have you room for more bright lights? Need a craft fair hot tip? This weekend, your family can go back in time, through the looking-glass, or both! Though some things are impassible, nothing’s impossible!

1. It’s week 2 for you to join in on the Halifax Holiday Hustle, a challenge of seeing as many TREE LIGHTINGS and SEASONAL PARADES as possible. Christmas Challenge yourselves to get to at least one of these tinsel-laden events! This weekend, Santa Claus will be in Sackville, Downtown Hali, Spryfield, and Tantallon…The 10th Annual Sackville Christmas Tree Lighting at Acadia Park will dazzle eyes in Lower Sackville this Friday evening at 6:30. Start your festivities at the Sackville Public Library at 6:00 for holiday songs and stories before going to the park for entertainment, treats, and a visit from Santa.Downtown Halifax will brighten up with the Christmas Tree Lighting at Grand Parade on Saturday at 6:00. There will be free family fun in the form of live entertainment, a visit from Santa Claus, and fireworks!

   The 44th Annual Spryfield Santa Claus Parade will float down Herring Cove Road on Sunday, from 2-4 is the longest running Santa Claus Parade east of Montreal!

   Celebrate Christmas in the Bay, St. Margaret’s, to be specific, at Redmond’s Plaza, in Upper Tantallon on Sunday at 6:00. They will light a tree, Santa will be there also, and fireworks!

   A bit of a stretch, neither a tree nor a parade, but an hour down the Lighthouse Route, a twinkly and spectacular scene will light up the South Shore. The Fisheries Museum presents their Annual Lighting of the Vessels at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic in Lunenburg on Friday, at 6:00. See the waterfront light up for the Holiday season, enjoy local food vendors, carolling, and more!

   All these parades and lighting events are highlighted in RED on the Urban Parent Calendar to make your Holiday Hustle easy to plan. All other seasonal events are highlighted in GREEN on the Urban Parent Calendar and here are a few to get you started…

2. This weekend’s craft market spotlight goes out to the 30^th Annual Cunard Jr. High Christmas Craft Fair, a holiday tradition that has been supporting junior high students for generations. On Saturday from 9:00-1:30 at Cunard Junior High School on 121 Williams Lake Road, find ideal gifts from a wonderful array of professional crafters displaying jewellery, hand-knit/hand-sewn treasures, wood items, paper goods, ornaments, delectable baking and preserves, lotions, potions and bath goodies, and maybe a 30th anniversary surprise or two! The chicken burgers are always a hit, the tea is piping hot, and the treats they’re serving in the Tea Room are delightful! Admission is $3.
3. A certain historic fort takes on a festive air this weekend from 12:00-4:00 with old-timey carols, crafts, games, and of course, Father Christmas. A family tradition for 28 years, Victorian Christmas at the Halifax Citadel is the perfect way to capture some holiday magic to share with family and friends. Admission is free with a donation to FEED NOVA SCOTIA (non-perishable food item or cash).
4. And for something not specifically holiday-themed, but a place where holiday gifts may be gained, a very important date is coming up—don’t be late! You are invited to step through the looking-glass to the Auction in Wonderland at Freeman’s in Dutch Village, a fun, inclusive, family-friendly event. Tickets are $5 and include admission, an auction paddle, and an entry into the draw for door prizes! Tickets will be available at Halifax Developmental Centre in advance, or at Freeman’s the day of the event. If you’re curious, don’t get curiouser, go check it out! There will be a live and silent auction, door prizes, a 50-50 draw, and great things to eat!

Weekend Wrap-Up Heads Up: Snow Queen is coming to Alderney Landing December 1-3 and it’s CONTEST TIME! Urban Parent is giving away 2 tickets for the Friday December 1st show at 7:30.