Calendar of events

November 23 and 24 from noon until 4 pm

Make your way to the Halifax Citadel as the historic fort takes on a festive air with Victorian music, games and, of course, Father Christmas. It’s the perfect way to capture some holiday magic to share with family and friends.

Activities

Look for the evergreen wreaths that mark the activity areas!

Be sure to warm up by the festive campfire!

Look out for Parks Canada’s friendly mascot, Parka! If you spot her, come wish her happy holidays!

Performances

In front of Cavalier Building (in case of inclement weather, performances will take place in Casemate 28):

• 12:45 pm and 2:45 pm – Children’s Parade with Father Christmas

• Saturday performances:
  12 noon to 2 pm – A Touch of Brass Quintet
  2 pm to 3 pm – 36 Canadian Brigade Group Band

• Sunday performances:
  2 pm to 3 pm – 36 Canadian Brigade Group Band

Casemate 27 – Join our special guests for some lively dance!

• Saturday performances:
  12:30 pm to 2:30 pm – Amethyst Dancers of Nova Scotia
  3 pm to 4 pm – Thistle Scottish Country Dancers

Casemates 28 and 29: 

• Visit with Father Christmas!

Victorian Soldiers' Theatre:

• 12:15 pm, 1 pm, 1:45 pm, 2:45 pm, 3:30 pm – Soldier’s Play – “A Vision of Christmas”

Map

Legend

1 – FEED NS Food collection site

2 – Orderly Room – Collect a letter to write to Father Christmas.

3 – Tailor Shop & Festive Photo Station

4 – “Shaping The Hill” exhibit

5 – “Storm The Beach D-Day” exhibit – Holidays in the field during the Second World War.

6 – Victorian Soldiers' Theatre: Soldier’s Play – “A Vision of Christmas” at 12:15 pm, 1 pm, 1:45 pm, 2:45 pm, 3:30 pm.

7 – School Room – Join the schoolmaster for a Christmas magic lantern show.

8 – Soldiers' Camp interactive exhibit “Christmas in the Field” – See how Victorian soldiers made merry in camp while far from home and learn about the iconic Soyer field stove.

9 – “Fortress Halifax, A City Shaped By Conflict” exhibit – Explore our expansive interactive exhibit.

10 – Performances in front of the Cavalier Building*
*In the event of inclement weather, performances will take place in Casemate 28 (14).

11 – Cavalier Building

 – Information Centre, Gift Shop & Coffee Bar
Pick up an Activity Sheet and let its interactive activities guide you through some of our special holiday offerings!

– Army Museum - 1st and 2nd Floor
Learn about the big events that transpired during the First and Second World Wars.

12 – Christmas in the Barracks – Step back in time and learn about how the soldiers of the Halifax Citadel celebrated the festive season.

13 – Casemate 27 – Join our special guests for some lively dance.

14 – Casemates 28 and 29 – Visit with Father Christmas!

15 – “Fortress of Halifax – "Warden of The North” exhibit

16 – Festive Campfire – Warm up by the fire, sing songs, and play games.

Feed Nova Scotia

For over 30 years, thousands of families have celebrated Victorian Christmas at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and generously supported Feed Nova Scotia.

Parks Canada and the Halifax Citadel Society encourage everyone to continue the tradition of supporting Feed Nova Scotia at this time of year.

Admission to Victorian Christmas is free with a donation to Feed Nova Scotia (non-perishable food item, cash, or donate online).