For holiday cheer, you don't even need to cross the harbour
It is the middle of November, and as we hear the first seasonal tunes on the radio, it also becomes time to think about those special gifts for your loved ones, while immersing yourself in the holiday spirit. Elsewhere this can mean lots of travel and traffic, but don’t despair: local crafters and artists have you covered.
Right on our doorstep in the Pleasant Street / Woodside area, try out the annual Kris Kringle Craft Market at the North Woodside Community Centre, on Saturday, November 15. Here you will find over 80 fantastic craft tables, a pancake breakfast, and maybe even a special visitor dropping in from the North Pole. Admission cost depends on whether you include the breakfast.
On the same weekend, the Dartmouth Handcrafters Show will be held on November 14 to 16, 2025, at the Zatzman Sportsplex. This craft show boasts an incredible selection of handcrafted goods crafted by over 150 makers from across the Maritimes. Proceeds of this craft event will support the Dartmouth Adult Services Centre (DASC) and others. There is a military discount available.
Two weeks later, on November 29 from 1:30 to 3:30, the Findlay Community Centre is putting on a Kids Holiday Market for elementary aged kids who are creators, entrepreneurs, bakers, and makers. A half-table space in the market is available for $5. Admission to the market is free but donations to the food bank will be happily accepted.
On that same weekend, the Dartmouth Makers society of artists and craftspeople is holding their winter market at Christ Church Parish Hall on Friday, November 28, and Saturday, November 29. The Dartmouth Makers are professional crafters from here, and they believe in supporting a vibrant downtown, selling locally made and affordable art.
The Dartmouth Christmas Tree lighting also happens on November 29 at Sullivan’s Pond. Music will be by the African Nova Scotian Music Association, and there will be hot chocolate and treats available. After the fireworks at 6:30 p.m., you can join the carolling walk down to Alderney Gate, where the traditional German Christkindl Market will welcome you with amazing food, crafts, carousel rides, Santa, the Christmas puppet show and of course music performances by local choirs (the Christkindlmarket is on from 28 – 30 November).
Now that your buying is done, you might want to spend some time indulging in festive music and warmth: it is time to head to the Sanctuary Arts Centre on Ochterloney Street. John Bryant, a Halifax-born indie singer-songwriter, returns home for his 14th annual Christmas Concert of calm indie-folk: “Maritime Mistletoe - A Holiday Folk Experience” is on November 27.
Halifax father-and-son duo Tom and Seamus Johnson offer their warm original melodies with percussive guitar accompaniment in an intimate show in the Sanctuary’s downstairs venue. This is a folk and roots show called “The Johnsons Acoustic Holiday Nite”, and happens on November 30.
Finally, on December 6 and 7, the Sanctuary Arts Centre opens its doors to the Storybook Theatre’s “Christmas Spectacular”, a show meant to introduce your little ones to the magical world of live theatre. Mrs. Claus at the North Pole gets ready for her Christmas Eve party, and her party guests will warm your hearts and give you all the warm holiday feelings, as they share their gifts of song and dance. The show is followed by a meet and greet with the actors, giving the children a chance to talk to and take photos with their favourite characters.