Events to inspire and entertain in the dark, cold months

This time of year can be cold, dark, and quiet — a welcome respite after a busy holiday season for some, but the perfect recipe for the winter blues for others. However, if you bundle up and brave the outside, Dartmouth offers a variety of events sure to inspire and entertain you throughout the dark season.

Certain to get you thinking, starting Tuesday, January 6 (and weekly thereafter, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.), the Alderney Gate Library offers Ideas Seminars, facilitated by Andrew Kernohan, Ph.D. These seminars feature lively group discussions about life, the universe, and everything else, with the theme for Winter 2026 being artificial intelligence (AI).

Over at Woodlawn library, on Saturday, January 17 at 10 a.m, you can learn to meditate with Raja Yoga Meditation. This course is perfect if you’re looking to manage your thoughts, increase your positive energy and outlook, concentrate, be yourself, sleep better, or connect with the Divine. Raja Yoga is “yoga of the mind.” It helps focus the energy of thinking in directions that create and sustain the experience of peace, love, and happiness (registration required).

Combining arts, community, and celebration of winter, from January 30 to February 1, Downtown Dartmouth embraces the season with the annual East Coast Credit Union Ice Festival. This busy festival brings live ice carving to various sites on Portland Street, along with live music, a street party, and much more.

Over at Shubie Park, on February 7, there is another winter celebration at the Shubie Park WinterFest. Bundle up for a magical Winter Tree Lighting — in February! There will be hot cocoa, bonfire marshmallows, and festive music as the park sparkles in the evening. It’s a perfect family outing to celebrate winter’s charm, connect with neighbours, and enjoy the outdoors.