For Christmas and Boxing Day 2023 in Halifax, here’s a roundup of what will be open and closed:

Groceries, Pharmacies, and Liquor Stores

• Grocery Stores: Major chains like Sobeys, Atlantic Superstore, Costco, and Walmart will have reduced hours on Christmas Eve (December 24) and will be closed on Christmas and Boxing Day.
• NSLC Outlets: Open on Christmas Eve (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) but closed on Christmas and Boxing Day.
• Pharmacies: Many pharmacies will have reduced hours from December 24-26, with closures on Christmas Day. Specific details can be checked with local pharmacies.

Malls

• Shopping Malls: Halifax Shopping Centre, Park Lane Mall, Mic Mac Mall, and Sunnyside Mall will open on Christmas Eve (varying times) but will be closed on Christmas and Boxing Day.

Transportation

• Halifax Transit: Operating on reduced holiday hours during Christmas and Boxing Day.
• Ferry Services: All Halifax ferry services will be suspended on December 25. Alderney Ferry will run on a holiday service schedule on December 26, but there will be no Woodside Ferry service.

Recreation and Services

• Halifax Public Libraries: Closed from December 24 to 26.
• Emera Oval: Open for the season, weather permitting. Check their website for skate times.
• Canada Post: No mail collection/delivery and post offices closed on Christmas and Boxing Day.
• Garbage Collection: No services on Christmas Day. Collections scheduled for December 25 will occur on December 23 instead.

Other Notable Closures

• Most businesses and services will be closed or operating on reduced hours during these holidays. Banks are also expected to be closed on both days.

It’s always a good idea to check with specific establishments for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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HRM services:

Halifax Transit Bus and Ferry Services:
Halifax Transit buses and Access-A-Bus will operate on holiday schedules on Dec. 25, Dec. 26, and Jan. 1. Halifax Transit Ferries will not operate on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. The Alderney Ferry will follow a holiday service schedule on Dec. 26, but there will be no Woodside Ferry Service on that day. The Woodside Ferry will also be non-operational on Dec. 31. Detailed holiday schedules are available on the Halifax Transit website. On New Year’s Eve, to support M.A.D.D. Halifax Regional Chapter, free fares start at 6 p.m. on Dec. 31, with extended bus and Alderney ferry services. Donations to M.A.D.D. can be made at the Halifax ferry terminal. More information about extended New Year’s Eve services is available online.

Recreation Facilities, Programs, and Services:
Many recreation facilities will have varied schedules from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2. It’s recommended to call your local facility in advance for exact holiday hours. The Emera Oval is now open for the 2023/24 winter season, starting with a skate at 4 p.m. today. Updated skate times are available on the website. A Skate with Santa event is planned for Dec. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring holiday music, free candy canes, and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus.

Parking:
Municipal on-street parking is free on Dec. 25, Dec. 26, and Jan. 1. Regular parking enforcement resumes on Dec. 27. For non-urgent matters between Dec. 25 and Dec. 27, contact the Halifax Regional Police non-emergency dispatch at 902.490.5020. Please adhere to all safety signage, including accessible parking and no stopping zones. In case of a declared weather event, the winter parking ban may be enforced.

Customer Contact Centres:
The 311 Contact Centre will close for general inquiries on Dec. 25, Dec. 26, and Jan. 1. However, urgent requests related to transportation, municipal operations, facilities, animal services, and illegally parked vehicles can still be made by calling 311. The three Customer Service Centres for in-person municipal services and payments will also be closed on these dates.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations:
New Year’s Eve celebrations will be at the Emera Oval on Dec. 31. The free event includes a concert headlined by Music Nova Scotia 2023 Entertainer of the Year, Rankin MacInnis, along with performances by Lindsay Misiner and a Tribute to 50 years of Hip Hop featuring OKAY TK, DJ Grimrock, breakdancers, and more. The evening features a family skate from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., culminating in a fireworks display and countdown. Details are available at halifax.ca.

Solid Waste Collection and Facility Hours:
No collection of garbage, organics, or recyclables on Monday, Dec. 25. Collections scheduled for this day will occur on Saturday, Dec. 23 instead. Similarly, there will be no collection services on Monday, Jan. 1, with the scheduled collections moving to Saturday, Dec. 30. Normal services will resume on Tuesday, Dec. 26 and Tuesday, Jan. 2. The Household Special Waste Depot at 20 Horseshoe Lake Drive will be closed on Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, reopening on Jan. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit the website for the full Household Special Waste program schedule. Remember, collection services may start as early as 7 a.m. It’s advisable to place materials curbside the evening before your collection day. Sign up for collection reminders and service alerts, or print a calendar for your address online.