Victorian Christmas celebrations return to Halifax Citadel

Victorian Christmas was back in Halifax over the weekend, inviting residents to bring in the holidays through traditions from the 1800s.

“We’re just here this weekend to represent what a Christmas festivity might look like during the mid-19^th century here at the fort,” said Alec Connolly with the Halifax Citadel Society.

Created in 1989, the annual event at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site hopes to show visitors an authentic portrayal of older Christmas celebrations.

“You’ll see a recreation of a soldiers camp, so what life would’ve looked like in the field… you’ll see brass bands playing Christmas carols, you’ll see other festivities and crafts rooms as well for kids, and we have a coffee bar on set as well selling food and whatnot,” said Connolly.

While the event celebrates tradition, it also showcases the tough life soldiers in the field had to face.

“The camp does a good job of showing the hardships of living in the fields back in the mid-19^th century, obviously not nearly as comfortable as camping would be today,” said Connolly.

Victorian Christmas has become one of the largest fundraising events for Feed Nova Scotia, raising over $39,000 and collecting over 28,000 pounds of food since 2001.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page