Fireworks, levees planned to ring in New Year across Nova Scotia
New Year’s Day in Nova Scotia is a time when businesses and services may be affected due to the Retail Business Designated Day Closing Act. This means that certain retail establishments such as malls, big-box stores, and larger grocery stores must be closed on January 1st. However, there are exceptions to this rule, including drug stores, gas stations, and smaller grocery stores that are less than 4,000 square feet.
In anticipation of New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31st, many businesses and services will also have reduced hours. In Halifax Regional Municipality, residents are invited to attend the annual concert at Grand Parade, which will run from 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., followed by a fireworks show at midnight. Similarly, Cape Breton Regional Municipality has fireworks planned for 9 p.m. at Open Hearth Park in Sydney on New Year’s Eve.
To kick off 2025, Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage will host a New Year’s levee at Government House from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on January 1st. This event is free and open to the public, and similar social gatherings will be hosted by military establishments and other institutions across Nova Scotia.
In Halifax, Mayor Andy Fillmore and council will also host a New Year’s Day levee at city hall from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., while in Sydney, community groups and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality will host a levee at Victoria Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For those looking to stock up on groceries, it’s important to note that major retailers like Walmart, Sobeys, Atlantic Superstore, No Frills, Costco, and Gateway Meat Market will have adjusted hours on New Year’s Eve and will be closed on January 1st. Smaller, independently owned grocery stores may be open on January 1st, but it’s recommended to call ahead to confirm.
When it comes to beer, wine, and spirits, NSLC locations will close at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and reopen on January 2nd. Some agency stores may be open, so it’s best to check ahead. Local stores like the Moosehead Cold Beer Store in Dartmouth, Bishop’s Cellar, WestSide, and Harvest Wines will also have adjusted hours during the holiday period.
For bookworms looking to visit the library, all Halifax Public Libraries locations will close at 1 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and reopen on January 2nd. Similarly, Cape Breton Regional Library branches will have adjusted hours on December 31st and will be closed on New Year’s Day.
In terms of transit, Halifax Transit will offer free ferry and bus rides after 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and will operate on holiday hours on January 1st. The Alderney Ferry will have 30-minute service until 2 a.m. on January 1st, while the Woodside Ferry will not be operating on New Year’s Eve. Additionally, over 30 bus routes will offer extended service, so be sure to check the website for specific details.
For those looking to get active, many HRM recreation facilities will be operating on irregular schedules until January 2nd. The Emera Oval in Halifax Common will host New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Skates for those looking to kick off the year with some physical activity.
When it comes to waste collection, HRM and CBRM will not be collecting garbage, organics, or recyclables on January 1st. The next collection for the missed date will be on January 4th for HRM and January 8th for CBRM. The Otter Lake Waste Management Facility will be open on December 31st but closed on January 1st.
On New Year’s Day, there will be no collection or delivery of mail by Canada Post, and all banks will be closed. Parking in HRM will be free on January 1st, but motorists must still adhere to other posted signs.
For any inquiries or urgent matters, the 311 Contact Centre will be closed on January 1st, but residents can still report urgent issues. Regular operating hours will resume on January 2nd, and residents can reach 311 by phone or email.
As we ring in the new year, it’s important to be mindful of these closures and adjusted hours to ensure a smooth transition into 2025. Happy New Year!
