Forum redevelopment puts annual Christmas market in holiday limbo

The future of Halifax’s 48-year-old Christmas at the Forum market is up in the air, as delays to the Halifax Forum’s redevelopment leave organizer Chris Banks considering potential location alternatives. 

Banks, who assumed ownership of the event in 2013, said he is waiting to hear more about the Forum’s redevelopment before deciding where future markets will take place. Construction of the new Forum was initially set to begin in July, but the project remains stalled. 

“I am going to adapt. It doesn’t matter what curveball comes my way.”

“Halifax has no venues,” Banks said in an interview before this year’s event opened on Nov. 5. “But I have contingency plans, I will do something to make sure that the Christmas at the Forum lives on.” 

Halifax Regional Municipality paused the Forum’s demolition application in September, after council approved a budget of $126 million to cover both demolition and construction. The city wants to replace the building with a new one that would house two rinks along with event space.

On Oct. 20, council voted to reschedule a public information meeting on the proposed demolition.  

Vendors concerned about future markets

The possibility of moving venues raises concerns for local vendors who rely on the Forum to reach holiday shoppers. 

Jessica Douglas, owner of Alben Lane Candle Co., participated in her sixth Christmas at the Forum this year. She said she will follow the market if it moves, but worries another venue would not attract the same foot traffic.  

“I think it’s really important to have community spaces, and I really hate the idea that we might not have this in the future,” she said. 

For Brooke Webber, owner of The Brookie Jar, the market is a crucial revenue driver.  

“As a small business, it’s something that you rely on during those busy seasons,” said Webber, who is returning for her second year. “It would be very unfortunate if we couldn’t do it next year due to that issue.”   

Changing entry times

Visitors attending the market have also seen changes over the past two years.  

Last year, Banks instated timed entry and a two-hour cap on attendance for each attendee, after a record number of visitors in 2024. This year, timed shopping sessions were extended to two hours and 45 minutes after visitors complained they felt rushed. 

Christmas at the Forum welcomed 16,787 visitors over the weekend, according to Banks. “The time slots have reduced our numbers, but it’s made the shopping experience way more comfortable,” he said. 

Webber said the longer sessions give customers more time to browse and speak to vendors. “It’s definitely a good move on (‘the organizers’) end.”