Going into the holiday season, it's normal for many people to feel extra tight on cash. Let's face it — the Christmas season can be expensive between all the decor and gifts you need to buy. Not to mention the Christmas food and treats that complete any holiday. But just because you don't have any extra spending money, doesn't mean you can't still have fun. There are lots of free things to do in Halifax this winter if you're broke. To have fun on a budget this winter, you'll want to enjoy all the free festive celebrations happening around Halifax. There's a tree lighting ceremony, holiday parades, homes covered in twinkling lights to admire, and even firework shows that you can enjoy, all without spending a dollar. Plus, you'll want to make sure to take in the snowy winter wonderland outdoors. You can invite your friends out for a fun afternoon of sledding, which will make you feel like a kid again. Another classic activity you can't miss is skating at The Emera Oval. Not only is it free to enjoy ice skating, but if you need to, you can borrow skates for free, too! It's time to start planning what you want to do this winter. Here are nine free things to do in Halifax that you can check out if you're broke: Explore The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail Price: Free Address: 2890 St Margarets Bay Rd., Timberlea, NS Why You Need To Go: You can go on a picture-perfect hike through a winter wonderland. View this post on Instagram ❄️☀️ A post shared by Taylor Moffatt (@tay.moffatt) on Jan 19, 2019 at 11:35am PST Website Skate At The Emera Oval Price: Free Address: 5775 Cogswell St., Halifax, NS Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy an evening skating for free with your friends. View this post on Instagram Me: *means to take new pretty white figure skates... grabs bag with old fuzzy blue skates instead.* At least they’re warm🤷🏻♀️❄️ A post shared by Naomi Colford (@naomi_colford) on Mar 2, 2019 at 6:39am PST Website Halifax Christmas Tree Lighting Price: Free When: November 23, 2019 Address: Grand Parade, 1770 Barrington St., Halifax, NS Why You Need To Go: Celebrate the start of the holiday season by watching the lighting ceremony of a giant Christmas tree. View this post on Instagram #flashbackfriday to the Christmas tree lighting at city hall! - these fireworks were awesome! Can you believe it's already half way through December? Junk Works Halifax is available to help you declutter just in time before Christmas arrives! Book online or call 1-888-888-JUNK to book your pick-up. 🎄 . . . #fbf #christmastree #fireworks #cityhall #halifax #hrm #christmas #holidays #festive #junkremoval #junkremovalhalifax #junkworks #jnkworkshalifax A post shared by Junk Works Halifax (@junkworkshalifax) on Dec 14, 2018 at 7:00am PST Website Halifax Lights Festival Price: Free When: November 30 - December 7, 2019 Address: Multiple locations Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy free ice skating, a petting zoo, and seeing plenty of twinkling lights. View this post on Instagram That's a wrap on the first year of the Halifax Lights Holiday Market ❄️ Thank you to all of our vendors, visitors and entertainers! ❄️ 🎄 Have a safe & happy holiday season ✨ ⛄️ ✨ See you in 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣6️⃣ 🍾 @downtownhalifax A post shared by Halifax Lights Holiday Market (@thehalifaxlights) on Dec 20, 2015 at 1:26pm PST Website Go Sledding Price: Free Address: Multiple locations Why You Need To Go: There are so many wonderful places to go sledding this winter with your friends. Some of the best spots are Dartmouth Commons, Mother Hill, and The Pit. View this post on Instagram North End winter day at The Pit A post shared by Matty J. Nicoll (@mattyjaynicoll) on Mar 4, 2019 at 4:35pm PST Website Photograph Christmas Lights Price: Free Address: Multiple locations Why You Need To Go: Go on a tour in your car, or bundle up and take a stroll to see all the incredible Christmas lights in your neighbourhood. View this post on Instagram My husband and I had the best date night checking out some Christmas lights in Halifax tonight! 🎄☃️❄️ . . . #halifaxns #halifaxchristmas #christmaslights #ilovechristmas #christmashouse #christmasdecor #holidayspirit #halifaxblogger #discoverhalifax #halifaxphotography #halifaxnoise A post shared by Jenn Neilson (@willsavefortravel) on Dec 14, 2018 at 4:14pm PST Website Visit The Art Gallery Of Nova Scotia Price: Free When: Thursday nights from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Address: 1723 Hollis St., Halifax, NS Why You Need To Go: Stay warm indoors and browse some amazing art at The Art Gallery Of Nova Scotia. View this post on Instagram 🌼when you just drop off a huge #estellethomsonart order to the @artgalleryns gift shop !!! Jumping like no ones watching 🌻🤣🌻 #OMG #BAM #yeah #woop #risingstrong #artpreneur #passion #canadianartists A post shared by Estelle Thomson (@estelle.thomson) on Jul 31, 2017 at 9:56am PDT Website The Herald Holiday Parade Of Lights Price: Free When: November 16, 2019 Address: Starts at Upper Water St., south of the CFB Halifax Dockyard, Halifax, NS Why You Need To Go: Cheer on the Christmas floats, dancers and bands in this year's holiday parade of lights. The Chronicle Herald Holiday Parade of Lights | Facebook Website New Year's Eve Party Price: Free When: December 31, 2019 Address: Grand Parade, 1770 Barrington St., Halifax, NS Why You Need To Go: This is the largest outdoor New Year's Eve celebration in Atlantic Canada. There will be free concerts (Said The Whale) and a fireworks show to ring in 2020. View this post on Instagram 2019 here we go! 👌😀🎆 A post shared by Mathew Wilton (@mat.wilton) on Dec 31, 2018 at 9:35pm PST Website There are stories everywhere. 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