What's open and closed in Halifax for Thanksgiving Monday 2026
Major grocery stores, liquor outlets, malls, and city services will close across Halifax on Thanksgiving Monday, Oct. 12, while smaller markets and select private shops remain open. Public transit will run on holiday schedules, parking will be free, and municipal waste collection is suspended for the day.
Halifax residents preparing for Thanksgiving on Monday, Oct. 12, should plan ahead as major retailers, government services, and transit routes adjust their operations for the holiday.
Most major grocery chains — including Atlantic Superstore, Sobeys, Walmart, and Costco — will be closed. Smaller grocers such as Kingswood Market and Gateway Meat Market will remain open. Most major malls and shopping centres are also closed for the day.
All Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) stores will be closed. However, private liquor shops including Harvest Wines & Spirits, RockHead Wine and Beer Market, and WestSide Beer Wine Spirits will be open.
Halifax Transit buses and the Alderney Ferry will operate on holiday schedules. The first Alderney Ferry departs at 7:30 a.m., with the last trip leaving at 11:45 p.m. Woodside Ferry service will not operate on Thanksgiving Monday.
Parking will be free throughout the city of Halifax on Oct. 12.
There will be no municipal waste collection of garbage or recycling, and all municipal recycling and other waste collection sites will be closed.
Most city-run recreation facilities will close, with the exception of the Sackville Sports Stadium. The 311 Contact Centre and in-person Customer Service Centres will also be closed. City services, including the 311 Contact Centre, will resume normal hours on Tuesday, Oct. 13.