Fireworks, levees planned to ring in new year across Nova Scotia

New Year's Day will affect businesses and services in Nova Scotia on Jan. 1.

Under Nova Scotia's Retail Business Designated Day Closing Act, some retail businesses must be closed Jan. 1, including malls, big-box stores and grocery stores.

There are exceptions, including drugstores, gas stations and grocery stores less than 4,000 square feet.

Many businesses and services will also have reduced hours ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations on Dec. 31. 

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting residents to the annual concert at Grand Parade. The free event will run from 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. A fireworks show is also set for midnight in Halifax. 

Cape Breton Regional Municipality has fireworks planned for 9 p.m. at Open Hearth Park in Sydney on New Year's Eve. 

To ring in 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 Jan. 1. The event is free and open to the public. 

The social events are also hosted by military establishments and other institutions, including municipalities.

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. 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. 

Groceries

• Walmart will close at 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve and reopen on Jan. 2. 
• Sobeys will close at 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve and reopen on Jan. 2.
• Atlantic Superstore and No Frills will close at 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve and reopen on Jan. 2.
• Costco will close at 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve and reopen on Jan. 2.
• Shoppers Drug Mart will have different hours at different branches. Check their website for details.
• Gateway Meat Market will close at 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve and reopen on Jan. 2.
• Smaller, independently owned grocery stores may be open on Jan. 1, but be sure to call ahead. 

Beer, wine and spirits 

• NSLC locations will close at 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve and reopen on Jan. 2. Some agency stores could be open.
• The Moosehead Cold Beer Store in Dartmouth will close at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 but will be open Jan. 1 from noon to 8 p.m. 
• Bishop's Cellar and WestSide in Halifax will close at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 and reopen on Jan. 2 
• Harvest Wines in Dartmouth will close at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 and reopen on Jan. 2

Libraries

• All Halifax Public Libraries locations will close at 1 p.m. on New Year's Eve and reopen on Jan. 2. 
• Cape Breton Regional Library branches in Baddeck, Glace Bay, New Waterford, North Sydney, Sydney, Sydney Mines and the headquarters office will close at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 and reopen on Jan 2. All other branches will be closed on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. 

Transit

• Halifax Transit will offer free ferry and bus rides after 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve and operate on holiday hours on Jan 1. 
• The Alderney ferry will have 30-minute service until 2 a.m. on Jan. 1. The Woodside ferry will not be operating on New Year's Eve.
• Over 30 bus routes will offer extended service. Check out their website for route details. 
• Buses in Cape Breton Regional Municipality will stop operating at 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve. 

Municipal recreation facilities

• Many HRM recreation facilities will be operating on irregular schedules until Jan 2. 
• The Emera Oval in Halifax Common will host New Year's Eve and New Year's Day skates. 

Waste collection

• No garbage, organics or recyclables will be collected in HRM on Jan 1. The next collection for that missed date is Saturday, Jan. 4.
• No garbage, organics or recyclables will be collected in CBRM on Jan 1. The next collection for that missed date is Wednesday, Jan. 8.
• The Otter Lake Waste Management Facility will be open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 and closed on Jan. 1.

Canada Post

• There is no collection or delivery of mail on New Year's Day. 

Banks

• All banks will be closed on New Year's Day. 

Parking

• On-street parking in HRM will be free on Jan. 1, but motorists must abide by other posted signs.

311

• The 311 Contact Centre will be closed on Jan. 1. Urgent calls can still be reported. Regular operating hours will resume on Jan. 2. Residents can reach 311 by phone, or by emailing contactus@311.halifax.ca.