Quebec City's Rue du Petit-Champlain decorated for the holidays. Photo by Jean-François Bergeron, Enviro Foto.
In this vast country of ours, landscapes, cultures, climates and in some cases Christmas traditions vary widely.
Here’s just a taste of the holiday season, from gorgeous decorations to quirky annual events, in top destinations across Canada.
Photo courtesy of Old Strathcona Business Association Return of the Magic
Be enchanted this holiday season as you take in the Old Strathcona Business Association’s Return of the Magic along historic Whyte Avenue. Stroll the avenue from 100th to 105th Street and you’ll discover nine glorious and intricately detailed Christmas window displays including Santa’s Workshop, the Nativity Scene, Gnome Family Christmas and more.
What’s particularly special about these displays is that each comes to life with its own animatronic features as well as a story soundtrack that can either be downloaded onto your MP3 player from the Return of the Magic Web site or scanned onto your Smartphone from the MP3 codes you’ll find in front of each window display. (more…)
The annual Mummers Festival Parade (Photo by Christopher Deacon)
By Candice Walsh
Everyone has their own Christmas or holiday traditions, but in Newfoundland, sometimes we do things a little, well, different. Here’s how to celebrate the holidays like a Newfoundlander. (more…)
NORAD Tracks Santa screenshot on an iPhone.
By Amanda Yiu
The countdown is on for Santa’s takeoff from the North Pole to all corners of the world, and this year you can track his amazing journey in real-time on the eve of Christmas with a new, free mobile app from NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command). (more…)
The Four Season's Centre's Nutcracker. Photo by Bruce Zinger.
Between now and New Year’s you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Toronto, what with the sing-alongs and music performances and the shopping. (And even more shopping!)
But if culture is what you seek, check out Torontoist’s fab holiday shows round-up. They’ve reviewed of the seven theatre, dance and comedy performances from now through January 1 that range from family-friendly (the Nutcracker and the Wizard of Oz) to hilariously racy and quite possibly raunchy (Second City’s “Dysfunctional Holiday Revue” and Tarragon Theatre’s “A Very Lupe Xmas”).
Photo by Om
By Kat Tancock
Baby, it’s dark outside—and it’s going to get worse before it gets better. Brighten up your cold winter nights and get in the holiday spirit with these gorgeous Canadian lights displays.
Photo courtesy of the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland & Labrador.
By Candice Walsh
A mummer, by definition, is “a masked or costumed merrymaker, especially at a festival.” The origins of mummering are a little hazy and the tradition is scattered around the globe: the Brits refer to it as “mumming” and the Philadelphia Mummers Parade on New Years’ Day is an extravaganza of elaborate pageantry in the style of Carnival or Mardi Gras.
Newfoundland’s tradition is a little different from most, and only takes place during Christmas (the exception sometimes being Come Home Year celebrations). (more…)
Unearthing the ultimate Christmas treasure amongst the multitude of offerings that fill the shops during the hubbub of the holiday season can be a daunting task to say the least. This is why we’ve set out to make your shopping experience an enjoyable one by searching the city for unique and timeless gifts for everyone on your list. For each category, we’ve hand-picked from a wide range of price points and from an assortment of locally owned and independent retailers as well as a handful of big name favourites. Holiday shopping has never been so effortless! (more…)
Image courtesy of Alberta Ballet
December 9-11
The Alberta Ballet presents this festive classic tale, set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score. With lavish set displays and hundreds of opulent costumes created by Emmy Award-winning designer Zack Brown, this performance is a visual feast to usher in the holiday spirit. New for this year are pre-performance Sugar Plum Fairy Parties for kids that include Christmas crafts, dress- up time, treats and more. Jubilee Auditorium, $20-$106; call 780-428-6839 for tickets.
Bird decorations from Homesense
Cheep Cheep Cheer
Even those who believe the holiday season is for the birds can’t resist adorable felt owls from Homesense ($4.99). Find more seasonal decorations that won’t break the budget at Sears and Christmas Street in The Bay.—Sheri Radford
More information:
HOMESENSE 493 Robson St. 604-683-4406. www.homesense.ca
SEARS Pacific Centre, 701 Granville St. 604-685-7112. www.sears.ca
THE BAY 674 Granville St. at Georgia. 604-681-6211. www.thebay.com
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver's Candy Castle. Photo courtesy Fairmont
Celebrate in style this holiday season.
1 Oru in the Fairmont Pacific Rim invites you to indulge in a festive lunch buffet, with traditional faves and modern Asian influences (11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays from Dec. 5 to 24, $34.95 per person).
2 Shaughnessy Restaurant, tucked away in the magical surroundings of VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights, serves West Coast and continental fare nightly.
3 The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s Candy Castle (pictured) is the centrepiece of the historic hotel’s holiday festivities, a fitting welcome to 900 West Lounge.
4 The 50th annual Carol Ships Parade of Lights cruises Burrard Inlet, False Creek and English Bay from Dec. 2 to 23. Prime viewing points include Cardero’s, Lift Bar-Grill-View, The Teahouse in Stanley Park, The Salmon House on the Hill, Bridges and the English Bay location of The Boathouse.
5 Bacchus Restaurant and Lounge at the Wedgewood Hotel yields a festive traditional setting with it blazing hearth, carol singers at some lunchtimes and a wealth of seasonal fare.—Tim Pawsey
Image courtesy of Rutherford House
December 8 & 15
For a cosy evening of traditional Christmas cheer, pay a visit to the charming historic brick mansion that is Rutherford House, once the home of Alberta’s first premier in 1911. The annual Christmas Dinner and Show includes a three course classic dinner and theatrical performance of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, which will be performed all throughout the beautifully decorated house. Rutherford House, $59 (members) $65 (non-members); call 780-422-2697 for tickets.
With the big day only 22 sleeps away, the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is now upon us and Edmonton is bursting at the seams with holiday fun and frivolity this weekend. Many of the events run up until Christmas, so if you can’t make it out this weekend you’ll still have plenty of time to check out all the festivities going on in celebration of the holiday season. So get into the festive spirit and spread the Christmas cheer with some of the city’s best seasonal events!
Image courtesy of Festival of Trees
Festival of Trees
Dec 1-4 — Take in the sights and sounds of the Christmas season at Festival of Trees, the city’s annual festive holiday extravaganza. Delight in the over 100 dazzling and extravagantly decorated Christmas trees, a spectacular gingerbread house village, exciting live entertainment, an array of kids’ activities, a Christmas gift shop filled to the brim with holiday goodies, Santa’s breakfast and gala evening. At the Shaw Conference Centre, $7 (adult), $3 (senior/youth), $2 (child), under 2 free.
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Presents: A Merry Pops Christmas
Dec 2-3 — The ESO celebrates the beginning of the holiday season with an all-time favourite: A Merry Pops Christmas. Join the symphony as they share a little traditional Christmas spirit with the help of the Greenwood Singers, Cantilon Chamber Choir, the University of Alberta Handbell Ringers and special guests from Victoria School of the Arts. At the Winspear, tickets $24-$85.
Image courtesy of Citadel Theatre
A Christmas Carol
Dec 2-23 — A holiday tradition, Tom Woods’ adaptation of the Dickens’ classic is favoured among young and old alike. Its rich cast of characters, enchanting set design and heartwarming story are sure to have the whole family charmed and biting at the bit for next years’ rendition. At the Citadel Theatre, tickets $84-$99 (adult), $74-$99 (senior/student).
24th Annual Jingle on Indoor Santa Claus Parade
Dec 4 — Santa is coming to town! Stake your spot somewhere along the over one kilometer of pedway systems that link downtown’s major shopping centres and watch as Jolly Old St. Nicholas makes his way to Edmonton. Kids will delight in the mascots, dancing groups, marching bands floats and, of course, Santa Claus. Various downtown locations, free.
A Christmas Past
Dec 4 — A traditional Rutherford House Christmas awaits . Relish in seasonal music, baking, hot cider and crafts all under the roof the former Premiere of Alberta’s charming historic house. Rutherford House, $4 (adult), $3 (senior/youth).
Image courtesy of Alberta Legislative Building
Celebrate the Season
Dec 1-23 — The Baux Arts style Alberta Legislature transforms into a winter wonderland with outdoor skating, hot chocolate, choir performances in the rotunda, seasonal gifts and crafts in the gift shop and a massive lights display. At Alberta Legislative Building, free.
The city boasts a number of other festivities lined up for the next couple weeks including the 42nd annual singing Christmas Tree, Handel’s Messiah, Candy Cane Lane and Christmas Reflections.
Now that we’ve officially hit December, the countdown is on. In just a few weeks, you’ll have tons of pretty presents under the tree. To make getting there a little easier, we’ve highlighted a few gift ideas that you can snag for someone on your list (including those out-of-towners), or use for inspiration. Happy hunting!
Black doesn't mean basic with this Empreinte bra.
Lingerie is a classic, and for good reason. Take the time to give your girl something she’ll love from Brachic (service is top-notch, so feel free to ask for help and suggestions). Along with higher-end brands like Empreinte (featured), Prima Donna, and Andres Sarda, this boutique has an extensive range of sizes (A to N with band sizes 28 to 46), as well as colours, materials, and fits. Thank us later. 433 Richmond Rd., 613-321-0401.
Image courtesy of Ilia Horsburgh
December 4
One of Canada’s most cherished storytellers lights up the stage and our imaginations with his annual Vinyl Café Christmas tour, which includes both a matinee and evening show this year. Featuring music by The Vinyl Cafe Orchestra and Canadian singer-songwriter Hawksley Workman, as well as the best-selling author’s signature storytelling about record-shop owner Dave and his endearing family, this special holiday event is one not to be missed. Jubilee Auditorium, $40-$65; call 780-451-8000 for tickets.
Dress Like Santa Day at Whistler Blackcomb. Photo by Emmanual Mendes Dos Santos courtesy www.coastphoto.com
Christmas Spirit
Don your best gear—your best Old Saint Nick gear, that is—and head to Whistler Blackcomb for the annual Dress Like Santa Day, when the first 50 folks outfitted like Mr. or Mrs. Claus can ski for free (Dec. 17). The jolly old elf always makes a grand West Coast entrance for Christmas in Steveston, arriving in a whale watching boat (Dec. 3 to 23). Winter Harp celebrates the season with a concert of harps and rare medieval instruments in St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church (Dec. 17). Goh Ballet brings to life Clara, the Mouse King and the rest of the beloved characters in Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic The Nutcracker at The Centre (Dec. 15 to 18).—Sheri Radford
More information:
DRESS LIKE SANTA DAY Whistler Blackcomb. Toll-free 1-800-766-0449. www.whistler blackcomb.com
CHRISTMAS IN STEVESTON Toll-free 1-877-247-0777. www.tourismrichmond.com
WINTER HARP 7:30 pm. $37.25. St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, 1022 Nelson St. at Burrard. Tickets 604-684-2787. www.winterharp.com
THE NUTCRACKER BY GOH BALLET 7:30 pm. Matinees Sa-Su 2 pm. $28+. The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts, 777 Homer St. Tickets 1-855-985-2787. www.goh ballet.com
Ho ho holy moly! There’s a lot of festive events going on around town! Musical performances galore, an abundance of stage works, oodles of kid-friendly activities, and of course a plethora of places to cover your gift-giving needs. Have a look at what Toronto has planned this month for holiday-season revellers. (more…)
Image courtesy of Festival of Trees
December 1-4
This annual festive city staple features a warm and cosy atmosphere brimming with over 100 dazzling decorated Christmas trees, a gingerbread house village, live entertainment, kids’ activities, Christmas gift shop, Santa’s breakfast and a gala evening. Proceeds go to the University Hospital Foundation and Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. Shaw Conference Centre, $7 (adult) $3 (senior/youth) $2 (child) under 2 free; tickets at the door.
This weekend in Edmonton boasts an eclectic offering of events to keep you preoccupied with. Whether it be a night out delighting in the stylings of singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, enjoying a belly full a laughs courtesy of Jon Lajoie or strolling down Whyte Avenue and taking in the sights of the special event Return of the Magic, you’re sure to find something to keep you busy this warm November weekend.
Friday, November 25
Image courtesy of David Bowering
This Friday marks the second last day of David Bowering’s Afghanistan Through My Lens exhibit at the Art Gallery of St. Albert. During a four-month imbed in the war-torn country as a photo journalist with the Canadian Forces, U.S. Army and Marines and 101 Airborne Medevac Units, Bowering chronicled his experiences. The result is a series of real, raw moments that offer a rare insight into a country, its people and the military mission that has encased it for nearly a decade. Art Gallery of St. Albert, free admission.
The classic Canadian imagery singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot is known to evoke makes him one of the country’s most celebrated artists and a cultural icon. Lightfoot’s Western Canada and Ontario tour lands him on Edmonton’s Jubilee stage, where he is sure to enchant audiences with the legendary music that has made him one of the most anticipated live Canadian performers to visit Edmonton this year. Jubilee Auditorium, tickets $65-$75.
Saturday, November 26
Canadian comedian, and all around funny man, Jon Lajoie got his start as an internet sensation and has since skyrocketed into stardom. Audiences are sure to leave Lajoie’s show in stitches, as his sidesplitting standup penetrates even the most somber of folk. Myer Horowitz Theatre, 29.50.
Popular 104 Street bakeshop Queen of Tarts is known for making some of the sweetest, and most heavenly, treats in town. Recently, the foodie favourite has started offering “pop up dinners”, a fun food experience that features a set menu from a special guest chef. Not normally open for dinner, the pop up dinners are a unique addition to the shops repertoire. Saturday’s menu includes, amongst other items, a rustic dish of roast chicken served over wilted greens and seasonal vegetables and a tart au chocolate for dessert. Yum! Queen of Tarts, $45.
Sunday, November 27
Image courtesy of Old Strathcona Business Association, Return of the Magic
It isn’t often that we get spring-like temperatures in November here in Edmonton, so why waste the beautiful weather being cooped up in doors? Take a stroll down Whyte Avenue and enjoy the ecclectic shops the district has to offer. Stop by Whyte favourites such as Block 1912 and grab a steaming hot London Fog, or the Princess Theatre for a little afternoon cinema. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, drop in at one of the many restaurants that line the historic avenue. While you’re out and about on Whyte, be sure to take in the Old Strathcona Business Association’s Return of the Magic, where you’ll discover nine fully restored vintage Christmas window displays located in various shop windows from 100th to 105th Street. Check out the You Are Here section of the latest Where Edmonton magazine to read more about Return of the Magic and to scope out other great Whyte Avenue hot spots. http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/where-edmonton/where1111opt/2011110101/#18.
The busy and festive Vancouver Christmas Market
November 24 to December 24
The holidays are just around the corner, and to help kick off the season the Vancouver Christmas Market sets up shop in bustling downtown. Peruse the Bavarian-style wooden booths for everything from hand-knit sweaters to German tinker toys to elaborate glass ornaments. Afterwards chow down on a bratwurst or schnitzel, then warm up with a cup of glühwein—warm, spiced wine—or imported beer.—Jennifer Patterson
More information:
VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET (Nov 24-Dec 24). 11 am-9 pm. $5, 7-12 $2, under 7 free. Early-bird admission $2, 11 am-4 pm M-F. Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, 600 Hamilton St. 604-924-4506. www.vancouverchristmas
market.com
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