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…)
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.
Grand Parade square in downtown Halifax, in front of Halifax City Hall, hosts Atlantic Canada’s biggest New Year’s Eve party. Festivities begin at 9:30pm, with live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show at midnight.
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…)
Malls like the Toronto Eaton Centre go all out for the holiday season (photo by Rasheed Clarke)
Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? We know, finding gifts for everyone
on your list can be a daunting task. If you’re inclined to get all your shopping done in
one shot, the city’s premier malls and department stores offer multiple ways
to ease the experience.
TORONTO EATON CENTRE
Downtown’s largest shopping centre has cranked up its seasonal cheer with oversized snowflakes and giant silvery reindeer sculptures. The crowning gem is the Swarovski Christmas Wish Tree alight with more than 44,000 Swarovski crystal ornaments. In sight of this monolith, children can register to create their own holiday ornaments. Santa’s out in full force, too: bring your child to hear Saint Nick read a story, or schedule a 10-minute at-home Skype session with the jolly old man. Gift wrapping is available for a $5 donation benefitting the Children’s Wish Foundation. And when all your gifts are safely boxed and bagged, why not view the nearby Church of the Holy Trinity’s production of The Christmas Story? iPhone users can download the Toronto Eaton Centre’s mobile app to streamline their shopping experience.
YORKDALE SHOPPING CENTRE
Holiday stress often begins with packed mall parking lots. Yorkdale offers a remedy. The only shopping centre in the GTA to offer a mobile app for parking, which offers updates on your best parking bets every 15 minutes, plus streaming video of the mall’s upper deck lot. Yorkdale’s parking entrances are even equipped with electronic tabulators that note the number of spaces available, and valet parking is complimentary for MasterCard World cardholders. If you prefer public transit, visit with your TTC Family Day Pass and receive a $10 gift card when you spend $50 or more in the mall. Other bonuses include a complimentary coat check, Santa sightings, and a gift-wrap service.
Get your fill of holiday music with The Good Lovelies.
This Canadian folk group takes the stage at Shenkman Arts Centre on Dec. 13 as part of their special Christmas tour. Where Ottawa editor Misa Kobayashi caught up with The Good Lovelies in advance of their local show to find out about their travel essentials, where they love to eat when they’re in Ottawa, and more.
What’s your favourite activity to do on the road?
Well, we bought some skipping ropes about a year ago. When we get restless, we get out of the car and jump rope for a few minutes. Invariably, we make friends with any young girls that happen to be around. They join in without asking. It’s a way more fun version of the elementary school playground! And we love eating in new places, checking out the local cuisine. Recently we had some incredible Indian food in Northern Ontario in Bruce Mines. Go figure! (more…)
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
Cats are not eligible to enter Wyndham's Horrible Holiday Gift contest, much to Furball's chagrin. Photo by alli.
By Carissa Bluestone
The Wyndham hotel chain is running a humorous holiday contest for its Wyndham Rewards members (joining the points program is free). Snap a photo of the worst sweater, the most useless electronic device or the most cringingly inappropriate gag gift you receive, and enter it in “My Horrible Holiday Gift.” The grand prize is 2 million Wyndham Rewards points (a value of approximately $10,000). Four runners-up will receive 25,000 points. In addition, every entrant is automatically put into the pool for weekly drawings awarding 12,500 points. (more…)
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
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
Minor Empire plays the National Arts Centre on Dec. 3.
Friday, Dec. 2
If you’re looking for something different and interesting, come check out Minor Empire, a Toronto-based band composed of Turkish and Canadian musicians. The band will be performing music from their debut album Second Nature, which brings together traditional Turkish music and electro-jazz. Minor Empire has received rave reviews and performed at the Sunfest World Music Festival and the Markham Jazz Festival. Catch them this Friday night, along with special guest Jane Bunnett.
The magic of The Nutcracker is coming to life this weekend at the National Arts Centre. The Pennsylvania Ballet will be performing the iconic show in the George Balanchine style, where children play the lead roles (with no allusion to romance between them) and the costumes and set design are gloriously rich. This holiday classic is sure to melt your heart and get you in the Christmas spirit. Show runs Thursday through Sunday with matinees on Saturday and Sunday.
Canadian choral music will be at its finest this weekend at Coro Vivo Ottawa’s concert,”Northern Lights.” This large, vibrant choir will celebrate the uniqueness of Canadian choral compositions by showcasing some of the finest. Among them are Eleanor Daly’s arrangement of the “Huron Carol” and Mark Sirett’s “Dormi Jesu.” If you’re a choir music aficionado, or just looking to enjoy some fine music for an evening, this concert is sure to please. Concerts on both Friday and Saturday.
Saturday, Dec. 3
It’s back! Head out to 101 Frames, the annual fundraising auction where people can bid on fascinating, one-of-a-kind artwork at Gallery 101. This is the fourth year with the theme “the seven deadly sins.” In past years, eager art-goers were able to see artists’ interpretations of wrath, pride, and lust — and now’s it’s gluttony’s turn. After the auction, people get to indulge in a groovy dance party and live entertainment. Gluttony never looked so good! (more…)
Is there a stylish travel lover in your life who has everything?
We’re willing to bet he or she doesn’t have at least one of the 19 items on Toronto Life‘s gift list for glamourous “jet-setters and playboys”. A fox-fur chapka, perhaps? A deck of golden playing cards?
At the very least, you might find something to add to your own wish list!
See all 19 items at TorontoLife.com.
Image by Alessandro Trezzi
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
"Lost to the Wind" by Carole Arnston at Van Dop Gallery
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and to celebrate, the appointment-only Van Dop Gallery is throwing open its doors to the public on Saturdays from Nov. 12 to 30 for Spirit of the Season. You’ll have lots of choices for your holiday gift list with pieces by over 100 Canadian artists, including Carole Arnston‘s “Lost to the Wind” (pictured).—Kristina Urquhart
More information:
VAN DOP GALLERY 421 Richmond St., New Westminster. 604-521-7887. www.vandopgallery.com
Glass jellyfish by Wayne Harjula, at Circle Craft Christmas Market
The always-popular Circle Craft Christmas Market returns for its 38th annual show from Nov. 9 to 13. You’ll find everything from eco-friendly clothing to handmade leather bags to gold and silver jewellery, thanks to the 280 vendors coming from across Canada. A conversation piece worth snatching up: the striking glass jellyfish (pictured) by Wayne Harjula of Mellon Glass Studios. After shopping, catch a glass-blowing demonstration then participate in a Ballz of Fire Workshop where you can design and create your own glass holiday ornament.—Jennifer Patterson
More information:
CIRCLE CRAFT CHRISTMAS MARKET W-F 10 am-9 pm, Sa 10 am-7 pm, Su 10 am-5 pm. $12, s/s $8, under 12 free. Save $2 if you buy tickets online. Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place. 604-801-5220. www.circlecraft.net
Halloween charms from Thomas Sabo
October 31
Celebrate Oct. 31—grown-up style—with autumn-inspired charms from Thomas Sabo. Sure, you’re no longer getting decked out in your ghoulish best, trick-or-treating from house to house, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop celebrating All Hallows’ Eve altogether. Pop by Thomas Sabo’s new Oakridge Centre store to choose charms of your own, or model your bracelet or necklace after the acorn and pumpkin combo shown above. Other options for ringing in this scary holiday: pints of pumpkin ale and creepy, festive decorations at HomeSense.—Jennifer Patterson
More information:
Thomas Sabo, Oakridge Centre, 650 West 41st Ave. 604-263-7226.
www.thomassabo.com
Homesense, 493 Robson St. 604-683-4406.
www.homesense.ca
Bath & Body Works's haunted Halloween product line
Turn your humble abode into a haunted house with spooky soaps, sprays and sanitizers from Bath & Body Works. Scents range from sweet cinnamon pumpkin to caramel apple to marshmallow, but it’s really the names that send a shiver up the spine: Zombie Tonic, Bat Bite and Spider Cider.—Jennifer Patterson
More information:
Pacific Centre, 701 W. Georgia St. 604-678-8745.
Richmond Centre, 6551 No. 3 Rd., Richmond. 604-295-8052.
www.bathandbodyworks.com
"Toboggan Table" by Kino Guérin
October 7 to November 1
It’s never too early to sort out your naughty and nice holiday gift lists. For those who have been good all year, check out Circle Craft Shop and Gallery’s Christmas Market Preview. This in-gallery exhibit, a precursor to next month’s big show at the Vancouver Convention Centre, highlights some promising artists, including Kino Guérin. Ward off the winter blues with his cheeky “Toboggan Table” (pictured).—Kristina Urquhart
More information:
CIRCLE CRAFT SHOP AND GALLERY This colourful showcase, an artist’s cooperative, is packed with handcrafted jewellery, home accessories, wearable art, gifts and toys in fibre, clay, metal, glass and wood, of traditional and contemporary design.
1-1666 Johnston St. 604-669-8021. www.circlecraft.net
Kids love these Grinch-inspired Converse kicks
Unless your heart is two sizes too small, you’ll get a kick out of treating your tiny tots to Converse shoes featuring colourful characters from Dr. Seuss’ classic tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Available at Jack & Lola and online at www.bagginsshoes.com.—Sheri Radford
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