It’s the first door on the Advent Calendar! December 1. Time to hang the Xmas buckets on the girls’ bedroom doors.
What will they find inside, today? Well, a little chocolate and, for the activity, a picture of some Christmas cookies. I wanted to put up the trees tonight, but Hubby has an evening full of charity events and hockey games, so we’ll wait until tomorrow so all of us can trim the tree together. (It’s not just a sentimental ‘whole family’ thing—I just really, really hate putting up Christmas lights. Better him than me.) So, in his absence, the girls will don their adorable snowman and gingerbread man aprons and help me make five dozen cookies for a cookie exchange party on Saturday. Eek!
Better make six dozen---the kids are gonna want to sample the goods. Who am I kidding? I count myself among ‘the kids.’
Are you starting a Family Advent Activity Calendar this year? It’s such a simple way of making the festive season all the more fun! I'm gonna post up some suggestions for the calendar in a few mins, but first---a repost on the holiday calendar. Some new items have been listed here care of some readers, family and friends! Thanks for adding to the list, folks! ***
Enjoy your first day of December....
Santa Claus is coming to town
A listing of where you can go to visit Santa, take photos with him or share a bite with the Big Man in Red. There are other malls that I have not included on the list because information was not yet available.
· Ol’ Kris Kringle is at the Rideau Centre. Photo packages will be available for $15 each, with proceeds going to Door Youth Centre.
· St. Nick is at Hazeldean Mall. For $12, you can get four poses on a CD. He will also host two Christmas breakfasts at 8am on December 4 and December 11.
· Mr. Claus can be found at Les Galleries de Hull.
· Santa visits Bayshore Shopping Centre.
· Santa will be at St. Laurent Centre.
· St. Nick stops by Carlingwood Mall. Photos are $10 for a DVD.
· St. Nick can be found at Billings Bridge Plaza.
· Santa’s got a workshop at Place d’Orleans Shopping Centre. Digital photos!
· Père Noel visits Les Promenades de l’Outaouais.
· Visit with Santa at the CIBC bank located at the corner of Innes and Trim on December 10 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. There will be photos with Santa, refreshments and activities.
· ***The Jolly Ol’ Elf will host a brunch at the Rideau Carleton Raceway Entertainment Centre on Sunday, December 11 from 11am to 3pm. Adults $12.99, Kids 6-12 $9.99, Kids 5 and under, free. Santa will visit and be handing out treats.***
Jingle bell rock
A listing of holiday-themed (or in some cases, not holiday-themed, but just kinda fun!) parties, events or activities taking place throughout the city.
· Take a stroll down Taffy Lane in Orleans to see the amazing lights-and-decoration displays put up by residents. Can get crowded along the route, especially on weekend evenings, so park the car, bundle up and walk the route to really appreciate the displays. Truly a winter wonderland!
· Check out the Gingerbread House Exhibit and Silent Auction at the Rideau Centre (in the bridge) as of November 18. The event is sponsored by CMHC in support of Habitat for Humanity and features celebrity houses.
· Stop by the Chateau Laurier to see the CHEO Trees of Hope—corporate and group sponsored Christmas trees that will be sold with proceeds going to CHEO. The trees are found throughout the hotel and in the ballroom. They will be on display until January 4, 2012, so have a look and vote for your favourite!
· Check out the sumptuous Christmas decorations at Parliament Hill’s Centre Block, starting November 30. Nearly 40 trees are hidden throughout the building, including the 20-foot tree in the House of Commons foyer, and decorations in the Rotunda, Senate and Hall of Honour.
· Love to run? Take part in the Santa Shuffle in Tunney’s Pasture on Saturday, December 3 in support of the Salvation Army’s Christmas families. Involves a 5km Fun Run or a 1km Elf Walk. Open to individuals, families and corporate teams. Prizes in both adult and children divisions. There will be post-race refreshments, awards and prizes. Free event t-shirts to anyone with a minimum $50 pledge. Pre-registration discount.
· Ottawa Public Library – Carp Branch – will offer a Christmas puppet show on Saturday, December 3 at 1:30 to 2pm. Free.
· The Byward Market is lovely to visit anytime of the year, but starting on December 3, the Market will feature choirs and Dickens carollers on streetcorners every weekend from 12 to 4pm and free horse-drawn carriage rides from 1 to 4pm. Register early for the carriage rides in front of Moulin de Provence.
· Salsa Loca’s ‘’Christmas Celebration’’ will take place at Moussette Park on December 3 from 8:30pm to 1am. Tix are $7. Bring your dancing shoes!
· Build a wooden caboose on December 3, a coal car on December 10 and a train engine on December 17 for a whole train set at Lowes’ Build-and-Grow Clinic. Clinics begin at 10:00am and registration is required. Free.
· Samichlaus Party for children, hosted by Ottawa Valley Swiss Club on December 4 from 11am to 2:30pm. There will be crafts, games, treats, a talent show and visit from Santa (a gift for every child.) Free for members, $15 per child for non-members. All are welcome.
· *** “Royal Yoga” at Pranashanti Yoga. Need to get some Xmas shopping done? Sunday, December 4 from 1 to 2:30 pm, get kids to stretch out their sillies and play princess games and royal crafts. Crowns and costumes encouraged. No previous yoga experience required. $15 per person. ***
· Free admission day at the Bytown Museum on Sunday, December 4 from 1 to 4pm. Festive fun planned for this afternoon.
· Learn about gift-giving traditions from around the world at the Nepean Museum on Sunday, December 4 from 1 to 4pm. Try out new games, make gifts and enjoy holiday treats. Minimum donation of $1 per child.
· Visit the Children’s Museum at the Canadian Museum of Civilization at 2pm on Sunday, December 4 for a reading of the popular children’s book ‘’A Chanukah Noel’’ by the author herself. There will also be a craft activity. Free with museum admission.
· Enjoy a festive Big Band music at the ‘’Snowflakes and Starlight’’ Dance held at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre (Brittania Park) on December 8 from 7:30 to 11:30pm. Featuring the Grey Jazz Big Band, tickets also include a light lunch and door prizes. Cash bar. Tickets are $19 in advance and $23 at the door. Adults of all ages are welcome!
· Lumberjack Breakfast at the Bytown Museum at 10:00am to 12:00pm on Friday, December 9. Reserve by December 3.
· Take the kids to Ottawa Family Cinema on Saturday, December 10 at 2:00pm to see “Rio” in 3D. Free admission! Door prizes!
· *** Snowflake Special and the Glebe Community Centre on Saturday, December 10 from 6 to 9pm. Face painting, games, crafts, sports, sleigh rides, refreshments and other activities. ***
· Build a wooden snowman napkin holder on Saturday, December 10 at Home Depot at 10:00am. For kids ages 4 to 12 years. Registration required. Free.
· The Ottawa Public Library will host a puppet show of “The Grinch” at the Beaverbrook Branch on December 10 at 1:30pm. For ages 3 to 7 years. Free.
· The Greenboro Branch will offer “A Wonderful Winter” program featuring songs, stories and crafts on December 10 at 10:30 am. For ages 3 to 6. Free.
· The Blackburn Hamlet Branch will feature a “Gifts of the Season” program for kids ages 7 to 12 years at 2pm on December 10. Kids will get to make a holiday gift for a loved one. Free.
· The Hazeldean Branch will also host a puppet show at 10:30 on December 10. Free.
· The Barrhaven Lions Club will be hosting a Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday, December 10 at 10am. There will be entertainment, a visit with Santa, storytelling by Mrs. Claus, a sing-a-long, a hot dog lunch and party favours. Free with food bank donation.
· Enjoy lunch with Santa at Upper Canada Village on December 10 at 1:30pm at the Harvest Barn. You will get a hot turkey sandwich combo (or hot dog combo for kids), decorate gingerbread men, make your own Christmas wrapping paper, see Santa, visit the Village Boutique and see the nighttime lights all for $37.50 for adults, $27.50 for seniors and students and $7 for children.
· Victorian Christmas Tea at the Billings Estate Museum on December 10 and 11 from 11am to 4pm. There will be several tea sittings throughout the day, with holiday music, Victorian crafts and—weather permitting—an outdoor bonfire. Tix are $11.95
· Mayor’s 11th Annual Children’s Christmas Party will be celebrated on Saturday, December 10 at the Aberdeen Pavillion at Lansdown Park from 2pm to 6pm. There will be visits with Santa and other characters, crafts at the Elves Workshop, carousel and train rides, face painting, musical entertainment, Beaver Tails and Papa Jack popcorn. OC Transpo will provide free bus shuttles to the party. Free admission with an Ottawa Food Bank donation.
· The Ottawa Public Library – Centennial Branch – will present their “Holiday Magic” program, featuring stories and songs for ages 3 to 7 on December 15 at 10:15am. Free.
· Family Movie Night at the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group will feature “Polar Express” on December 16 at 7pm. Free.
· The Ottawa Public Library – Sunnyside Branch – will “Celebrate the Solstice” on December 17 at 2pm. Will include crafts and stories for ages 5 to 9. Free.
· Join moviegoers for a movie and a show at the Ottawa Family Cinema at 2pm on Saturday, December 17. First, the movie “Arthur Christmas”—an animated film about the youngest son of Santa and his adventures. Followed by a stage show by Santa, his elves and some musicians. Each child will visit with Santa on stage and receive a gift. Treats for everyone. Tix are $8 at the door and $6 in advance for members and $10 at door and $8 in advance for non-members.
· Christmas Day Camp at Watson’s Mill (in the Carriage Shed) on December 17 from 9:30 to 3:30pm. Will include holiday-themed activities, crafts, games and guests. $25 each child or $20 for members.
· Tamir Family Chanukah Party on December 20 from 6:30 to 8:30pm.
· Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Parliament Hill on December 20 from 5:30 to 6:30.
· Winter Solstice Stargazing Party will take place at 7pm outside of the Canadian Museum of Science and Technology. Dress warmly!
· Christmas exhibits and children’s activities at the Osgoode Township Historical Museum on December 22 from 1 to 3pm.
· The Ottawa Public Library – Osgoode Branch – will celebrate with a “Gingerbread House” decorating program on Thursday, December 22 at 6:30pm. Free.
· A Chanukah Family Breakfast will be held on December 25 at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre from 10 to 12pm. Includes a light breakfast bar, donut and latke treats, and children’s activities. Pre-registration required. $10 per adult, $5 per child, age 2 and under, free.
· *** The 19th Annual Christmas Day Dinner with the Elvis Sighting Society of Ottawa. Join friends at the Newport Restaurant for entertainment, food and fellowship on December 25, 2011 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.***
Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings
A listing of holiday-themed performances, concerts and shows. This is, of course, in no way an exhaustive list. Just a sampling of the festive shows taking place this year!
· ***“A Christmas Carol” kinderconcert presentation at the National Arts Centre, from December 1 to December 4 at 9:30 am. Kids join Scrooge in an interactive and hands-on musical retelling of this kid-friendly version of the Christmas classic. Tickets are $18. ***
· The Pennsylvania Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at the National Arts Centre from December 1 to December 4.
· ***The Annual Ottawa 67s Teddy Bear Toss at Lansdowne Park. Bring a new or gently used stuffed animal and toss it on the ice after the 67s score their first goal. Toys will be collected to add to the Toy Mountain drive. ***
· ***“Walk to Bethlehem,” a live nativity theatrical excursion, takes place on Friday, December 2 (6 to 9pm) and Saturday, December 3 (5 to 9pm), as hosted by the Hudson Community Baptist Church. A friendly guide will transport you back to ancient Bethlehem, providing you with shekels, and then escorting you through the city, past Roman soldiers, beggars and thieves. You and your party will meet angels and shepherds, and the Three Wisemen as you follow the path of the Holy Family. You will knock upon the Innkeeper’s door and present gifts to Baby Jesus in the manger and experience the First Christmas. Then, you will return to the 21st century to enjoy Christmas goodies, hot chocolate and carolling and the live animals. Free admission. Tours leave every 10 minutes. Dress warmly. ***
· ***“The Nutcracker” put on by the OYP Theatre School on December 2 at 7:30 pm and 2:30pm and 7:30 pm on December 3. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. The team will also be collecting new or gently used snowsuits and cold weather gear for The Snowsuit Fund.
· University of Ottawa Orchestra will perform selections from Handel and Beethoven at Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts on Friday, December 2 at 8pm. Voluntary contribution.
· The Cantata Singers of Ottawa will perform a selection of favourite holiday classics from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Part’s Magnificant and other festive music. Adrian Harewood will narrate. A preconcert talk will take place at 7:30pm and the event will end with a carol sing-a-long at 10pm. Knox Presbyterian Church on Lisgar Street on December 3. $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students.
· ***“Northern Lights” – a choral selection of religious and traditional French Canadian, Acadian, Aboriginal and Appalachain songs. Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 at 7:30pm at Orleans United Church. $20 a tix (14 and under are free). ***
· Watch ‘’A Little Princess Ballet’’ (adapted from the famous story of “The Little Princess’’) as performed by Les Petits Ballets on Saturday, December 3 at the Centrepointe Theatre. Tix are $20 for adults, $17 for kids under 12.
· ***Ashbury College Carol Service 2011 will take place on Sunday, December 4 at 4:30pm at the Mackay United Church in Ottawa. All are welcome to attend and listen to the carolling. ***
· University of Ottawa Choral Group will be performing a Christmas concert at Tabaret Hall (Room 112) from noon to 1:15pm on Wednesday, December 7. Voluntary contribution.
· ‘’Sing Noel’’ with the Goulbourn Male Chorus on December 11 at St. John’s Anglican Church in Richmond at 4pm. Tix are $15 for adults and free for anyone under the age of 16.
· The Goulbourn Male Chorus will also be performing ‘’Snack, Cider and Song’’ at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Stittsville on December 18 at 4pm. Will feature the Anglican Children’s Choir, the Yuletide Ladies Chorus and the Trinity Hilltop Ringers (bell choir). Free.
· Rag and Bone Puppet Theatre presents “The Story of Holly and Ivy”—a Christmas tale based on the popular book where an orphan girl dreams of a Christmas doll and the doll dreams of a girl for Christmas Day. Shows will at 7pm on December 16, at 1:30 and 3:30 on December 17 and 18. Tix are $10 or a four-pack for $32.
· ‘’Disney Live” presents three classical fairy tales in a musical show at Scotiabank Place on December 17 and 18. The stories will cover Snow White, Cinderella and Belle’s stories and will also feature Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy.
· The Ballet Jorgen will perform a Canadian version of the timeless holiday classic: “The Nutcracker” at the Shenkman Arts Centre on December 19 at 7pm and at 1pm and 7pm on December 20. Tix run from $35 to $50.
It’s Christmastime in the city
A listing of the parades and lighting ceremonies throughout the city.
· Vankleek Hill’s Parade of Lights is Friday, December 2 at 7pm.
· Richmond Santa Clause Parade is Saturday, December 3 at 11am.
· Pakenham’s parade is on Saturday, December 3 at 1pm.
· Manotick’s parade will take place on Saturday, December 3 at 1pm.
· Perth’s Santa Clause Parade is Saturday, December 3 at 5pm.
· Spencerville’s Starlight Parade is at 7pm on Saturday, December 3.
· Hawkesbury’s Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 3 at 7pm.
· Osgoode’s parade will take place on Sunday, December 4 at 11:30am.
· Picton’s Santa Clause Parade is Sunday, December 4 at 1pm.
· Almonte’s Santa Clause Parade is Sunday, December 4 at 1:30pm.
· Carp’s Santa Clause Parade is Saturday, December 10 at noon.
· Metcalfe parade will be Sunday, December 11 at 2pm.
· “Christmas Lights Across Canada” started with the Christmas lights display on Parliament Hill. Now, not only are 60 sites throughout Ottawa and Gatineau lit up with lights from December 1, 2011 to January 7, 2012, but 13 capital cities have joined in the program. The Illumination Ceremony, which takes place on the Hill on December 7 at 6pm will feature choirs, a candle-lit vigil, special effects show, and celebrity and musical guests. Free.
· “Light Up the Night” in Almonte is part of Wayne Rostad’s “Christmas in the Valley” festival. On Friday, December 2 at 7pm, the entire town of Almonte will light up with festive decorations to hold an outdoor holiday concert. It will feature local musicians, choirs, singers, puppeteers, a town crier, Snow Queen, Twinkle Fairies and the Big Man himself. Also, a fireworks display. Free.
· Starting Thursday to Sunday weekends beginning December 2 to December 18 and then nightly until January 7 (closed December 24 and 25) from 4:30 pm to 9:00pm, Upper Canada Village will be open for its “Alight at Night Festival.” The heritage town will be alight with half-a-million Christmas lights and will feature special programming. Horse-drawn wagon rides, train rides, shopping in the Village Boutique, the Sound and Light Spectacular at Crysler House, Gingerbread House Exhibit and Competition, carolling at the Church and enjoying a meal at the three Village restaurants is perfect for a family gathering or a corporate event. Adults $13, Seniors/students $10 and Children under 5, free.
· CP Holiday Train is North America’s largest, roaming food bank. It features a festively decorated commuter train that crosses the country (and some US states), stopping at small towns along the way to perform boxcar, outdoor concerts of some of North America’s rising stars and collect food bank donations along the way. The Holiday Train will be passing by Beaconsfield, Quebec on Sunday, November 27 at 1:30pm; Merrickville, Ontario at 6:45pm and Smith Falls, Ontario at 8pm. It will continue across the country until December 6th. Check the site to see if there’s a stop near you!
O little town of Bethlehem
A listing of local Christmas festivals.
· “Christmas in Merrickville” is a three-day festival, beginning with a Village Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 2 at 5pm. Shops will stay open late to encourage local holiday shopping and carolling will take place. On Saturday, December 3 there will be a “Breakfast with Santa” event from 8:30 to 10:30am. $5 adults, $3 for kids. There will also be a “Cookie Walk and Weigh” from 9am to 1pm, allowing participants to fill up a box with baked goods, then pay by weight. $5 a pound. On Sunday, Handel’s “Messiah” will be performed at United Church at 2pm ($20 tix). The CP Holiday Train will pass by with its free outdoor concert at 6:45pm. All weekend, there will be a Home and Business Decorating Contest, a chilli tent available from 5 to 8pm ($5 a bowl), as well as street carolling, wagon rides ($3), free hot apple cider and hot dogs and marshmallows roasted over an open fire, Crazy Hat Contest, pet station, hamper collections, pictures with Santa, Christmas tree decorating by nursery school children, children’s activities and entertainment, silent auction, magician and street hockey tournament.
· Manotick’s “Olde Fashioned Christmas” will be held on December 3 and 4. The quaint village will be transformed into a Village of Yesteryear. There will be strolling Dickens carollers, a Saturday parade at 1pm, wagon rides, face painting, a Victorian penny sale, Christmas Market at Watson’s Mill, apple cider and hot chocolate and cookies, breakfast with Father and Mary Christmas on Sunday at 9am (family games, crafts, pics with Santa) and a sunset carol sing-a-long at the mill at 4:30pm on December 4. (Dress warmly!).
· Spencerville will be celebrating it’s “A Country Christmas Remembered” from December 2 to 4. Some events require a passport (a family passport is $15), but others are free to attend. There will be a parade, a lighting ceremony, decorating and gingerbread house contests, juice jams, storytelling, children’s entertainment, karaoke singing, talent shows, concerts, traditional turkey and roast beef dinners, breakfast with Santa, elf mascots and wandering minstrels, wagon rides, cookie sales, craft shows, Santa’s workshop, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, fireworks, a family skating party, art exhibits and a rural ramble.
O’er the hills we go, in a one-horse open sleigh
A listing of places throughout the city where you can go for a sleigh ride.
· Beckett’s Creek Farm
· Lucky Luc Carriage and Sleigh Services
· Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm
· Smithvale Stables
· Pinto Valley Ranch
· Captiva Farms
· Happy Trails Riding Stables
· Fulton’s Sugar Bush
· Hazeldean Mall – Sleigh rides will be held there on weekends in December, in front of the Zeller’s entrance. Food donations required.
· Byward Market – Free sleigh rides on December weekends. Register early in front of Moulin Du Provence.
· Sparks Street Mall – Free sleigh rides
· Westboro – Free sleigh rides
***Kanata Centrum City Walks - Free sleigh rides***
An old Christmas card
A listing of fun Christmasy activities you can do from the comfort of your own home.
· Write to Santa. Send him a letter or your Christmas wishlist, via Canada Post, before December 19th and he’ll write you back. No postage necessary, just be sure to include a return address. You can also send him an email. In honour of 30 years of this letter-writing tradition with Canada Post, check online in late November to see Santa on YouTube, reading some of the letters he received this year. One of them might be yours!
· Send your children a video message from the North Pole. Santa will personalize a video message with your child’s name, favourite toys and other information. You can even include a photo of your child for an extra effect. Free—and fun!
· ***Another personalized video message from Magic Santa. Good for sending to your spouses, siblings and friends, too. Also, free! ***
