You ever had one of those days when you felt totally productive, totally content with how the day turned out, how much you got accomplished in the time allotted? Like the day didn’t get away from you this time—you were in total control of how it played out and completely wiped the floor with the to-do list. Then, you just kicked back with a cocktail (in my case, cranberry juice and raspberry vodka, natch!) and actually enjoyed the remainder of the day?
Well, I had that type of day last Sunday. I worked all morning, cleaned both girls’ bedrooms, folded and put away laundry, tidied up the house and prepped a kick-ass dinner (home-grown bbq chicken, broccoli coleslaw and grilled tomatoes with cheese and basil, for those interested). Then, I started grooming Dealer on the back porch (he was waaaaaaay beyond due for a haircut), when my hubby finished tilling the garden and rescued me from the tedious job, so I could push Brooke on the swings. After a while and a check-in on our napping Aviecakes, I just laid back in the sunshine, petting the dog and watching my family do their thang around me. It was awesome. Not a worry or a 'I-should-be-doing-_______' thought on the horizon. I need more of those days. Lately, it seems that that feeling of complete serenity has been just beyond my grasp. Which is exactly why I needed to comment on it.
I’ve been back to work for a year and a week now, and for about that same amount of time, I have felt harried. That’s the best word for it. Harried by my own imaginary to-do list. Things that need doing now, things that need doing this week, things that need doing if I ever find the time. I never seem to find the time.
What’s worse is the fact that much of it is my own doing. I keep adding things to the list! I take on new projects and get involved with new communities all the time because I love it. As harried as I feel at home, I love being socially active with my kids—involved in their recreational activities, in volunteering and fundraising and party planning. I love feeling part of our community and taking part in the activities that make our area a great place to live.
And, I really and truly do love my varied interests--even if I simply never have the time to enjoy them. Photography, scrapbooking, crafting, blogging, even reading my favourite magazines (which have piled up in the living room with nary a page turned) have fallen by the wayside.
Honestly, I love looking at my calendar and seeing it full of Make-a-Wish meetings, CHEO radiothons, arm charm events, ballet dress rehearsals and school talent shows—makes me feel like a full-fledged soccer (er...swimming?) mom—but sometimes it leaves me exhausted, thinking of the guest blogspots I’ve promised to produce and the 9-cent-photo-sales I missed because I couldn’t sit down long enough to download the pics.
Months ago, before Christmas, I think?--I cut my hair—took off 12 inches and had the stylist braid the shorn locks into a tail for me to send to a cancer organization that specializes in creating wigs for children. I carefully wrapped the tail in tissue paper and a Jean Coutu plastic bag and I have been faithfully carrying it in the pocket of my LuLuLemon bag every day for about two months now. Every day, I plan to take it to the post office to send away, and still I cannot seem to cross that tiny task off the list. Forget blogging—I barely have time for buying stamps!
So, for this Mother’s Day, I’m wishing for more time. And more patience and personal acceptance for the things I cannot accomplish and must put aside for another day. For the ability to better prioritize my life and organize my time. For the realization that I cannot be everywhere, doing everything. Either that, or to hire someone to prepare kick-ass bbqs while I kick back with a cocktail! Sheesh.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
A springboard to fun
Can hardly believe it! I looked out my bedroom window this morning to see the most adorable pale green buds all over my apple blossom tree. Yeah! Spring really is here. (Sadly, the weather this week is nowhere near as fine as last week's +27!--that's like get-yourself-a-pedi-weather 'cause the flip flops need to come on out!--but it's been raining for a few days now and things are beginning to look more green!)
And, that's when I realized that Easter is next week.Yikes--I haven't even decorated yet, much less dyed any eggs with the girls or made bunny-shaped cookies. Better hop to it!
Anyways, time for you to pull out your calendar and mark down some dates to remember, ‘cause I’ve been rooting around on the Web and have already scored a few family activities worth checking out this spring....
Everybunny loves springtime
E.B. will be making the rounds this April at a number of locations throughout the city. To visit with the oversized hare, scour gardens for chocolate eggs or take part in a multitude of spring-themed activities, check out these events:
Go hug a tree...or watch a star....
Thinking about summer camp already? Considering buying Junior some new rain boots or a bicycle? These are the events that in-the-know parents refuse to miss!
And, that's when I realized that Easter is next week.Yikes--I haven't even decorated yet, much less dyed any eggs with the girls or made bunny-shaped cookies. Better hop to it!
Anyways, time for you to pull out your calendar and mark down some dates to remember, ‘cause I’ve been rooting around on the Web and have already scored a few family activities worth checking out this spring....
Everybunny loves springtime
E.B. will be making the rounds this April at a number of locations throughout the city. To visit with the oversized hare, scour gardens for chocolate eggs or take part in a multitude of spring-themed activities, check out these events: - Easter Bunny Breakfast at Metcalfe Community Centre: On March 31, from 8am to 11am, the event will feature breakfast, crafts and activities for the kids, photos with the Easter Bunny and a silent auction. Tickets available at the door.
- Easter Bunny visits at Carlingwood Mall: On March 31, April 1 and April 7, the Big Bun will be available for meet and greets. Crafts, a chocolate egg hunt and a little white rabbit magic will cap off the event! 1 to 4pm.
- Easter Wishes at the Walter Baker Sports Centre: On April 1, from 10am to 3pm, Pam’s Boob Crew (who will be raising funds for the CIBC’s Run for the Cure) will host an Easter craft show and bake sale. There will also be a petting zoo, a cupcake station, face painting, raffles and draws and photos with the Easter Bunny ($10 a photo, with $1 going to the cause). Free admission.
- Easter Bunny and Spring Open House: On April 1, from 11am to 2pm, the Ottawa Humane Society is opening its new shelter to the public and will be celebrating the season with an egg hunt, crafts and photos with the Easter Bunny.
- Hop to it at Place d’Orleans: Visit the Fountain Stage on Thursday, April 5 to get a free photo with the Easter Bunny from 10am to 1:30pm. (Space is limited, so register early). There will also be free crafts and face painting.
- Curious Cottontails’ Egg Hunt at the Cumberland Heritage Museum: On April 7, from 10am to 5pm, come decorate your own eggs using natural dyes you can make yourself, make Easter hats and headdresses, plant heirloom carrots and enjoy an egg hunt all around the village. Maybe the miniature train will be running? Regular admission fees apply.
- Special Children’s Easter Yoga Class at Prana Shanti Yoga Centre: From 9:30am to 10:30am on April 7, there will be a yoga-style egg hunt, a yoga session and special springtime crafts. Drop-in fee of $12 (one parent must stay with child).
- Easter Egg Hunt at Pinhey’s Point: Saturday, April 7, take part in a grounds-wide egg hunt, dye your own eggs, visit with some farm animals, and pick some flowers for a springtime bouquet. Maybe the Easter Bunny will even hop on by! 11am to 4pm. $6 per person, $10 a pair or $16 per family.
- Springtime on the Farm at the Canadian Agricultural Museum: From April 6 to April 9, guests can come visit with the lambs, chicks, rabbits and other farm animals, participate in the annual egg hunt and take the ‘signs of spring’ trivia challenge. 9am to 4pm. $9 per adult, $7 per student or senior, $6 per kids (3 to 12 years) or $23 per family. Children under three are free.
Go hug a tree...or watch a star....
Springtime means nature! Get outside and enjoy some of the city’s fresh, nature-themed events.
- Maple Sugar Fest at the Vanier Museoparc: On Saturday, March 31, at the heritage sugar shack in Richelieu Park, there will be a pancake breakfast, Vanier Maple 5K and 10K Run, a lumberjack competition (featuring local politicians and police officers) and storytelling from 10am to 4pm. On April 1, there will be another maple sugar brunch and a strongman demonstration. Children’s singer “Tante Caroline” will perform, along with some cultural dancers from Russia, Romania and Croatia. There will also be face painting, petting zoo, crafts and other activities throughout the weekend. Free activities, although brunch and pancake breakfast are not.
- Stargazing Party at the Museum of Science and Technology: More free stargazing parties will be held at the Helen Sawyer Hogg Observatory on March 31 (in honour of Earth Hour) and on April 28 at 7pm. This is an outdoor event so dress accordingly.
- Earth Day at the Museum of Nature: Free admission to the Museum of Nature on April 22 in honour of Earth Day. Wahoo!
Thinking about summer camp already? Considering buying Junior some new rain boots or a bicycle? These are the events that in-the-know parents refuse to miss!- Capital Parent and Kids Show at the Nepean Sportsplex: There is so much going on for your whole family at this show on March 31 and April 1 from 9am to 5pm. There will be vendors and exhibits of every kid-related service you can think of: summer camps, recreation services, daycares, baby products, education programs, financial planning, toy and clothing stores, health and safety programs, entertainment services, you name it! There will also be face-painting, character meet and greets (Dora, Diego and Star Wars characters to name a few!), giant games, inflatables, playzones, presentations of birds of prey, tigers and lizards by Jungle Cat World and Little Ray’s Reptiles, magic shows, raffles, contests and so much more! Admission is $11 for kids and $14 for adults (kids two and under are free). Also, get your copy of a free Capital Kids newspaper to get a discount coupon of $2 off!
- Hot Tots Consignment Sale at the Earl of March High School: Racks and racks of gently-used kids clothing, toys and products will be on sale at this high school in Kanata on March 31 and April 1. Admission is $1 for adults or a non-perishable food item and free for kids.
- Outgrow Outplay Consignment Sale at the Merivale Arena: On April 28, from 8:30am to 4pm, the doors will open to another huge consignment sale of good quality, gently used clothing, toys, bikes, books, DVDs, and other baby equipment. Those with pre-sale passes will be able to shop on Friday evening, April 27, from 4pm to 8pm. First-time parents with pre-sale passes will also be able to get in before the crowds on Saturday, starting at 8am. On Sunday, April 29, leftover items will be available at 50% off. Admission is $2 for adults or a non-perishable food item and free for kids.
Some ol’ fashioned fun for spring
Trains, tartans, theatre and tea—our Victorian heritage returns at this time of year. Enjoy some traditional springtime activities this season.
- “The Wind in the Willows” at the Shenkman Arts Centre: On April 1 and April 15, Rag and Bone Puppet Theatre will present the classic children’s story using puppetry, shadows, music and video. Shows are at 11:30am and 1:30pm and tickets are $10 each or $32 for a set of four tickets.
- Celebrate Tartan Day on the Hill: Join the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band, as well as several of the area’s best Highland dancing groups, on Parliament Hill on April 8 from 12pm to 1pm. Wear your best tartan kilt, hat, scarf, tie or sash and celebrate Celtic heritage with choirs, piping, drumming and dancing. Free admission.
- Ottawa Train Expo at the Carleton University Fieldhouse: Eastern Canada’s largest model train show will take place on May 5 and May 6 from 10am to 4pm. There will be many trains on display (including one by Thomas’ Branch (Thomas the Tank Engine) to delight the young and young at heart, as well as workshops with experts on how to start your own model train displays. There will also be a raffle table, in support of Roger’s House. Admission is $8, with kids 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. Go online for a $1 discount coupon.
- Season Opening BBQ at Watson’s Mill: Come to the mill on May 5 from 10 to 5pm for a free event. Historical interpreters will provide milling demonstrations and tours, while offering a free bbq to the public from 11:45am to 1:30pm.
- Mother’s Day Tea: Sponsored by Bayshore Shopping Centre, this free event will take place at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre on May 10 from 2pm to 4pm. Limited seating, so reserve your tickets now!
- Hats Off to Spring! Mother’s Day weekend fashion show held at Santé Restaurant on May 12 at 12:15pm. The show will feature spring fashions by JMichaels and Chapeaux de Madeleine, door prizes by Holtz Spa and complimentary fragrances from The Bay. Lunch is $25.
Got any other spring things to add to my list? Drop me a line! Hoppy spring!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Stream of whaaaat?
Winter is clearly leaving like a lion—and I gotta say, I’m bummed by it. Last week, Mother Nature taunted us with the first harbringers of spring—warm sunshine, chirping birds, melting snow, the sound of the run-off trickling into gutters, brown tufts of grass peeking out from lawns. It was heavenly. Looked like and Wiarton Willie finally had it right. An early spring and not a moment too soon. And, then, last Friday, right after she had us shedding mittens and parkas for jackets and sunglasses, she went ahead and dumped another 10 cm of the white stuff on us, followed by a week of frigid temperatures. Gawd.
Flash forward to yesterday—yup. More snow. Another 10 cm of the crap. Looks like grey, dreary skies all weekend. Utterly depressing. Truly. Mother Nature is one fickle b!tch.
I guess you could say I have cabin fever and wrong you would not be. I’m a proud Canadian, and I hate the thought of a green Christmas, but man, oh man—I was never meant for winter weather. I get to about mid-January and I’m done with it. Suivant, next.
But, we’ll get to spring eventually, I suppose—I’ll give Willie another week or so before I file an official grievance. In the meantime, I’ve got plenty to keep me busy. (When do I not?) Lots of things to cross off the To-Do list at home, of course, but I’ve also joined the Make-a-Wish team in Rockland as a volunteer, so I hope to be involved with Brooke and company in some fun events there. Looking forward to taking some wish-granting training soon, too.
Of course, I want to get started on that wish trip scrapbook, too, especially now that my sister-in-law Brenna—the star of scrapbooking superwebsite, ScrapSmith—found me some adorable mermaid/princess/fairy/Disney papers to work with. Gorgtastic! So, that’s another project that will be ever in the wings.
Must get back to the DISBoards as the folks there have been very patient with me while I have gone on blogging and trip-reporting hiatus for the last couple of months.
And, in spite of all my complaining, spring is coming, so that means time to get party-planning! Not only is there the usual Easter shenanigans to prepare for, but I’ve got a bundle of birthdays I need to celebrate. We have a lot of April birthdays in the family—my granny’s, my mother-in-law, my hubby, my brother (who will be 30 this year!) and, of course, Miss Avie, who will be two in just a few weeks. Eeek! I can’t believe it—seems like it was a couple of months ago that I began this blog to chronicle her coming into the world.
Here she is in a terribly unsteady iPhone users' hand (mine), perusing the Sears catalogue. Caught her ogling Dora tricycles. Little sister has already started catalogue shopping. Highly amusing. But, helpful, too. (One guess as to what my little sweetie will be getting for her birthday?)
She's growing up so fast. (FYI, her feet are growing at an average pace and are, in fact, quite normal-sized. In this pic, she was wearing Brooke's shoes.)
And, you know what she said to me this morning when I opened up her bedroom door to her little chattering voice? Prepare to gush....
“Oh! It’s my mommy. Love you!”
Yup. Sweetest thing ever.
Kid plucked all my heartstrings and the sound resonated all the way to work. In spite of the grey skies and bleak March terrain—which is saying something, I think.
More about her party plans forthcoming—but let’s just say, I’m very partyblog-inspired lately and have been showing my love of these awesome sites through Pinterest. Okay—can I say how much I love that website? I have found about a bazillion awesome, time-wasting websites in the last few weeks—Mod Clothes, We Heart It, Zulily—to add to my collection ol’ Flickr, Etsy, Contestgirl and Facebook standbys. But, honestly, it’s a struggle every time I sit down at the laptop because as the urge to creep along the pin boards is almost more than I can bear.... I adore it. I feel that website was created specifically with me in mind.
Seriously—I’m one of those peeps who has about 300 favourite websites stored on my browser and then saves a gazillion photos from different websites showing cool crafting, arty, entertaining or clothing ideas onto her hard drive. I’m not joking—there might just be more ‘mermaid party decoration’ photos there than there are pics of the girls. Now I can finally clear out all of those images and keep the ideas in one tidy little account somewhere in the cloud, all neatly sorted and organized and shared among like-minded friends.
Pinterest—my hard drive thanks you.
So, what’s all the point of this rambling piece? None whatsoever. Just a little stream of consciousness blurb to let you know I’m back.
Catch ya’ later.
Flash forward to yesterday—yup. More snow. Another 10 cm of the crap. Looks like grey, dreary skies all weekend. Utterly depressing. Truly. Mother Nature is one fickle b!tch.
I guess you could say I have cabin fever and wrong you would not be. I’m a proud Canadian, and I hate the thought of a green Christmas, but man, oh man—I was never meant for winter weather. I get to about mid-January and I’m done with it. Suivant, next.
But, we’ll get to spring eventually, I suppose—I’ll give Willie another week or so before I file an official grievance. In the meantime, I’ve got plenty to keep me busy. (When do I not?) Lots of things to cross off the To-Do list at home, of course, but I’ve also joined the Make-a-Wish team in Rockland as a volunteer, so I hope to be involved with Brooke and company in some fun events there. Looking forward to taking some wish-granting training soon, too.
Of course, I want to get started on that wish trip scrapbook, too, especially now that my sister-in-law Brenna—the star of scrapbooking superwebsite, ScrapSmith—found me some adorable mermaid/princess/fairy/Disney papers to work with. Gorgtastic! So, that’s another project that will be ever in the wings.
Must get back to the DISBoards as the folks there have been very patient with me while I have gone on blogging and trip-reporting hiatus for the last couple of months.
And, in spite of all my complaining, spring is coming, so that means time to get party-planning! Not only is there the usual Easter shenanigans to prepare for, but I’ve got a bundle of birthdays I need to celebrate. We have a lot of April birthdays in the family—my granny’s, my mother-in-law, my hubby, my brother (who will be 30 this year!) and, of course, Miss Avie, who will be two in just a few weeks. Eeek! I can’t believe it—seems like it was a couple of months ago that I began this blog to chronicle her coming into the world.Here she is in a terribly unsteady iPhone users' hand (mine), perusing the Sears catalogue. Caught her ogling Dora tricycles. Little sister has already started catalogue shopping. Highly amusing. But, helpful, too. (One guess as to what my little sweetie will be getting for her birthday?)
She's growing up so fast. (FYI, her feet are growing at an average pace and are, in fact, quite normal-sized. In this pic, she was wearing Brooke's shoes.)
And, you know what she said to me this morning when I opened up her bedroom door to her little chattering voice? Prepare to gush....
“Oh! It’s my mommy. Love you!”
Yup. Sweetest thing ever.
Kid plucked all my heartstrings and the sound resonated all the way to work. In spite of the grey skies and bleak March terrain—which is saying something, I think.
More about her party plans forthcoming—but let’s just say, I’m very partyblog-inspired lately and have been showing my love of these awesome sites through Pinterest. Okay—can I say how much I love that website? I have found about a bazillion awesome, time-wasting websites in the last few weeks—Mod Clothes, We Heart It, Zulily—to add to my collection ol’ Flickr, Etsy, Contestgirl and Facebook standbys. But, honestly, it’s a struggle every time I sit down at the laptop because as the urge to creep along the pin boards is almost more than I can bear.... I adore it. I feel that website was created specifically with me in mind.
Seriously—I’m one of those peeps who has about 300 favourite websites stored on my browser and then saves a gazillion photos from different websites showing cool crafting, arty, entertaining or clothing ideas onto her hard drive. I’m not joking—there might just be more ‘mermaid party decoration’ photos there than there are pics of the girls. Now I can finally clear out all of those images and keep the ideas in one tidy little account somewhere in the cloud, all neatly sorted and organized and shared among like-minded friends.
Pinterest—my hard drive thanks you.
So, what’s all the point of this rambling piece? None whatsoever. Just a little stream of consciousness blurb to let you know I’m back.
Catch ya’ later.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Ring those bells, baby
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! ***
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! ***
Thursday, November 17, 2011
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
I know, I know it’s only just November and we’ve barely removed the poppies from our lapel, but I received a lot of feedback from readers who enjoyed my ‘catch-all’ events listing for Halloween, so I’ve got another one for you here for the holiday season—and believe it or not, the holiday season begins this weekend! (Er...update...last weekend!)I know I’m always looking for fun and festive ways of celebrating the season, seeing the city, meeting new people and trying new things. I can’t be the only one! So, if you are looking for a parade to kick-off your festive season, a glittering gala to attend or a simple way to spend some quality time with the kids, check out my list. I’ve divvied up the events into categories and added info where available. I’ve also noted what events are free.
I’m going to try to keep this list updated for the season, so if you know of an event that seems like a good fit, please let me know and I’ll include it here and then will repost it weekly throughout the season. Unfortunately, I won’t be advertising concerts, church fairs and craft shows, ‘cause let’s face it—there’s a helluva lot of them and no way I could do justice to that list!
Happy celebrating!
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 celebrates his arrival at the Rideau Centre on Saturday, November 12 from 11 to 1pm. Photo packages will be available for $15 each, with proceeds going to Door Youth Centre.
· St. Nick will be available for photos at Hazeldean Mall following the parade on Saturday, November 12 from noon to 2pm. 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 will be dropping by Les Galleries de Hull at 10am on Saturday, November 12. The party begins at 9am, however, with face painters, clowns and fiddlers.
· Santa arrives at Bayshore Shopping Centre on Sunday, November 13 at 9:00am. A tree-trimming jamboree will take place with photos with Santa (from 9 to 9), holiday choirs and Dickens carollers (9 to 2), face painting and balloon artists (in front of Winners from 9 to 3), stiltwalkers and puppets (10 to 3), Mrs. Claus cookies (9 to 3) and Santa’s Letter Writing Helper Workshop (in front of Mrs. Tiggy Winkles from 1 to 3).
· Santa makes his first appearance at St. Laurent Centre on Sunday, November 13 at 9:00am. A pancake and pyjama breakfast will welcome him to the mall from 9 to 10. Tickets are $7 each with proceeds going to the Ottawa Food Bank. Santa will then make his way to Centre Court for photos until 4pm.
· St. Nick arrives at Carlingwood Mall on Friday, November 18 from 11am to 8pm. You can visit the Carling Woods display to visit and take photos with Santa ($10 for a DVD). Kids will receive a plush Rocky the Raccoon, Carlingwoods feature creature. There will be face painting and music. Anyone who brings a food bank donation will also receive a festive shopping bag.
· Santa Paws will be coming to the Westgate Shopping Centre on Friday, November 18 (and staying on through the weekend) to take photos of your pets with the Big Man himself. Cost is $15 (or $10 for OHS animals) and proceeds go to the Ottawa Humane Society.
· St. Nick will arrive to fanfare at Billings Bridge Plaza on Saturday, November 19 at 1pm. A party will take place from 1 to 2:30pm, with photos continuing until 4pm.
· Santa’s workshop begins at Place d’Orleans Shopping Centre on Sunday, November 20. A VIP pass for $5 will allow you to participate in face painting, gingerbread house building and a photo of the Big Man himself. Space is limited, so register early.
· Père Noel arrive at Les Promenades de l’Outaouais on Sunday, November 20. To celebrate, the mall will be offering a Sonia Yaya show at 11am, followed by an autograph session (does anyone know who this is? Does she really need an autograph session?!?). There will also be magicians, musicians, clowns and le p’tit Train des Promenades.
· Santa Paws returns, this time to the Lincoln Fields mall for more pet photos from November 25 to November 27. He will also make appearances at the Ottawa Humane Society the three weekends in December leading up to Christmas.
· 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.
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.
· Grand Opening weekend for the new Mayfair Theatre in Orleans. For a great price, you can check out the “Back to the Future” triology, the original “Muppets” movie (followed by “The Great Muppets Caper”) and “Gone with the Wind.” Will also be featuring a "The Great Escape" comedy/magic/juggling show by The Cow Guys at 1pm all weekend long. Price is $12 for adults, $5 for kids under 12 and $10 for all seniors and Mayfair members. Proceeds going to prostate cancer research in support of "Movember."
· The North Grenville Municipal Centre offers Family Movie nights every Friday. November 18 will feature “Super 8” and November 25 will be “Another Earth.” Free.
· Stargazing party at the Helen Sawyer Hogg Observatory at the Canadian Museum of Science and Technology on November 18 at 9:00pm. Free. Dress warmly!
· Build a wooden Santa’s sleigh at Lowes’ Build-and-Grow Clinic at 10:00am on Saturday, November 19. For ages 5 and up. Registration required. Free.
· Celebrate National Children’s Day at the Nepean Museum on Sunday, November 20 from 1:00 to 4:00pm. Play Victorian games, crafts, celebrate being a child and everything that makes you special. $1 minimum donation.
· The Ottawa Waldorf School in Stittsville will be hosting a Christmas Fair on November 20 from 10am to 3pm. Celebrate in an atmosphere that evokes Christmas past. A market with local vendors, a café serving homemade dishes, a children’s store for kids’ gift shopping, candledipping crafts, a puppet show and an enchanted Cookie Cave full of surprise.
· Enjoy a local talent show and Christmas concert at the “An Evening of Sharing” in Rockland on Friday, November 25 at 7pm. Admission is free with a cash or food donation to stock local food banks. Variety show with singing, dancing and musical interludes.
· St. Andrew’s Church on Wellington will be hosting a Scottish Tea and Bazaar on November 26 from 1 to 3:30pm. It will feature attic treasures, art collectibles, handicrafts, Christmas items, baked goods, books, jams, jewellery and a silent auction.
· Visit the Sugar Plum Fair as hosted by the Ottawa School of Dance on Saturday, November 26 from 9:30 to 2pm. The winter fair will feature baked goods, fine arts, fruitcakes, crafts and other vendors. Proceeds go to the charity’s outreach programs.
· 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.· 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!
· 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 6:30pm. All are welcome.
· 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.
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 musical version of the 1954 holiday film “White Christmas” will be performed at the Centrepointe Theatre from November 11 to November 20.
· Arthur L’Aventurier will rediscover the magic of Christmas in his “L’Aventure de Noel” on Saturday, November 12 at 3pm at the Desjardins Hall in Gatineau. Tickets are $16.
· Ginette Charbonneau will be talking about the rites of Christmas across time and across the world in her lecture at Maison de la Culture in Gatineau on November 17 at 7pm. Free.
· Handel’s ‘’Messiah” will be performed at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in the Glebe on November 18 and 19. Tix are $23.50 for adults, $15.20 for students. (Why not round these fees up?!?!)
· The Pennsylvania Ballet present “The Nutcracker” at the National Arts Centre from December 1 to December 4.
· 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.
· 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.
· 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.
· Kanata/Hazeldean Mall’s Santa Claus Parade is Saturday, November 12 at 10am.· The Kemptville Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade will take place at 1pm on Saturday, November 19.
· Ottawa’s Help Santa Toy Parade is on Saturday, November 19 at 5pm.
· Cornwall’s Santa Claus Parade is on Saturday, November 19.
· Barrhaven Lions Club Santa Claus Parade is Sunday, November 20 at 5:30pm.
· Gatineau’s Santa’s Parade will take place Friday, November 25 at 7pm.
· Aylmer will have a parade on Friday, November 25 at 7pm.
· Brockville’s Santa Clause Parade is Saturday, November 26 at 2pm.
· Westport’s parade is on Saturday, November 26 at 2pm.
· Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade is at 5pm on Saturday, November 26.
· Pembroke’s Christmas Parade is Saturday, November 26 at 5:30pm.
· Orleans’ Santa’s Parade of Lights is Saturday, November 26 at 6pm.
· Gananoque’s Christmas Parade is Saturday, November 26 at 6pm.
· Embrun’s Santa’s Parade is Saturday, November 26 at 6:30pm.
· Stittsville will have a parade on Saturday, November 26 at 7:30pm.
· Smith Falls’ Santa Clause Parade is Sunday, November 27.
· Russell’s Christmas Parade is Sunday, November 27 at 1pm.
· Casselman’s Christmas Parade is Sunday, November 27 at 1:30pm.
· Clarence-Rockland’s Christmas Parade of Lights is at 4:30 pm on Sunday, November 27.
· 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, small-town Christmas festivals. Perfect for a weekend getaway!
· “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!).
· Casselman’s “Christmas Festival” will take place from November 24 to November 27. There will be a number of different events taking place throughout the weekend, including a bowling tournament, Christmas market, outdoor cinema (Friday at 5:45pm, bring chairs and dress warmly!), four-on-four hockey tournament, choir and rock concerts, disco skating (Thursday from 6pm to 7:30pm), spaghetti dinners, wine and cheese, horse and buggy rides, a parade, face painting, bonfire (Saturday, noon to 7pm), visits with Santa Claus, Santa Claus’ workshop, the official lighting ceremony and more.
· 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.
My Christmas wish
A listing of unique Christmas gift or décor ideas.
· Gourmet fruitcakes made by Cistercian Monks from the Oka Monastery will be on sale at the Notre Dame Basilica Cathedral on November 19 and 20. Large cakes (in decorative tins) will sell for $22, while small loaf-shaped cakes will sell for $15. On sale at the back of the church after mass.
· Fresh holly sale - hollies have been cultivated in BC and will be sold to anyone across the country until November 25 in support of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. For $42, you get 10 holly sprays (8 green and 2 variegated), 2 pinecones, and 2 cedar boughs. The items will be beauty and nature into your home and luck into your lives. Buy for yourself or have it delivered as a gift. Will include a gift card.
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
An old Christmas card
A listing of fun Christmasy activities you can do from the comfort of your own home.
· Send a Canadian soldier some holiday spirit. Make or purchase a holiday card, address it to ‘A Canadian Solider’ with a message of thanks and seasons’ greetings in it, add a Tim Horton’s gift card to it and send it Red Fridays Foundation of Canada in Ajax, Ontario by November 15th. One of the 4,000 soldiers stationed abroad will be delighted to enjoy a cup of tastes-like-home coffee and a donut over the holidays thanks to you.
· 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 e-mail. 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, age, favourite toys, and other information and then send it to you by e-mail. You can even include a photo of your child for an extra effect. Free—and fun!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Haunted (local!) happenings
I’ve been wanting to do this every season for years now, but it always seems like life gets in the way and my endless reams of notepaper goes missing. This weekend is the last weekend of October—and presumably (at least for us Canadians!)—the last real weekend of fall. Frost has been gathering on the windowpanes, mittens are dangling from winter coats and a prediction of snow on Hallow’s Eve has got all of us just waiting for the other fur-covered boot to drop!So, the end of another season—and once again, not a moment too soon for me! I’m already waaaaaay over Halloween. Yeah, you heard me. I bought my first Xmas album a week ago and I’m already planning out the Christmas card photo. Hot cocoa, wood-burning fires, even wore my new winter boots to work the other day. Sure, it was warm—but I was totally rocking the Fa-la-la-la vibe!
Anyhoot—reining myself back in here—if you have kids all eager to give their princess dresses and ghoul masks a dry-run, then I’ve got the list for you! If have a hankering for something spooktacular this weekend, Ottawa is definitely the place to be. Here’s a pretty comprehensive list (yes, I know, I do a lot of research. Yes, you are all amazed by how I find all this stuff, yadda, yadda....) of the haunted happenings in the area this weekend. Find yourself some fun!
Happy Boo to You!
Halloween Hoopla• Fiery Faces at 2825 Dumaurier Avenue, Ottawa. See a light display of hundreds of carved jack-o-lanterns in support of Ottawa’s Boys and Girls Club. Nightly displays from October 28 to October 31 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Family Fun Day from 12:00pm to 5:00pm on Saturday, October 29 with Ray’s Reptiles, pumpkin carving and cookie decorating. Free, but donations accepted.
• Bat Hunt at Canadian Children’s Museum. Find all of the bats hidden throughout the museum and win a special Halloween treat.
• Happy Halloween at Canadian Children’s Museum. October 28 from 9:30am to 11:30am. Costumes parade, make a mask, decorate a trick-or-treat bag and take in a show.
• Sesame Street Halloween Party at Canadian Museum of Civilization. Sunday, October 30 from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Dress up in best costumes and visit the Grand Hall. Treats, cool crafts, DJ for a dance party and appearances by Elmo, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby.
• Pumpkin Patch Parties at Gymboree (373 Vantage Drive, Orleans). Friday, October 28 at 6:15 to 7:15pm. Open to everyone ($12 for members, $15 for non-members). Treats, crafts, costume parade, games and more.
• A-BACH-cadabra! at the National Arts Centre. Follow Samara, the Witch as she and the orchestra set out on a Halloween adventure to discover the music of Bach. Dress up for this special concert. October 29 to November 1.
• A Barnyard Halloween at Canada Agriculture Museum. Trick-or-treat scavenger hunt through the barns; take a wagon ride; make caramel apples, pumpkin desserts and other treats in the kitchen; and decorate your own pumpkin (extra fee) and take it home. 9:00am to 5:00pm.
• Halloween at the Canadian Museum of Nature. October 29 and 30. Creepy Crawly Show ‘n Tell in the Theatre, scavenger hunt through the galleries, airbrush temporary tattoos in the mezzanine.
• Vintage Halloween Hijinx at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Kids trick-or-treat around the village, play old-fashioned games and learn about the history of the holiday. October 29 and 30 from 10:00am to 5:00pm. $7 per adult, $5 per student and senior and $18 per family. • My Little Pony at St. Laurent Mall. Not really spooky—but had to share. My Little Pony characters (with a special appearance by Chuck the Truck) will be doing free 30-minute shows. Can meet and take photos with Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash and Applejack at 11:00am and 2:00pm on October 29 and October 30 in the courtyard. Free.
• Trick-or-Treat with the Mayor at City Hall. Saturday, October 29 at 5:00pm to 7:30pm. Safe and fun haunted house trick-or-treating in the Heritage Building, followed by ghoulish tales in Andrew Haydon Hall and a pumpkin parade at Jean Pigott Place. Admission is a donation for Ottawa Food Bank’s Baby Supply Cupboard (formula, diapers, wipes, food, etc.).
• Spooktacular Open House at Tiny Hoppers (Orleans). Saturday, October 29 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Dress up, enjoy baked treats, games, colouring contests, free play and draws for a birthday party and summer camp.
• Halloween Party at Billings Estate. Sunday, October 30 from 11:00am to 4:00 pm. Spooky crafts, trick-or-treating, costume pageant and scary games. $6 per person, $10 per pair and $16 per family.
• Halloween Haunted Community Centre at Dovercourt Community Centre. Monday, October 31 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Includes treats, a ‘friendly’ house for the little ones and a ‘scary’ house for the brave of heart. Free.
• Mini Hottie Halloween at Midway Family Fun Park. Grand re-opening of Canada’s largest entertainment centre and Hot 89.9 will broadcast live at this Halloween party. Dress up, come play black light minigolf and bumper cards, take part in the balloon drop and costume contests. Sunday, October 30 from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
• Bring Your Mummy to Bayshore Shopping Centre. Monday, October 31 from 1:00pm to 8:00pm. Movie Zone in front of HMV will play four Halloween movies throughout the day, popcorn supplied by Kernels and gift card prizes by HMV. Storytime by Cole’s employees four times throughout the day with illustrations on large screen. Refreshments by Timothy’s. YMCA craft table. Trick-or-treating, courtesy of Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s, starting at 3:00pm. Free.• Wickedly Westboro Street Party. Saturday, October 29 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Family zombie walk with makeup and drama lesson from Ottawa’s School of Speech and Drama, pumpkin-carving at Your Independent Grocer’s, neighbourhood scavenger hunt, trick-or-treating and reusable bags, magicians, jugglers, psychics and palm readers on street. Sidewalk sale from participating retailers. Free.
• Halloween at Place D’Orleans Shopping Centre. Monday, October 31 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Free face painting and crafts in Laura Court. Trick-or-treat at participating retailers. Free.
• Halloween at Rideau Hall. Trick-or-treaters will be led through several ‘Mad Scientist’ experiments on the pathways at Rideau Hall. Monday, October 31 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Free shows--and treats!
• Halloween at Michael’s Craft Store. Saturday, October 29 from 11:00am to 2:00pm – a costume parade, crafts ($) and free face painting. Sunday, October 30 from 1:00 to 3:00pm – free make-and-take craft from Crayola. Ages 3 and up.
• Halloween at the Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada. Saturday, October 29 (from 10:00am to 5:00pm) and Sunday, October 30 (from 1:00pm to 5:00pm). Spooky crafts, scavenger hunt, activities and a bilingual magic show and workshop.
• Spooktacular at Hazeldean Mall. Stop by the Lottery to get special bag and trick-or-treat from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Free.
• Trick-or-Treat to Win at Carlingwood Mall. Purchase a trick-or-treat backpack from the mall ($10) and receive a ballot for the Kid’s Crooked Play House on display. Then, on October 29 and 30 (from 10:00am to 4:00pm) trick-or-treat with participating retailers and be entered to win the house. All proceeds go to Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.
• Halloween events at Ottawa Public Library branches. Each branch of the Library has a different Halloween-themed storytime or party (with games, crafts, costumes and treats) taking place over the Halloweekend. Check out the website and find your local branch to see what they are offering.
And this one's really just for adults! If you have a few hours to kill on Saturday night this Halloweekend, why not take part in a Guinness Book of World Records attempt? Check out Thrill the World Ottawa. It is the world's largest attempt at a flash mob-type dance to Michael Jackson's "Thriller." Over 160 cities around the world will be taking part at precisely the same time. Here, in Ottawa, the event takes place in front of the giant spider sculpture (fitting, no?!) in front of the National Art Gallery downtown Saturday night at 10pm (there is also a 10am dance on the same day that will not be a record attempt, but will act as a rehearsal and great YouTube fodder). Registration is required and begins at 5:00pm at the U of O campus. There is a mandatory two-hour dance rehearsal (with instructions for the dance), followed by costume and makeup. Guinness officials and media present at 10pm dance, so there will be lots of photo ops and surprises. Even if you can't dance, might be worth checking out just to see the two-minute show!Pumpkin patches and haunted houses
• Pumpkin Festival at Ferme Proulx. Wagon rides through a mysterious forest to the haunted shack and the cemetery of former employees. Cornfield mazes, children’s shows, playground structures and inflatables. Weekends 10:00am to 5:00pm.
• SKreamers at Ferme Proulx. Not for the faint of heart—or the thin of wallet. For $20, you can visit the Haunted Barn of Terror and go on the Scary Wagon Ride. Not recommended for children under 10. Nights from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
• Chills for CHEO at Funhaven. Ottawa’s best haunted house experience with 100% of proceeds going to CHEO. New permanent location at Funahaven, a new entertainment centre in Ottawa. Offering two haunted houses—Magic Manor for kids under 10 ($5 for kids, accompanying adults for free) and Crypt of Torment for all adults ($10 each). Weekend days 1:00pm to 4:00pm and evenings 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Volunteers and donations always appreciated!
• Cannamore’s Spooky Wagon Ride in Embrun. The Ottawa area's premier Spooky Wagon Ride! Children's activities, petting zoo, games, pumpkin patch and Halloween characters. Evening wagon ride is not recommeded for young children.• Saunders Farm in Munster. Halloween shows and musicals, hayrides, playground obstacles, corn mazes, pumpkin patches and other farm fall attractions. Evening ride not recommended for young children.
• McMaze in St. Andrew's. Farm activities with a special focus on corn mazes! Open until Halloween.
Ghost tours
• Ghost Hunting at Billings Estate. Psychic Connie Adams teaches you how to search for ghosts around the estate. Saturday, October 29 at 7:00pm, $15, ages 8 and up. Sunday, October 30 at 7:30pm. Advanced registration required.
• Haunted Walks of Ottawa in the Market and Sparks Street Mall. A lantern-lit, nighttime walking tour of all of downtown area's most haunted locations. Special tours for Halloween. Call for pricing and times.
• Ghost Walk at Pinhey’s Point. Creepy storytelling at haunted heritage house. October 29 at 7:00pm. Ages 12 and up. $15 pp. Reservations required.
• Horaceville Haunt at Pinhey’s Point. Creepy storytelling in the cemetery, followed by a séance with psychic. October 30 at 7:00pm. Ages 16 and up. $20 pp. Reservations required.
• Haunted Tours at Canadian Museum of Nature. Castle tour at night, led by a storytelling ghost guide. Select nights. Approximately 90 minutes in length. Children $10.75, students/seniors $16.75, adults $17.75.
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