It’s a bit of a quiet week for events and amusements—probably because most people are up to their eyeballs in baking, wrapping and office holiday parties. However, I do have a few suggestions, including craft afternoons at the Bytown Museum, hockey in Cornwall, Cirque du Soleil in Montreal and more holiday concerts than you can shake a baton at.
Take your kids to a holiday show in Kingston or Perth
If you have young kids, you’ve probably heard of Splash’N Boots, the Canadian TV stars who worked with Alan Doyle to produce 2019’s JUNO-winning children’s album. They’re bringing their live stage show—which encourages kids to sing and dance along—to the Grand Theatre in Kingston on Friday, December 20, and to the Studio Theatre in Perth for two shows on Saturday, December 21.
Learn about human microbes at the Canadian Museum of Nature
Just in time for the holidays, the Canadian Museum of Nature is unveiling Me and My Microbes: The Zoo Inside You. Here’s a quirky fact: There are more tiny organisms living inside you right now than there are stars in the Milky Way, and they influence everything from your mood to your digestion. If that intrigues you rather than freaking you out, this show sounds like your cup of tea. It opens on Friday, December 20, and runs until March 29, 2020. (I’m going to check it out this week during the media launch; watch this website for a detailed report!)
Celebrate Hanukkah in Ottawa or Kingston
A Ripple Effect and Chabad of Centrepointe are hosting a festive Chanukah Wonderland at the Chabad of Centrepointe on Sunday, December 22, from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Activities at the free event include holiday crafts, donut decorating, a magic show and the chance to build a giant Lego menorah.
The Kingston Jewish Council invites everyone to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah on Sunday, December 22, at Light Up the Night at Springer Market Square. The free event begins at 5:30pm and features a singalong with the KJC choir and a candle lighting. You can nosh on hot chocolate and potato latkes (by donation), too.
Cheer at a hockey game in Cornwall
The Cornwall Prowlers of the Eastern Ontario Super Hockey League are taking on the Maxville Millionaires on Friday, December 20. Fans are invited to bring wrapped teddy bears to toss onto the ice (when instructed!); the toys will be donated to the Salvation Army.
Admire gingerbread houses in Syracuse
It started as a one-day auction in 1986. Since then, the Gingerbread Gallery at the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse has morphed into a six-week celebration of architectural baking, with contributions by dozens of local creators. It’s amazing what you can build out of cookies!
Make Christmas crafts at the Bytown Museum
On Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm, you can drop by the Bytown Museum (next to the Rideau Canal, between Parliament Hill and the Chateau Laurier) for Christmas Crafternoons. The museum will be providing space and materials so visitors can make simple Christmas stockings, paper Christmas ornaments, snowflakes and Christmas crackers, and you can warm up with a coffee or hot chocolate, too. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.
See Cirque du Soleil on ice in Montreal
Sure, you’ve seen Cirque du Soleil under a tent or in a theatre—but have you ever seen the Quebec company’s famous combination of fantastical stories, music, costumes and acrobatics on ice? If not, you can check out the troupe’s show Axel at the Bell Centre in Montreal, from December 19 through 29.
Catch a concert in Nepean, Renfrew or Kingston
They’re not taking it easy at the Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe this week, where the schedule includes concerts by blues artist JW Jones on Thursday, December 19, and by perennial Celtic favourite John McDermott on Friday, December 20. (Note that John McDermott will also be on stage at the Grand Theatre in Kingston on Saturday, December 21.)
In Renfrew, Batstone’s Northern Ramble’s annual Christmas concert on Thursday, December 19—A Very Northern Christmas—features a dozen acts. And it’s free!
Lace up your skates at TD Place
A holiday edition DJ skate night is happening at the Arena at TD Place on Saturday, December 21. Bring your own skates and wear your ugliest Christmas sweater (there’s a contest).
Enjoy a concert at the National Gallery of Canada
The Aella Choir is presenting a concert of holiday music in the Great Hall of the National Gallery of Canada on Thursday, December 19, from 6pm to 7:30pm. Don’t forget that admission to the gallery is free on Thursday nights from 5pm to 9pm.
Hear joyful tunes at the National Arts Centre
Hallelujah! There are still a few tickets left for the two performances of Handel’s Messiah at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa (December 18 and 19). On Thursday, December 19, the NAC is also hosting a Gospel Celebration for the Holidays With the London Trio. And on Friday, December 20, the Festival of Small Halls brings Christmas with Matt Anderson back to the NAC, for those looking for an R&B and Americana twist to their holiday music.
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