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Thursday, December 17
Today is the day Princess Leia, Chewbacca and Luke Skywalker (though there is much fan discussion about his role) return to the big screen with the latest instalment in the Star Wars franchise, though tickets are not so easy to find.
The official opening is tomorrow but there are “advance screenings” starting at 7 p.m. tonight, with some cities even hosting all-day marathons of the catalogue culminating with The Force Awakens; sadly, Ottawa is not one of them. Luckily, we have a very amusing video recapping the entirety of the Star Wars story — in under four minutes. (See it below. You’re welcome.)
Cineplex Odeon reps say the 3D and VIP shows tonight are sold out across Ottawa, but there are tickets for regular screenings starting at 10 p.m. and later at South Keys, Carling Avenue, SilverCity and Barrhaven cinemas. (It’s recommended to purchase in advance in person or online.)
Oddly, there are a lot of tickets still left for shows on Friday, the official opening day, at matinée, 7 p.m. and other time slots across the city. www.cineplex.com
In 2013, OrKidstra member Aaron Kaiser, then 5, tried his hand at conducting
Cuteness and seasonal cheer will be in abundance at the Orkidstra performance, offered by children aged 5 to 18 years from underserved areas of the city who have been empowered by the local charity through learning music, 6:30 p.m., Bronson Centre. There will be three levels of music, starting with the youngest “KiddlyWinks,” with a program of music including popular and classical pieces, with a full range of orchestral instruments. Tickets: Free, but donations are welcome. www.leadingnotefoundation.org
A harpist and two storytellers will weave the mysterious, seasonal tale of Turlough O’Carolan, a 17th century, blind Irish lad who become one of the generation’s most popular composers — possibly after tangling with a Fairy Queen, 7:30 p.m., NAC Fourth Stage. Tickets: $22. ottawastorytellers.ca
House of Targ provides for those who find the pervasive Christmas jolliness can bring on the need for something angry, even if it is the relatively melodic, technical punk of A Wilhelm Scream (yes, named after the stock movie sound effect) and New Orleans’ Pears — who deserve their own headlining slot, 9 p.m., House of Targ. Tickets: $12.50. spectrasonic.com
A festive steampunk costume or donation for refugees waiting in Greece will get you entry to a party with a steampunk Santa, possible carolling excursion, dancing and other fun, 8 p.m., Moscow Tea Room, 527 Sussex Dr. The first 50 on the guest list will get a $10 drink voucher and a chance on the canapés before they run out. Please bring donations of money, clothes or blankets— not toys.
Photos: What to do Christmas week
From concerts to free meals and chances to donate, here's what to do with yourself — and the kids, Dec. 17 to 26, 2015.
Related
Friday, December 18
Ottawa institution Slo’ Tom plays House of Targ.
It’s music Friday, but as it is December, every gig has a bit of holly added.
Kitsch comedy-master Remi Royale is joined by Slo’ Tom (eclectic country) and Super Awesome Club (purveyors of “unsucky jazz”) for the first night of the House of Targ’s Seasons Beatings event, 10 p.m. Tickets: $6 before 10 p.m., $8 after 10 p.m. www.houseoftarg.com
It’s a punk rock holiday with speed demons ELE, The Tenenbaums, Pseudo and Holy Christopher, 9 p.m., Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/2 Besserer St. Tickets: $5.
Spice up your life with Wannabe, the increasingly-popular Spice Girls tribute band at a 90’s or bust holiday party, also with DJs Palm D’Or and Pat Johnson, 10 p.m., Babylon. Tickets: $7-$12. (They will also be selling “spice-flavoured” toques — so get some shopping done while yelling about what you want, what you really, really want.) babylonclub.ca
For rock and an ugly sweater party, head to LIVE on Elgin where The Dead Centuries, Mosely, Weird with Cats and The Bela Bandits hit the stage after patrons sample baked goods and shop local wares, 7:30 p.m., 220 Elgin St. Tickets: $7 in advance, $10 at the door. liveonelgin.com
Saturday, December 19
John Huston plays all the characters in his one-man show of A Christmas Carol, on until Dec. 21. .
Not in the holiday spirit yet? See actor John D. Huston’s acclaimed, multi-accented, one-man performance of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dicken, back at a candlelit NAC Fourth Stage after a cross-Canada tour. The Finest Kind trio will be punctuting his performance with period seasonal songs sung in pubs and on street corners during the 19th century 7:30 p.m., also on Dec. 19 and 21. Tickets: from $25. www.dickensperformer.com
Be an elf today.
There be elves at the Billings Estate today, and your little one can join them with costumes available, stories to be read with Mrs Claus and even a secret gift to make (for a parent — sssh!) with Santa, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 2100 Cabot St. Cost: $6, $10/pair, $16/family. www.ottawa.ca/museums
There’s a free, magical village at Place D’Orléans that Cashou the Squirrel will be visiting today from noon to 2 p.m. Admission is free, but money and non-perishable food items will be accepted until Dec. 24. Profits will be shared with the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard, Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre’s Food Bank, Camp Banting and the Gloucester North Lions Club Legacy Fund.
The Agriculture and Food Museum has a treat for the parents — a three-hour workshop for children aged 5 to 10 years that does not require adult supervision. Your child can tour the barns, make a craft, help prepare a snack, romp about while the adults get some shopping done — or take a well deserved break. Workshops run today from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. and registration is required. Cost: $25. cafmuseum.techno-science.ca
Pop Up Market Bizarre Baazar is Saturday’s installment of 10 days of Zaphod festivities, featuring local and independent vendors curated by Hot Buttered Pop Cultured vintage shop, from noon to 5 p.m., Zaphod Beeblebrox, 27 York St. Drinks will be available so minors can only attend with adults, and donations are being collected for the Ottawa Food Bank. zaphods.ca
For those disappointed when Toronto’s gypsy-informed, eclectic and dramatic (but very fun) Quartetto Gelato sold out their Magic of Christmas show in Smiths Falls, they have another gig tonight, 8 p.m., Shenkman Arts Centre. There may be silliness among the virtuoso playing. Tickets: $5-$39. shenkmanarts.ca
The Winter Solstice will be celebrated with contemporary choral works sung by the 30-voice Capital Chamber Choir, including pieces by Morten Lauridsen and John Tavener, 8 p.m., St. Joseph’s Church, 174 Wilbrod St. Tickets: $15-$25. www.capitalchamberchoir.ca
The holidays get a jazz riff at GigSpace, where The Juliet Singers perform with Nicole Ratté and the house band, all lubricated by samples of Tooth and Nail craft beer, 7:30 p.m., 953 Gladstone Ave. Tickets: $20. gigspaceottawa.com
Thank goodness for K-pop and the Korean embassy providing a foil for all the Christmas around. The Hallyu Com-On Dancefest Gala ends a three-day dance workshop event with showcase at the Canadian Museum of History, featuring 15 of Canada’s hottest K-pop dance groups from Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal, including a special performance from L.A.-based MVP Elite and Seoul’s BETTER SWAGG, 6:30 p.m. Tickets: Free, but register at http://bit.ly/1m9mwG3
Also, comedian Graham Kay is back home from his new digs in L.A., we assume for holiday obligations which may or may not become fodder for his acerbic stand-up shows at Yuk Yuk’s. Kay, who is writing for CTV show Spun Out starring David Foley, has already sold out his Friday night gig, but his growing legion of fans can see him tonight at 8:30 p.m., tomorrow and then again on Boxing Day, 292 Elgin St. Tickets: $20. www.yukyuks.com
Sunday, Dec. 20
A must-see is the entirely charming yet different performance piece by Phia Ménard and … a bunch of plastic bags. L’après-midi d’un foehn — where foehn is a warm mountain wind — is a dance performed by tailored, loose plastic bags buffeted by strategically-placed fans, to the dulcet sounds of Debussy. It’s a charming way to recycle and a lovely, non-verbal escape — perfect for ages five years and up, French and English speakers, on at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $15. nac-cna.ca/en
The lights are on downtown.
There are free horse-drawn wagon rides to enjoy from 2 to 4 p.m. (sign up required) as the ByWard Market gets in the spirit of the holidays, with choirs singing carols at the corner of William and York streets and a complimentary cup of hot apple cider to enjoy, courtesy Hall’s Apple Market. Inclement weather may impact scheduling. www.byward-market.com
Join the Ottawa Voyageurs in a walk through downtown to enjoy the hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights on display, starting with free registration at 4:45 p.m. at Ottawa City Hall. There will be maps available for the non-competitive, five- or 10-kilometre walk, starting at either 5 or 6 p.m. Walkers are then invited to join each other for a meal at a place yet-to-be determined. ottawavoyageurs.ca
Also, remember there is a free light show projected onto Centre Block of the Parliament buildings in a loop every day from 5:30 to 11 p.m., telling the story of Grizzli, Fox and Snowman and their quest, until Jan. 7. canada.pch.gca
The Ottawa Mission prepared some 2,600 meals in 2012.
Think about helping a family in need by donating to the Shepherds of Good Hope Christmas hamper program. The donors contact the recipient family and provide, according to guidelines, provide the fixings for a holiday meal, before Dec. 23. This is a project the whole family can do together. Info: shepherdsofgoodhope.com
The Ottawa Mission is hosting its free holiday meal today from 11:30 to 5 p.m., 25 Waller St. All are welcome, from homeless to the lonely, to come by and enjoy a meal in good company. Volunteer positions for this event have been filled but donations are needed and volunteers are welcome at other events. ottawamission.com/make-donation
There are two Christmas concerts we’d recommend today, starting with a Merrie Noyse with Seventeen Voyces, the 17-piece chamber choir performing music from holidays songs from around the world, 3:30 p.m., Ashbury College. Tickets: $15-$25. www.seventeenvoyces.ca
Canadian Brass plays a Christmas show at the Dominion-Chalmers United Church.
Then, the ever-boisterous Canadian Brass quintet play holiday classics and brass standards (maybe even showstopper Flight of the Bumblebee), 7:30 p.m., Dominion-Chalmers United Church. Tickets: $29-$47. www.chamberfest.com
Has the season begun before someone screens the Chevy Chase grimace-worthy classic, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? The Hintonburg Public House will have it on starting at 9 p.m., tonight. (For me, the holidays only begin when a) a relationship has ended and b) we have watched Whit Stillman’s Metropolitan — not necessarily in that order.) www.facebook.com
Monday, Dec. 21
Make a holiday centrepiece.
Put the finishing touches on your holiday errands with a relaxing couple of hours amongst beautiful flowers while making holiday centrepieces at Presh Floral, with promises the results will be anything but banal, using distressed urns, fruits, foraged materials and the “most beautiful blooms we can get our hands on,” 6 to 8 p.m., 78 George St., unit #2. Cost: $125 +tax, including all materials — even treats to nibble. preshfloral.ca
The whimsical Youppi Club invite all to join them in a night of revelry to celebrate Solstice, the longest night of the year, outdoors — no matter the weather. All should meet at 7 p.m., at the fountain in Strathcona Park for undisclosed-activities (these are people who have parkour fans amongst them, so who knows what may occur, though it will be fun and possibly exuberant). Directions include dressing warmly, bringing a friend and/or a thermos filled with a warm beverage. Suggested donation: $15. www.ottawastiltunion.ca
Toronto-based, multi-lingual singer-songwriter Patricia O’Callaghan is bringing a worldly holiday celebration to the NAC on the heels of her recently-released holiday album, Deepest December, featuring everything from 15th century French carols to new originals, 8 p.m./, NAC. Tickets: $39. nac-cna.ca.
Tuesday, Dec. 22
Kids off school? Take them to see the Terry Fox: Running to the Heart of Canada exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, before it closes on Jan. 3. All ages can see how the entire country was roused to admiration and support by his efforts to help cancer research, through photographs, artefacts, journal entries and stories from Canadians about his 143-day, 5,300kilometre journey. (Or, if they get bored, you can always go see what the Vikings got up to at the museum’s new exhibit.) www.historymusem.ca
Enter the family gingerbread house competition on at the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum.
If it doesn’t get eaten over Christmas, don’t forget to drop off an entry in the family-made gingerbread house contest at the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum before Dec. 26, when they entries will go on display for judging on Jan. 7. There are some rules, relating to such things as size, available at the website. Prizes include a birthday party package at the museum and household membership. cafmuseum.techno-science.ca
Lights, lasers, moving platforms and hard rock attitude brought to new and classical songs are guarantees at any show by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and their holiday tour — with two shows in Ottawa today — is not any different. The Ghosts of Christmas Eve tour is a culmination of their best creations, melding their three Christmas stories into this original one, about a young runaway who breaks into an abandoned theatre on Christmas Eve to encounter ghosts from its past. Shows at 4 and 8 p.m., Canadian Tire Centre. Tickets: $34.50-$74.50 — includes a digital copy of upcoming studio album, Letters From the Labyrinth. canadiantirecentre.ca
Wednesday, Dec. 23
In the tradition of Christmas pantomimes returns family-friendly Freezing the Musical, with the old favourite characters — but with new adventures and new songs. Cheer the good guys and boo the baddies at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. today, then until Jan. 3 at the Gladstone Theatre. Tickets: $45, $35/child. freezingthemusical.com
The Girls Only Skateboarding Sessions 613 are taking a road trip to Montreal today to try out the TAZ indoor skatepark, leaving at noon from Antique Skate Shop, 9 Florence Ave. All ages and skill-levels are welcome — even complete beginners (there’s a waiver for those under 18 to have signed on the Facebook page). The bus will drop people back at the same location at 9 p.m. Cost: $15 includes ride and pizza at http://bit.ly/1Nw3Sil.
The Mayfair has a selection of Christmas-themed movies to enjoy, including the Ottawa premiere of much-lauded Tangerine, a not-for-children story of one woman’s Christmas in L.A. hunting for the pimp who did her wrong (8:45 p.m.). Earlier, and suitable for most ages is A Christmas Story, the 1983 movie about one young boy’s efforts to get his family to give him a coveted Red Ryder BB gun (2 p.m.), followed by the heartwarming 1947 classic, A Miracle on 34th Street — wherein a man claiming to be Santa must defend his existence, (6:45 p.m.). mayfairtheatre.ca
Venus Envy staff insist their colleague Karine Kirsten makes the best pies ever and she is selling them today in the shop from 4 to 6 p.m., only. (That may seem a short time but last year they all disappeared within the first hour.) Pies on offer include mushroom, roasted butternut squash and caramelized onion, tortières, maple pecan, cranberry apple and candied ginger. Prices from $15-$20, cash only (for the pies, not the goods in the store) 226 Bank St. www.venusenvy.ca
Thursday, Dec. 24
We cannot promise there will be elves on the Rink of Dreams this season — but who knows?
The Rink of Dreams skating rink at City Hall is open today, but only until 6 p.m. It will be open on Christmas Day from 1 to 11 p.m., a good idea for a post-prandial family outing, and then again on Boxing Day from noon to 11 p.m. ottawa.ca
Operation Big Turkey serves up free, delicious holiday dinners at five locations across the city for those without other plans today. All are welcome, with no questions asked, to partake in some festival cheer, from turkey dinner to vegetarian lasagna and all the trimmings. Locations and times are:
• Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill St., 2 to 4 p.m. , 613-742-5147;
• Foster Farm Community centre, 1065 Ramsey Cres., 3:30 to 6 p.m., 613-828-2004;
• Albion Heatherington Recreational Centre, 1560 Heatherington Rd., 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.;
• Carlington Recreational Centre, 1520 Caldwell Ave., 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., 613-798-8919;
• Jack Purcell Community Centre, 320 jack Purcell Lane, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., 613-564-1050.
Follow@OpBigTurkey on Twitter for more information.
Starting at 5 p.m., so just after nightfall, all are invited to join in a special outdoor Catholic mass conducted by a local priest, albeit a bit shortened, around a barrel fire with free hot chocolate handed round. Any who feels inclined is welcome to join in with carollers, in the parking lot of the soup kitchen, 233 Murray St. www.shepherdsofgoodhope.com
Friday, Dec. 25
Why, hello Santa.
There are free, all-day, drop-in Christmas festivities at Knox Presbyterian Church, a joint annual event with St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Anglican churches, with doors opening at 10 a.m. and kept wide through to 8 p.m. Carols will be sung, games and music played, goodies will be eaten alongside a turkey dinner (sittings at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.) Bring indoor shoes or slippers as all outdoor gear must be checked at the door. (Volunteers are still needed to help with food prep on Dec. 24, setting up and decorating, and to provide baked goods and hot, cooked turkeys.) peterpaulottawa.com
Do not be alone today, as all are welcome at the Carleton Tavern, who are hosting their annual, free Christmas meal from 11 to 3 p.m. The organizers and volunteers so want your company, they are offering free rides to the event on the day — but are also doing (free!) deliveries of (free!) meals to people in the downtown-west area who simply cannot get out; take-out is also available, as are vegetarian meals. Call 613-728-7582 to arrange either before the day, and 613-728-4424 on Christmas Day. This is not a dry event as alcoholic drinks may be purchased and the venue is not wheelchair accessible. Donations of ham, tortiere and home baked goods are still welcome, as are gifts of new, unused items for men, such as scarves and personal care items, and gift cards. www.facebook.com/CarletonTavern
Other free Christmas meals today include:
• Heart and Crown in the ByWard Market continues its over 25-year tradition of serving a free turkey dinner to all who visit, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 67 Clarence St. They are still in need of donations of baked goods and desserts, and wrapped gifts for their patrons on the day — new, unisex, useful items are most welcome. Alcohol will not be served at this event. www.heartandcrown.ca
• Shepherds of Good Hope, 233 Murray St., from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (though they will not turn away anyone lining up), open to anyone in the community who is lonely or doesn’t have anywhere to spend the day. www.shepherdsofgoodhope.com
• The non-profit Ottawa Freedom Center is serving from 5 to 7:30 p.m., 265 Montreal Rd. Donations of food, new warm clothes or money are still welcome. www.ottawafreedomcenter.org
Also, please think of donating to the Ottawa Food Bank as their shelves are bare, as the mild-weather seems to have put a damper on donations, though the food banks rely on the bulk of their donations arriving over the holiday period. www.ottawafoodbank.ca
For those of us who want to burn off the day’s largesse, Zaphod Beeblebrox is throwing its iconic I Assure You We Are Open Christmas Day party, held every year for those who are lonely, bemused by the festivities or desperately need to get away from the family. (Frankly, it’s also the best place to meet up with friends in for family obligations.) Eugene Haslam, the original founder of Zaphod’s who recently sold the club, wrote about how he came to open every Dec. 25th on his website. Everyone, as he writes, is welcome: No cover. No bias. Just good cheer. The party starts at 10 p.m., 27 York St. zaphods.ca
Also open tonight, Mercury Lounge is moving Double Barrel DJ night into Overkill, its smaller, original, basement location to remember its early days. Chris International will be spinning from his collection of funky 45s all night, with ska, reggae and soul to mix it up, 10 op.m., 56 ByWard Market Sq. Tickets: $10 at the door. www.mercurylounge.com
Saturday, Dec. 26
Beautiful, or icky?.
The activities get even more hands-on at the Bugs: Out of the Box exhibit at the Museum of Nature this holidays season, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 3. Build a bug in the Bug Lab (10 a.m.), identify local insects (1 p.m.), even dissect a beetle (10 a.m) and enjoy the temporary, interactive exhibit while trying to roll like a dung beetle or jump as high as a grasshopper — giving parents a few moments of respite while they watch. There’s also the 3D movie Amazing Mighty Micro Monsters to see, in French or English. Cost: $4 surcharge over museum admission; movie is $4. nature.ca
Spend the end of the year dancing to ska and reggae at House of Targ with local band The Sentries, who will bring along some unnamed friends, and DJ Boss Chops who is visiting from Regina, alongside DJs Alex Magnificent and Christian Longshot, 10 p.m. Tickets: $5 before 10 p.m, $8 after. www.houseoftarg.com
Submit event information to kendemann@ottawacitizen.com, by 8 a.m. Monday, two weeks before the event. Photos are welcome.
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Today is the day Princess Leia, Chewbacca and Luke Skywalker (though there is much fan discussion about his role) return to the big screen with the latest instalment in the Star Wars franchise, though tickets are not so easy to find.
The official opening is tomorrow but there are “advance screenings” starting at 7 p.m. tonight, with some cities even hosting all-day marathons of the catalogue culminating with The Force Awakens; sadly, Ottawa is not one of them. Luckily, we have a very amusing video recapping the entirety of the Star Wars story — in under four minutes. (See it below. You’re welcome.)
Cineplex Odeon reps say the 3D and VIP shows tonight are sold out across Ottawa, but there are tickets for regular screenings starting at 10 p.m. and later at South Keys, Carling Avenue, SilverCity and Barrhaven cinemas. (It’s recommended to purchase in advance in person or online.)
Oddly, there are a lot of tickets still left for shows on Friday, the official opening day, at matinée, 7 p.m. and other time slots across the city. www.cineplex.com
In 2013, OrKidstra member Aaron Kaiser, then 5, tried his hand at conducting
Cuteness and seasonal cheer will be in abundance at the Orkidstra performance, offered by children aged 5 to 18 years from underserved areas of the city who have been empowered by the local charity through learning music, 6:30 p.m., Bronson Centre. There will be three levels of music, starting with the youngest “KiddlyWinks,” with a program of music including popular and classical pieces, with a full range of orchestral instruments. Tickets: Free, but donations are welcome. www.leadingnotefoundation.org
A harpist and two storytellers will weave the mysterious, seasonal tale of Turlough O’Carolan, a 17th century, blind Irish lad who become one of the generation’s most popular composers — possibly after tangling with a Fairy Queen, 7:30 p.m., NAC Fourth Stage. Tickets: $22. ottawastorytellers.ca
House of Targ provides for those who find the pervasive Christmas jolliness can bring on the need for something angry, even if it is the relatively melodic, technical punk of A Wilhelm Scream (yes, named after the stock movie sound effect) and New Orleans’ Pears — who deserve their own headlining slot, 9 p.m., House of Targ. Tickets: $12.50. spectrasonic.com
A festive steampunk costume or donation for refugees waiting in Greece will get you entry to a party with a steampunk Santa, possible carolling excursion, dancing and other fun, 8 p.m., Moscow Tea Room, 527 Sussex Dr. The first 50 on the guest list will get a $10 drink voucher and a chance on the canapés before they run out. Please bring donations of money, clothes or blankets— not toys.
Photos: What to do Christmas week
From concerts to free meals and chances to donate, here's what to do with yourself — and the kids, Dec. 17 to 26, 2015.
Explore bugs over the holidays at the Museum of Nature. Julie Oliver / Ottawa Citizen
It's the last day to enjoy free wagon rides in the ByWard Market this season.
Th Rink of Dreams is open Dec. 24, 25 and Boxing Day. Cole Burston / Ottawa Citizen
This photo provided by Disney/Lucasfilm shows a scene from the new film, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Film Frame / AP
Comedian Graham Kay has sold out his Friday show, but his hometown fans have three more chances to see him before he heads back to L.A.
The cast of Freezing the musical were at the Snowsuit Fund Depot on Saturday December 5, 2015 to help distribute snowsuits and bring some smiles to the people coming in to get snowsuits. Five year old Declan Cassidy (Selfie on the Shelfie) jokes around with L-R Will Lamond (Hans), Jessica Vandenburg (Princess Adele) and Constant Bernard (Gerda) in the bin of clothes. Ashley Fraser / Ottawa Citizen
Operation Big Turkey is offering free holiday meals on Dec. 24 at five locations across the city. supplied Operation Big Turkey. Operation Big Turkey / supplied
The Christmas Lights Across Canada includes a nightly show projected onto Centre Block in a loop until Jan. 7. Jean Levac / Ottawa Citizen
Seoulís K-pop cover dance troupe BETTER SWAGG play a K=POP gala on Saturday.
This undated photo provided by Disney shows the poster for the new film, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
A Christmas Carol is perfoed as a John Huston as a one-man show at the NAC.
Shepherd's of Good Hope is looking for people to donate Christmas dinner to some needy families. courtesy / Shepherd's of Good Hope
The Terry Fox exhibit is on at the Canadian Museum of Nature — but only until Jan. 3 Chris Mikula / Ottawa Citizen
Or, take the kids to see the new Viing ehxibit examining the bloodthirsty tles that are so well known — but are they true? courtesy / The Swedish History Museum
Patricia O'Callaghan brings her new release of holiday songs to the NAC. Max Telzerow / supplied
Marcus Young, 3, seemed transfixed with the Hercules Beetle on display at the Museum of Nature. Julie Oliver / Ottawa Citizen
Related
Friday, December 18
Ottawa institution Slo’ Tom plays House of Targ.
It’s music Friday, but as it is December, every gig has a bit of holly added.
Kitsch comedy-master Remi Royale is joined by Slo’ Tom (eclectic country) and Super Awesome Club (purveyors of “unsucky jazz”) for the first night of the House of Targ’s Seasons Beatings event, 10 p.m. Tickets: $6 before 10 p.m., $8 after 10 p.m. www.houseoftarg.com
It’s a punk rock holiday with speed demons ELE, The Tenenbaums, Pseudo and Holy Christopher, 9 p.m., Avant-Garde Bar, 135 1/2 Besserer St. Tickets: $5.
Spice up your life with Wannabe, the increasingly-popular Spice Girls tribute band at a 90’s or bust holiday party, also with DJs Palm D’Or and Pat Johnson, 10 p.m., Babylon. Tickets: $7-$12. (They will also be selling “spice-flavoured” toques — so get some shopping done while yelling about what you want, what you really, really want.) babylonclub.ca
For rock and an ugly sweater party, head to LIVE on Elgin where The Dead Centuries, Mosely, Weird with Cats and The Bela Bandits hit the stage after patrons sample baked goods and shop local wares, 7:30 p.m., 220 Elgin St. Tickets: $7 in advance, $10 at the door. liveonelgin.com
Saturday, December 19
John Huston plays all the characters in his one-man show of A Christmas Carol, on until Dec. 21. .
Not in the holiday spirit yet? See actor John D. Huston’s acclaimed, multi-accented, one-man performance of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dicken, back at a candlelit NAC Fourth Stage after a cross-Canada tour. The Finest Kind trio will be punctuting his performance with period seasonal songs sung in pubs and on street corners during the 19th century 7:30 p.m., also on Dec. 19 and 21. Tickets: from $25. www.dickensperformer.com
Be an elf today.
There be elves at the Billings Estate today, and your little one can join them with costumes available, stories to be read with Mrs Claus and even a secret gift to make (for a parent — sssh!) with Santa, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 2100 Cabot St. Cost: $6, $10/pair, $16/family. www.ottawa.ca/museums
There’s a free, magical village at Place D’Orléans that Cashou the Squirrel will be visiting today from noon to 2 p.m. Admission is free, but money and non-perishable food items will be accepted until Dec. 24. Profits will be shared with the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard, Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre’s Food Bank, Camp Banting and the Gloucester North Lions Club Legacy Fund.
The Agriculture and Food Museum has a treat for the parents — a three-hour workshop for children aged 5 to 10 years that does not require adult supervision. Your child can tour the barns, make a craft, help prepare a snack, romp about while the adults get some shopping done — or take a well deserved break. Workshops run today from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. and registration is required. Cost: $25. cafmuseum.techno-science.ca
Pop Up Market Bizarre Baazar is Saturday’s installment of 10 days of Zaphod festivities, featuring local and independent vendors curated by Hot Buttered Pop Cultured vintage shop, from noon to 5 p.m., Zaphod Beeblebrox, 27 York St. Drinks will be available so minors can only attend with adults, and donations are being collected for the Ottawa Food Bank. zaphods.ca
For those disappointed when Toronto’s gypsy-informed, eclectic and dramatic (but very fun) Quartetto Gelato sold out their Magic of Christmas show in Smiths Falls, they have another gig tonight, 8 p.m., Shenkman Arts Centre. There may be silliness among the virtuoso playing. Tickets: $5-$39. shenkmanarts.ca
The Winter Solstice will be celebrated with contemporary choral works sung by the 30-voice Capital Chamber Choir, including pieces by Morten Lauridsen and John Tavener, 8 p.m., St. Joseph’s Church, 174 Wilbrod St. Tickets: $15-$25. www.capitalchamberchoir.ca
The holidays get a jazz riff at GigSpace, where The Juliet Singers perform with Nicole Ratté and the house band, all lubricated by samples of Tooth and Nail craft beer, 7:30 p.m., 953 Gladstone Ave. Tickets: $20. gigspaceottawa.com
Thank goodness for K-pop and the Korean embassy providing a foil for all the Christmas around. The Hallyu Com-On Dancefest Gala ends a three-day dance workshop event with showcase at the Canadian Museum of History, featuring 15 of Canada’s hottest K-pop dance groups from Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal, including a special performance from L.A.-based MVP Elite and Seoul’s BETTER SWAGG, 6:30 p.m. Tickets: Free, but register at http://bit.ly/1m9mwG3
Also, comedian Graham Kay is back home from his new digs in L.A., we assume for holiday obligations which may or may not become fodder for his acerbic stand-up shows at Yuk Yuk’s. Kay, who is writing for CTV show Spun Out starring David Foley, has already sold out his Friday night gig, but his growing legion of fans can see him tonight at 8:30 p.m., tomorrow and then again on Boxing Day, 292 Elgin St. Tickets: $20. www.yukyuks.com
Sunday, Dec. 20
A must-see is the entirely charming yet different performance piece by Phia Ménard and … a bunch of plastic bags. L’après-midi d’un foehn — where foehn is a warm mountain wind — is a dance performed by tailored, loose plastic bags buffeted by strategically-placed fans, to the dulcet sounds of Debussy. It’s a charming way to recycle and a lovely, non-verbal escape — perfect for ages five years and up, French and English speakers, on at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $15. nac-cna.ca/en
The lights are on downtown.
There are free horse-drawn wagon rides to enjoy from 2 to 4 p.m. (sign up required) as the ByWard Market gets in the spirit of the holidays, with choirs singing carols at the corner of William and York streets and a complimentary cup of hot apple cider to enjoy, courtesy Hall’s Apple Market. Inclement weather may impact scheduling. www.byward-market.com
Join the Ottawa Voyageurs in a walk through downtown to enjoy the hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights on display, starting with free registration at 4:45 p.m. at Ottawa City Hall. There will be maps available for the non-competitive, five- or 10-kilometre walk, starting at either 5 or 6 p.m. Walkers are then invited to join each other for a meal at a place yet-to-be determined. ottawavoyageurs.ca
Also, remember there is a free light show projected onto Centre Block of the Parliament buildings in a loop every day from 5:30 to 11 p.m., telling the story of Grizzli, Fox and Snowman and their quest, until Jan. 7. canada.pch.gca
The Ottawa Mission prepared some 2,600 meals in 2012.
Think about helping a family in need by donating to the Shepherds of Good Hope Christmas hamper program. The donors contact the recipient family and provide, according to guidelines, provide the fixings for a holiday meal, before Dec. 23. This is a project the whole family can do together. Info: shepherdsofgoodhope.com
The Ottawa Mission is hosting its free holiday meal today from 11:30 to 5 p.m., 25 Waller St. All are welcome, from homeless to the lonely, to come by and enjoy a meal in good company. Volunteer positions for this event have been filled but donations are needed and volunteers are welcome at other events. ottawamission.com/make-donation
There are two Christmas concerts we’d recommend today, starting with a Merrie Noyse with Seventeen Voyces, the 17-piece chamber choir performing music from holidays songs from around the world, 3:30 p.m., Ashbury College. Tickets: $15-$25. www.seventeenvoyces.ca
Canadian Brass plays a Christmas show at the Dominion-Chalmers United Church.
Then, the ever-boisterous Canadian Brass quintet play holiday classics and brass standards (maybe even showstopper Flight of the Bumblebee), 7:30 p.m., Dominion-Chalmers United Church. Tickets: $29-$47. www.chamberfest.com
Has the season begun before someone screens the Chevy Chase grimace-worthy classic, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? The Hintonburg Public House will have it on starting at 9 p.m., tonight. (For me, the holidays only begin when a) a relationship has ended and b) we have watched Whit Stillman’s Metropolitan — not necessarily in that order.) www.facebook.com
Monday, Dec. 21
Make a holiday centrepiece.
Put the finishing touches on your holiday errands with a relaxing couple of hours amongst beautiful flowers while making holiday centrepieces at Presh Floral, with promises the results will be anything but banal, using distressed urns, fruits, foraged materials and the “most beautiful blooms we can get our hands on,” 6 to 8 p.m., 78 George St., unit #2. Cost: $125 +tax, including all materials — even treats to nibble. preshfloral.ca
The whimsical Youppi Club invite all to join them in a night of revelry to celebrate Solstice, the longest night of the year, outdoors — no matter the weather. All should meet at 7 p.m., at the fountain in Strathcona Park for undisclosed-activities (these are people who have parkour fans amongst them, so who knows what may occur, though it will be fun and possibly exuberant). Directions include dressing warmly, bringing a friend and/or a thermos filled with a warm beverage. Suggested donation: $15. www.ottawastiltunion.ca
Toronto-based, multi-lingual singer-songwriter Patricia O’Callaghan is bringing a worldly holiday celebration to the NAC on the heels of her recently-released holiday album, Deepest December, featuring everything from 15th century French carols to new originals, 8 p.m./, NAC. Tickets: $39. nac-cna.ca.
Tuesday, Dec. 22
Kids off school? Take them to see the Terry Fox: Running to the Heart of Canada exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, before it closes on Jan. 3. All ages can see how the entire country was roused to admiration and support by his efforts to help cancer research, through photographs, artefacts, journal entries and stories from Canadians about his 143-day, 5,300kilometre journey. (Or, if they get bored, you can always go see what the Vikings got up to at the museum’s new exhibit.) www.historymusem.ca
Enter the family gingerbread house competition on at the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum.
If it doesn’t get eaten over Christmas, don’t forget to drop off an entry in the family-made gingerbread house contest at the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum before Dec. 26, when they entries will go on display for judging on Jan. 7. There are some rules, relating to such things as size, available at the website. Prizes include a birthday party package at the museum and household membership. cafmuseum.techno-science.ca
Lights, lasers, moving platforms and hard rock attitude brought to new and classical songs are guarantees at any show by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and their holiday tour — with two shows in Ottawa today — is not any different. The Ghosts of Christmas Eve tour is a culmination of their best creations, melding their three Christmas stories into this original one, about a young runaway who breaks into an abandoned theatre on Christmas Eve to encounter ghosts from its past. Shows at 4 and 8 p.m., Canadian Tire Centre. Tickets: $34.50-$74.50 — includes a digital copy of upcoming studio album, Letters From the Labyrinth. canadiantirecentre.ca
Wednesday, Dec. 23
In the tradition of Christmas pantomimes returns family-friendly Freezing the Musical, with the old favourite characters — but with new adventures and new songs. Cheer the good guys and boo the baddies at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. today, then until Jan. 3 at the Gladstone Theatre. Tickets: $45, $35/child. freezingthemusical.com
The Girls Only Skateboarding Sessions 613 are taking a road trip to Montreal today to try out the TAZ indoor skatepark, leaving at noon from Antique Skate Shop, 9 Florence Ave. All ages and skill-levels are welcome — even complete beginners (there’s a waiver for those under 18 to have signed on the Facebook page). The bus will drop people back at the same location at 9 p.m. Cost: $15 includes ride and pizza at http://bit.ly/1Nw3Sil.
The Mayfair has a selection of Christmas-themed movies to enjoy, including the Ottawa premiere of much-lauded Tangerine, a not-for-children story of one woman’s Christmas in L.A. hunting for the pimp who did her wrong (8:45 p.m.). Earlier, and suitable for most ages is A Christmas Story, the 1983 movie about one young boy’s efforts to get his family to give him a coveted Red Ryder BB gun (2 p.m.), followed by the heartwarming 1947 classic, A Miracle on 34th Street — wherein a man claiming to be Santa must defend his existence, (6:45 p.m.). mayfairtheatre.ca
Venus Envy staff insist their colleague Karine Kirsten makes the best pies ever and she is selling them today in the shop from 4 to 6 p.m., only. (That may seem a short time but last year they all disappeared within the first hour.) Pies on offer include mushroom, roasted butternut squash and caramelized onion, tortières, maple pecan, cranberry apple and candied ginger. Prices from $15-$20, cash only (for the pies, not the goods in the store) 226 Bank St. www.venusenvy.ca
Thursday, Dec. 24
We cannot promise there will be elves on the Rink of Dreams this season — but who knows?
The Rink of Dreams skating rink at City Hall is open today, but only until 6 p.m. It will be open on Christmas Day from 1 to 11 p.m., a good idea for a post-prandial family outing, and then again on Boxing Day from noon to 11 p.m. ottawa.ca
Operation Big Turkey serves up free, delicious holiday dinners at five locations across the city for those without other plans today. All are welcome, with no questions asked, to partake in some festival cheer, from turkey dinner to vegetarian lasagna and all the trimmings. Locations and times are:
• Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill St., 2 to 4 p.m. , 613-742-5147;
• Foster Farm Community centre, 1065 Ramsey Cres., 3:30 to 6 p.m., 613-828-2004;
• Albion Heatherington Recreational Centre, 1560 Heatherington Rd., 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.;
• Carlington Recreational Centre, 1520 Caldwell Ave., 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., 613-798-8919;
• Jack Purcell Community Centre, 320 jack Purcell Lane, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., 613-564-1050.
Follow@OpBigTurkey on Twitter for more information.
Starting at 5 p.m., so just after nightfall, all are invited to join in a special outdoor Catholic mass conducted by a local priest, albeit a bit shortened, around a barrel fire with free hot chocolate handed round. Any who feels inclined is welcome to join in with carollers, in the parking lot of the soup kitchen, 233 Murray St. www.shepherdsofgoodhope.com
Friday, Dec. 25
Why, hello Santa.
There are free, all-day, drop-in Christmas festivities at Knox Presbyterian Church, a joint annual event with St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Anglican churches, with doors opening at 10 a.m. and kept wide through to 8 p.m. Carols will be sung, games and music played, goodies will be eaten alongside a turkey dinner (sittings at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.) Bring indoor shoes or slippers as all outdoor gear must be checked at the door. (Volunteers are still needed to help with food prep on Dec. 24, setting up and decorating, and to provide baked goods and hot, cooked turkeys.) peterpaulottawa.com
Do not be alone today, as all are welcome at the Carleton Tavern, who are hosting their annual, free Christmas meal from 11 to 3 p.m. The organizers and volunteers so want your company, they are offering free rides to the event on the day — but are also doing (free!) deliveries of (free!) meals to people in the downtown-west area who simply cannot get out; take-out is also available, as are vegetarian meals. Call 613-728-7582 to arrange either before the day, and 613-728-4424 on Christmas Day. This is not a dry event as alcoholic drinks may be purchased and the venue is not wheelchair accessible. Donations of ham, tortiere and home baked goods are still welcome, as are gifts of new, unused items for men, such as scarves and personal care items, and gift cards. www.facebook.com/CarletonTavern
Other free Christmas meals today include:
• Heart and Crown in the ByWard Market continues its over 25-year tradition of serving a free turkey dinner to all who visit, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 67 Clarence St. They are still in need of donations of baked goods and desserts, and wrapped gifts for their patrons on the day — new, unisex, useful items are most welcome. Alcohol will not be served at this event. www.heartandcrown.ca
• Shepherds of Good Hope, 233 Murray St., from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (though they will not turn away anyone lining up), open to anyone in the community who is lonely or doesn’t have anywhere to spend the day. www.shepherdsofgoodhope.com
• The non-profit Ottawa Freedom Center is serving from 5 to 7:30 p.m., 265 Montreal Rd. Donations of food, new warm clothes or money are still welcome. www.ottawafreedomcenter.org
Also, please think of donating to the Ottawa Food Bank as their shelves are bare, as the mild-weather seems to have put a damper on donations, though the food banks rely on the bulk of their donations arriving over the holiday period. www.ottawafoodbank.ca
For those of us who want to burn off the day’s largesse, Zaphod Beeblebrox is throwing its iconic I Assure You We Are Open Christmas Day party, held every year for those who are lonely, bemused by the festivities or desperately need to get away from the family. (Frankly, it’s also the best place to meet up with friends in for family obligations.) Eugene Haslam, the original founder of Zaphod’s who recently sold the club, wrote about how he came to open every Dec. 25th on his website. Everyone, as he writes, is welcome: No cover. No bias. Just good cheer. The party starts at 10 p.m., 27 York St. zaphods.ca
Also open tonight, Mercury Lounge is moving Double Barrel DJ night into Overkill, its smaller, original, basement location to remember its early days. Chris International will be spinning from his collection of funky 45s all night, with ska, reggae and soul to mix it up, 10 op.m., 56 ByWard Market Sq. Tickets: $10 at the door. www.mercurylounge.com
Saturday, Dec. 26
Beautiful, or icky?.
The activities get even more hands-on at the Bugs: Out of the Box exhibit at the Museum of Nature this holidays season, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 3. Build a bug in the Bug Lab (10 a.m.), identify local insects (1 p.m.), even dissect a beetle (10 a.m) and enjoy the temporary, interactive exhibit while trying to roll like a dung beetle or jump as high as a grasshopper — giving parents a few moments of respite while they watch. There’s also the 3D movie Amazing Mighty Micro Monsters to see, in French or English. Cost: $4 surcharge over museum admission; movie is $4. nature.ca
Spend the end of the year dancing to ska and reggae at House of Targ with local band The Sentries, who will bring along some unnamed friends, and DJ Boss Chops who is visiting from Regina, alongside DJs Alex Magnificent and Christian Longshot, 10 p.m. Tickets: $5 before 10 p.m, $8 after. www.houseoftarg.com
Submit event information to kendemann@ottawacitizen.com, by 8 a.m. Monday, two weeks before the event. Photos are welcome.
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