As we continue pell-mell through the holiday season, the events just keep on coming. November ends and December starts off with loads of wonderful things for the whole family to enjoy.
First off, though, I hope some of you got out to see Quire last week at St. James’. The concert had a large audience, and Quire was as breathtakingly excellent as it was last April. Will keep you posted on a spring concert!
Also, Matt Weidinger and his band did Van Morrison proud at a fantastic Mariposa in Concert show last Saturday night. Make sure you get tickets next time he’s in town. The whole evening was amazing.
And a word about Orillia’s tree lighting and Santa Claus parade. The tree looks spectacular ... too bad we can’t get airtime on Jimmy Fallon for that! And the parade was very soggy, but lovely. Holiday spirit is alive and well in Orillia. Loving the lampposts covered with lights, a throwback to last year’s tree lighting. They look fantastic!
The Orillia Opera House (OOH) is busy busy this time of year ... well, really all year round. This Thursday at 3 p.m. enjoy Oh Christmas Tea a hilarious British comedy with James and Jamesy. If you like Mr. Bean and Monty Python you will love this! Tickets www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
This Friday, the Legends of Motown grace the stage. This is a 16-piece cast of singers and musicians performing live look-a-like/sound-a-like tributes to The Supremes, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Jackson 5, Martha and the Vandellas and more. Sounds absolutely amazing! Tickets at www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
Saturday night, the OOH hosts Derek Edwards, a multi-award winning Just for Laughs veteran comic of stage and screen. He is absolutely hilarious, and laughs are just the thing in this dark time of year. Get your tickets at www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
Sunday, 11-time JUNO award winner Murray McLauchlan comes to the Orillia Opera House at 7:30 p.m. with his Hourglass tour. We have seen Murray a few times here over the years with Lunch at Allens, but this is a chance to see and enjoy him and his old and new songs, solo. Tickets www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
OOH shows continue next Thursday, Dec. 5 with Hotel California, the Eagles Tribute concert, at 7:30 p.m.
On Sunday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. the Cellar Singers are presenting their popular annual Christmas favourite, Handel's Messiah, at St. James' Anglican Church. Get your tickets from choristers or the website.
Holiday craft shows continue this weekend with the Rama First Nation Annual Christmas Artisan/Crafters Market, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, at Rama Community Hall. There will be lots of vendors at this market, tons of beautiful handmade items, and they are accepting donations for the Rama Food Bank, too.
Couchiching Craft Brewery presents its second Pints and Presents market of the season, this Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. There will be over a dozen artisans, crafters, creators and makers in the Barrel room patio and parking lot for this indoor/outdoor event. And you can drink while you shop, probably making it better for you and the artisans you are supporting! Enjoy!
This Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. come out to Quayle’s Brewery for the tree lighting ceremony of all the trees decorated by generous sponsors in the Beer Garden. This will benefit Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, so a lovely event in so many ways.
The Leacock Museum is hosting its Nutcracker Teas again this year, delicious and a beautiful setting, too, right in the museum overlooking the lake. Food by FARE so you know it’s good. Sittings are happening Dec. 8 and 15 and tickets are limited, grab yours today here.
The Roost Farm is hosting Yulefest Dec. 13-15, 19-23, and Dec. 30. Here are the details: $15 per person plus HST. Children under 2 ride free. Ticket includes a ride on a tractor-pulled wagon into The Roost Farm Sugar Bush which has been magically transformed into a winter wonderland of lights and wonder. The tour stops for a visit at Santa's woodland cabin to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy a hot chocolate and cookie for before catching the wagon ride back to the farm. Tours last approximately one hour from start to finish.
Roost Farm is also hosting a Sip and Sleigh for those 19 plus on Dec. 21. Lovely light tour and booze and food too! Check out all the details and get tickets to either event here.
Next Sunday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. check out the Kris Kringle Christmas Market at ODAS Park. The Braestone Christmas Market is happening Dec. 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Santa will be there, too.
Next Saturday, Dec. 7 it’s the first annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Dance Party, put on by The Big Event. Wear a tacky sweater, have a lot of fun, and raise money for local toy drives as well. It’s really going to be a fun time out at ODAS Park. Get your tickets here.
And, next Saturday at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., the Orillia Concert Band will grace Orillia with two holiday shows at St. Paul’s Centre. The afternoon one is shorter, featuring guest Orillia Community Children’s Choir, and is aimed at families. The evening one is longer with guest choir Orillia Vocal Ensemble and soloist Alexandra Teske. It will be a great day of music at St. Paul’s. Get your tickets here for the afternoon, and here for the evening. Enjoy!
Finally, a couple of non-holiday events.
An Evening of ART at Creative Nomad Studios is happening on Dec. 2 in celebration of World Aid Day. This unique event brings together artists from our community, showcasing incredible works by individuals with lived experience of HIV, queer and trans identities, and more. Doors open at 7 p.m. Event ends at 9 p.m. Free Admission.
This evening is all about community, creativity, and connection, featuring local artwork that tells powerful stories of resilience and strength. Meet the talented artists, including special guest drag designer Rosacea Cheeks, who will be sharing some of her fabulous designs.
Please register in advance , but walk-ins are absolutely welcome! Brought to you by the Gilbert Centre.
And lastly, local woodturner and artist Xavier Fernandes is having a reception for his Downtown Orillia Legacy Bowls project, Dec. 5 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Peter Street Fine Arts Gallery at 23 Peter St. S.. Come out, enjoy some refreshments, see the bowls and order one for yourself! You can read all about the project here.
That’s all for this week! Enjoy it all, and if you have an arts event, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
