We had the pleasure of attending the Orillia Concert Band’s Christmas Prelude last weekend, with special guests Orillia Vocal Ensemble, Alexandra Teske, and David Jefferies. It was beautiful. Great music, festive spirit, and a nice full house. A lovely way to get into the spirit of the holiday season!
If you missed that entry into the festive spirit, no fear, there are several more entries this week and weekend, so you will get there, I promise.
Both Twin Lakes and Orillia Secondary School have their winter concerts this week, both on Dec. 12. No matter which one you pick, it will be a wonderful night of seasonal music by talented youth in our community. Admission via cash donation at the door.
This Friday, Green Haven Shelter for Women and Dress for Success Orillia Barrie present the third annual Reading of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. This is a special Christmas tradition, and we are lucky to have it!
Special guests each read a portion of the story, and seasonal music is performed by Sean Patrick and friends, in between. I have heard that Krista Storey is one of the readers again this year.
It’s all happening at St. Paul’s Centre, where Christmas décor includes more and more Christmas trees each year, and it’s absolutely magical. Oh, and did I mention there will be light refreshments as well?
All proceeds will go to the two organizations, so again, another win/win, for you and the women who are being helped. You can get your tickets here.
Also Friday, the Barra MacNeils are coming to the Orillia Opera House. Lots of festive Celtic music will definitely help with the whole holiday vibe! Tickets www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
Saturday, a Merry Streets Alive Christmas is happening once again, from noon to 2 p.m., at Hibernation Arts. Come get a free ornament from a local artist, and your photo taken by talented local photographer Deb Halbot, all courtesy of Streets Alive. Another lovely Christmas tradition.
Sunday at 2 p.m., also at the Orillia Opera House, the Orillia Silver Band’s iconic holiday concert, Sleigh Bells and Brass, is back. There will be lots of special seasonal music and a chance to singalong, too, so bring your voices! Tickets www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
Saturday night, the Orillia and Area Black Community Association invite you to the Diversity Holiday Gala: A Night of Global Celebration!
There will be lots of great food, fantastic and diverse music and dance, and a chance to gather and connect with lots of different people in our community. This is a gala, so please dress up and come celebrate!
The evening runs from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn and Conference Centre, on Memorial Avenue. You can get your tickets here.
If you missed out on the Christmas markets so far and are worried you lost your chance to buy wonderful artisanal gifts for your loved ones, never fear, there are some more markets this weekend.
Bubbles by Beverly is hosting Christmas at Ye Olde Log Cabin, at 133 Robinson St. in Hawkestone, this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Some of the other vendors joining Beverly include Knot Forgotten Decor, Kindred Chocolates, Shiralee Pottery, By-the-Rock Farm, and more. As well as shopping, you can tour the historic log cabin and enjoy some hot chocolate by the bonfire. Donations to Green Haven are very welcome as well.
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Oro-Medonte Christmas Market is happening at the Oro-Medonte Community Centre at Line 4 and Highway 11 South. Sounds like there will be lots of vendors there as well, and festive cheer galore, so go check it out!
Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Ramona Hall Christmas Market is back again. It started as a little bake sale and grew into a lot more. There is lots of baking, as well as vendors, draws, and a lunch room. Ramona Hall is cash only, although some vendors may have other payment options, so bring your dollars!
Of course, don’t forget to support your local small businesses this holiday season. For many, Christmas sales are what help them make it through the long, lean winter. So buy what you can from them, they add so much to our communities in so many ways!
The Washago Santa Claus Parade is also happening this weekend, Saturday at 5 p.m. Come out and see lots of festive floats, enjoy some holiday cheer and, of course, see the Big Guy in all his glory.
Have a wonderful mid December week, counting down to the holidays! If you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
