Holiday Roundup

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/12/2008 (6319 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As promised in my Parents and the City column, here is this year’s selection of holiday events for the entire family.  If you think I missed something that merits a mention, please feel free to post.  Enjoy!
 
Franklin’s Family Christmas Concert
Join Franklin and his woodland friends as they plan a Christmas party filled with magical adventures, singing and plenty of audience participation. A dancing snowman, a wacky gingerbread cookie and a trio of playful elves will have your little ones dancing in their seats. Appropriate for families with children, ages 5 and under; Pantages Playhouse Theatre, 180 Market Ave.; December 20 at 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.; tickets $24.50. For more information, phone Ticketmaster at 780-3333 or log onto www.koba-entertainment.com.
 
Tuxedo Community Centre Annual Holiday Craft Sale
If you’re looking for eclectic holiday gifts and stocking stuffers, look no further than the biggest holiday craft sale in town. You’ll find everything from personalized ornaments to jewellery to children’s books by Winnipeg authors to fudge and candy apples. Appropriate for families of all ages. 368 Southport Blvd; Tomorrow from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., with a chance to meet Santa between 11 a.m. – noon; tickets $2 with children 12 and under admitted free. For more information, phone 888-8224 or log onto www.tuxedocc.ca.    
 
A Red River Christmas
Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site of Canada hosts an afternoon of sleigh rides, music, dancing, games and winter activities. Enjoy a traditional celebration in the fort and don’t miss out, because this first ever event is almost sold out! Appropriate for families of all ages; 5925 Hwy 9, St. Andrews (just 15 minutes North of the Perimeter); Saturday, December 13 from 1 – 4 p.m.; tickets $13.60, seniors $12.35, youth $9.70 and families $37.00. For more information, phone 785-6050 or log onto www.pc.gc.ca/garry. 
 
FortWhyte Alive
Santa will be at the fort for a special breakfast on December 13 from 10 a.m. – 1p.m. On December 14 from 2 – 3 p.m. build a gingerbread forest, cabin and animals using icing and candies.. Kids will have a chance to create festive holiday gifts on December 21 from 1 – 4 p.m. and on December 26 & January 1 from 12 – 3 p.m. the whole family will enjoy a horse drawn sleigh ride while playing Inuit games. Also don’t miss Voyageur games and a lesson on what life was like in the 1700’s on December 28 from 12 – 3 p.m. Appropriate for families of all ages; 1961 McCreary Rd.; prices vary; for more information, phone 989-8355 or log onto www.fortwhyte.org. 
 
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra – Holiday Express
Well-known conductor, Carl Topilow and entertainer-extraordinaire, Al Simmons will delight young audiences with their special brand of fun and good cheer. Prairie Voices choir, some unexpected surprises and plenty of popular holiday music, including tunes from Home Alone and Polar Express will make this a musical performance to remember. Singing along is most welcome. Appropriate for music loving families of all ages; Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St.; December 12 and December 13 at 8 p.m. and December 14 at 2 p.m.; tickets $28.50 – $65.00 and are available through the WSO box office at 949-3999 or by logging onto www.wso.mb.ca.   
 
Assiniboine Valley Railway
You don’t have to be from Charleswood to know that the Taylors have the best Christmas train in town. This year the historic property will have 95,000 lights. Take a ride on either the Gingerbread Line or the Tunnel Line and enjoy the beautifully lit forest. Dress warm, however, as these 1/8 scale trains offer a great view but little shield from the cold.  Appropriate for families of all ages; 3001 Roblin Blvd.; opens today and runs until January 4th with no trains running on Christmas day; lights are on from 6 – 10 p.m. and trains run from 6:30 – 9 p.m.; touring the property on foot is free and train rides are $2 with children under age 2 permitted to ride for free. For more information, phone 837-1305 or log onto www.swedenfreezer.com/avr/.
 
Festival of Trees and Lights
The Friends of the Assiniboine Park Conservatory celebrate their 20th year of entertaining families during the holidays. This year’s theme is Christmas around the World and ends tomorrow. Family Day takes place today from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and features live reindeer outside (10 a.m. – noon), a visit from Santa (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.), crafts, storytelling and a reading from Shilling Bear at 7 p.m. Appropriate for families with children ages 12 and under; 15 Conservatory Drive (in Assiniboine Park); admission is by donation. For more information, phone 895-4560 or log onto www.friendsfestival.com.
 
Toad Hall Toys
Santa will visit this premiere toy store tomorrow and again on December 14 from 2 – 5 p.m. Bring your camera for some pictures with the long-bearded guest of honour and enjoy readings from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Appropriate for families of all ages; 54 Arthur St. (in the Exchange District); admission free. For more information, phone 956-2195.
 
Dalnavert Museum
 Author Davey Splash will be on hand to read from his new holiday book, Rainbow Heidi’s Gingerbread House. This charming book follows a kind-hearted girl who discovers the hidden powers behind the golden spoon she uses to make gingerbread cookies. After the story, children will make Christmas crackers. Hot chocolate and cookies will also be served. Before the afternoon is over, families will be taken on a tour of the main floor of the museum decorated for a Victorian Christmas. Appropriate for children ages 5 – 9; 61 Carlton St. (just south of Broadway); tomorrow from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.; admission $5. For more information, phone 943-2835.
 
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland
Manitoba’s largest drive-through winter light show is back with over one million lights and 29 different themed areas. Enjoy 2.5 km of winter splendour from the comfort of your own car. No thermal socks required. Appropriate for families of all ages. Red River Exhibition Park, 3977 Portage Ave. Nightly from 6 – 10 p.m. until Jan. 4 (closed Christmas day). Advance tickets available at all Canad Inns’ Winnipeg locations, Mac’s Convenience stores and Red River Co-op Gas Bars for $10 per family vehicle. Tickets at the gate are $15 per vehicle. For more information, phone 888-6990 or log onto www.redriverex.com.
 
A Year With Frog and Toad
One of MTYP’s best-loved holiday productions returns this season with enchanting musical fun for the whole family.. Kids will enjoy the kite-flying, cookie munching and sled racing. Based on the beloved children’s books by Arnold Lobel, the Tony Award-winning musical follows an optimistic Frog and his worrywart pal Toad as they tag-team their way through the seasons and stick together like only best friends can. The vaudeville-style production features a dazzling musical score, high-spirited choreography and a dynamic cast of characters that will appeal to both children and adults. Appropriate for families with children age 3 and up. Canwest Performing Arts Centre, 2 Forks Market Road until Jan. 3. Tickets are $15.25, groups of 10 or more receive a special price of $12.25 each.. For more information or to purchase tickets, phone 942-8898 or log onto www.mtyp.ca.   
 
Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre
In its 15th year, Marshland Wonderland features a great roster of outdoor events for families looking to dodge the malls on Boxing Day. Listen to holiday music while skating on Cattail Pond, play a game of sponge hockey in the sheltered bay, snowshoe through the marsh or enjoy some bannock and hot chocolate in the courtyard. Crafts, face-painting and Winter Jeopardy are just some of the other fun treats that await you and your kids. Appropriate for families of all ages. 1 Snow Goose Bay. Dec. 26 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and youth ages 3 – 17 and $18 for families. For more information, phone 467-3300 or log onto www.oakhammockmarsh.ca.
 
Earl Grey Community Centre
Who says there’s nowhere to take the kids on New Year’s Eve? Earl Grey hosts a dance for all ages, including contests, crafts and games. A toddler play area will be set up with riding toys, play-structure, puzzles and an assortment of other toys. The Teen Room will have pool and Xbox’s Rock Band hooked up to a wide screen T.V. Skating and outdoor activities will also be available, weather permitting. And don’t bother cooking beforehand, the canteen will be stocked with pizza, hot dogs and hot chocolate. Appropriate for families of all ages. 360 Cockburn St. North. Dec. 31 from 6 – 9 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, $3 for children and $10 for families at the door. For more information or to reserve tickets, phone 452-2074.
 
The Forks
There’s always something exciting happening for families at the Forks. Visit Arctic Glacier Winter Park and explore 1.2 km of trails. Kids will love sliding down the toboggan chutes, shimmying through the ice obstacle course or riding through the professionally designed snowboard park. And the best part is, fun in the snow, at the Forks, is always free! On New Year’s Eve, The Forks Market hosts crafts and fun beginning at 4 p.m. An 80’s costume contest for all ages begins at 7 p.m. and is followed by live family entertainment with an 80’s twist. Outside, families will enjoy marshmallow roasting and horse drawn wagon rides beginning at 5 p.m.  For more information, phone 957-7618 or log onto www.theforks.com.
 
Santa vs. The Snowman 3D
This 35 minute G-rated holiday film follows a lonely snowman who tries to find acceptance in the North Pole. First swept away by the magic of Santa’s Village, the frosty snow blob later turns on his jolly old host, waging a full-scale polar war involving hot-chocolate squirt guns and a 50-foot toy soldier manned by Santa himself. Appropriate for families of all ages. 3rd floor Portage Place until Dec. 18. Tickets are $9.50, $8.50 for seniors and children age 3 – 12; toddlers under 3 years old admitted free. For more information or to purchase tickets, phone 956-IMAX or log onto www.imaxwinnipeg.com.
 
Peter Pan
Playing alternate to the Nutcracker, this is the second year the Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs this magical holiday classic. Many adventures unfold when Peter and Wendy travel to Neverland, including an altercation with the wicked Captain Hook. Appropriate for all ages. Centennial Concert Hall until Dec. 28. Tickets start at $25. An open rehearsal will be held on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. Admission is free and seating is limited. At 1 p.m. on Dec. 14 your kids will have an opportunity to meet Tinker Bell, Captain Hook and Wendy for a storybook reading at the RWB building. For more information on these events, phone 965-2792 or log onto www.rwb.org.
 
Little Munsch on the Prairie
Since 1986, families have enjoyed Prairie Theatre Exchange’s high-energy stage adaptations of Robert Munsch’s children’s books over the holiday season. This year’s stories include I’m So Embarrassed, The Dark, 50 Below Zero, Pigs & Show and Tell. Appropriate for families with children ages 3 – 12. 3rd floor Portage Place. Dec. 20 – Jan. 4 with special Pyjama Parties on Dec. 27 and Jan. 2. Tickets start at $10. For more information, phone 942-5483 or log onto www.pte.mb.ca.
 
Eaton’s Santa’s Village
Since 1999 the Manitoba Children’s Museum has been proudly displaying the fully restored Eaton’s Santa’s Village display from the ninth floor annex of Eaton’s downtown store. Get into the spirit of the season by touring the fairytale vignettes that include such classic tales as Cinderella and Humpty Dumpty. Photos with Santa are available on weekends from 12 – 4 p.m. until Dec. 21. Children are invited to write letters to Santa while they wait and drop them in his special mailbox, courtesy of Canada Post. 45 Forks Market Road until Jan. 10. Admission is $6.75 for children ages 2 – 17, $6.25 for adults, $5.75 for seniors; members and infants under 2 admitted free. For more information, phone 924-4000 or log onto www.childrensmuseum.com.
 
Max and the Grinch
Fantasy Theatre’s holiday production shakes down the real story of how the green grouch stole Christmas from the perspective of his furry old pal Max. The production is performed by the school’s theatre students and includes lots of music and audience participation. Appropriate for families with children age 3 and up. Dec. 26 – 31. Deaf Centre Manitoba, 285 Pembina Hwy. Tickets are $9 and $5 for groups of 10 or more. Reservations are required. For more information, phone 944-0581.