Celebrating Christmas in the city

It’s hard to believe the most wonderful time of year has rolled around again.

As families prepare to break out annual traditions and revel in festivities, the scrapbook beckons for another chapter. You don’t have to venture far away to try something new, either. Here are a few ideas of things to do with your loved ones that are close to home, and heartwarming, too.

A Christmas Story has long been one of my favourite movies, and one of my holiday traditions each year is to revel in the fun of newbie eyes by watching it with someone who has never seen it. So you can imagine my excitement to learn that faithful fans can now experience it in a whole new way family-friendly way. A Christmas Story Escape returns for its second year at Grant Park Shopping Centre, where teams are tasked to solve clues, perform puzzles, and crack codes in order to make it through the interactive adventure in one hour or less.

The north meets south at the magically illuminated Polar Town at the Zoo Lights Festival. The winter village is home to a town hall with nightly offerings of entertainment, an icy forest and tundra trail depicting Arctic sights and sounds through art installations and musical artistry, and a mini market hosting works from rotating Canadian artisans. There’s a mayor’s office, blacksmith shop, pop-up ice bar, and lovers’ lane. Even Santa’s house, too, so be sure to be nice.

Speaking of Santa, as a kid I’d often visit him at the Hudson’s Bay in Winnipeg’s downtown. Thoughts of the department store still bring to mind warm Christmas memories, and this year’s Lights of the North festival provides many reasons to revisit. More than half a million 3D bulbs will light up over 7,400 square-metres with sculptures, tunnels, interactive exhibits, live music, lively market, kid zone, and more. All taking place inside warm and cozy indoor space.

Music is in the air everywhere, with something for all tastes. Rockin Elvis Christmas at Club Regent Event Centre on Dec. 6 features world-class Elvis Presley tribute artist Rory Allen, who is known to captures hearts of even the most faithful fans. The same night at Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain, the Brémault sisters will sing traditional songs with their own spin, inspired by their rich Franco-Manitoban family heritage.

The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra recreates A Charlie Brown Christmas on Dec. 7 and 8, with music from the animated favourite and performance by local actor Quinn Greene. From Dec. 13 to 15, closely-knit jazz ensemble New York Voices bring inspired arrangements and a reimagined repertoire from the late ’50s to Centennial Concert Hall for a special seasonal show.

Classic 1946 film It’s A Wonderful Life graces the big screen at The MET on Dec.  18 with buffet dinner, dessert and coffee service, and popcorn for the movie. Making for a wonderful life indeed.

RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca