Social Intercourse: November 25 (It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas edition)
Christina VarvisWhat: Sherwood Park’s Festival of Trees
Where: 100 Festival Way, Festival Place, Sherwood Park
When: Nov 25 (5 PM) – Nov 26 (9:30 AM)
Tickets: Friday – $50 (Gala); Saturday – Free (https://www.festivalplace.ab.ca/festivalplace/)
The Festival Place Cultural Arts Foundation will kick off the Christmas season in Sherwood Park this weekend with their 9th annual Festival of Trees.
The event features a ticketed gala Friday, and Saturday is open to the public. This year, event-goers can bid on 11 trees, 11 centrepieces, and 10 wreaths, and will find a selection of vendors such as a weaver, potter, and jeweller, as well as local entertainment from dance groups and school choirs.
Sheila Smyth, co-chair of the event and member of the Foundation, expresses her excitement towards this year’s items up for auction. “We have a lot of ex-farmers who came together to create a horse’s head as a wreath. I am amazed at the creations. It’s incredible.”
All donations and proceeds will be in support of arts programming for children and youth in Strathcona County. Smyth hopes to bring the community together, regardless of whether or not they can afford entry.
“If somebody can’t afford to donate, then they come in for free,” she says. “We’re not turning anyone away.”
What: Festival of Trees
When: Nov 24 – Nov 27
Where: Shaw Conference Centre
Tickets: $10 (General Admission)
https://www.festivaloftrees.ca/
If you want to check out some fancy trees but don’t want to trek all the way out into the woods, Edmonton’s 32nd annual Festival of Trees has you covered.
With over 200 lavishly decorated trees, numerous gingerbread houses, and a variety of tasty treats and sweets, the Shaw Conference Centre begins the Christmas season in style.
From its children’s Christmas lane, entertainment stage, and almost endless amounts of items to bid on, there is something at this event for all ages. Other highlights include Sunday’s Santa Breakfast, the Glamorous Gala Evening, and Luncheon and Fashion Show.
Even if you don’t feel like blowing $400 on a tree, the Festival of Trees will be worth your time, getting you into a festival and giving spirit. All proceeds from the weekend will go towards the University Hospital Foundation’s first stroke ambulance.
What: The Nutcracker
Where: Myer Horowitz Theatre
When: Nov 25 – 27
Tickets: $45 (Purchase here)
In the absence of a whimsical November snowfall, satisfy your need for grace early this winter season with some ballet.
Jeunesse Classique Ballet Society (JCBS) presents The Nutcracker at the Myer Horowitz. Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless seasonal music, watch Clara and her Nutcracker Prince dance through the Land of Sweets, along with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, Mouse King, and magic dolls.
If you still want to get into the winter spirit while the white stuff isn’t falling, this classic production just might do the trick.
What: Candy Cane Lane Sleigh Rides
Where: St. Andrew’s United Church, 9915 148 St.
When: Dec 9 – 22
Tickets: $17 (Purchase here)
Could there be a better way to spend a holiday evening than riding down a Christmas light-filled street in a horse drawn carriage? Neigh!
While you’ll have to wait a couple weeks until this Christmas-crazy lane is up and running, booking for carriage rides opens this Friday evening (Nov 25th). The sleigh rides are 45-60 minutes and go to and from St. Andrews Church.
While riding through the snow, your voice may end up going hoarse from all of your carolling and loud Christmas cheer.
