Centre Point: The holiday season has officially begun

It’s one of the busiest times of year as we run out of days in November and look ahead to December.

It’s one of the busiest times of year as we run out of days in November and look ahead to December.

Whether life finds you shopping, baking, crafting or procrastinating, make sure to schedule some “you” time and take in your favourite traditional events:

The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra is back in Vernon tonight with their performance of Classic Beauty.

This concert is an ode to the beauty and classical elegance of the Mozart era, and the programme includes Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, K.550 in G Minor.

The symphony will be joined on stage by guest cellist Ariel Barnes of the Vancouver Symphony. A pre-show talk in the Marie Fleming Hall starts at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Centre. Call the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469) for your tickets.

Powerhouse Theatre kicks off its 2015-16 season of drama Wednesday, Nov. 25 when its fall production of Having Hope at Home comes to stage.

As tensions rise between three dysfunctional generations, so does the laughter in this side-splitting look at a family learning to love again.

Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. most nights to Dec. 5, with matinees starting at 2 p.m. Nov. 29 and Dec. 5. Visit the Ticket Seller website at www.ticketseller.ca or call 549-SHOW (7469) for the complete schedule.

Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics and the Cirque Theatre Company are back at the Performing Arts Centre this coming weekend for their original production of The Grinch.

Led by Olympian Camille Martens, this troupe brings an incredible blend of circus arts, drama, dance, music, gymnastics and acrobatics to the stage for a unique theatrical experience.

There are three performances to choose from: Friday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 28 at 2:30 p.m. and Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469).

Treat yourself to a night out Celtic style at St. Andrew’s Ceilidh Nov. 28 at the Schubert Centre.

With music throughout the evening by Kilt.45, this Ceilidh features a traditional turkey dinner, prizes and performances by highland and Scottish country and dancers. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and you can reserve your seats through the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469).

On Wednesday, Dec. 2, treat yourself to a night of nostalgia as Abbamania takes the stage along with Night Fever as the Bee Gees.

In this double-header tribute to the days when Abba and The Bee Gees ruled the pop music world, you’ll hear hits including Waterloo, S.O.S., Dancing Queen, Stayin’ Alive, Jive Talking, and many more. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are still available through the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469).

On Dec. 3, the Louisiana Hayride rolls back into the Performing Arts Centre for their holiday celebration.

Featuring a live band and tribute acts to Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Roy Orbison and more singing your favourite holiday tunes, this concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and you can call the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469) for your tickets.

The Shriners of British Columbia and Yukon are raising funds to transport local children to Shrine hospitals for free care with their Shriners Variety Show at the Performing Arts Centre Dec. 4.

This extravaganza features magician Murray Hatfield along with comedic jugglers and ventriloquists for an evening of excitement and showmanship. Tickets are still available through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469).

The ever popular Rotary Carol Festival is coming up at the Performing Arts Centre.

In this long standing Okanagan holiday tradition, local choirs, musicians and special guests are on stage for three different shows: Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 6 starting at 2 p.m.

Year after year, this is an extremely popular event and admission is by donation so plan to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Enjoy the shows!

Brian van Wensem is the audience development coordinator at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.

Vernon Morning Star