With December only a week away, the spirit of Christmas is gaining serious momentum.
I’m a fanatic for the holiday season – my excitement is in full swing no later than Labour Day.
Each person has a cherished threshold for when it’s time to turn on their favourite Christmas album, set up festive decorations and hit the egg nog. For me, it takes tremendous self-control to wait until Nov. 1 to deck the halls and set up the tree. Others share in my enthusiasm once their golden rule is satisfied: Remembrance Day, American Thanksgiving, Dec. 1, or perhaps a special occasion or birthday in December.
No matter your rule book, this is a time of year that brings all sorts of good-for-the-soul events to ease us into a merry mood:
Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics and the Cirque Theatre Company are back at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre this coming weekend for their original production of Storybook.
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. 28 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29 at 2:30 p.m. or Saturday 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 Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Schubert Centre.
With music throughout the evening by Kelowna’s Celtic band The Malarkeys, this ceilidh features a traditional turkey dinner, prizes and performances by highland and Scottish country dancers. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and you can reserve your seats through the Ticket Seller.
Powerhouse Theatre kicks off its 51st season Dec. 3 when musical fairy tale A Snow White Christmas comes to the stage.
Set as a sequel to the classic tale of Snow White, this family friendly comedy takes place years after the bliss of “happily ever after” has come and gone. Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. most nights to Dec. 13, with matinees starting at 2 p.m. on select dates. Visit the Ticket Seller website at www.ticketseller.ca or call 549-SHOW (7469) for the complete schedule.
Andrew Allen returns to the Performing Arts Centre on Dec. 3 for a special concert performance: All Hearts Come Home.
His three top 10 Canadian hits, including Loving You Tonight, I Want You, and I Wanna Be Your Christmas, will be heard among original ukulele renditions of favourite holiday classics – straight from his just-released Christmas EP. Tickets are on sale now through the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469).
On Dec. 4, 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 on Dec. 5.
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: Dec. 6 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Dec. 7 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 for the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.
