• Dec. 11, 8 p.m., Beth Marie Anderson Christmas Tour at the Music Hall in Ladysmith. Exclusive Vancouver Island Tour, accompanied by Darcy Philips, this ‘acoustic concert will tickle your ears and warm your heart with Christmas classics. Limited seating. Tickets $15 from The Music Hall at 250-245-3663, Salamander Books at 250-245-4726 or at the door (if not sold out in advance).
• Dec. 12, 6 p.m., Ladysmith Christmas Lights Cruise. Boats will depart the Ladysmith Yacht Club. Enjoy a bonfire hosted by the Ladysmith Kinsmen Club at Transfer Beach.
• Dec. 13, 1:30 p.m., The Ladysmith Kinsmen are pleased to present a free Christmas sing-a-long show to say thanks to the community, at the Aggie Hall. Alf Carter, Barb and Karen will be the feature performers.
• Dec. 13, 2 p.m., Ring in the Christmas season with Sheila Johnson’s adult Concenti choir and award winning youth choirs at Chemainus United Church. This is a change of venue for this one performance from St. Michael’s. After the performance the choirs and audience will walk to St. Michael’s for a special reception, the lead walkers carol singing along the way. Tickets at the door $20; under 18 for $5. Advance tickets available for $17 at: Owl’s Nest Bistro, Chemainus; Valley Vines to Wines, Mill Bay; Ten Old Books, Duncan; Salamander Books, Ladysmith; and Chemainus Festival Inn. Or by phoning 250-748-8383. More information at chemainusclassicalconcerts.ca
• Dec. 13, 2:30 p.m., Sing-along Messiah at St. Andrews United Church. Join the Malaspina Choir in what has become a popular Christmas tradition attended by more than 200 people. Lionel Tanod conducts Handel’s beloved oratorio. Guest soloists: Andrea Rodall, soprano; Julia Morgan, mezzo-soprano; Steven Price, bass and David Brown, tenor. With the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra. Tickets $20 for adults, $10 for students, $5 for eyeGO and free for children under 12. Available online at www.porttheatre.com or at the door.
• Dec. 13, 2 to 5 p.m., Award-winning vocalist Maureen Washington, “one of the brightest stars in the Victoria jazz firmament” brings the ‘gift of Christmas’ to the Jazz at Crofton series. Named Black Canadian Award’s best jazz soul artist last year, Washington will be accompanied by pianist Karl Roessingh at the Crofton Hotel Pub, 1534 Joan Avenue. Musicians are invited to join in a jam session in the afternoon’s final hour. Admission is $10. For information, call 250-324-2245 or visit croftonhotel.ca.
• Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m., 39th Annual Christmas Festival of Choirs at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1135 Fourth Ave. Donations collected for the Ladysmith Christmas Cheer Fund. Refreshments to follow.
• Dec.18, 7 p.m., The Celebration of Light at the Eagles Hall in Ladysmith. Area musicians will donate their time and talent for the fifth annual Christmas fundraiser for the Ladysmith soup kitchen and food bank. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
• Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. & Dec. 20 at 2 p.m., Ken Lavigne Christmas Old Time Radio Roadshow at Chemainus United Church. The Island’s – and Chemainus’ – own internationally renowned singer and entertainer performs your Christmas favourites with special guests. Tickets at the 49th Parallel Grocery and the 49th Parallel General Store, Chemainus United Church and Ladysmith United Church for $32 in advance ($18 for students) or $37 at the door ($18 students).
• Until Dec. 17, The Christmas Cheer Campaign has started. Registrations for hampers are now being taken, and donations will be gratefully received. Contact the Ladysmith Resources Centre at 250-245-3079.
• Coins for Kids – The Chronicle is once again running the Coins for Kids campaign. Over the years we have collected over $50,000 which all goes to the Ladysmith Christmas Cheer Campaign. The Black Press Island papers have collected more than $780,000 over the years, all providing funding for local communities/charities.
• Until Dec. 20, Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular’s cast of 14 singers, dancers and musicians will whisk you away to a winter wonderland. Hits by the Beach Boy, a Rock of Ages medley, and a selection of Christmas favourites. Eleven performances at the Cedar Community hall and four at the Port Theatre. More info at yellowpointchristmasspectacular.ca.
• Dec. 20, Ladysmith Fire/Rescue Santa Claus Parade. Come meet Santa as this fun parade leaves Brown Drive Park at 4 p.m., making its way to École Davis Road Elementary at 9 p.m., with four stops in between. See Ladysmith Fire/Rescue Facebook page for route and details.
