Ethiopiaid Canada
Tis’ the season to give back, so why not start this week with Ethiopiaid Canada’s second annual gala and fundraiser for maternal health. The local organization has been dedicated to alleviating poverty and increasing access to health and education in Ethiopia since 1989. The evening will include a silent auction, inspiring guest speaker Dr. Gretchen Roedde, and a delicious Ethiopian dinner provided by local restaurant Blue Nile. Thursday, December 5. 6:30 p.m. Adults $35/ students $25. Saint Brigid’s Centre for the Arts, 310 St. Patrick Street.
A Joyful Christmas
The University of Ottawa Choir invites you to join them for an evening of Holiday fun. Accompanied by brass, percussion, and piano, Director Michel Guimont will lead the bilingual choir through Christmas songs old and new. Friday, December 6. 8 p.m. Adults $25/$20 in advance; students $10. St. Joseph’s Church, 151 Laurier Ave. E.
Christmas in Killarney
Beloved Celtic family band the Barra MacNeils will bring their special brand of East Coast charm back to Ottawa for a special Christmas concert. Performing a selection of original holiday songs, the band will serenade you with Gaelic ballads one moment, and in the next, make you get up and dance with their mad fiddle/piano/accordion mashups. Monday, December 9. $55. 7:30 p.m. Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr.
Vintage Village of Lights
Discover what Christmas was all about back in the day. This enchanting exhibit explores holiday traditions, carols, decorating, and storytelling from the past. Festive crafts and a visit with Santa Claus himself guarantees an afternoon of family fun. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening until Sunday, December 22. 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. $7/ $18 per family. Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Rd.
Holidays at the Hub (Free!)
Ottawa’s centre for social innovation is teaming up with SMAKK, a new gift-card company for locavores, to host holiday market in support of both HUB and SMAKK members. Come out and see what your community has to offer — from handmade cards to hand-knitted scarfs and lots of tasty treats in between, it’s also an opportunity to meet local artists and social entrepreneurs in a setting sure to bring you some Christmas cheer. Saturday, December 7. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. HUB Ottawa, 71 Bank Street, 6th Floor.
Goodnight Desdemona, (Good morning Juliet)
An original Canadian play written by literary superstar Ann-Marie MacDonald, this comical story takes a look at two of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies as comedies. Main character, Constance Ledbelly, somehow lands herself in the bard’s world of Othello and Romeo & Juliet, where she inadvertently changes the course of each plot. A hilarious Elizabethan tale of self-discovery. Until Sunday, December 15. See website for times and prices. Great Canadian Theatre Company, 1233 Wellington Street W.
Hot Art
Caught red handed? At the 6th annual Red Handed Christmas Art Show, it’ll be a good thing! Over 40 artists work with the idea or the colour red in their pieces. Browse through their fun and affordable local art, while DJ Greg Reain supplies cool beats. Live art from Stefan Thompson and eats from Essence Catering. Friday, December 6. 8 p.m. Cyclelogik, 1111A Wellington Street W.