Lots of Christmas fun to be had on a budget

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This article was published 28/11/2023 (714 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Looking to get into the holiday spirit without breaking the bank this year?

Good news — there are some delightful events sure to get you singing a Christmas carol and leaving some cash in your wallet.

The ever-delightful TubaChristmas is back at The Green Spot on Saturday. This event has it all — fun, ugly Christmas sweaters, tinsel and, of course, holiday music — and admission is free. The concert, organized by Brandon University music professor Nora Wilson, gathers tuba and euphonium players from around Westman, including BU music students, band teachers, community members and high school and middle school band students, for the festive occasion.

“This is an important event for tuba and euphonium players. It has a long history, started in 1976, and tubas and euphoniums are traditionally not thought of as melodic instruments,” Wilson said. “But this is a great event because we can show people that tubas and euphoniums can play a perfect melody.”

Musicians, who pay a $5 fee to enter the band, rehearse together in the morning and the public concert happens at noon. Make sure you don your own Christmas sweater for this one. Add a hot chocolate from Chez Angela’s Secret Garden Cafe, inside the Green Spot, for the perfect holiday pairing.

The Christmas Market at the Dome is returning on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Provincial Exhibition’s historic Dome Building on the Keystone Centre Grounds. Visitors can browse a variety of vendors and crafters. Tickets are $3 and kids 5 and under are admitted free.

More great music from Brandon University — this time the BU Brass Ensemble. The group, led by BU music professor Edward Bach, will perform a Christmas concert on Dec. 8 at BU’s Lorne Watson Recital Hall. The event is free admission, and the magical sounding carols are sure to invoke the warm, fuzzy feeling of the holidays.

The Manitoba Agricultural Museum near Austin is hosting its annual Winter Wonderland over two weekends this year, starting on Dec. 8 and running over two weekends — Dec. 8-10 and Dec. 15-17. This is a wonderful family event and tickets are just $5 a person, or $20 per family.

Included in the ticket prize is sleigh (or wagon if there’s no snow) rides through the historic village, which will be decorated with loads of holiday lights. There are also three short films, provided by the National Film Board of Canada, that will be played on a loop — “Ludovic: Let it Snow,” “The Story of Christmas” and “The Bear Facts.” There will be bonfires set up by volunteers where hotdogs (purchased at the Pioneer Kitchen) can be roasted and activities for the kids. Also available at the kitchen, for an additional cost, all sorts of treats to warm you up, including popcorn, hot chocolate and brownies.

The museum will have a new pop-up exhibit on display, “Hickory Dickory Dock, A Whimsical Exhibit of Clocks,” featuring some adorable mice. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and sleigh rides go from 5-8 p.m. Films and activities will take place in the Homesteaders Museum, which is not heated, so make sure you dress warm. Tickets are available at Eventbrite or at the door.

If the kids love swimming and Santa Claus, bring them to see the big guy in his bathing suit. The Brandon Community Sportsplex is hosting the Jolly Holiday Swim on Dec. 9 from 1 to 6 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.

On Dec. 10, the City of Brandon is again hosting its annual Christmas Open House. The Brandon Community Orchestra with the Suzuki Strings will perform a concert of Christmas carols. Nikki Boylan, Brandon Community Orchestra’s conductor, said the group of about 30 musicians look forward to the event every year.

“We like being able to be close to the community and we love to be out performing for the community. Members come from all over western Manitoba to play. Plus it’s really fun to play Christmas music,” Boylan said.

Orchestra members include all ages and levels of musicians — students in Grade 9 to musicians who still play in their 80s. Boylan said the orchestra has a full complement of strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion musicians. The city provides snacks and warm beverages. The event is free to the public and usually standing room only. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 1:30 p.m.

As Christmas creeps closer, you might be shopped out and ready to have a little fun. Head on down to Lady of the Lady for Until it Isn’t Fun’s Celtic and holiday concert on Dec. 22. Tickets are just $5 per person for this festive show, so definitely indulge in that holiday drink you so deserve.

The group consists of Polly Schoonbaert on lead vocals; Kerry Skinner on vocals, bass and bodran (an Irish drum); Bruce Dunlop on vocals, guitar and banjo; and Bill Turner on whistles, flutes, ukulele and accordions. Also joining the group this year will be Allan Ranso, a classically trained accordionist. Until It Isn’t Fun’s motto is to play until, well, it’s not fun. Show starts at 8 p.m. Lady of the Lake asks you to call the café at 204-726-8785 to make a reservation and for tickets.

» khenderson@brandonsun.com