WHEREmail

// December 2008

Dear Subscriber

This month discover festive holiday activities, a star-studded film festival and professional Irish dancing, in cities across the country. We also tell you where you can find (and see!) the oldest surviving book in the world, the latest dish on travel news and how you can avoid food poisoning when travelling abroad.

WHAT'S HOT IN DECEMBER:

Toronto

All month the annual Cavalcade of Lights sets the city aglow with a dazzling array of crowd-pleasing events, including spectacular fireworks, sparkling lighting displays, Saturday night concerts and guided neighbourhood tours. Take part in a time-honoured tradition at Tafelmusik's Sing-Along Messiah. Join the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir and 2,700 voices as "Maestro Handel" himself conducts a singing of the composer's timeless piece.

Edmonton

Sarah Brightman, the mesmerizing, ethereal diva who rose to fame with Phantom of the Opera, makes a stop in Edmonton as part of her Symphony World Tour. Expect spectacular stage sets when she hits the stage December 10 at Rexall Place. Join in Klara's revelry in Imperial Russia and The Palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy in this world premiere, a sparkling new adaptation of The Nutcracker by choreographer Edmund Stripe and Alberta Ballet, December 11 to 14 at the Jubilee Auditorium.

Winnipeg

Two of Canada's most recognized stage actors, Seana McKenna and Scott Wentworth, star in an adaptation of Euripides' Medea. This classic tale of romantic obsession follows princess Medea, who makes a series of ungodly sacrifices to gain the attention of Jason, the ambitious adventurer. It runs until December 13 at the Manitoba Theatre Centre, 140 Market Ave, 204-942-6537. The most festive spot to celebrate the New Year is at The Forks' Winter Park with outdoor skating, tobogganing, shinny games and fireworks. The Forks, 204-942-630.

Canadian Rockies

People who enjoy playing in the Rockies showcase their passion and interaction with the mountains through stunning photographs during the Whyte Museum's exhibit Out There! Adventure Photography. Gaze at the impressive array of activities displayed, from paragliding to hiking to ice climbing, and their striking landscape backdrops. On till January 27.

Vancouver

Each year, filmmakers and movie stars descend on Whistler for four days of parties, film screenings (both indoors and out), galas and frolicking in the snow at the Whistler Film Festival December 4 to 7. The most agile celebs compete in a ski race, while the rest gravitate to the area's vibrant dining scene. More than 90 films from around the world are screened.

Calgary

Stuart McLean, CBC Radio's storyteller extraordinaire, stops in Calgary December 4 and 5 for A Vinyl Café Christmas. Hear all about Dave & Morley's holiday hijinks, including Dave's comedic attempt to carve a turkey. On December 10, check out the fancy footwork of Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance. While Flatley–the creator, producer and director of the show–is not currently performing, the production maintains his energetic spirit, as well as the theme of good versus evil.

Ottawa

This year, it's Ottawa's turn to host the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship. From December 26 to January 5 teams from around the world convene in the capital to compete in junior hockey's most exciting tournament. Meanwhile, from December 4 to January 7, Ottawa will be aglow with thousands of colourful lights, courtesy of Christmas Lights Across Canada.

Halifax

Symphony Nova Scotia's annual performance of Handel's Messiah is a rite of Christmas in Halifax and it'll be better than ever this year. On December 19 and 20, special guest Jeanne Lamon (of Tafelmusik fame) joins the orchestra for two special performances. The violin virtuso is sure to make the Baroque masterpiece even more memorable.

Victoria

Take in the thousands of twinkling lights and seasonal decorations at the Butchart Gardens, where the annual Christmas light-up is, for many, the true start of the holidays December 1 until January 6. Carollers and musicians fill the gardens with sounds of the season, and the outdoor skating rink–a rarity in Victoria–is a highlight.

The WHERE List:

BEST TOY STORES

When you're hunting for unique gift ideas for any little ones this holiday season, be sure to stop in one of the shops listed below. Our editors from across the country have listed their favourite places to find one-of-a-kind toys.

Halifax

As Halifax's hands-on science centre, the Discovery Centre on Barrington Street is a haven for budding young scientists and in its Discovery Shop, you'll find nifty toys aplenty. From dinosaur toys to science kits to NASA models, the shop overflows with creative and unique toys to spark imaginations.

Toronto

The Toy Shop, Toronto's oldest toy store, celebrates a century of expanding imaginations and putting smiles on children's faces this year. With two floors chock-full of brand name play items, and a cozy concealed reading area, playtime has never been so easy—for kids and adults alike!

Vancouver

Clever kids make a beeline for the Kids Market on Granville Island. Housed in a former factory building more than 100 years old, the market is filled with artsy shops selling toys, kites, puppets, books, children's clothes and more.

Ottawa

Mrs. Tiggywinkles is a great place to shop for kids of all ages. While the young explore the enormous selection, the young at heart can browse the cute and kitschy at Lost Marbles, found within the store. Five locations, including the Rideau Centre, 50 Rideau St., 613-230-8081.

Edmonton

Make a visit to Axle Toys, which specializes in cars and car memorabilia including pedal cars, old-fashioned Hot Wheels and NASCAR collectibles. Passionate hobbyists themselves, owners Alex and Melissa Archbold also carry many die-cast models, train sets, jukeboxes, pinball machines and car-themed clocks. Travel back in time at Whyte Knight Toys & Games with medieval replicas of weapons and armour, as well as a range of classic toys and games.

Winnipeg

Toad Hall Toys is notable for its range of imported toys from 50 countries that includes kites, board games, tin toys, creative supplies, educational toys, model railroads and dollhouse supplies, puppets and books. 54 Arthur St, 204-956 2195.

Canadian Rockies

As the only store dedicated to toys in the Alberta Rockies, Canmore's HiJinx Toy Shop lives up to its tagline, "funnest toy shop in the Rockies!" Kids of all ages will marvel at the shelves brimming with plush animals, wooden toys, puppets, arts and crafts, Lego, music and games.

Victoria

Stop by Buddies Toys, an independent toy store with two locations, filled to the brim with Thomas and Playmobil favourites, board games, science kits and a host of creative toys and activities that you won't find elsewhere. Seeing is Believing is also a popular stop featuring an array of wacky T-shirts, gadgets and gizmos, plus an excellent selection of hard-to-find games and puzzles. (Don't miss the perfect keepsake from your Victoria visit, the Victoria Puzzle, a Seeing is Believing exclusive.)

Calgary

At Livingstone & Cavell Extraordinary Toys find toys and gifts from around the world: tin & clockwork toys, Britains Miniatures, Marklin trains, collector dolls, Wilesco steam engines and more. Meanwhile, Gracie & Gruff Fine Toys carries quality toys and books for infants to 12-year-olds: Gund, Russ, Steiff, Lego, Playmobil and Bruder.

TRAVEL SPECIALS

As a service to readers and our tourism partners, here's a selection of special travel deals. For more information or to book, please contact the providers directly.

Ski package at the Delta Quebec City

Stay at the Delta Quebec and get two lift tickets for three days to both Stoneham and Mont Ste-Anne, as well as full buffet breakfasts. Offer expires April 2009, subject to availability.

10 one-way flights for $1,050

Porter Airlines is offering the Firm Pass, a package of ten one-way flights between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Redeemable for one year, flights must be booked at least seven days in advance.

Discounts on Caribbean vacations

Save between 45 per cent to 60 per cent at Sandals resorts across the Caribbean, including destinations in Montego Bay, St Lucia and Antigua. Limited time offer.

(All prices in Canadian dollars. WHERE accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or availability of these packages. Please contact package supplier directly.)