Around Town for the holidays November-December 2023

Around Town local events for the holidays, including concerts and markets around the city for November-December 2023.
Local events
MacKay’s Christmas market and music
The Christmas at MacKay concert is usually standing room only. This year it takes place Sunday December 17 starting at 7 p.m. Featured performers include Tea Marmaladze, violinists from the Vyhovski Strings, Eric Johnson-Scherger, and Peter Woods.
Admission is a goodwill offering, used to provide funding for local outreach programs. MacKay’s United Church Women’s unit will once again offer the big, big bake sale in the Memorial Hall immediately following the concert.
Finally, in an acknowledgment that the holidays can be a difficult time for some, anyone who is sad or troubled at the Christmas season can attend a special Bittersweet of Christmas service beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday December 12.
(Click here for more information about MacKay United events.)
St. Columba Christmas services
The fourth Sunday of Advent is also Christmas Eve (Sunday December 24). During the morning service at # a.m., we will light the fourth candle of Advent (Love) and at 4 p.m., we will have a family service with a focus on children.
The candlelight service will be at a new time this year – 7 p.m. – and we are delighted to be welcoming back from Montreal Natacha Demers and Natasha Henry as our guest soloists. Violinist, Douglas Brierley will also be back at St. Columba, accompanying organist, Faye Grinberg Rice throughout the service.
In addition to the three services on Christmas Eve, there will also be a service on Christmas Day at 10 a.m.
(Click here for more information about St. Columba events.)
Other holiday fairs
ADAAWE Indigenous Holiday Market
The ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub is hosting a festive gathering from noon to 4 p,m. Saturday November 25 at 338 Somerset St. West. Billed as a way to experience the warmth of Indigenous community during the holiday season, the market offers complimentary bannock and tea, ‘community vibes’ and a variety of products from over 30 local Indigenous vendors.
Fisher Park Christmas Craft Fair
The Fisher Park Community Recreation Council is hosting a fair featuring home made items and gourmet cooking from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday December 2 at 250 Holland Ave.
Glebe Craft & Artisan Fair
For over 40 years, the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group has been showcasing high quality local arts and crafts merchandise. The 2023 fair takes place 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday November 25 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday November 26 at the Glebe Community Centre 175 Third Ave.
Good Companions Centre Craft Studio Sale and Christmas Bazaar
The Good Companions Centre features crafts made in their own studios along with an artisan boutique, books, nearly-new fashions, baking, tourtières and meat pies, a Christmas café and a visit from Santa Claus. The Good Companions Centre Craft Studio Sale and Christmas Bazaar takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday December 2, 670 Albert St.
Orléans United Church Christmas Bazaar
Featuring handcrafted items including holiday ornaments, kitchen décor, wooden crafts, children’s toys, winter knits, pet accessories, baking, freezer meals, a silent auction and more, the Orléans Church Christmas Bazaar takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday November 18 at 1111 Orléans Blvd.
St. Andrew’s Scottish Tea and Christmas Bazaar
A scrumptious bazaar featuring tea, scones and treats along with knitting and crafts, books, artwork, baked goods and a silent auction, St. Andrew’s Scottish Tea and Christmas Bazaar takes place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday November 25 at St. Andrew’s Church, 82 Kent. St.