Christmas in Edmonton

I'm sure everyone has more than enough to keep themselves occupied during the holidays, but in case you wanted to escape the mall madness, or similarly harrowing family situations, here are a few ideas.

• Starved for theatre like I am? How about Bitchslap! by Guys in Disguise, or the Walterdale's Sinbad the Sailor? Both have 2 for 1 nights this month. Or if you prefer something more in tune with the holidays, and don't feel like jostling with the guaranteed gong show of a crowd at the Citadel's pay-what-you-can Christmas Carol night, plan to attend An Evening with Charles Dickens at the Varscona. For a less typical show (and a tad strange, I might add), head to the Julien Arnold benefit, with all proceeds going to the seasoned actor currently in recovery.
• For kid-friendly fun: head to Fort Edmonton Park, free of charge and open every weekend in December; the Marketplace at Callingwood on Saturdays, offering hay rides for children; and of course, the ever-popular Candy Cane Lane (don't forget your Food Bank donation!).
• Music lovers, rejoice - there should be more than enough free entertainment to keep you busy: school choirs at both City Hall and the Legislature, weekly noon hour concerts at McDougall United, a performance by the Edmonton Kiwanis Singers, the Wirth Institute Christmas Concert, the Salvation Army Festival of Carols, and last but not least, the annual Christmas Bureau singalong at the Winspear.
• For the arts-oriented, Yann Martel is coming to town for a free talk, there's a discussion about creativity and non-profits, and the montly Cinema at the Centre screening.
• If you're looking for last-minute gifts, check out the craft sales at the Legislature Grounds, and the more well-known Butterdome version. As always, the year-round, indoor Old Strathcona Farmer's Market is a veritable treasure trove of hand-crafted goods and edibles.
• To end, two events that I would definitely attend, if not for New York: a free drink at LUX for University of Alberta alumni; and the first Teatro la Quindicina production of the year - a live radio play of It's a Wonderful Life. Jeff Haslam would make a wonderful George Bailey.