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Things to do this Christmas in Guelph 2019
Christmas celebrations, Santa Claus Parades, holiday family fun events, festivals, weekend activities in and around Guelph.
Contents
- Christmas Lights & Santa Claus Parades
- Christmas Carols & Holiday Concerts
- Christmas Theatre & Other Events
I. Christmas Lights & Santa Claus Parade
Guelph Community Santa Parade and Santa Run
Start the excitement-filled afternoon with the 5th Annual Santa Road Race, organized by the Speed River Track & Field Club. At 1pm runners will once again don a red and white Santa suit and run 3KM on the parade route.
Be ready at 1:15pm with those letters to Santa and non-perishable items as Canada Post and the Guelph Food Bank will kick off the show. Indigenous community members from Guelph and KW area will carry flags that represent the Metis, Inuit, Mohawk, 2 Spirited and the Anishinaabe people. They will be joined by drummers from Spirit Vision, a community youth and men’s drum group. Spectators can expect to see vintage jeeps, dancing dinosaurs, Paw Patrol characters and a whole host of wacky elves leading the ever-popular marching bands.
Warm up after the parade in Old Quebec Street Shoppes. Enjoy milk and cookies with Saint Nick until 4pm.Details
Santa Run | 1:00 PM
Canada Post and the Guelph Food Bank set off | 1:15 PM
Parade | 1:30 PM
Milk and cookies with Santa after the parade at the Old Quebec Street Shoppes until 4 PM
Parade begins from Woolwich Street at Powell Street, ending on Wyndham Street at the railway bridge.
Donation of Non-perishable items appreciated
Mayor’s Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season with a Christmas tree lighting in Market Square! All are welcome to join in the celebration as Mayor Cam Guthrie lights the Market Square Christmas Tree.
Enjoy live entertainment, featuring Valet Jazz Quartet and a holiday sing-along lead by Bridget Walsh. Join us to experience an ice sculpture demonstration right before your eyes created by IceCulture. Warm up with complimentary cocoa and cider thanks to Natasha Pedersen, Home Group Realty Inc., Brokerage. Details
Sparkles in the Park
During the darkest days of the year, Rotary transforms Guelph’s Riverside Park into a winter wonderland of lights and displays, open to the community, all culminating is a well-attended New Years Evefireworks display. Details
II. Christmas Carols & Holiday Concerts across Guelph
Christmastide – A Baroque Christmas
The popular concert from the 2017/18 season returns with a new program and the same magic of Baroque Christmases gone by. Delight in the sights and sounds of yesteryear as music by Vivaldi, Corelli, Manfredini and others fill the hall.Details
Adult $38, Senior $36, Student $16, Child $13
The Nutcracker – Wooly Kinderconcert
Journey to a land of sweets and sugar plum fairies during this kid-friendly performance of The Nutcracker. A magical score by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky will sweep you away.Details
$15.00 Adult, $13.00 Senior/Under 30, $11.00 Child (14 & under including infants)
The Men of the Deeps: Christmas in the Mine
A favourite of audiences from coast to coast and the only group of its kind, the iconic Men of the Deeps Cape Breton coal miners choir keeps tradition alive through heartfelt performances. The chorus warms up the season with festive selections from its first-ever solo holiday recording, Christmas in the Mine, with fiddler Colin Grant.Details
Saturday, November 30, 2019 | 7:00 PM
$59.00 Adult, $57.00 Senior, $20.00 Under 30
Christmas Lessons & Carols
Christmas Lessons and Carols concert which this year will feature a brass quintet and audience sing-along carols. Christmas Lessons and Carols concert which this year will feature a brass quintet and audience sing-along carols.Details
Sunday, December 1, 2019 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
$25 each or 4 for $80
$10 for age 30 and under / students, $5 for youth age 14 and under
Holiday Traditions by Guelph Concert Band
Join the Guelph Concert Band, under the direction of Chris Cigolea, with special guest choirs, to celebrate ‘Holiday Traditions’. Musical selections include holiday favourites like Greensleeves, the Hallelujah Chorus, Ukrainian Bell Carol, Selections from The Nutcracker and Christmas Festival. Details
Sunday, December 1, 2019 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
E.L. Fox Auditorium, John F. Ross C.I., 21 Meyer Drive, Guelph
$5 – $30
Baroque Christmas with Magisterra Soloists
Let the Magisterra Soloists lift your spirits and get you feeling festive with this wonderful program of dazzling and virtuosic works by Bach, Corelli, Gallo, Smallman, and Vivaldi! With special guest harpsichorist, Matthew Pope, this concert promises to fill you with mirth just in time for the holiday season!Details
St. Joseph Catholic Parish, 409 Paisley Road, Guelph
$10 – $25
The Wonderful World of Christmas – COMEBACK
Featuring Steve Michaels as Elvis. A Christmas Comeback Special fit for a King presented with all the trimmings! Elvis Presley’s holiday classics, songs of inspiration, and his greatest hits of all time all in one unforgettable performance.
It’s Christmas time pretty baby, dust off those blue suede shoes and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the one and only Elvis Presley in this yuletide spectacular.Details
$49.75 – $54.50
Holiday Celebration
The Guelph Symphony Orchestra along with guest musicians and singers offers its annual family friendly array of sparkling holiday favourites including “The Polar Express”! And, of course, the concert wouldn’t be complete without the traditional carol sing-along! Special Guests – Guelph Youth Symphony Orchestra.Details
$39.50 Adult, $19.00 Under 30, $10.00 14 & under
The Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas
The Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas is a musical potpourri of traditional MacNeil family favourites gleaned from Christmas ceilidhs, midnight masses and the general festive frolic that accompanies each holiday season. With their captivating vocals, distinctive harmonies and extraordinary musicianship, The Barra MacNeils inject new life and energy into the sights and sounds of Christmas…one moment a rousing chorus, then a hauntingly beautiful Gaelic ballad, the next a flurry of foot-stomping instrumentals, which of course pulls one then another into a step-dancing revelry. Details
$57.50
inCanto: Buon Natale!
Come celebrate the Christmas season with inCanto as we present inCanto: Buon Natale! Inspired by the holiday traditions in their own families, our beloved vocalists – Giacomo Folinazzo, Sara Maida-Nicol and Tony Sciara – return to the stage this holiday season to bring you the songs and stories of what it means to celebrate Christmas, Italian-style. From “Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle” and “O Holy Night” to the Feast of the Seven Fishes and panettone, come grab a seat at the table with us. Details
$62
Crooner’s Christmas
Enjoy a night of memories, stories and great music.
This memorable event will take you back to the Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra Christmas specials, all the way to current Crooners of today like Michael Bublé & Harry Connick Jr. Enjoy a flowing performance of Crooner classics dating from the ’50s all the way to the modern Christmas tunes you love to hear during the holiday season.Details
$42
A Whole New World: The Musical Magic of Alan Menken
Experience the iconic music of Alan Menken, master songwriter of Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas and Little Shop of Horrors. This powerful musical documentary-style show created by Adrian Marchuk features singers from Broadway, London’s West End and Stratford to illustrate how Menken’s music led to a whole new world of animated characters, stories and films.
Recommended for ages 9 and up.Details
Adult $49, Senior $47, Under 30/Child (14 & under including infants) $29
Joy in the City III
Joy in the City was birthed from a passion of having worship pastors, recording artists and singers from the Ontario region come together for a one night only worship experience. Joining us this year will be Juno award-winning artists Sharon Riley and Carlos Morgan.
Come and enjoy this family friendly evening of Christmas and Worship music during the holiday season!Details
River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich Street, Guelph
Adult $40, Child (14 & under) $20, Infant under 1 contact the Box Office
A Next Generation Leahy Christmas
Joyful, positive and energetic. A Next Generation Leahy Christmas is sure to fill you with the spirit of the season. Six young members of the legendary Leahy family – Adele, Gregory, Angus, Cecilia, Joseph and Evelyn – display their outstanding talents in Celtic music, song and dance during a breathtaking performance. Details
Adult $42, Senior $40, Under 30/Child (14 & under including infants) $29
Good Lovelies Christmas Tour
Good Lovelies return for their annual Christmas Concert this year on Saturday, December 14th. What better way to celebrate the season than with classic holiday and winter selections, timeless and original material polished to a warm and welcoming glow? Details
$20 to $43
Christmas with Jacob Moon and The Commissionaires
Faithlife Financial presents Jacob Moon and The Commissionaires as they return to Guelph to follow up their incredible 2018 show with a return to the beautiful Royal City Church, in support of the on-site food ministry, The Life Centre, which helps hundreds every day get food and care in the downtown core. Details
General $25
Bring a canned good or non-perishable food item and donate to the cause!
Boreal’s Songs for A Snowy Season
Guelph musicians Katherine Wheatley and Tannis Slimmon – along with new Boreal member Angie Nussey – promise to brighten the winter with outstanding harmonies, brilliant songwriting and beautiful lyrics during Songs for a Snowy Season. Boreal’s seasonal concert of original songs and holiday classics has become a celebrated annual tradition. Details
Friday | 8:00 PM
Saturday | 2:00 PM
Adult $30, Senior $28, Under 30 $25
A Very Charlie Brown Concert
A Charlie Brown Christmas is an Emmy Award-winning holiday tradition enjoyed by children everywhere. Equally magical is the soundtrack created by Vince Guaraldi—Who doesn’t know the popular Christmas Time is Here? Join us again at the Guelph Youth Music Centre this holiday season as we bring back this jazz classic featuring Adam Bowman on drums, Thomas Hammerton on piano, and Tyler Wagler on bass, as they perform the album, top to bottom. They will be joined by The Kingsbury Music Singers directed by Shannon Kingsbury. Details
Adult $15, Senior $10, Child 14 and under $5
Sing-Along Messiah
The GCC is proud to present a Sing-Along Messiah in support of Family & Children’s Services (Guelph Wellington). Details
Admission by donation ($20 suggested amount)
Handel’s Messiah
Handel’s music never fails to stir the spirit with music that has been at the heart of the Christmas experience for over two and a half centuries, and has become a Guelph tradition. This performance will delight audiences with an historically-informed approach, using baroque specialists in the orchestra and as soloists. Bring family and friends and come join us for an evening of magnificent music. Details
Adult $42, Senior $40, Under 30 $10, Child (14 & under including infants) $5
III. Christmas Plays & Holiday Theatre across Guelph
A Traveling Wilburys Christmas
When George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne joined forces under pseudonyms as ‘The Wilburys’ in 1988, they quietly created one of rock music’s greatest supergroups. But what if they were rushed back into the studio to create a Christmas album? You don’t want to miss this jam session that (probably) never was! Details
$60.00 + Fees
Save $3/ticket when you buy 16 or more tickets for one show. Call us at (519) 846-5455 x 288 to book.
TWAS by Eric Woolfe
This fantasy adventure about the origins of Santa Claus is fun for everyone. This show will excite the whole family’s imagination as they enter the world of “Twas”. Details
Adult $15, Student/Child $10
Son of a Carpenter
Joseph, an obedient son, has followed in his father’s footsteps and become a carpenter and tradesman in Nazareth. When his parents decide it’s time for Joseph to marry, they make arrangements with the parents of a local young woman. At first, Joseph is reluctant to consider marriage, wanting to make sure he is following God’s will and not just his parents’ wishes. As he warms to the idea, Mary gives him some unexpected and unbelievable news. How does Joseph reconcile this incredible news with his own beliefs? How does a man of faith learn to believe in the unbelievable? The Son of a Carpenter explores this dilemma by focusing on Joseph’s journey to the answer.Details
$16
A Christmas Carol
Veteran solo performer John D. Huston recreats the performances of Charles Dickens’ own one man “A Christmas Carol”. Incidental music will be provided by Ian Bell, Rick Avery and Judy Greenhill-all members of the original “Vinyl Café Orchestra”. There will be opportunities to sing along to a great selection of genuine Victorian Christmas songs.Details
General admission $20 advance, $25.00 door
Canada’s Ballet Jörgen The Nutcracker
Ballet Jörgen’s seasonal classic sparkles with holiday magic year after year. Set to the much loved Tchaikovsky music, and in collaboration with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, this quintessentially Canadian Nutcracker features the vibrant works of the great Group of Seven landscape artists. Join Klara as she embarks on her magical dream journey through our northern landscapes filled with snowflakes, trilliums, loons, chipmunks and other delightful woodland creatures. Ballet Jörgen Canada’s Nutcracker is a national treasure destined to warm the hearts of young and old alike.Details
$31 – $73
IV. Other Christmas / Holiday Events across Guelph
Christmas JOY Home Tour
The Christmas JOY Home Tour is a self-guided, fun-filled tour of carefully selected homes that have been professionally decorated for the holiday season. Each year the tour grows and develops in innovative ways, adding new things for our tour attendees to enjoy. Our tour welcomes approx. 1,600 people from all over Southwestern Ontario. In 2019, we will be featuring a variety of amazing properties in Guelph making the travel much easier for our tour goers. Details
Kettle Kick-Off with the Salvation Army
Join us as we launch our Christmas Kettle Campaign to help support families over the holidays. Enjoy hot chocolate and Christmas Carols, bouncy castles and a photo booth, with specials guests and musicians. All are welcome! Details
Sleighbell Fantasy, Bazaar and Tea Room
Sleighbell Fantasy is the Christmas bazaar at St. George’s, held every year in late November. You can find Christmas gifts and crafts, Baking & Preserves, Attic Treasures, Penny Table, Raffles, Tea Room. Details
Saturday, November 16, 2019 |10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
12 Barz of Christmas
Infamously known for the unmatched holiday spirit, wild outfits, and mistletoe shenanigans, 12 barz is on the way to take over your town! Get ready for this unforgettable night that you will always remember by the sharpie messages on the back of the legendary 12 barz shirt! Details
I❤︎Beer + MAC & Cheese Festival
This Ugly Sweater themed event invites all food and drink enthusiasts to taste from some of the province’s best drink vendors and restaurants. Details
Christmas Village Market
The Christmas Village Market offers handcrafted, unique, one of a kind, gift items and food delicacies from talented vendors. Don’t leave before trying some of the festive treats from the artisan food vendors. Small batch ice cream, delectable butter tarts, traditional shortbread and gourmet doughnuts to name a few.
This free family event is a Downtown Guelph tradition, complete with seasonal entertainment, makers, specialty foods and an adorable Mini Makers Market from the Children’s Art Factory. This 3 day long family event will put you in the festive spirit with the magical ambiance of candy cane striped booths and festive décor recreating a traditional European Christmas market. Details
Friday | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Caribbean Christmas Dinner and Dance
The Guelph Black Heritage Society presents our Annual “Caribbean Christmas Dinner Dance”. Come out and enjoy the tastes and sounds of the Caribbean and dance the night away! Featuring food by Big Jerk Caribbean Catering and Bakery, music by DJ Finbar, Steel Pan, Doors Prizes and Silent Auction. Details
Before November 16th $60 per person, groups of 4 $50 per person and $30 students.
After November 16th $70 per person, groups of 4 $60 per person and $40 students. Advance tickets only.
It’s a Handmade Christmas
The Handmade Den will be hosting its 2nd annual holiday market which will include 60+ vendors, from the Handmade Den family and beyond! Details
Merry Maker Night Market 2019
Celebrate the festive season with Guelph Farmers’ Market! The Merry Maker Night Market offers a seasonal celebration and a special last-minute shopping opportunity with more than 80 vendors, unique arts, crafts and gifts from local artists, Outdoor entertainment, seasonal produce and much more! Details
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