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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Lots Of Things Happening During Holiday Season

Joe Ehrbar Correspondent

‘Tis the season to be jolly.

Yes, I bet that’s making you cringe, especially since it seems like yesterday we were carving pumpkins and stuffing trick-or-treaters’ bags full of sweets.

Although we haven’t even roasted the turkey yet, Christmas will soon be upon us. In fact, only 38 shopping days remain until the grand poo-bah of holidays. So it’s time to start planning for upcoming holiday events, large and small.

From musicals and plays to light shows and bazaars, there are dozens of options. There are staples such as the Alberta Ballet Company’s production of “The Nutcracker” at the Opera House. It opens Dec. 7.

Equally enriching are the Christmas candlelight concerts that Gonzaga University and Whitworth College have made into an annual tradition.

This year’s performance will be the 109th Candlelight Concert performed by the Gonzaga University Choir. It happens Dec. 8 and 9, at 8 p.m. at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church.

The program will feature “O Come All Ye Faithful,” the Sicilian Carol, the Wexford Carol and many other seasonal favorites.

On Dec. 5, 8 and 9, Whitworth presents its annual Christmas Festival Concert, Let Heaven and Earth Rejoice, at First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar.

It’s important to buy your tickets in advance through G&B Select-A-Seat; no tickets will be available at the door. Tickets are $8.

Yet another well-attended event is the Candlelight Concert at St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E. 12th, on Dec. 19.

The concert will include performances by the Clarion Brass Choir, vocalists JoAnne Bouma and Frank Hernandez, and organist Charles Bradley Jr. William Berry conducts.

Traveling from neighborhood to neighborhood to check out the Christmas lights is a popular activity for many. One place you should be sure to see is the Creek at Qualchan golf course’s Spokane Winter Lights. From Dec. 1 through Dec. 29, 95,000 lights will transform the course into a spectacular winter wonderland.

More than 130 displays will be illuminated in all their glory. And, Santa and his elves will be present to greet drivers and passengers. Plus, the old Jolly One will be trying out some new sleigh boosters: he’s going to be ski-jumping off of a 25-foot jump and soaring 60 feet through the air.

Hours for Spokane Winter Lights are 6-10 p.m. daily.

What’s Christmas without a performance of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”?

The Cutter Theatre in Metaline Falls, Wash., will perform this classic on Dec. 2 and 3 as part of its Deck the Falls Christmas arts celebration.

The important thing here is to make plans early and get your tickets, if available in advance. Many holiday events sell out days early.