Tillsonburg filled to brim with Christmas cheer
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"Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat! Please do put a penny in the old man's hat." -- Christmas Is Coming, an old Christmas carol.
Let us not forget to do as the lyric say; for those of you who can afford a fat goose [or turkey] for the table, don't forget to help those less fortunate.
There are many wonderful events lined up in Tillsonburg for our festive season, some of which do carry a cost and others which do not. I am going to highlight some of the events, but for a full listing with detailed information please go to christmasfest.ca or call Suzanne at 519-842-3146.
Allow me tell you about the wonderful annual Christmas Nativity Display and concert by the Alleluia Bell Choir at St. John's Anglican Church on Ridout Street, taking place Nov. 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
You will get to view more than 75 treasured nativity scenes on display throughout this beautiful church. They come from around the world, ranging from simple to ornate, tiny to large, and they are amazing.
You will also enjoy refreshments as you listen to Christmas music performed by the 17-member Alleluia Bell Choir,directed by Peggy David. This hand bell choir draws people from the Aylmer-Tillsonburg area and listening to the bells sing will stir your soul.
This combination event is free, but if you can afford to, your donation will go to help the victims of AIDS through the Anglican Church of Canada.
It was suggested that prior to this event you might like to get tickets [quickly] to St. Paul's United Church's yummy Turkey Supper! You can just walk across the street from one event to the other. It is also on the Nov. 21 with two sittings, 4:45 p.m. and 6 p.m. Adults $15 ($17 at the door); $8 for children 6-12 and free for children five and under.
There is also a yuletide concert series you might like to take in on the three Thursdays leading up to Christmas Day.
The first is Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at North Broadway Baptist Church, the Snowflake Sonata. Enjoy an evening with the comforting music and sounds played by the Oxford Winds. Munch on a delicious piece of Yule log cake and sip some hot coffee during the intermission.
The second on Dec. 11 is Frosty Froli, an interactive evening with Vogel Joy at First Baptist Church at 7 p.m. This family band will delight you with original music and lots of singalong holiday favourites.
The third on Dec. 18, 7 p.m. is at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Angelic Chord, by Celtic harpist Jennifer White. Your admission includes a yummy piece of fruit cake and some delicious apple cider.
The concerts are $15 each or $38 for a concert series pass with children under six free. Purchase tickets at Annandale NHS and at the Station Arts Centre. Please call the museum at 519-842-2294 to reserve your tickets.
For fun events like the Christmas sweater contest; the build the gingerbread house race; counting trees at Annandale House; story times at the library and more, please check out christmasfest.ca.
Some of the other events are:
"¢ Nov. 28: Bid for Kids Sake, 7-11 p.m. at community centre;
Lighting of Community Service Club Tree Garden, 10-10:30 p.m. at Annandale House; the spectacular Christmas at Annandale Open House, free until Nov. 30 but available for their low admission fee until Jan. 4 -- includes Stuffed Stocking and Penny Sale.
"¢ Nov. 29: Maple Manor Christmas Bazaar & Penny Sale, 9 a.m. to noon, 73 Bidwell St.; Senior Centre Christmas Crafts at the Complex, 9:30 am to 1:30 p.m.; Family Movie, 7 p.m. at Avondale Church.
"¢ Nov. 30: Down Home Country Christmas Craft Show, Glendale High School from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"¢ Dec. 1: Christmas Light Decorating Contest, ends Dec. 19; Tillsonburg Library Story Time, 7-8 p.m.
"¢ Dec. 14: St. Paul's Our Christmas Cantata, "The First Noel" presented Sunday during worship service with a second performance at 3 p.m.; Evening with Dickens, 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Carol singing and English Country Dancing with musicians, St. John's Anglican Church, refreshments, treats, and more. $10 per person, $25 for a family of three or more. Proceeds go to those in need of food and toys at Christmas.