WHEREmail

// December 2007

Dear Subscriber

This month we give you the scoop on where to find the hottest New Year's Eve parties across the country, as well as a roundup of events you won't want to miss. We also tell you deal on Home Exchange, and offer up a slew of contests and travel specials.

WHAT'S HOT IN DECEMBER:

Victoria

For music fans, the holiday season is magic in Victoria. On Dec 17, the Victoria Symphony is joined by Cape Breton fiddling sensation Natalie MacMaster for what's sure to be a toe-tapping evening of Celtic melodies, traditional jigs and holiday tunes.

Toronto

Brighten your spirits after dark with lighting displays on throughout the city every night and illuminating fireworks every Saturday night at the Cavalcade of Lights. Or, warm your spirits by singing along to holiday favourites with Irving Berlin's musical, White Christmas.

Ottawa

Descend into the biggest natural cave of the Canadian Shield to hear the Crescendo Choir sing a medieval Christmas concert by the light of 200 candles. This is sure to be a Christmas concert like no other.

Edmonton

Film and stage actor Ted Neeley embarks on his farewell tour of the screen and stage role that has made him famous —Jesus Christ Superstar, it's on at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Dec 10 & 11. Then get in the holiday spirit with the classic Christmas story of The Nutcracker as presented by Alberta Ballet Dec 14 to 16, also on at the Jubilee.

Winnipeg

Award-winning guitarist Steve Bell returns for Holiday Express with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. The lovely Prairie Voices choir accompanies Bell Dec 14 to 16. Call WSO box office for tickets and info, Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St, 949-3999. From Dec 1 to Jan 6 volunteer railroaders who operate the 1:8 scale Assiniboine Valley Railway take visitors on a six-minute miniature train ride through a brightly decorated seven-acre aspen forest with over 90,000 lights, 3001 Roblin Blvd, 837-1305.

Vancouver

It's not Christmas without a viewing of Frank Capra's classic film It's a Wonderful Life. Watching George Bailey struggle over whether to end his life, and seeing his salvation through guardian angel Clarence, would warm the heart of even the Grinch. The Arts Club Granville Island Stage puts on a live version of the seasonal tale on to Dec 29.

Calgary

On Dec 13, New Jersey rockers Bon Jovi perform songs from their 10^th studio album, Lost Highway, at the Saddledome. Meanwhile, R&B stars Boyz II Men return on Dec 29 after a five-year break to revive hits like "End of the Road" and "I'll Make Love to You," and to promote their new album, Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville, USA.

Halifax

Symphony Nova Scotia's annual holiday performance of the Messiah is a rite of Christmas in Halifax. Head to the Dalhousie Arts Centre on Dec 21 and 22 as Bernhard Gueller conducts Handel's chorale masterpiece.

Canadian Rockies

Experience ascending Mount Everest through Pat Morrow's photographs at the Whtye Museum during Everest '82: The First Canadian Expedition—25 years ago Laurie Skreslet stood atop Mt Everest, the first Canadian to do so, and two days later Pat Morrow followed his still-clear footprints to the summit. It's on till March.

The WHERE List:

BEST NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATIONS

Ring in the New Year in style at these venues and events across the country. From Masquerade Balls to throwbacks to old Hollywood and family events at the zoo, there's something for all ages.

Halifax

Welcome in 2008 as Halifax hosts Atlantic Canada's biggest New Year's Eve Celebration. Thousands will gather in the heart of the downtown at Grand Parade Square for a family-friendly party that includes live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show at midnight.

Toronto

Kids who may find it too late to stay up for the midnight countdown can get the party started early at the Toronto Zoo's New Year's Eve Family Countdown, which starts at 9 pm. Adults can ring in 2008 with lots of laughs at the New Year's Eve Comedy Extravaganza, hosted by the Royal Canadian Air Farce's Jessica Holmes.

Vancouver

Ring in the New Year with local legend Dal Richards. He'll be turning 90 in January, but he's still going strong, crooning big-band hits. This year he performs at the Runway 26 Buffet Restaurant in the River Rock Casino. It'll be his 73rd consecutive New Year's party.

Edmonton

Western Canada's largest New Year's Eve celebration is a non-alcoholic, free event featuring four indoor venues with live entertainment and crafts. You can also go outdoors to enjoy a giant bon-fire, a street dance, a skating party, and a snowball throwing challenge. The New Year is brought in with a stunning pyrotechnic display on 99th Street.

Winnipeg

The Scotiabank Family New Year's Eve at The Forks offers families the chance to spend the day celebrating the coming New Year with skating along a trail that weaves through the grounds and along the river. Sports fans can play shinny on the hockey pond or sled down the toboggan slide at The Forks' Winter Park. Cap off the night with fireworks displays at 8 pm and midnight, 942-6302.

Ottawa

The action never stops at the Casino du Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, just minutes from downtown Ottawa. Take in the special New Year's Eve performance of "Night Fever" at the Théâtre du Casino and experience the magic of disco with a massive disco ball, neon lights, and four motorized catwalks, plus the music of the Bee Gees, the Village People, and many more.

Victoria

On New Year's Eve enjoy the spectacular view from the city's highest restaurant and bar, Vista 18, atop the Chateau Victoria Hotel. Executive chef Garrett Schack serves up a special menu while diners can enjoy and the folksy blues stylings of Eugene Smith and J.J. Charlesbois. Those looking for a more rockin' atmosphere, should head downtown to the Strathcona Hotel, where Element nightclub will be ushering in the New Year with a Masquerade Ball, complete with DJs Kemo and J-Reign.

Calgary

Welcome in the New Year with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, who will host a red carpet 1940s Hollywood-themed party with live music, a five-course dinner and dancing. The Calgary Zoo also offers a night of fun with zoolights, entertainment and fireworks. At Ranchman's Saloon, go western with a double-bandstand show featuring country stars Jo Hikk and Aaron Lines.

Canadian Rockies

Ring in the New Year in the natural beauty of Banff by joining the Torchlight Parade at Norquay (seen from Banff townsite), or glam up and swing dance at the Fairmont Banff Springs New Year Gala. For family fun head to Canmore for their Party on the Pond with skating, music, bonfire and fireworks.

TRAVEL SPECIALS

As a service to readers and our tourism partners, here's a selection of special travel deals. For more information or to book, please contact the providers directly.

New Year's Eve Family Package

Bring in the New Year in the mountains at the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis. Pre and post nights available at $149 per night. To Book call: 1-866-432-4322

Package includes:
• one-night's accommodation in a Delta-category room
• welcome reception
• New Year's dinner in the Olympic Ballroom
• New Year's day brunch
• family activities
• gratuities for all included meals
• Complimentary: outdoor parking

Save 30% on WestJet Flights

WestJet is offering 30 per cent off flights booked by December 12 for travel until March 5, 2008 from a variety of departure cities across the country.

(All prices in Canadian dollars. WHERE accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or availability of these packages. Please contact package supplier directly.)