Christmas flicks and holiday tunes

Normally, I advise against staying home and watching television.

Since it's Christmastime, you're forgiven. Tomorrow, pour yourself an eggnog and soak up in the spirit with (BOLD) Michael Buble's “Christmas Special” on CTV at 10 p.m. Filmed in Vancouver, the show features the Cookie Monster, Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige.

One of my guilty pleasures during the holidays is watching “A Christmas Carol.” I love every version of this classic and there are a lot of them. The 1951 spooky black-and-white version with Alastair Sim airs Dec. 24 on CTV at 11:30 p.m. The Turner Classic Movie station has a Scrooge marathon Dec. 19 that starts with the 1970 musical at 8 p.m., followed by the 1951,1935 and 1938 versions.

SilverCity presents “Holiday Inn,” the 1942 musical with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. This is the Christmas classic that made “White Christmas” the biggest hit song ever.

Artists and people who enjoy the arts are invited to Arts After Five, Dec. 18 at Little Montreal on Elgin Street at 5 p.m. This event, hosted by the Sudbury Arts Council, is an opportunity to meet, mingle and celebrate the season.

Ocatatonic Decedence, Sudbury’s a cappella ensemble, presents an evening of Christmas music Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at Ste. Anne des Pins Church. CBC Radio’s Megan Thomas will read holiday stories. General admission is $25 and $15 for students.

Tickets are available at octadec.ca, Black Cat on Durham Street and at the door.

Vicki Gilhula is the managing editor of Sudbury Living Magazine.