Sudbury.com runs a weekly list of things that are going on locally, both in-person and virtual. If you’re planning a performance, class, presentation, exhibit, fundraiser, initiative or other event in Greater Sudbury, send the details to [email protected] so we can spread the word. More local events can also be found on Sudbury.com’s Events Page.
Tree lighting (Azilda)
Nov. 30
The “Tree of Hope” will be lit at The Doghouse in Azilda at 6 p.m. Nov. 30. The tree will be adorned with memorial lights and wreaths as a result of generous community donations by individuals, families and corporations. Learn how you can purchase a light or a wreath here. The event is put on as part of Café Heritage’s Festival Noel.
Thrifty Thursdays at SWC
Nov. 30
The Sudbury Women’s Centre (SWC) has unveiled a monthly fundraiser aimed at helping women, girls, trans and non-binary individuals navigate violent and challenging life situations. Calling it Thrifty Thursdays, the SWC invites the community to join the cause by thrifting at their "My Sister’s Closet" boutique. The fundraiser will be held the last Thursday of each month, with all proceeds going towards providing clients with basic needs items. The next event will be held Nov. 30 from 6-8 p.m. at SWC, located at 174 Douglas St., Suite 201. Participants not only have a chance to support a crucial cause but also an opportunity to win a Starbucks prize pack valued at over $100. To participate in the Thrifty Thursday Fundraiser or for more information about SWC and its initiatives, please visit the SWC website or contact Rae-Anne Neville at [email protected] or call 705-673-1916, ext. 104.
Coniston tree-lighting and parade
Dec. 1 and 2
The second annual Coniston Christmas tree-lighting in the park takes place starting at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at 70 Government Road in Coniston. The event includes carolling, hot chocolate and cookies. Bring a canned food item in support of the local food bank. There will be fireworks at 6:30 p.m. The next evening is the Coniston Christmas Parade. The event, leaving from the Coniston Industrial Park and heading down Edward Street, begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 2. Then join the Sudbury Grinch, who will be visiting the Colonial Inn after the parade and enjoy some complimentary hot chocolate.
Tree Lighting Ceremony (Tom Davies Square)
Dec. 1
Mayor Paul Lefebvre is joining city council by hosting a tree-lighting ceremony in the courtyard of Tom Davies Square at 6 p.m. on Dec. 1. The event will be accompanied by performances and complementary hot chocolate and treats. GOVA Transit will offer free transportation to those wanting to take part in the event, a city media release noted, encouraging riders to let bus operators know they’ll be attending the ceremony and they’ll be let on for free. The “Merry and Bright” tree will be lit from Dec. 1 until the week after Orthodox Christmas. The tree is an artificial spruce standing 26 feet tall and 12 feet in diameter. It is lit with 1,325 high-efficiency warm white LED bulbs which accomplish 80 per cent energy savings compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
Durkac Festival of Lights
Dec. 1-25
Derek Durkac is back once again with his awesome front-yard Christmas light display. The Cambrian Heights resident brightens up everyone’s holiday season each year in benefit of the Edgar Burton Sudbury Christmas Food Drive. The lights are on from 6-9 p.m. from Friday to Sunday, from Dec. 1 through Dec. 25. There are also special appearances from Santa Claus from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, Sunday, Dec. 10, Saturday, Dec. 16, Sunday, Dec. 17, Friday, Dec. 22 and Saturday, Dec. 23. The Sudbury Grinch appears on Dec. 8, 16 and 23. Everyone who visits is asked to bring a donation of non-perishable food and cash for the food drive. Durkac’s display is located at 48 Severn St. (in the Donovan/Cambrian Heights area, off of Burton Drive). Learn more on the Durkac’s Facebook page.
Holiday Cheer concert
Dec. 2
The City of Lakes Music Society presents a concert entitled “Holiday Cheer!” Dec. 2 as part of its Keys to the Library series. The concert takes place at noon at the main branch library on Mackenzie Street. Featured are the Northern Brass Quartet, pianists Charlene Biggs, Brenda Arrowsmith, Sophie Cecutti, Marlena Archer, Lydia Smilek and Lisa Smilek, and a carol sing-along. This concert is great entertainment for families and informative to youngsters. It’s free to the public, although donations are welcomed.
Light Up Kivi Park
Dec. 2
Kivi Park holds its fundraiser Light Up Kivi Park from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 2. “Join us for a luminous celebration as we transform Kivi Park into a winter wonderland,” said a press release. “Witness the magic as more than 82 trees light up for the first time this season. Families, friends, and the entire community are invited to partake in the seasonal cheer.” Event includes s’more stations, storybook walk, photo booth, a special visit from Santa, Santa letter writing station, Beavertails and Local Jerky Plus. Admission is by donation to Kivi’s Accessibility Fund, which is “dedicated to breaking down barriers that hinder access to the park and its myriad offerings.”
Greater Sudbury Art Crawl
Dec. 2
The 10th annual Greater Sudbury Art Crawl is set to go on Dec. 2 this year. “The Sudbury Arts Council is excited to announce that the Greater Sudbury Art Crawl is celebrating its 10th anniversary that is bigger and better than ever with events throughout the area, including the Downtown, New Sudbury, Donovan and South End, Walden,” states the group’s news release. The Dec. 2 event runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will see a variety of artistic expression during the crawl: paintings, pottery, photo art, sculptures, musician, authors, actors, filmmakers, and multimedia to mention a few that will be on display and performing at local businesses and institutions. The full list of locations is available here.
Santa Shuffle
Dec. 2
The Salvation Army Santa Shuffle takes place in Sudbury Dec. 2 in support of Sudbury Cedar Place, an emergency shelter for women and families facing homelessness. The Santa Shuffle began 33 years ago in Edmonton, Alberta, when Running Room members decided to use their passion for running to raise money and support for The Salvation Army and the less fortunate in their community. In 2001, the Santa Shuffle became a national event offering a five-kilometre Fun Elf Run and one-kilometre Elf Walk for all ages and skill levels. The Sudbury event takes place on the Laurentian University campus. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Jeno Tihanyi Olympic Gold Pool at Laurentian University, with the run starting at 10 a.m. Participants pay a registration fee and collect pledges for this event. Register online here.
Gallery Christmas open house
Dec. 2-3
Sudbury artist Sue Lampinen holds her Christmas Open House Dec. 2-3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come by for your Christmas shopping, refreshments and door prizes. The event takes place at Lampinen Fine Art and Custom Framing at 1350 Regent St. (across from the Shell Station). Phone 705-522-8068.
Tree-Lighting Ceremony (Copper Cliff)
Dec. 3
Take in the annual Copper Cliff Tree-Lighting Ceremony Sunday, Dec. 3. Hosted by the Copper Cliff CAN, the event begins at 5 p.m. at the Copper Cliff Museum. Enjoy games, a visit with Santa Claus, refreshments including hot chocolate, candy canes and cookies, and the tree-lighting itself, of course. Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected. Parking is available at the nearby McClelland Arena.
GNO presents Against the Grain - Rachelle Bergeron
Until Dec. 3
Rachelle Bergeron’s “Against the Grain” is an exploration of human existence, captured through an intimate lens and rendered in the timeless medium of black and white photography, using Kodak TMY 120 film. Each photograph within this series tells a story of individuals who navigate life in a distinctive and unorthodox manner, embracing their own unique path, often in defiance of societal norms. The show runs through until Dec. 3. Galerie du Nouvel-Ontario is located within the Place des Arts building downtown. More information is available online here.
Science North Holiday Social 50+
Dec. 6
Science North invites the 50+ community to experience a Holiday Social on Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event promises a warm and welcoming atmosphere, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to create new friendships, strengthen existing bonds, and kick off the holiday season with engaging activities, timeless music, and delicious refreshments. Tickets are $22 and also include general admission to the Science Centre, which guests are free to explore at their leisure when the formal event concludes at 12 p.m.
Christmas Concert (Bel Canto Chorus)
Dec. 7-8
The Bel Canto Chorus performs its annual Christmas concerts Dec. 7-8. The concerts take place at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Place. Enjoy holiday classics such as Christmas Time is Here, We Need A Little Christmas, A Winter's Day and many more. Directed by Susan Urquhart and collaborative pianist, Dr. Charlene Biggs. Special guest Dr. Jamie Arrowsmith on viola. Tickets are $20 and are available at Messier's Your Independent Grocer in the South End, Kuppajo Espresso Bar Downtown, and Jett Landry Music in New Sudbury.
Tree-Lighting Ceremony (Anderson Farm Museum)
Dec. 9
A family-friendly event in Lively is slated to help usher in the Christmas season, with the Anderson Farm Museum Heritage Society hosting their 15th Annual Christmas Tree-Lighting Celebration. The event is taking place on Dec. 9, from 6-8 p.m., at the Anderson Farm Museum, according to a media release issued by the society. The official tree-lighting itself will take place at 6 p.m., and will be followed by Christmas songs sung by choirs from Ecole St. Paul, R.H. Murray PS, St. James School & Walden PS. Inside the stable, children can meet Santa Claus and everyone can enjoy free hot chocolate and coffee, cookies and candies, plus fresh popcorn, all thanks to sponsorships. Children can milk Northern Maple, the life-sized cow, supervised by a dairy educator, and enjoy 250ml cartons of chocolate and white milk. Inside the granary, you will find Santa’s helpers, a display of vintage toys and woodworking projects by Walden Seniors Woodworkers, plus free refreshments. Outside, you can meet Walden-area volunteer firefighters with their fire trucks and enjoy winter fun by sliding behind the barn. There will be no parking on-site at Anderson Farm Museum, but a free shuttle service will help transport people from the Walden Arena parking lot to the centre court of Anderson Farm Museum. For more information, like the Anderson Farm Museum Heritage Society on Facebook.
Book launch (author Kim Davis Chiarot)
Dec. 9
Kim Davis Chiarot releases her book “Unlocking the Healing Power of Meditative Prayer: Your Guide to Spiritual Transformation” from 2-4 p.m. Dec. 9 at All Nations Church. Enjoy free food, drinks and music during the book launch. “In the ebb and flow of life, amidst the storms and tranquility, we as humans have consistently sought solace,” said the book’s description. “The echoes of our soul reach out, yearning for a connection that bridges our earthly existence with the spiritual realm. This deep-seated desire has drawn us to the comforting embrace of prayer and the profound realms of meditative prayer. As you cradle this book, realize that within your grasp is not just an assembly of pages, but a transformative key.” You can check out the book through Amazon.
Lights On home decorating contest
Until Dec. 11
Take part in the Lights On home decorating contest, organized by Café Heritage as part of its annual Festival Noël festivities. Residents and businesses in Rayside-Balfour are encouraged to decorate for the holiday season for a chance to win prize money. Enter between Nov. 11 and Dec. 11. The winners will be announced at the Winter Wonderland Opening on Dec. 15. The first-place winner brings home $1,000, the runner-up $500 and the finalist $250. Email [email protected] for more information.
YES Theatre presents Matilda: The Musical
Until Dec. 30
Matilda: The Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl. With a book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Winner of 99 international awards, including 24 for Best Musical, Matilda has been delighting audiences for over a decade and was recently adapted into a major motion picture on Netflix. The show has now been extended to Dec. 30 at Sudbury Theatre Centre. You can purchase tickets to YES Theatre’s “Matilda: The Musical” online here.
Gallery 6500 presents Martin Kotyluk
Until Jan. 5, 2024
Gallery 6500 presents an exhibition of paintings/sketches by local artist Martin Kotyluk entitled A Study in Contrast. He has been inspired by the landscapes that inspired the Group of Seven, but in contrast the exhibit also includes more abstract pieces of art, as well as sketches of everyday items that have caught his eye. Kotyluk is an accomplished artist whose talents have been highlighted by the magazines International Artist, American Art Collection, and he has won several awards with the LaCloche Art Show and the Northern Ontario Artist Association. The exhibit can be viewed weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Jan. 5, 2024.
Festival of Lights
Until Jan. 7, 2024
Enjoy the outdoors and take in the holiday light scenes throughout the Science North grounds. The massive displays were originally created by two families in Garson some decades ago. The display now encompasses over 250 separate elements containing approx 3.25 kilometres of lighting with nearly 55,000 LED lights. Admission and parking is free, but a voluntary donation to the Sudbury Charities Foundation is appreciated.
GNO presents Le Nouveau Louvre
Until Jan. 9, 2024
For its 28th edition, the GNO is back with its long-awaited annual event: Le Nouveau Louvre, a holiday art sale. For the occasion, the gallery walls will be plastered with works by your favorite local and regional artists. Shop in person at the GNO (or online on the gallery’s website) to find that rare gem. All works are sold for $200. Profits are shared between the artist and the GNO. First come, first served. Runs until Jan. 9, 2024. Read more online here.
Art Gallery of Sudbury presents Brandon Restoule at Laughing Buddha
Until Jan. 23, 2024
Although the Art Gallery of Sudbury’s main site at the Bell Mansion is currently closed for safety reasons, an off-site exhibit by Brandon Restoule continues at the Laughing Buddha restaurant downtown until Jan. 23, 2024. “What were once two mediums I simply enjoyed to tinker around with, have evolved to tools of self-healing,” he said in an artist’s statement. “It’s been beautiful to see my most treasured moments and the people and places my eyes refused to forget reflect through my photography. Likewise, with my poetry, which joined the party a few years ago. I once resented only catching myself writing when I was stuck in dark places. However, as I’ve grown alongside it, it’s allowed me to be vulnerable and share my sadness, anger, grief and depression in a safe and fulfilling way. Enjoy the rollercoaster that I am.”
Perogies and Cabbage Rolls
Mondays to Fridays
Fresh perogies and cabbage rolls are available for pick-up from Monday to Friday at the Ukrainian Seniors’ Centre. Place your order by phoning 705-673-7404.
