ArtSpring invites families, children, and Salt Springers of all ages to join us for a winter holiday celebration. Santa Claus will be there! Family Christmas at ArtSpring, taking place on Wednesday, December 21, is entirely free and open to everyone.
From 5:00 to 6:15 pm, hot chocolate and goodies will be served in the ArtSpring lobby, all generously donated by Country Grocer. During this time, elementary school art educator Johanna Hoskins and her grandchildren will assist children in making free Christmas crafts in the ArtSpring galleries. Children are welcome to take their crafts home to give as Christmas presents, or decorate their own homes and trees.
From 6:30 to 7:30 pm, everyone is invited to raise their voices for the Christmas Sing-Along in the theatre. With Adina Hildebrandt (StageCoach Theatre School and Salt Spring Books) as MC, this year’s sing-along is geared towards children and families. Children’s singer and songwriter Jim Raddysh (Rainbow Road Pool Manager) opens the evening with upbeat Christmas sing-along songs that will get everyone out of their seats, clapping, and singing along. Pianist Shirley Bunyan provides musical accompaniment for an assortment of jolly, kid-friendly favourites like Frosty the Snowman, Jingle Bells, and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Arthur Black, formerly of CBC Radio, leads the audience in a stirring rendition of Gifts of the Magi.
Following a quirky interpretation of The 12 Days of Christmas by Viva Chorale, the moment everyone has been waiting for arrives – Santa Claus! In a magical conclusion to the evening, Salt Spring’s own Santa takes to the stage, accompanied by a carol of elves. Santa will dazzle the audience with a magic show, and, time permitting, with a reading of A Child’s Christmas in Wales.
Family Christmas at ArtSpring is a free community event, celebrating the magic of Christmas with all Salt Spring Islanders and visitors alike. Bring a donation for the food bank, and if you feel so inspired, dress up as your favourite elf, snowman, or whatever other character brings you joy. Come with your creativity, your laughter, and your voice to Family Christmas at ArtSpring!