School's out for the holidays

It's the most wonderful time of the year, right? A time when the hearts of people from all races and faiths are filled with the same sentiments: peace, goodwill, and SHEER PANIC at the thought of how to entertain the kids while school is out. Luckily, in communities all across Canada, you can take advantage of many great events and activities designed to delight and distract the whole family. From sea to shining sea, it's non-stop holiday fun!

Victoria
• Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the Festival of Trees, a display of over 60 beautifully decorated trees at the Fairmount Empress Hotel on Victoria's waterfront. Local businesses vie for prestigious awards that go to the best decorated and most creatively designed trees - all proceeds from the event go to the BC Children's Hospital Foundation.

• If you've got budding thespians on the loose, 'Bears The Musical' might be just the thing for you! Put on by The Oak Bay High Community Theater, the play is a musical romp through a world where bears come to life and play with children. Take note: this is a BYOB event - bring your own bear!

• Celebrate the magic of swashbuckling adventures with Kaleidoscope Theatre's production of 'Peter Pan'. Intricate sets, great costumes and high-flying special effects create a magical world just for kids.

Vancouver
• A stroll through the Nature Comes To Light: A Holiday Wonderland will help you get in the celebratory spirit. Nestled in a sea of over 200,000 lights you'll find enchanting holiday decorations and one-of-a-kind artwork.

• How about a camp? The Kitsilano Community Center is holding day camps (9am - 4pm) with lots of great activities - crafts, baking, swimming and skating. Use the time while school is out to keep learning!

• Visit the Vancouver Aquarium or Science World and enjoy special holiday exhibits and activities. Don't miss special presentations like 'A Christmas Fantasy' or a simulation of Santa's flight around the world in ‘Santa's Late' at the HR Macmillan Space Center.

• Celebrate the longest night of the year on December 21st with the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival. This multicultural event will take place in five Vancouver neighborhoods, and features live music, dancing and drumming.

Winnipeg
• For a holiday happily-ever-after, don't miss the Fantasy Children's Theatre production of Cinderella. This show is all about audience participation, so be prepared to join in the fun.

• There is lots going on at the Manitoba Children's Museum - visit Santa's Village, register for the Winter Day Camp (9am - 4pm) or celebrate New Year's Eve with activities every hour to ring in the new year in other countries.

• How about a pajama party at the Prairie Theatre Exchange? Catch a performance of 'MMM, Munsch' (based on the works of Robert Munsch) in your pj's and enjoy milk and cookies after the show.

• Every evening in December you can hop aboard the miniature, 1/8 scale Assiniboine Valley Railway for a tour and enjoy the display of over 65,000 Christmas lights. Walk around the bush trails and watch for white-tailed (rein)deer!