Birds of a Feather

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The NIIGHTLIIGHTS & NUTMEG Place to Be

Craft shows, parades, sailpast – experience the holiday magic Sidney sparkles with Christmas excitement! Ushering in the festive season with special events and celebrations. Santa starts off the day with a delicious pancake breakfast, hosted by the Kiwanis Club at the SHOAL Centre, 10030 Resthaven Drive. Breakfast runs from 9 a.m. ‘til 11 a.m., and each year up to 150 children enjoy hot pancakes while waiting for the special guest. When Santa drops in, he never forgets to brings treats with him! At 5 p.m. the family-favourite Sidney Sparkles Santa Parade starts off from the Best Western Emerald Isle Motor Inn. Led by Sidney’s official Town Crier, Kenny Podmore, the parade travels down Beacon Ave., turning right and following Second St. to Ocean. Watch the festively-lit floats and vehicles, cheer on the bands, and be sure to wave to Santa! Bring a donation for the foodbank, and don’t forget your letter to Santa. At the waterfront, the new green space has room for everyone to watch the enchanting Sidney Sparkles Lighted Sailpast. Starting at 6:00 p.m., a parade of beautifully decorated, lighted boats glide past. Kenny Podmore will provide live commentary over a PA system as the 40 glittering boats pass by. There will be warm drinks provided by Sidney-by-the-Sea’s Rotary Club to chase away the chill, and glowsticks for the kids.This is just the beginning of a wonderful season of festivities, concerts and shows in Sidney. There’s Christmas craft shows for handmade gifts, the always-popular Teddy Bear Christmas at the Sidney Historical Museum, and picturesque ‘ Christmas in the Village’ at Heritage Acres where groups compete to decorate the historic buildings and vehicles. Mary Winspear Centre has an incredible line-up of plays, musicals and concerts, such as the Peninsula Singer’s Spirit of Christmas concert, Stelly’s High School’s Once Upon a Mattress, The Nutcracker, and Scrooge - the Musical. And don’t forget to vote for your favourite decorated tree at the Christmas Tree Festival in the Mary Winspear Centre.