It’s that time of year again: the holidays are right around the corner, and The Quill has accumulated a list of some family favourite activities around the area.

Santa at the Mall: Santa arrived at the mall for the Christmas season on November 17th, with free visits until 8 pm. He will be at the mall until December 23rd, from 9:30AM to 8:00PM Monday to Saturday and 11:00AM to 4:00PM on Sundays. Kiddos can visit with Santa for free, but parents must pay for pictures.

Singing Christmas Tree The Christmas Calling: Held at Calvary Temple Church in Brandon. It is held this year from December 7th-10th. On the 7th, the show begins at 7:00PM, the 8th at 7:00PM, on the 9th there are two performances: 3:00PM and 7:00PM, and on the 10th there are also two performances: 10:00AM and 3:00PM. It is rush seating for all of the above dates and times, so it is recommended you come early. No purchase of a ticket is required, but there is a free will offering. The musical performance is approximately 1.5 hours in length.

Holiday Train: According to the CP Holiday Train website, the stops this year in Manitoba are Whitemouth, Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Neepawa, Minnedosa and Shoal Lake. Times and dates can be found on their website and it is asked that you bring a donation to local food banks. Performing this year at the stops will be Colin James, Emma-Lee, Jonathan Roy and Alan Doyle.

Light Show: At the Red River Exhibition Park in Winnipeg there is a drive-through light show. It is 2.5km long, and if you buy a ticket in advance from Mac’s in Winnipeg, Red River Co-op gas and grocery in Winnipeg, or Canad Inns in Winnipeg the cost is $12 for a family vehicle up to seven passengers. At the gate, a family vehicle, taxi, or limo with up to seven passengers is $15. Prices for other vehicles vary. The event runs from December 1st to January 6th, from 6:00PM until 10:00PM. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays if the weather is good, there are free sleigh rides. There is also a skating rink when the weather is cold enough.