Khyber cookie party
Saturday
An all-ages fundraising spectacular sees The Khyber hosting the city's (arguably) best and (definitely) biggest cookie swap. How it works: Upon entry, The Khyber gifts you a full bag of cookies. If you bring some of your own, they'll be added to the exchange table (and your entry fee will be waived). Bring a bag of Oreos or your family’s secret recipe, all cookies are welcome—and be sure not to miss R&B/hip hop gem Aquakultre’s performance, too. more deets
Gay Ol' Christmas Comedy Show
Thursday
Local comedy faves Adam and Lindsay return with their brand of buddy comedy to deliver "jokes surrounded by tacky Dollarama decorations" at The Seahorse. Megan McDowell headlines. more deets
Holiday Ya-Ya artists' yak-yak
Sunday
Hermes gallery celebrates the holidays with a group show and this lighthearted artists' talk that sees the exhibit discussed over seasonal treats and egg nog. more deets
La Bolduc screening
Saturday
A screening of François Bouvier's flick set in 1900s Montreal caps off a trio of films celebrating Quebec cinema this weekend. The film—showing at the Museum of Natural History—traces the life of successful folk singer Mary Travers Bolduc, contrasting her roaring career with her difficult marriage and the rise of women's rights. After the credits roll, the movie's costume designer, Mariane Carter, hosts a Q&A. more deets
Kangiqsujuaq
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
One of Canada's biggest names in oil painting, Raymond Martin shares a series documenting his experiences visiting northern Quebec's Kangiqsujuaq region at Studio 21. Expect colourful canvases and lots of Woodland School vibes.
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Flowers are Gems Too
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Bev Hubley showcases floral-focused paintings that "strive to create not only a sense of light and motion, but a sense of mystery" at this Art 1274 Hollis show that also includes fine jewellery by Bonnie Baillie. more deets
Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
If you haven't already seen Kent Monkman's sprawling series of historical paintings telling the tale of Canada through an Indigenous lens, get thee to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia ASAP for this jaw-dropping show full of baroque-feeling canvases turning the confederation on its head. more deets
Searching For a Place to Land
Thursday, Friday
It's your last chance to catch this collection of figures by Jenny Yujia Shi, which the Corridor Gallery says are "compelled by the artist's ongoing effort in pursuing permanent resident status in Canada," and explore themes of border-crossing and displacement. more deets
Postdata w/Jon Samuel
Saturday
Wintersleep front person Paul Murphy brings his side project Postdata to The Seahorse for songs "characterized by those two old bickering friends: love and death." more deets
The Mellotones
Friday
The roving eight-piece, party-bringing funk machine returns to Bearly's—where the band had a standing weekly gig for years—for one night and what feels like a homecoming dance. more deets
Reeny's Family Christmas
Saturday
Reeny Smith brings her powerhouse pipes to The Carleton stage for two shows: a sweet matinee and an evening set, both spiked with holiday favourites. more deets
A King's Christmas 2018
Sunday
"This annual feast of seasonal song and story is back for an 11th year," event organizers say, adding retired CBC legend Don Connolly will be guest-narrating The University of King’s College Chapel Choir at the Cathedral Church of All Saints, directed by Grammy-winning Paul Halley. "The music features a fresh selection of carols each year, from the mediaeval to the modern," making for the perfect soundscape to get lost in. more deets