While you were away….
A look at what’s happened in Regina this season
While the holiday season has already passed us by, during it one of the things many people love is getting together, trying fun activities, exploring the city, and attending different events. Staying home is nice, but one part of the festive cheer and the true spirit of the holiday season is watching the city transform into a bustling hub of activities and events.
From the University of Regina to the city in general, the air buzzes with excitement and cheer. There is something for everyone in this city and the array of events include both free and paid programs and areas of the city that people could explore this holiday season.
Of course, it’s not just about attending events, but taking the time to create memories that will last forever and be a part of shared stories for years to come.
Each year in Regina, Christmas Lights tours, crowdsourced for Saskatchewan and beyond can be found at sparkletour.ca. Sparkletour highlights all the places across the province that have beautiful lights and decorated neighbourhoods open for visitors. It is an exciting adventure to explore these routes with friends and family.
Some of these spots are also open to charitable donations. One of the most visited Christmas Lights tours is Ian’s Christmas Lights, open on Christmas Eve, Christmas, Boxing Day, and every evening up to Dec. 31. Here, there are also volunteer opportunities if people are interested in supporting Ian’s initiative. All funds raised go towards patients of the Mental Health Unit, 1-D, at the Regina General Hospital.
At the Conexus Arts Centre, there is usually a community event supporting the Regina Food Bank. This year it ran from Nov. 24 to Dec. 29 at varied times with all details available on their official website. The event provides an opportunity to give the people of Regina a sense of gratitude during this holiday season through festive activities, entertainment, and a warm meal.
The Community School Day was celebrated on Dec. 18, which gave all of these kids a rare opportunity to experience art in a beautiful setting.
On the topic of warm meals, the City of Regina hosts year-round BBQs that are curated for the public as long as they bring briquettes, cozy blankets and hotdogs. Some of these BBQs are located at A.E. Wilson Park/Rick Hansen Playground at 1010 McCarthy Blvd, Rotary Park at 2650 Regina Ave, Optimist Park at 1720 Empress St, and Grassick Park at 5325 Dewdney Ave. This is a fun way for people to come together and have a winter picnic at a convenient location.
But there are some activities that go beyond that go beyond one’s comfort zones, and allow for some exploration during the holiday season. These include a cross-country ski trail at the Tor Hill Golf Course which is a trail for all skill levels. The trail is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with possible variations in time depending on the weather.
Other activities that are fun, and that bring out the child in all of us that is often buried as we grow up is tobogganing. Within the city, there are 19 designated toboggan hills, and many more popular spots beyond those listed. The city advises tobogganing at one’s own risk and urges people to carry helmets to protect themselves from adverse injuries. Some of the hills include the ones at A.E. Wilson at 6617 8th Ave, Coventry Park at 20 Coventry Rd, and more around the city. The safety advice also includes not walking up on the sledding path in order to reduce collisions with sledders.
People who prefer to stay inside on those chilly winter days can also explore the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. From Dec. 27 to Jan. 3, this includes drop-in holiday activities like gallery hunts that provide engaging experience for children while exploring natural history exhibits.
On New Year’s Eve, the perfect opportunity to spend time with family, laughter, and games followed by some shows for kids to learn about science in a fun and exciting way took place at the Saskatchewan Science Centre. The event was hosted on Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
During Canadian winters, most people see some ice hockey. The Regina Pats faced off the Saskatoon Blades at Brandt Centre on Dec. 28 at 6 p.m., and attendees were able to bid on special player jerseys and spend their evening with some hockey fun.
Ending the year with a few laughs is yet another option to consider. The Artesian hosted its last comedy show on December 29 at 10:30 p.m. which included Lily Langen Paula Dott, Dave Luca, Nicholas Fuzesy, Rory McCorriston, and David Carnegie.
Regina shines brightly during the festive season but the city celebrates with more than just events. Celebration is about community, love, and traditions. From vibrant events around the city to fun games with families, there are countless ways one can immerse oneself in the holiday spirit.
To make the most out of these events, it is crucial to plan ahead of time to keep up with whatever is going on around the city. While most events have wrapped up now, if something in this article has caught your eye, there’s always next year to look forward to.
Above all, embracing the warmth and joy that defines this special time of the year is what holiday season is, and these activities are a wonderful way to celebrate everything that makes Regina a special place.
