Now it’s November, and winter is coming! It's the season to cozy up to snuggly things, do our best to get outside during the short days, and hermit in front of a hearth with our favourite fantasies.
But in between our hunkering down and getting into our blanket burritos, take in the many exciting events coming to Oshawa!
As I was growing up, CTV news was always a staple. Ken Shaw’s booming voice and pointed delivery always captured my attention. After 35 years of service, Shaw is one of the 2023 inductees into the Oshawa Walk of Fame. On November 9, the gala will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Be sure to pick up your tickets and witness the recipients receive their honours!
November 16 is already marked on my calendar for this year’s tree lighting and annual Bright and Merry Market. Taking place from 5 to 9 p.m. at 50 Centre Street South, there is sure to be something for everyone as we roll into the holiday season. Be sure to take note of the road closures, and enjoy the market on foot if able.
Come out on November 18 to watch the Oshawa Santa Claus Parade of Lights. Starting at King and Gibbons at 6 p.m., bring the family out for floats and the season's cheer.
If there is one thing I love about Oshawa, it is the people and all the ways they gather to promote inclusivity. And, as someone who is typically a grouch as the weather gets colder, I can truly say that I would leave my nest for some Uncle Fluffy’s Japanese Cheesecake (located at 17 King Street West). I am used to seeing souffle cheesecakes in Toronto, but it is wonderful to see the cultural cuisine making its way to the East end.
Or, if you are anything like me and always looking for a quaint tea spot that also serves sweet treats, let’s give a big welcome to one of Oshawa’s newest businesses, Fluffiies (On 10 Ontario Street). I first stumbled into Fluffiies while perusing the Convergence Music and Art Festival and was delighted by their array of ice cream, pancakes, and, of course, tea. The nerd in me was also elated by the board games and the newness of this business. Take a look and give Fluffiies a try!
Hailing from Montreal’s creative arts scene, Cirque du Soleil is coming to Oshawa! CRYSTAL, the latest creation from the acrobatic troupe, has a limited run at the Tribute Communities Centre. As their website boasts: “Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to present its coolest arena show yet – CRYSTAL, set to make its Oshawa premiere from December 7 to 10, 2023 at the Tribute Communities Centre for six performances only, presented by Sun Life. In addition to seven jaw-dropping traditional circus acts, CRYSTAL also features figure skating and extreme skating – two disciplines that have never been seen before in a Cirque du Soleil show.”
The makeup, flexibility, costumes, and death-defying heights of these performers have always left me impressed. CRYSTAL is sure to be no different. It is the same acrobatic rigour but on ice skates! There is little more thrilling to the senses when experiencing the human talent that goes into such artistic and athletic feats.
And thanks to the immersive detail of Bridgerton, I have fallen deeply in love with orchestral versions of popular music. I would buy tickets to CRYSTAL for the soundtrack alone! Tribute Communities Centre’s website continues, “Thrilling more than 1.9 million people worldwide since its creation in 2017, CRYSTAL takes audiences on a journey into a whimsical frozen playground using real snow – a Cirque du Soleil first – and features remastered pop songs including Beyoncé’s Halo, U2’s Beautiful Day, Nina Simone’s Sinnerman, and Sia’s Chandelier.”
For its first time in Oshawa, this circus act looks to be perfect for date night, an early holiday gift, or family fun before the movie marathon gets started. Once more, “‘The beauty of CRYSTAL is that it encourages audiences of all ages to shift their perspective and find the magic in the every day,’ says Robert Tannion, Artistic Director, CRYSTAL. ‘We’re thrilled to bring the show back to North America, and we’re excited to share this magic with audiences in Durham Region for the first time.’” Let’s make its Durham debut a success!
After CRYSTAL, have your “Love Actually” moment at Isabella’s Chocolate Café. There is always something to sweeten the vibe over at Isabella's!