OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: Christmas lights, Nutcracker, Christmas Market, Improv, Trivia, more...

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Here are our contributors' picks for the best local events in Ottawa this week. This list is also published every Wednesday night in this space. You can bookmark this link for easy access: http://ottawastart.com/weekly

** Thursday, December 6: Christmas Lights Across Canada Illumination Ceremony **

Let’s face it: Ottawa winters can be quite bleak at times. A little colour and light can go along way to helping you get in the festive spirit. In 1985 a Christmas lights program was launched, initially just on Parliament Hill. Since then it has spread to other parts of the nation’s capital and to other cities across the country. Capital cities across the country turn on their Christmas lights Thursday evening as part of Christmas Lights Across Canada. In Ottawa, you can attend the ceremony on Parliament Hill at 6pm.

_ More about Christmas lights in Ottawa… _

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** ** Thursday-Wednesday, December 6-12: Pride and Prejudice **

Pride and Prejudice is wrapping up this week at the Nation Arts Centre.  Jane Austen’s masterpiece about life, love, and the politics of marriage is brought to life in this new stage adaptation that follows the lives and courtship of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

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** ** Friday, December 7: Crush Improv’s Fifth Anniversary Special **

I’m playing the piano with Crush Improv at their big anniversary show on Friday night at Academic Hall (University of Ottawa). This show will be funny, creative, surprising and entertaining. Includes several special guests from Canada’s improv theatre scene.

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** ** Friday, December 7: Diamond Rings **

Diamond Rings is bringing his show to Ritual on Friday night. The music goes well with his glam get-up, but the voice might surprise you after looking at him ! His music is really great and I can promise you’ll have a hard time not dancing.

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** ** Weekends, December 7-9 and 14-16: Christmas Market at the Canadian Museum of Civilization **

Head over to the Museum of Civilization just across the river from downtown Ottawa to check out the annual Christmas Market. With over 40 local vendors, this is the perfect place for your holiday purchases. Come meet local exhibitors, discover delicious regional products and unique handmade objects, and experience the creativity and enthusiasm that drive area artisans. For dates and time and to access the list of participating vendors, please visit the Museum’s website .

_ More about Christmas craft shows this weekend… _

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** ** Saturday, December 8: A B Series Christmas Party **

Bll Bissett with music by Glenn Nuotio; At Raw Sugar, 8:00pm. $9. The renowned & eccentric poet bill bissett is a fine example of a writer who swims against the mainstream.

coupled with the music of the divinely talented Glenn Nuotio, this is going to be a great evening.

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** ** Saturday, December 8: Valtari Film Experiment Screening & Launch Party **

If you’re a fan of Sigur Rós, you’ll want to attend the Valtari Film Experiment Screening and Launch Party at the auditorium of Library and Archives Canada. For their new album Valtari, Sigur Rós gave filmmakers the same budget and asked them to create whatever inspired them when listening to the band’s new album. The idea with this project was to bypass the usual artistic approval process and allow people complete creative freedom. This exclusive world premiere will present the official videos along with added materials. Ottawa will be one of several select cities to participate in this worldwide launch. At the screening, attendees will also be given a unique URL to enter to win a deluxe Sigur Rós Valtari special gift package.

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** ** Saturday, December 8: Learn Hack YOW **

Open Data Ottawa is hosting a one-day session for hackers and n00bs who are interested in open data projects. Learn Hack YOW is going to bring together experience hackers and n00bs who want to contribute to hacking and open data projects. The morning will consist of hands-on sessions and the afternoon will give participants an opportunity to get their hands dirty hacking solutions. They welcome participants from all disciplines, not just developers. Want to contribute to future apps using City of Ottawa data? Here’s your chance! Registration is free but spaces are limited.

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** ** Saturday, December 8: Mike Rud CD Fundraiser at GigSpace **

Mike Rud is well-known for the beautiful music he can coax from his guitar. But at his concert here in March, he managed to surprise the audience when he started singing original songs. They were part of a new project called “Notes on Montreal”, which celebrates the city of Montreal (Rud’s current home), its people, and its literary heritage. You can hear the current shape of this upcoming CD at a fundraising concert Saturday. Your $25 ticket also pays for a copy of the CD, to be mailed to you once released.

_ – Alayne McGregor, OttawaJazzScene.ca _

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** ** Thursday-Sunday, December 6-9: The Nutcracker **

You can feel like you’ve stepped into a Russian winter wonderland when watching the classic holiday tale of the Nutcracker performed by the Alberta Ballet Company at the National Arts Centre. You’ll be treated to the familiar tunes from Tchaikovsky’s score, Klara, the Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. My favourite part is watching the effortless of the dancers and seeing the elaborate costumes and sets. You can bring the whole family along to experience the magic. Kids can also take part in  crafts, dress up and receive treats before the show.

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** ** Sunday, December 9: Help Portrait Ottawa 2012 **

On


Sunday, December 9th


, photographers in Ottawa will get together using their time, skills, and equipment to give back to their community through Help-Portrait.


This year, the


Jean Pigott Hall


at


Ottawa City Hall


will be the designated location for Help Portrait Ottawa 2012 with makeup artists, hair dressers and photographers, to provide the full experience of a professional photo shoot for people in need.

 


_
 --
 [
  Luciana
 ](http://twitter.com/luciana_nechita)
_

_ Nechita , photographer _

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** ** ** ** Sunday-Wednesday, December 9-12: Write for Rights events **

If you have a few minutes to spare this week, you can protect someone’s human rights. Amnesty International’s annual Write for Rights campaign asks people to write letters on behalf of others around the world who’ve been detained for their beliefs or are at risk of torture or other human rights violations. You can participate from the comfort of your own home, but why not add socializing and treats? Amnesty International volunteers are hosting a letter-writing session at Amnesty International’s office, 312 Laurier Ave., on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7-9 p.m. Check the website for letter-writing cases, tips and other local events.

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** ** Monday, December 10: Geek Trivia: Winter Wonderland Edition **

Join Unreasonable Action for another exciting installment of GEEK TRIVIA. Brad and Aaron have been slaving away generating questions for you to prove your geekitude and determine who will be the last geek standing.

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** Wednesday, December 12: SOHOHO12 Christmas party for small office / home office workers **

This year’s 2nd annual holiday party at the Elmdale Tavern is basically a party for anyone whose own office is too small to hold their own Christmas party. But you’ll need a ticket to join us for beer, finger foods, door prizes, and more.

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** ** December 6-16: Catch The Number 14 at the GCTC **

Riding the bus can be an adventure in and of itself. The Number 14 turns an ordinary route into a crazy, wild and hilarious adventure! Watch six performers strut, swing, and sing their way in and out of escapades aboard Vancouver’s funniest bus. Pulling into Ottawa on their 20th anniversary tour, this Canadian success story is a fun ride for the whole family. Bring the kids.

_ – Sara-Lynne Levine, Ottawa Capital Region Macaroni Kid _

** Have a great week! **

** See also: ** Ottawa Events Guide

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