OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: Winter hiking, Christmas Lights, Twelfth Night, 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

** All week: Winter hiking in the Greenbelt **

The weather is perfect for a walk in the woods—and a little outdoor recreation is a great way to start off the new year. Try one of the Greenbelt Trails at Mer Bleue or Stony Swamp that are open for walking as well as snowshoeing . Stay on the trail and dress warmly. And take a camera—the snowy scenery is amazing.

_

Denise Deby , Green Living Ottawa _

**

** ** Until January 7: Christmas Lights Across Canada **

This is the last weekend to check out the Christmas lights downtown. 350,000 lights on Parliament Hill and Confederation Boulevard are on from 4:30pm to 2:00am until January 7.  Also the last weekend for the big display at Upper Canada Village .

_

Glen Gower , Editor/Owner of OttawaStart.com _

**

** ** Wednesday-Friday, January 2-4: Holiday Spy Camp at the Diefenbunker **

Tired of your kids sneaking around the house? Send them to Spy Camp! This holiday season, the Diefenbunker is offering Spy Camp on January 2, 3 and 4. “The Art of Espionage” will give kids an introduction to Making and Breaking Codes, Master of Disguise and the Science Behind Spying. Come for one day or all three!

_

Laura Gauthier _

**

** ** Saturday, January 5: A Company of Fools presents _ Twelfth Night _ **

At the NAC Fourth Stage. "

Join the Fool’s at this fantastic evening of feasting, fun and fundraising and prizes. We’ll crown the new King (or Queen) of the Fools, entertain you with snippetts from past cast and fan favourites AND announce the coming season including our 10th anniversary Torchlight Shakespeare Tour."

_

GG _

** Saturday, January 5: Kenji Omae, Peter Hum, Alec Walkington and Jeff Asselin **

The lyrical Ottawa-raised, Korea-based saxophonist Kenji Omae is back in his hometown for the holidays and annual concert. He’s joined by a fine combination of Montreal and Ottawa musicians, including highly talented Jeff Asselin on drums.

_ – Brett Delmage, OttawaJazzScene.ca _

** Sunday, January 6: Jazz Vespers with Mike Tremblay and Mark Ferguson **

All Saints Anglican/First United Church (347 Richmond Road), 4:30pm. “Jazz Vespers is a very present form of a very ancient tradition. From the earliest days of the Christian church, there has been some sort of reverence made to mark the end of the day.”

_

GG _

**

** ** Monday, January 7: Crush Improv at Cafe Dekcuf **

The monthly Crush Improv ‘Bout Time show is temporarly out of a home with renovations happening at the Elmdale Tavern. The group will be trying out different venues for the first few months of 2013, starting with Cafe Dekcuf on Rideau Street. Starts at 8:00pm. I’ll be playing piano.

_

GG _

**

** ** Tuesday, January 8: Tree Reading Series **

At Arts Court (2 Daly Ave.). Jennifer Pederson on Sound Techniques: Voice and Mics, Part 1 at 6:45. Taylor at 8pm. A free workshop to help performers & readers of poetry & prose followed by an open mic for poetry and Wakefield Poet Bruce Taylor. Start your new year off with learning & fine poetry.

_

Amanda Earl , poet & publisher _

** Have a great week! **

** See also: ** Ottawa Events Guide

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