Candy Cane Lane

Candy Cane Lane is a 40 year plus tradition in the city of Edmonton. Thousands of people take to the streets of the west end neighbourhood along 148 Street during the three week period it is available.  Several homes along this stretch of about eight blocks are lit up in festive finery.  One even had a nativity sculpted out of ice this year.  It is best to walk the route for best visibility as the street becomes rather congested with vehicles.  

We went on a Tuesday evening and it was close to -20 Celsius that night which didn't deter the visitors.  All that is required for admission is a food bank donation for which there are several drop boxes available along the route.   

Here are some highlights of this year's showing.

@CandyCaneLane   #Christmastraditions  #Christmas2015  #familyfriendlyeventsinEdmonton

Candlelight Christmas with the McDades

Terry McDade's harp.  Photo taken 2013

This has become our family Christmas tradition....an evening of music in a pioneer setting with the musicians the McDade family.  Two years ago (2013) a friend introduced me to Candlelight Christmas at the John Walter Museum in Edmonton.  Last year I took my husband and this year we tried to take all the family.  Unfortunately one son and his wife couldn't make it and another son was out of the country.  Those who did attend this delightful festive evening were all in agreement that this must become an annual event, forever.  I'm so glad!

Here are a few photos of the evening.  It's difficult to capture the sheer magic of a concert held in pioneer houses through photos.  You miss the smell of the fresh baked cookies and hot chocolate and apple cider.  The ambience can be vaguely captured but until you experience the candlelit houses packed with enthusiastic attendees seated before the McDades, it's only an image in your mind initiated by the photos and words I portray here. Ah, if ever you are in Edmonton during mid December, you must go but tickets go quickly. They begin selling in July and you're lucky if any are available after October.

The McDades have three Christmas albums, all available on iTunes and the official McDade website The McDades.  Little Drummer Boy from the Noel 2004 cd is one of our absolute favourites.  In this version, Jeremiah throat sings the intro. It is amazing!

The McDades' Celtic roots are evident in their music selections and presentations, playing Celtic carols mixed with a few from Canada (the Huron Carol) and some French as well.  If the spirit of Christmas is what you're looking to capture, this is an excellent place to start.

#McDades  #Edmonton  #Christmas  #CandlelightChristmas  #JohnWalterMuseum #Christmastraditions  #oldfashionedChristmas