Five cool things to do this week (December 20 to 26)

1. Celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela

The entire world stopped to say goodbye to the late Nelson Mandela on December 5th. On, December 25th a film based on his 1994 autobiography Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom will be debuting in theatres. The picture spans his life journey, and offers an intimate look at the making of the beloved icon. Simply, a must-see.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

2. Light a lantern

More of our favourite neighbourhoods will be twinkling in the dark as Vancouver’s 20th annual Winter Solstice Lantern festival and Owen Sounds’ 26th annual Festival of Northern Lights flick the on-switch this week. Toast the occasion and bundle up for a walk toting a lantern or flash light of your own, and revel at the holiday decorations in your own communities backyard.

3. Sing-a-long to the Sound of Music

Have you ever met anyone that disliked the Von Trapp family? Either have we, which is why we have a feeling the TIFF Bell Lightbox screening of the Sound of Music is going to be a fun one. Not only will you be able to see the classic on the big screen, the lyrics will be included, encouraging audience members to sing-a-long. This type of interactive film viewing just became one of our favourite things.

Sound of Music, Opens December 26, TIFF Bell LightBox

4. Don your ugliest holiday sweater

The time has come yet again to don some hideous holiday fashion. Host your own party with friends and family, or pop in at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver for what has been deemed the ‘original’ soiree; either way, ‘tis the season to rock some terrible looking knitwear.

12th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party™, December 20th, Vancouver

5. Have a wonderful Holiday

From all of the staff at Chatelaine, we wish you a wonderful holiday season with friends and family!