Where did this year go? It seems like 2024 has zoomed by at record speed and the holidays — at least the events and the shopping — are already upon us. Following is a collection of things to do, places to go, and events to enjoy as the season rolls along.

BHP ENCHANTED FOREST SASKATOON FORESTRY FARM PARK

UNTIL JAN. 5 INCLUDING CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY 5:30 TO 10 P.M.

 The annual drive-through winter wonderland light display at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm is in its 26th year. Displays include Noah’s Ark, an elves’ village, Charlie Brown, the Grinch and many more. Tickets $10, or $35 per car up to seven occupants.

EATON’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS EXHIBIT

WESTERN DEVELOPMENT MUSEUM UNTIL JAN. 3, 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

The Eaton’s Christmas exhibit goes up at the WDM every year and has since 1987. The display dates to just after the Second World War, when Eaton’s shoppers in various Canadian locations enjoyed windows decorated with Christmas scenes and figures. These displays ultimately found their way to the WDM.

Learn the history here: https://wdm. ca/exhibits_articles/eatons-once-upon-achristmas/.

GLOW SASKATOON PRAIRIELAND PARK

UNTIL DEC. 29, THURSDAYS THROUGH SUNDAYS

 Glow is an indoor holiday light festival, market and food fair with live entertainment. Twinkling light gardens, Santa and photo frames are among the highlights. Adult tickets $21.99, with senior, child and group options.

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

BROADWAY AVENUE DEC. 5, 6-9 P.M.

Broadway will be decked out with festive lights, ringing with music, and providing wagon rides and treats in this late-night shopping and Christmas fun tradition. You can also skate, carol, roast marshmallows and participate in the Find the Elf scavenger hunt.

ELF IN CONCERT SASKATOON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

TCU PLACE, DEC. 7, 7:30 P.M.

Yes, that Elf. The SSO brings the funny and heartwarming holiday movie starring Will Farrell to the stage, while performing the score composed by John Debney. Tickets range from $52 to $121 and were already limited in mid November.

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EXPRESS

DEC. 7, 8 AND 14, 3 P.M.

Jump on the Wheatland Express Excursion Train and journey through a winter wonderland while enjoying cocoa and caroling. Kids are encouraged to wear their cozy PJs and bring their letters to Santa, who will be joining in the ride. Tickets $78.75 except the wee ones (under age three) who hop onto adults’ laps for free. (This event literally runs from Wakaw to Cudworth.)

CHRISTMAS TOGETHER ECLIPSE CHORUS

BROADWAY THEATRE, DEC. 8, 7:30 P.M.

The Eclipse Chorus presents songs of the season at its Christmas concert. Tickets $30 through the theatre box office or Eclipse members.

THE GREAT CANADIAN ROADTRIP FEATURING MICHELLE WRIGHT, DOC WALKER AND JASON MCCOY

TCU PLACE, DEC. 9, 7:30 P.M.

Three well-known country acts land in Saskatoon for one night only. Possible Christmas tunes, based on the poster’s decorations, but probably mostly the trio’s hits. Tickets $68.75 to $81.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH SASKATOON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

KNOX UNITED CHURCH, DEC. 13, 7:30 P.M.

Conductor Karl Hirzer leads the SSO, the SSO Chorus and soloists in the annual performance of The Messiah — A tradition in Saskatoon since its first performance in 1913. Tickets $49-$64. The sing-along Messiah follows Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at the same location. Tickets $25.

A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS

TCU PLACE, DEC. 14, 8 P.M.

For the 18+ crowd, Murray and Peter Present a Drag Queen Christmas — the longest-running drag tour on earth — on its 10th anniversary tour, hosted by Brooke Lynn Hytes. There is a meet and greet at 6 p.m. before the show. Tickets range from $63.45 to $362 for the VIP package.

JANN ARDEN CHRISTMAS TOUR

TCU PLACE, DEC. 17, 7:30 P.M.

The multi-platinum, award-winning Canadian singer and songwriter (and bestselling author) brings Christmas classics and almost certainly her sense of humour to Saskatoon . . . along with a vegan holiday dinner at 5:30 before the show. Tickets for the performance range from $80 to $130. Dinner tickets are $38.

FIRESIDE SINGERS

TCU PLACE, DEC. 20 AND 21, 7:30 P.M.

The Fireside Singers’ annual Christmas memories show returns to TCU Place with special guests Thomas Yu, piano; Guy Few, trumpet; and Allen Harrington, saxophone. All three are originally from Saskatoon. Expect secular and traditional holiday songs and carols. Marilyn Whitehead is the artistic director; Bonnie Nicholson the orchestral director and pianist; and Kelsey Stone serves as stage director and choreographer.

SUNDOG FAIRE

If you’re looking for markets and craft fairs, which are too numerous to list here, try this link: https://www.todocanada.ca/christmasmarkets-craft-fairs-in-saskatoon/

The Sundog Faire does not appear to have returned since the Covid shutdown.

-Joanne Paulson