Serena Anagbe / Photo Editor
Downtown Brantford.

There are so many events that are happening in Brantford during the holiday season, all different and wonderful ways to enjoy and be a part of the Brantford community. A lot of them are close to Wilfrid Laurier University’s downtown campus.  

Brantford’s Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts during the upcoming holiday season is the place to be, there are several shows that will be running. Some are fan favourites, a long-standing tradition and some are brand-new.  

The Nutcracker is a traditional ballet that is done during Christmas time that the Sanderson centre has to offer and has for a few years now.  

“It is such an intergenerational thing, it’s parents and grandparents bringing their kids to the theatre for that big night,” said Glenn Brown, the manager of the Sanderson Centre, about The Nutcracker ballet. “A lot of families have that as parent of their holiday tradition.”  

A special event that is happening this year is the showing of the Beauty and the Beast Broadway musical. It seems to be one of many fan favourites, with every show selling out all four nights that it is running here in Brantford. As well as the Brantford Symphony Orchestra with their Christmas carols show with an audience sing-along. 

The Parade After Party will take place right after the Santa Claus Parade in Harmony Square. People come for the parade but stay for the after party. 

“We probably get around 1,500 to 2,000 people immediately following the parade,” said Jennifer Middleton, the special events supervisor for the City of Brantford.  

There are so many fun activities for people of all ages to join. Snacks to keep you warm. A chance to meet our favourite characters, the Snow Sisters, the Harmony Squirrel and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Never forget these wonderful memories with a photo from the photo booth. Lastly, if you bring in a letter for Santa and include your address, you may just get a letter back from him.   

“They enjoy all the free activities that are happening. Every year, we try and bring in something a little different,” said Middleton. “This year, it is free face painting.” 

The New Year’s Eve party follows closely behind the Christmas festivities, starting out with a performance in the Sanderson Centre. Then, just shortly before midnight (around 11:40 p.m.), the party moves its way over to Harmony Square. There will be a countdown to the new year followed by some fireworks. What a way to ring in the new year.  

Whether it is your first holiday season in Brantford or if some of these events are a part of your family tradition, there are lots of events happening around Brantford for everyone to enjoy. 

This article was originally published in print Volume 23, Issue 4 on Thursday, Dec. 7.