This holiday season, enjoy festive events close to home. Throughout December, these events give you an opportunity to connect with friends, family, and neighbours. Need ideas for gifts? Jonesing to sing Christmas carols? Want to create precious holiday memories? Start here for some ideas.

Upcycle Beautiful & Low-Cost Holiday Decor

Spruce Avenue Community League (10240 115 Ave)

Dec. 8, 7-9 p.m.

Make holiday decorations in an environmentally-friendly way by using magazines and junk mail. Bring scissors and a stapler to the event; other supplies provided. Spruce Avenue Community League membership required. Fee by donation.

The Carrot Christmas Arts Bazaar

Dec. 9, 7-9 p.m.

Dec. 10, 10 a.m-4 p.m.

The Carrot Coffeehouse (9351 118 Ave)

Looking for that perfect gift? This unique boutique sale has been in the community for several years. Local artisans, crafters, and makers will have a variety of goods for sale. Get your shopping done early!

Parkdale-Cromdale Caroling

Dec. 10, 6 p.m.

Parkdale-Cromdale Community League Hall (11335 85 St)

Sing classic Christmas carols! Meet at the hall at 6 p.m. and then sing around the neighbourhood. All are welcome! Song lyrics provided. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. More: removingtheladder@gmail.com.

Jingle Jammin’ Christmas Caroling

Dec. 16

Chili at 6 p.m. and caroling at 7 p.m.

The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)

Serenade the community! Before caroling, eat chili and listen to a reading of the poem A Child’s Christmas in Wales. Then, sing in the neighbourhoods bordering 118 Avenue. Song lyrics are provided. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. RSVP by Dec. 13: info@artsontheave.org.

Parkdale-Cromdale Christmas Party

Dec. 17, 5 p.m.

Parkdale-Cromdale Community Hall (11335 85 St)

Join other community members to celebrate the holidays during Parkdale-Cromdale’s Christmas party. Enjoy a meal, listen to live music courtesy of CreArt, build a gingerbread house, and craft ornaments. Santa will be at the party with gifts for children. More: removingtheladder@gmail.com.

Yule Ave

Dec. 16-18

All around 118 Ave. www.yuleave.com.

This free family-friendly event embraces Christmas through charity and quality time with loved ones. Attend Yule Ave: A Blast concert and witness the lighting of the Giving Tree. Create ornaments, see snow sculptures, join the Unsilent Night parade, take a horse and wagon ride, or watch The Santaland Diaries.