christmas light cruises mandurah

mandurah christmas lights cruise

Mandurah’s magical festive lights, christmas water wonderland.

Step aboard our famous Mandurah Christmas Lights Cruise and be immersed in kaleidoscopes of colour streaming across winding waterways. Mandurah turns it on like you wouldn’t believe. And it’s breathtaking!

Our marine city is filled with more than 200 ornately decorated homes, shimmering with millions of Christmas lights. The elaborate installations cast brilliant bursts of colour and reflections across the channels.

Renowned as Mandurah and Perth’s best Christmas lights ~ and the biggest display in Western Australia ~ each year we proudly host thousands of families and people of all ages to share in this festive extravaganza.

We present Mandurah’s Christmas lights from a fleet of safe and comfortable cruise boats. View our cruise options to choose the most suitable for you.

Dress in your festive best, sing along to Christmas carol favourites and join in colourful Christmas cheer at our departure jetties and aboard your cruise, floating through Mandurah’s magical festive wonderland.

important ~ READ BEFORE BOOKING

To ensure your cruise is smooth-sailing, there’s important information to know in advance. Read our Christmas Cruise Guidelines for what to bring, what not to bring, boarding times, departure locations, public transport and more.

WA’s biggest christmas lights display

Departing every night ~ 30 November 2024 to 5 January 2025

Adults ~ FROM $52 Children 3-12 years ~ FROM $35 ChildrEn 1-2 years ~ FROM $10 infants under 12 months free

•early bookings essential•

Secure tickets today, please view our boats prior to booking, our christmas collection.

Step aboard for a magical festive experience you will never forget. Our fleet of quality vessels provide an exclusive vantage point to see WA’s biggest Christmas lights’ display. View options and book below.

christmas CLASSIC cruises

1-HOUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS CRUISES

CHRISTMAS EXTENDED cruises

2-hour christmas lights cruises.

SPECIAL SENSORY-FRIENDLY CRUISE

1-HOUR SPECIAL-EDITION LIGHTS CRUISE

new year’s Eve fireworkS CRUISE

2-HOUR LIGHTS & FIREWORKS CRUISE

Tickets on sale now!

Be quick to secure your place, stay tuned for 2023 ticket release, join our mailing list to be the first to know, christmas classic, 1-hour & 1.5-hour christmas lights cruises.

Available November 30 to January 5

Click arrows to read boat details & book

• Fully-licensed bar on board, with drinks and snacks available for purchase
• Wheelchair and walking frame access ~ please select this option when booking
• Read more about Mandjar here

7.15pm and 8.45pm (Both 1 hour cruises)

Mandurah Cruises Jetty in Mandjar Square, located in front of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre. For a location map,  click here .

• $35 Child 3-12 years
• $10 Child 1-2 years
• Free for Infants under 12 months

DANCING DOLPHIN

• Read more about Dancing Dolphin here

• BYO drinks (limited to a small cooler bag ~ no stemmed wine glasses or eskies)
• Vessel is not accessible for wheelchairs or walking frames

7:15pm ( 1.5 hour cruise ) and 9pm ( 1 hour cruise )

REEL AFFAIR

• Twin-level 60-ft pleasure cruiser with large lower deck, upper viewing deck and seating

Departs: Stingray Point Jetty which is located behind the Sebel Hotel (jetty opposite 12 Vivaldi Drive).  CLICK HERE  for the google maps link.

• Small single-level vessel with exceptional viewing

7pm ( 1.5 hour cruise ) and 8.45pm ( 1 hour cruise )

Christmas Extended

Available exclusively on December 13, 14, 20, 21, 22 & 23

Click arrows to read boat details and book

7.15pm (2-hour cruise)

• $70 Child 3-12 years
• $20 Child 1-2 years

• Read more about Reel Affair here
• Read more about Reel Affair II here

7.30pm and 8.45pm

Town Jetty, located in front Little Stiller Distillery ~ near Mandurah Town Bridge. For a location map,  click here .

1/12/22 to 7/1/23

• $29 Child 3-12 years
• $5 Child 1-2 years

SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE

• Open-air single-storey vessel offering incredible viewing through the canals

PREMIUM SEATS

• Seated, premium open bow seats on spacious vessel, River Cat
• Exclusive, open-air reserved position with uninterrupted views
• Soft drinks and chips available for purchase
• $55 per person
• Bookings must be in groups of 2 or 3
• Children under 5 not permitted

more options

Sunset & Lights

1.5-hour christmas lights cruise.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise towards the ocean to enjoy sunset, then join in witnessing Mandurah’s spectacular Christmas lights.

• Open-air single-storey vessel ~ Spirit of Adventure ~ offering incredible viewing through the canals

7.00pm to 8:30pm

1/12/23 to 6/1/24

• $32 Child 3-12 years

Private Eco Boat

Christmas lights cruise.

Enjoy amazing uninterrupted views of Mandurah’s sparkling Christmas lights from every seat in your own private, open-air Eco BBQ Boat. We have 2 boats for hire ~ Rudolph and Blitzen.

1/12/23 to 30/12/23 Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays (for bookings outside of these days, please contact us )

7.15pm and 8.50pm (approx. 80-minutes)

Stingray Point Jetty (behind Sebel Hotel, opposite 12 Vivaldi Drive, Mandurah)

$650 hire fee (accommodates up to 9 passengers)

• Boat with a personal guide exclusively yours for the duration
• Open-air single-storey vessel offering incredible 360-degree canal views
• Comfortable round-table seating for up to 9 passengers
• Eco-friendly experience free of noise and exhaust-fumes on our unique electric boat
• Exclusive private hire ~ no queues, prime views!

Please note ~ BBQs are not included or available during Christmas Lights Cruises.

New Year’s Eve Cruise

2-hour christmas lights & fireworks cruise.

Make this New Year’s Eve one to remember! Cruise through the magical wonderland of Christmas lights on Mandurah’s canals and witness a spectacular fireworks show, lighting up the night sky.

• 2-hour cruise
• Cruise to view Mandurah’s Christmas lights on the canals
• Prime views of Mandurah’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display

Saturday 31 December

further details to be announced!

• Two vessel options ~ BYO drinks or fully-licensed bar
• (limited to a small cooler bag ~ no stemmed wine glasses or eskies)

Tuesday 31 December

7.15 to 9.15pm (approx)

• $60 Child 3-12 years
• $30 Child 1-2 years

vessel options

• Departs from Mandurah Cruises Jetty in Mandjar Square, located in front of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre. For a location map,  click here .
• Read more about Mandjar  here

Reel Affair:

• Departs from Departs: Stingray Point Jetty which is located behind the Sebel Hotel (jetty opposite 12 Vivaldi Drive).  CLICK HERE  for the google maps link.

Sensory-Friendly Cruise

1-hour sensory-friendly christmas lights cruise.

We are proud to introduce a sensory-friendly edition of our famous Mandurah Christmas Lights cruises. Enjoy a tailored setting on board Dancing Dolphin to share in some festive magic.

• Immediate boarding on arrival from 6.45pm
• No music on board
• Dimmed lighting inside the boat
• Reduced number of guests
• Wheelchair and walking frame access
• BYO snack food and water bottle welcome (hot food not permitted)

Sunday 8 & 15 December

Dancing Dolphin ~ see details here

IMPORTANT NOTE

This cruise is exclusively for people with legitimate sensory issues and who genuinely require a sensory-friendly experience. To discuss your requirements further before booking, please contact our Booking Office on  08 9581 1242 .

Family Special

2-hour family christmas lights cruise.

Share a special 2-hour cruise together with the family and enjoy all the magic and festivities of Mandurah’s Christmas lights.

• Cruise with Santa on board
• Christmas vocalist performing live
• Christmas snacks ~ including Christmas pudding, shortbread and other tasty treats
• Lolly bags for kids, handed out by Santa

Saturday 10 December & Saturday 17 December

• $105 Adults
• $73 Child 3-12 years
• $25 Child 1-2 years

What’s Included

• A magical cruise through the backyards of luxurious, festively-lit canal homes
• Special appearance from Santa himself and his friendly crew of helpers¹
• Christmas carols and live performances from local musicians¹
• Dress in festive-wear for the chance to win our ‘best dressed’ competition
• Friendly, experienced crew as your hosts
• Live commentary from a local Mandurah expert
• Fully licensed bar (on select vessels) to purchase drinks and snacks, or option to BYO drinks²
• Free and convenient parking options
• Bring your camera to enter our Christmas Lights Photo Competition, with great prizes up for grabs
• Special ‘eat & play, shop & stay’ offers exclusive to Christmas Lights Cruise ticketholders
• 10% loyalty discount for any Mandurah Cruises’ experience³
• 10% discount at our souvenir and local artisan Gift Shop

Don’t miss Mandurah’s Christmas Lights!

Annual trip to enjoy the wonderful Xmas lights via the canals on Mandurah Cruises. Staff very professional and lots of fun. Looking forward to going again next year. Have been 6 years in a row. PAM HART, FACEBOOK review

New! Mandurah Giant & Dolphin Cruise

Cruise with us for exclusive views of a famous giant of mandurah.

Mandurah Murray River Boat Cruises

Christmas light cruise mandurah, mandurah private charters, mandurah’s magical festive lights, our marine city is filled with more than 200 ornately decorated homes, shimmering with millions of christmas lights..

As you depart from Dolphin Quay Mandurah Ocean Marina , you’ll be surrounded by a dazzling display of Christmas lights that will transport you to a wonderland on water. The Mandurah Canals are renowned for their festive decorations, making this cruise a must-see holiday attraction. Bring Your Favorite Food & Drinks: For your convenience, our cruises are BYO (Bring Your Own). We provide an esky and ice to keep your refreshments cool, allowing you to savour your favourite holiday treats and beverages while you enjoy the scenery.

Whether you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate the holidays with your family, friends, or colleagues, our Special Christmas Light Cruise is the perfect choice. Glide through a world of enchantment and make this holiday season one to remember.

The Experience

Don’t miss mandurah’s christmas lights.

• Available from December 1st through to January 7th.
• A unique way to celebrate the holidays with your family, friends, or colleagues.
• For your convenience, our cruises are BYO (Bring Your Own). We provide an Esky and ice to keep your refreshments cool.
• Our cruises are private bookings ideal for intimate gatherings or larger groups.
• As you depart from Dolphin Quay Mandurah Ocean Marina, you'll be surrounded by a dazzling display of Christmas lights that will transport you to a wonderland on water.

Private Christmas Light Cruise

Mandurah christmas cruise booking form, mandurah christmas light cruise.

• 1.30hr Boat Cruise
• Minimum-6 Maximum-10 Passengers
• Cruising from December - January
• Christmas Lights Guaranteed
• Times Available 6:45 PM - 8:15 PM 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
• BYO Drinks & Food
• Esky & Ice Supplied

Private Boat Charters

Mandurah murray river cruises, contact details.

• 0411 515 293
• [email protected]
• South Yunderup, WA

The White Pearl

Luxury Pontoon

See the Christmas Lights in style with our new luxury pontoon. Limited to only 19 guests you can enjoy a laid back cruise as part of a public tour or private hire. The vessel has a toilet aboard and alcoholic drinks are BYO.

From early December through to early January the Mandurah Canal residents display a fantastic assortment of Christmas lights that offer an amazing experience to the general public. There is a wishing well located within the canals, throw your money in and donate to the Mandurah Districts Rotary Club which then distributes the funds to local community groups.

Departure Dates & Times

1.5 Hour Sunset & Christmas Lights Cruise

From the 1st of December to early January the 1.5 hour Sunset & Christmas lights cruise departs daily at 7pm.

1 Hour Christmas Lights Cruise

From the 1st of December to early January the 1 hour Christmas lights cruise departs daily at 8:45pm.

What to Bring

• Coat or jacket, it's an open air boat and it can get cold on a night.
• Cameras, there's lots to see.
• Due to space restrictions, no prams or strollers open aboard, we have limited storage so please try to leave prams in the car.
• BYO beers & wine. Maximum 2 drinks per person and no large eskys.

Departure Location and Boarding

20A Ormsby Terrace, Mandurah, 6210. Please check-in at the Mandurah Boat Hire office, 20 minutes before your departure time the boat can not wait for late arrivals.

About the White Pearl

• The White Pearl has one toilet aboard
• Cushioned seats
• Plastic clears on the sides but open at the front
• Maximum passengers onboard is 19 including infants

1 Hour Cruise departing 8:45pm

1.5 hour cruise departing 7pm.

The best way to see Mandurah’s magical Christmas lights!

Renowned as the biggest display of Christmas lights in Western Australia, the Mandurah canals come alive every December as more than 200 canal-side homes create an awesomely intricate display of festive lights. The best estimate is that more than a million individual lights make up the display!

Experience this magical event by hiring the safe, comfortable Mandurah Houseboats Party Pontoon Boat with one of our staff onboard as skipper – it’s by far the best way to experience this amazing festive spectacle close up from the water.

• Our Christmas Lights cruises are available from the 1st December to the 7th January.
• Cruises depart at 7.30pm or 9pm and last for 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Maximum of 6 passengers (no minimum number of people since we charge for the boat not for the number of people).
• Heaps of free parking close to the departure point at 13a Dolphin Drive.

What to Bring:

• One Esky (BYO drinks; max 2 standard drinks per person).
• Food (snacks only).
• Your camera or phone for pics and videos.
• Warm clothing (even in summer it can be cool on the water).
• Blankets for children.
• Your personal music playlist (on your Bluetooth capable phone).
• At least 1 fully charged mobile phone (for communications with Mandurah Houseboats during your hire if required).

Enquire About Making A Booking

Simply fill out the form to enquire about making a booking or scroll further to book online.

If you have any questions or you need help making a booking just give us a call on (08) 9535 9898 or drop us an email at [email protected] .

Book Online

Select your date below.

Booking Information

• Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Minimum booking notice: 3 hours in advance.
• Note that there are no toilets onboard but public toilets are available at the departure location.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by mandurah houseboats.

If the tour has been cancelled by Mandurah Houseboats due to bad weather conditions or other unexpected circumstances, customers will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Cancellation by Customer:

If you cancel with at least 7 days notice, you will be given a full refund.

Owing to high demand, all payments must be made in full at time of booking. There are no refunds available if you cancel your Hire with less the 7 days notice, however we will try our best to re-schedule your Hire if this is possible.

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• An Unforgettable Experience
• Family Owned & Operated
• Tourism Australia

Christmas Lights Tour

Availability.

This product is currently not operating.

Call us on 0407 011 830 for current cruise offerings.

A cruise through Mandurah's canals, lit up by millions of Christmas Lights. Sing along to your favourite Christmas carols and join in the Christmas cheer as you take in the spectacular displays by the luxury canal houses.

Other Information

No drinks available on board – NO BYO (water and soft drink is fine)

Vessel name: Libby Jay (22 Seater vessel)

No wheelchair or walking frame access – must be able to manage 4 steps to board.

No prams permitted.

The White Pearl Christmas Lights Cruise

Luxury pontoon.

See the Christmas Lights in style with our new luxury pontoon. Limited to only 19 guests you can enjoy a laid back cruise as part of a public tour or private hire. The vessel has a toilet aboard and alcoholic drinks are BYO.

From early December through to January the Mandurah Canal residents display a fantastic assortment of Christmas lights that offer an amazing experience to the general public. There is a wishing well located within the canals, throw your money in and donate to the Mandurah Districts Rotary Club which then distributes the funds to local community groups.

If you are bringing a infant please ensure you add a ticket for them. All passengers require a ticket as the boat has a legal capacity of 19 people.

New Years Eve

We have a dedicated cruise product running on New Years Eve, book here .

If you are unable to find what you're looking for please submit our waitlist form and we will notify you of any last minute cancellations.

About The Vessel

• The White Pearl has one toilet aboard
• Cushioned seats
• Plastic clears on the sides but open at the front
• Maximum passengers onboard is 19 including infants
• You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks aboard

What to Bring

• Coat or jacket, it's an open air boat and it can get cold on a night.
• Cameras, there's lots to see.
• Due to space restrictions, no prams or strollers open aboard, we have limited storage so please try to leave prams in the car.
• BYO beers & wine. Maximum 2 drinks per person and no large eskys.

Departure Dates & Times

1.5 Hour Sunset & Christmas Lights Cruise

From the 1st of December to the 8th of January the 1.5 hour Sunset &Christmas lights cruise departs  daily  at  7pm. See bottom calendar.

1 Hour Christmas Lights Cruise

From the 1st of December to the 8th of January the 1 hour Christmas lights cruise departs  daily  at  8:45pm. See top calendar.

Departure Location and Boarding

20A Ormsby Terrace, Mandurah, 6210. Please check-in at the Mandurah Boat Hire office,  20 minutes before  your departure time the boat can not wait for late arrivals.

Cancellation Policy

There are no refunds available for any cancellations to our “Christmas Lights Cruises” however if 14 days notice is given we will offer a voucher to the value of the tickets to be used at Mandurah Boat Hire. Rescheduling your departure date is not allowed once tickets for your cruise are 80% sold. If we cancel the trip for any reason, including unfavourable weather or mechanical issues then we will attempt to reschedule if availability allows or offer a full refund.

We  highly recommend  you take out travel insurance to cover your cruise costs. We cannot provide refunds or rescheduling for last minute cancellations under any circumstances, including sickness, COVID, hospitalisations, flight changes or any other unforeseen circumstance.

1 Hour Christmas Lights Tour

• Duration: 60 Minutes (approx.)
• Location : Mandurah, Western Australia
• Product code: PPSU6D

From early December through to January the Mandurah Canal residents display an amazing assortment of Christmas lights that offer an amazing experience to the general public. There is a wishing well located within the canals, throw your money in and donate to the Mandurah Rotary Club which then distributes the funds to local community groups.

Hop aboard The Pirate Ship and combine two of our favourite things, Pirate's and Christmas as we cruise through the Mandurah Canal's bringing joy for adults and children alike as lights glisten on the water. Departing at 7:30pm Monday -Thursday and at 8:45pm every night apart from Christmas and New years eve.

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1.5hr Sunset & Christmas Lights Cruise

• Duration: 90 Minutes (approx.)

Pirate Ship Mandurah

Our cruises.

About the cruise

• Enjoy a 45 minute scenic cruise
• Be entertained by our interactive pirates
• Lookout for bottlenose dolphins
• Marvel at the luxurious yachts & waterside mansions

• Scenic 1.5 hour canal and estuary cruise
• Fish & Chips lunch aboard
• Lookout for Mandurah's famous bottlenose dolphins
• Interactive & interesting for all ages

• A whole hour of Christmas magic
• Be in awe of the breathtaking Christmas lights
• See luxury canal homes and yachts

• Offered seasonally mid January to April 
• Enjoy the sunset from an open vessel
• BYO snacks and drinks welcome

• Private hire from 1-3hrs
• Catering options available
• BYO alcohol

Available for The Pirate Cruise

• Fun for the whole family
• An experience for all ages
• Starting at $15 for a child's ticket 
• Emailed straight to you 

The Pirate Ship is a custom-built vessel offering a selection of cruises around Mandurah’s spectacular inland waterways. Each cruise offers interactive pirate themed entertainment, and the opportunity to marvel at the spectacular surroundings and wildlife, with the chance to spot Mandurah's playful bottlenose dolphins.

The open-aired nature of the ship provides panoramic unrestricted views for the duration of your cruise. The vessel offers an on-board toilet and shade sail for the warmer months. We are BYO licensed and have a 50-passenger capacity.

We host a selection of cruises to suit all ages, from our popular 45 minute Pirate Cruise , 90 minute Lunch Cruise , and our Christmas Lights Tour where the canals light up like Las Vegas. Alternatively, we can tailor a private charter with a duration to suit your needs, offering a selection of catering options.

We're proud to have 5* reviews across all platforms and were awarded the Tripadvisor 2022 Travellers Choice award.

Christmas Lights Cruise - River Cat 7:30pm

• Duration: 1 Hours (approx.)
• Location : Mandurah, WA
• Product code: CLRC730

Experience the magic of Christmas with your family and friends on board Mandurah Cruises’ 1 Hour Christmas Lights Cruise. Sing along to Christmas carol favourites and join in the Christmas cheer as you cruise through the wonderland of Christmas lights, illuminating and reflecting onto the water from Mandurah’s luxury canal homes.

Cruising every night from 1st December to 7th January, at 7:30pm & 8.45pm, don't miss this spectacular annual event.

The vessel you have selected is  RIVER CAT   which features:

• Spacious, premium vessel offering incredible viewing
• Single-level cruiser with seating inside and on an open rear deck
• BYO drinks (limited to a small cooler bag – no stemmed wine glasses or eskies).
• Soft drinks and chips available for purchase on board

Times: 7.30pm

Departs: Mandjar Bay (in front of Mandurah Performing Arts Centre)

Prices:  1st December to 7th January 2023 Adult $45 | Child 3-12 years $29 I Child 1-2 years $5 

Pricing Age Brackets: Adults – 13 years and over, Child – 3 to 12 years, Child - 1 to 2 years, Infant (under 12 months) FREE on all cruises but must be included in your booking for safety purposes. IMPORTANT:   View our Christmas Lights Cruise Guidelines  which includes what to bring, what not to bring, boarding times, departure locations and public transport information.

COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY The customer shall comply with all Government (Federal and State) requirements for entry into Western Australia or to access the operator’s premises, event or service. 

The health and safety of our guests and staff are our absolute priority. We are taking extra measures to ensure we are operating at the highest of health and safety standards to prevent the spread of COVID-19. ONLINE BOOKINGS Online bookings close 1 hour prior to departure. For bookings inside this time please call our booking office on 9581 1242. TERMS & CONDITIONS To view our terms and conditions please  CLICK HERE

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People’s spring: summary of the march 1848 revolution, building the parthenon: athens’ famous temple, protohistory: the transition from prehistory to history, 1982 chez jo goldenberg restaurant attack, travelling to the time of the first crusade, christmas in moscow: traditions, celebrations, and history.

Since the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, Christmas in Moscow is observed on January 7th.

Moscow around Christmastime is an inspiring time in Russia . With the arrival of snow and the addition of festive decorations, the already picturesque city becomes a lovely spot. Although Christmas Day is on December 25th, the Gregorian calendar places the holiday in the first week of January in Moscow. From the Russian Winter Festival, which begins in the middle of December and continues until the middle of January, to the “Journey into Christmas” festival, which begins on December 22 and spans 30 locations, Moscow offers various Christmas events. The weather is below freezing, so insulating apparel is a must. Ice skating, Christmas markets, and the world-famous lighting ball on Manezhnaya Square are among the festive attractions in the city.

-> See also: 48 Countries That Celebrate Christmas Widely

Christmas Traditions in Moscow

Since the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, Christmas in Russia is traditionally observed on January 7th. Having said that, celebrating two Christmases and maybe even two New Year’s is very normal for Russians. Christian practices and old pagan rituals are observed together in these traditions.

Traditional Christmas Meals

Roast pig, goose, pirog, and pelmeni (meat dumplings) are main course meals on Christmas Day in Moscow. Gingerbread, honeybread (Pryaniki) cookies, fruit pies, and other types of fruit (fresh and dried) make up the dessert menu. Around 80% of Russians are Christians (78% Orthodox). Therefore, devotees of Christ in Moscow also abstain from meat for the forty days leading up to Christmas. As a culmination of the Nativity Fast, the Christmas Eve dinner is vegetarian and consists of twelve dishes (one for each of the twelve apostles).

New Year Celebrations

The Russian New Year is also more grandiose than the American Christmas, complete with gift-giving by Grandfather Frost (Ded Moroz) and his “Granddaughter” and elf-like companion Snegurochka . Gathered around the Christmas tree in a circle, the children eagerly await their arrival. The Christmas tree lights will go on as soon as they arrive. One public tree that represents the arrival of a new year is the Christmas tree in Moscow’s Red Square. The “Journey into Christmas” celebration, which takes place across the city at 30 different locations beginning on December 22nd, is another popular event in the area.

Fortune-Telling and Caroling

Singing Christmas carols ( kalyadki ) and predicting the future ( koliada ) are two long-standing Moscovian Christmas customs that have their origins in the ancient world. The Russian Orthodox Church does not approve it, yet many still perform it as a Christmas tradition. On the other hand, Svyatki , the Russian Christmastide, is a two-week period immediately after Christmas that is deeply linked to pagan practices, including fortune-telling and caroling. Epiphany is celebrated on January 19, and Svyatki continues till then. This is a popular choice for rural teen girls who are interested in using magic to find out things like their marriage prospects. Wax, apples, playing cards, and mirrors are some of the tools they use.

Table Decorations

Tablecloths are also a Christmas table decoration in Moscow, representing the swaddling garments that the infant Jesus wore. As a reminder that Jesus was born into low circumstances, hay is placed on or near the table. A large white candle, also representing Jesus, covers the middle of the table, as does a miniature Christmas tree.

-> See also: All 15 Countries That Don’t Celebrate Christmas

The Story of Babushka

One well-known aspect of Russian Christmas customs in Moscow is the tale of Babushka, an elderly lady who encountered the  Three Magi on their journey to see Jesus. Although it is more recognized in the United States and Western Europe than in Russia, the Babushka narrative is a well-known Christmas fable. “Babushka” implies “grandmother” in Russian. She is a lady renowned for her immaculate home and lovely garden. She is the protagonist of a tale that starts in a little Russian village. A new star appeared in the sky, but she was too preoccupied with her task to see the parade of lights approaching the settlement.

As she went about her nightly duties, the Three Wise Men paid her a visit. They thought the new star would guide them to a newborn monarch, so they set out to find him. Along with a present for the kid, they requested that Babushka accompany them on their travels. As Babushka reflected on her own child’s death, she considered retrieving toys from her cabinet. Despite this, Babushka apparently never found the Three Wise Men or the infant Jesus. The legend has since spread that on January 6th, Babushka makes house calls, leaving presents for children in the hopes that she will be pardoned if she finds the infant Jesus among them. It seems that this narrative was written in 1907 by an American poet and writer named Edith Matilda Thomas; it is not widely known in Russia.

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• Holiday Guide , Arts & Culture

Holiday Guide: What to do from Nov. 24-30, including Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland , Riverfront Market and more

By Seth Sommerfeld

Nov. 24 COEUR D'ALENE LIGHTING CEREMONY PARADE

With the depressing darkness of daylight savings time weighing on us, we really need some light to get the holiday season started. Thankfully, Coeur d'Alene takes the blackness out of Black Friday with its traditional Lighting Ceremony Parade. Festive floats, music, dancing and plenty of twinkling lights will illuminate this year's parade theme, "A Coeur d'Alene Holiday Vacation." The parade ends at the Coeur d'Alene Resort lawn, where there will be caroling, fireworks and the flipping of the switch on Christmas lights that will brighten downtown Coeur d'Alene for the next month and change. (SS)

5-7:30 pm, free, Downtown Coeur d'Alene, Sherman Ave. between Eighth St. & Government Way, cdadowntown.com

Nov. 25 RIVERFRONT MARKET

While downtown Spokane is treated to many iterations of the Riverfront Market throughout the year, this last one before the holiday gift-giving season is ideal for anyone shopping for presents. Coinciding with Small Business Saturday, dozens of local businesses and artisans will be peddling their wares to help you find that perfect something for that special someone. You can make a day of it with the music and food offerings, then round out the festivities that evening with the Numerica Tree Lighting Celebration to fully embrace the glowing spirit of the season at Riverfront Park. (SS)

11 am-7 pm, free, Spokane Pavilion, 574 N. Howard St., my.spokanecity.org

Nov. 26 A SHERLOCK CAROL

In the age of big-screen superheroes crossing multiverses on the regular, why not mash up some classic literary characters for a seasonal theatrical treat? In Spokane Civic Theatre's A Sherlock Carol , the world's greatest detective Sherlock Holmes is hired by a grown-up Tiny Tim to investigate the unusual death of one Ebenezer Scrooge. Holmes' skills are put to the test when he's visited by those darn ghosts of Christmases past, present and future. Don't worry though, this murder mystery is a comedic one that the whole family can enjoy. And don't feel foiled if you can't make this specific matinee, the show has plenty of runs through Dec. 17. (And, read more about it in this week's Culture section on page 20.) (SS)

Nov. 24-Dec. 17, Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm, $15-$38, Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St., spokanecivictheatre.com

Nov. 27 PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA

With all due respect to the parents out there, I really don't care about seeing photos of your kids awkwardly squirming on Santa's lap. Now photos of folks' pets with jolly ol' St. Nick? Inject those straight into my eyeballs . A dog or cat stuffed into an ugly Christmas sweater or adorned with fuzzy reindeer antlers and then plopped into the arms of that rotund red gentlemen are a holiday gift that keeps on giving. With its towering 50-foot tree as a backdrop, River Park Square's Santa has become the region's go-to photographic Christmas destination and on Nov. 27 and Dec. 4, he's blocking out time specifically for pet pics. Reserve a spot online now (and then send all the cuddly portraits to our Arts & Culture editor, Chey). (SS)

Nov. 27 and Dec. 4 from 4-7 pm, $40-$50, River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave., riverparksquare.com (SS) Nov. 28 CIRQUE MUSICA: HOLIDAY WONDERLAND

While the flashing lights and vibrant colors of the video slot machines at Northern Quest Resort & Casino might be the closest approximation to Christmas lights you can find around these parts from February through October, the tribal casino really goes all out when it's actually time for wintery festiveness. In 2021, the Airway Heights getaway started its annual Questmas Village — a free, family-friendly attraction that features an array of large-scale holiday decorations (ideal for photo-ops) and an ice skating rink. And while the Questmas Village will again be around for over a month (read more on page 41), the holiday season really kicks off at Northern Quest with two performances of Cirque Musica's Holiday Wonderland  show.

"This show is nothing but holiday spirit, so it just really was a great match," says Matt Gibson, Northern Quest's director of vibe.

Cirque Musica is a nationally touring organization that combines live music and visual spectacles from circus artists across the entertainment spectrum.

"It's full of jugglers and aerialists and acrobats and performers and music and just these things humans really shouldn't be able to do physically. And you see them doing it on stage live and in person, and it just kind of takes your breath away. There are going to be a lot of things here at the Pend Oreille Pavilion. We're not quite sure our venue is big enough to house it all," Gibson says with a laugh.

"But we're gonna do our best to make it a magnificent production that is all things holiday-oriented with that Cirque feel," he continues. "What these performers are capable of is nothing short of miraculous."

The 90-minute spectacular is a seasonal feast for the eyes with lavish costuming and set design bringing patrons into the winter wonderland. Gibson is specifically fond of a moment when a musician in a flowing gown gets aerial as snow falls and background musicians sing a seasonal song.

"It kind of chokes you up a little bit," he says.

So if you're looking for a moving visual treat that's sweet as hot cocoa stirred with a candy cane, Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland  might be the sugary start to the season you need. n

Nov. 28 and Nov. 29 at 7:30 pm, $39-$69, Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights, northernquest.com

Nov. 29 THE LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING

While there's nothing inherently festive about them, it's clear from anecdotal recounting that marathoning The Lord of the Rings movies has become a holiday tradition in many households (often in the lazy post-tryptophan days following Thanksgiving). The Garland Theater has picked up on this fact and has been screening the extended editions of the LotR movies throughout November. Things warm up with the Best Picture-winning The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King . It's a legendary conclusion that's even more epic with the extended runtime of four hours and 10 minutes. (Better stock up on popcorn, candy and adult beverages from Bon Bon to fuel your journey with Frodo, Sam, Aragorn and co.) (SS)

Nov. 27-29, show times vary, $2.50-$5, Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave., garlandtheater.com

Nov. 30 SPOKANE SYMPHONY WITH STATE STREET BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER

In a world overrun with Christmas entertainment options, it's kinda weird that there's basically only one universally agreed upon Christmas ballet, right? Then again, as soon as the Spokane Symphony starts playing Tchaikovsky's timeless score for The Nutcracker, everyone totally gets it . A sugarplum treat for audiences of all ages, the symphony once again teams up with the California-based State Street Ballet — which also invites more than 70 local dancers to join in the production — to bring to life the fantastical fantasies of children battling a mouse king and being transported to a holiday dreamland of sweets. (SS)

Nov. 30-Dec. 3, times vary, $29-$109, The Fox Theater, 1001 W. Sprague Ave., spokanesymphony.org

The original print version of this article was headlined "Soaring in a Winter Wonderland"

• Holiday Guide ,
• Holiday Guide 2023 ,
• Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland ,

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