Let the holiday activities begin: Fun things to do on P.E.I. this week

You know it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas when Charlottetown has its annual tree lighting at Province House Friday at 6:15 p.m. followed by a candlelit walk over the to Confederation Centre to listen to the youth choir. 

For a different vibe Friday, there's also an all-ages hip-hop show at the Charlottetown Curling Club from 6:30 to 10 for $10.  

Here are a few more ideas to add to your list. 

1. Read all about it

P.E.I. filmmaker Harmony Wagner launches her first book, a young adult novel published by Acorn Press called Queen of the Crows, at The Guild in Charlottetown Friday evening at 7 p.m. 

The book is based on Wagner's short film by the same name. The launch is a free event and books are $12.95, which the author will happily sign.

2. Let the eating begin!

Park Royal United Church in Charlottetown will hold its annual Christmas dinner Saturday evening at 5:30 with live piano music, holiday trivia, and turkey with all the trimmings plus dessert.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12 and are available at the church office (902) 894-9656 or hall office (902) 892-9906 or at the door. 

3. More craft fairs 

The 24th annual craft fair at Colonel Gray High School is Friday Nov. 18 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It features 97 vendors and admission is $3. There will be door prizes and a canteen. More info on the event's Facebook page. 

The historic Sir Andrew MacPhail Homestead in Vernon Bridge, P.E.I., has a craft fair Sunday featuring local artisans from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The homestead's tea room will be open too, and the grounds with large mature trees are beautiful for a fall stroll. More info on the event's Facebook page. 

Trinity United Church in Charlottetown also has its annual craft fair Friday evening and Saturday with free admission — check it out here. And  if you're down east Saturday, drop by the former Plough the Waves centre for the Christmas in Wood Islands craft fair from 10 to 2. 

4. Appetizers, desserts and an auction

Who needs a main dish? Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Fortune Community Centre in Fortune, P.E.I., enjoy all-you-can-eat desserts and appetizers while bidding on a wide array of silent auction items including a cigar-box guitar! 

Admission is $5, and takeout is available. Details on Facebook.

5. Dueling divas, Canadian-style

Wednesday, both Bif Naked and Chantal Kreviazuk are in town to give concerts.

Naked is at Florence Simmons Theatre at Holland College as part of her I, Bificus Songs and Stories tour in support of her new book. Tickets are $25. More info on the event's Facebook page. 

Kreviazuk is at the Confederation Centre, on tour in support of her new album Hard Sail. Tickets are $33, and include a free digital download of Kreviazuk's album! More info on Facebook here. 

6. Help Americans give thanks

Thursday is Thanksgiving Day in the U.S., and expatriates and Islanders alike are welcome to a dinner to celebrate at St. Paul's parish church hall in Charlottetown Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. On the menu: turkey, vegetables, stuffing, pickles, biscuits, dessert and beverage. 

Tickets and takeout — $15 or $8 for children — are available by calling (902) 892-1691 or emailing stpauls@aibn.com. Proceeds fund the church's Christmas food hampers. The hall is on the corner of Prince and Richmond streets. 

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