By Cecilia Nasmith

What would have been the 24th annual Capitol Theatre Festival of Lights and Trees will go on in a version modified to keep people safe in a season of COVID between Nov. 12 and Dec. 18.

The announcement said that the holiday celebration began in 1997, when a team of dedicated theatre volunteers raffled off a few trees from the theatre's main stage. It evolved to become a showcase for auctioning off trees decorated opulently by local businesses (sometimes with some amazing merchandise and gift cards making up part of the package). The result was not only one of the theatre's most important annual fundraisers but also a beloved holiday tradition for the community.

“This year, to keep our visitors safe, we have created an experience allowing for socially-distanced tree viewings on site, showcasing the new spaces offered through the Capitol Theatre's expansion project,” the announcement said.

“But that's not all! We have expanded our celebrations to include festive workshops, a virtual Holiday House Tour and special seasonal programming.”

The workshops take place Nov. 28 and 29 in the Sculthorpe Theatre (with a limit of 20 seats per workshop), with Tim Badgley and Dean Howlett rolling up their sleeves for an entertaining walk through simple ways to bring the magic of the holidays into your home. Contact the Capitol to sign up for Tidings and Tinsel at 1 p.m. or Cocktails and Candy Canes at 4 p.m.

You can also contact the Capitol to book your spot to enjoy the Virtual Holiday House Tour from the comfort of your own home at 2 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 or 19. Artistic director (and holiday enthusiast) Susan Ferley is your host for the one-hour event spotlighting six distinctive Port Hope homes all dressed up for the holidays. When you sign up, you will get the link and password at 2 p.m., and you can make your visit any time that day up to 8 p.m.

Lee Higginson is adding to the fun with The Capitol Project Treasure Hunt Snap-and-Win Contest. Take a photo of yourself with one, two or all seven of the treasure-hunt answers – someone who has the Order of Canada, IT Director, an Ink Slinger and Singer, Written in Icelandic, a Sheepdog, Local Politician and a Mad Cat.

Post the photos on your Facebook or Instagram account, then tag The Capitol and Fluke Craft.
The contest runs through Nov. 10. On Nov. 12, the winner of a Fluke Craft gift card will be announced.

The Port Hope Rotary Club gets in on the fun Nov. 29 with their Breakfast With Santa – curbside pick-up version at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Elias Street with a menu that includes, pancakes, syrup, bacon, sausages, home fries, and a packet of hot chocolate for $10 per person.

As the Giving Tree is cancelled this year due to COVID, the event is also a toy drive, with all collections forwarded to the Salvation Army for their Christmas hampers, so bring your new and unwrapped toys to help out.

You might also take a moment to take your family photo in front of Santa on his sleigh and to hand-deliver your wish lists and letters to Santa to one of the elves on site.

“Capitol Christmas is made possible through the very generous sponsorships by local businesses and individuals in our community,” the press release stated.

“We would like to express our sincerest appreciation for the continue support.”

And the Trillium Foundation also comes in for thanks for their grant that has made it possible to upgrade sound and lighting equipment and replace draperies on the main stage, not to mention sound equipment for their new rehearsal hall.

“This equipment will be invaluable not only for rehearsals, but also for future youth programming,” the announcement added.

“We look forward to creating shows and witnessing the creativity of lighting and sound designers who will make use of the equipment to enhance our future productions, and the experience for our patrons.”