The Magic of Christmas Rock: My Holiday Concert Tradition

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Or is it?

This time of year is too liminal. Halloween is in the rearview, but it’s not quite close enough to the winter festive season to fully decorate. So, perhaps the way to ignite that cozy holiday fire within is to go and partake in seasonal events.

And I know of a show that’s one of a kind.

Electric Violins and laser lights. Photo Courtesy of the Trans SIberian Orchestra

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Ottawa doesn’t always make the list when it comes to “world tours.” I know this. But there is one band that makes a semi-regular stop to our city.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) came to Ottawa this year with “The Lost Christmas Eve,” one of several rotating Christmas-themed tours they undertake, including “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” and “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.” While the concert date has now passed, they’re sure to swing around again.

Word of Mouth

Trans-Siberian Orchestra has one of those shows you never consider going to until it’s recommended by a friend who has been to one. Sure, I had heard some of their songs and even seen a few trailers for their concert. But it’s different when you hear directly from someone who has been to their live shows.

When I was still in high school, some fellow students in my music class sang the praises of TSO in concert. The enthusiasm with which they explained how good the TSO are sold me. So, my mom purchased tickets, and away we went.

One-of-a-Kind Show

It was the year 2010, and it was getting closer and closer to Christmas. In fact, the date was December 22nd (only three sleeps away). This was my first TSO concert, so my mom and I had no idea what to expect. A buzz was in the air as we made our way to our seats, just one section back from the stage. Beside us were veterans of TSO concerts, and wow, their anticipation was infectious. Before the show had even begun, my expectations had raised even higher.

Then, the lights went down, and the show began.

I had absorbed plenty of Christmas classics over my life, so, of course, I recognized the songs that TSO covered—but hearing those tunes in such a fresh, unexpected way? Pyrotechnics synchronized to loud electric instruments? It was bombastic. Enthralling. Synchronized light shows are at most concerts these days, but believe me when I say that the TSO long ago mastered the art of dazzlement and has only improved year over year.

Ah, Christmas, when towering walls of flame wash waves of heat over you and frenetic festive lasers dance displays over your head. I’m getting nostalgic just thinking about it.

Yet there were also calming, beautiful moments: acapella vocals that stick with your mind with the raw talent on display and artificial snow wafting over the crowd during slow, elegant waltzes.

A small hint of the kind of pyrotechnics Trans-Siberian Orchestra concerts are famous for. Photo Coutresy of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Still Not Sold?

The show is a story, not just a list of songs. I won’t get into spoilers, but there is a narrator and an entire plot that unfolds. “The Lost Christmas Eve” is just one of their stories. When going to their other shows, you can experience a new and different story. And that’s yet another incredible thing that stuck with me—experiencing not just a display of technology, talent, and performance but also an emotionally satisfying holiday story that, quite simply, puts you in the holiday spirit.

I remember that first time, on a late December evening, walking out of the Canadian Tire Centre (though I believe it was still called the Scotiabank Place back then), there was no doubt in my mind. “We’ve got to do this again!” I had said to my mom.

And we did. A new tradition formed.

Now, every time the TSO puts Ottawa as a stop on their tour, we jump to getting tickets. We went the following year in 2011 (which was the last time “The Lost Christmas Eve” was in Ottawa). In 2015, we went to see “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” when it swung around. Every year that we can experience a TSO show, the holidays are made just that much brighter and more memorable.

For this year’s show, I was now the veteran TSO fan, eagerly helping to do my part, hyping the first timers filtering into what was sure to become a holiday memory like no other.

“The show seems too intense; I’m not sure I’ll like it.”

Rest assured, TSO has a well-paced show. They know how to build toward the biggest parts of the spectacle expertly. While many rave about the climax (and the trailers love showcasing the most energetic moments), the journey to get to those moments, the lulls and turns, is a part of the experience. They know how to put on a show with wide appeal.

A Quick Trailer (No Spoilers)

Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s original Trailer for The Lost Christmas Eve. Video courtesy of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Some Final Thoughts

How does a rock concert put you in the Christmas mood? It just does. I think it’s the freshness. The new and exciting and loud take on Christmas classics. You need not be a fan of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra or need to have heard their Christmas albums. In fact, it may be a little cooler to experience seeing them without much knowledge. I didn’t own their albums before going that first time, but I collected their whole discography afterwards.

Remember Physical media like CDs? Photo: Hunter Brown

It's also noteworthy that TSO donates to a local charity for every show.

Once you experience it in person, TSO’s Christmas shows are sure to become a holiday tradition for you as well. Keep an eye and an ear out for this miraculous show returning to Ottawa. The more word-of-mouth support they get, the more often we’ll see this one-of-a-kind holiday spectacle venture to our fun city.

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Hunter Leclerc Brown (he/him) is Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk), born and raised in Ottawa. He is a professional writing student at Algonquin College, class of 2025. A lifelong sci-fi nerd, gamer, and martial artist, he’s now an aspiring author.

You’ll find him most days with a coffee, a good book, and snuggling with his cats.

Hand-Feeding Chickadees: An Ottawa-Tailored Guide

the Jack Pine Trail in autumn

Tranquility. It's not typically a word you’d expect to lead a blog about “finding fun,” but if you join me for this quiet detour, you’ll find one of the most rewarding experiences in Ottawa.

Chickadees!

No, this isn’t about birdwatching with binoculars. I’m talking about birds coming and landing right on your outstretched hand. Many find connecting with nature therapeutic—interacting with animals directly even more so. And no, you don’t have to be a Disney character to pull this off, trust me. I’ll give you some tips so even first-timers will have the Chickadees eating from their hands within a few minutes of arriving.

Signs and maps guide you along

Location, Location, Location

Ottawa makes no secret of its expansive Greenbelt and the trails throughout—in fact, we’ve previously posted about some of the best trails for biking.

But let’s say you’re not in the mood to just zip through the trails. Or the chillier weather has you hanging up the bike for winter. Or maybe you’re looking for something you can do with the kids and grandparents simultaneously.

Well, I have just the paths for you. Nestled south of Bells Corners (east of Bridlewood) is a collection of NCC trails where the birds have become accustomed to people coming and feeding them. These paths have hundreds of volunteer-filled bird feeders all along their winding routes, but the real attraction is how birds will come right up to your outstretched hand.

Within the Stony Swamp area, the Lime Kiln Trail and Jack Pine Trail are beautifully maintained with boardwalks and relatively level terrain. These trails are by no means difficult to hike, so almost anyone of any age or fitness level can do them.

From October to November, the Chickadees are preparing for winter and are extra ravenous.

What to Bring

1. Sunflower seeds. They’re the favourite of Chickadees.

2. A convenient, easy-to-carry container or zip-lock baggy to bring the seeds.

3. Water and human snacks, so you can stay as long as you want.

4. Your phone or a good camera to capture the memories.

5. (Optional) Binoculars.

• Don’t bring dogs, even leashed. Sorry, but Fido needs to stay home for this one, or else the birds won’t come near.

Always make sure you are dressed for the weather and are wearing comfortable outdoor shoes.

Make sure to use black oil sunflower seeds meant for birds. Don’t use sunflower seeds meant for human snacking.

You won’t find much success attracting Chickadees with Nyjer or other mixed bird seed blends. But if you bring some, be sure to leave a few handfuls in the numerous feeders along the way for the other, shier birds in the forest.

Palm the seeds like this

What to Look For

As you make your way along the paths, keep an ear out.

When you hear the telltale “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, you know you’re in the right spot to stop.

There may also be some feeders or even some seeds left by other trail-goers, signalling a good place to try.

But if seeds are available on rocks or in feeders, Chickadees may choose to grab those seeds over the ones in your hand.

Get the sunflower seeds out and look around for brush or low branches near the path.

Chickadees prefer to land at a safe branch nearby to scope you out first, so don’t stand in an area that’s too open.

Extend your arm like this

What to Do

Sometimes, the Chickadees are bold and will surround you on nearby branches before you even extend your hands.

Either way, you’ll want to put a small amount of seeds on your palm and extend your arm away from your body.

• You can choose to either sit or stand as long as you’re calm and remain still.

The most important thing is to remain patient.

Sudden or abrupt movements and noises can startle the Chickadees.

But don’t worry too much if you accidentally make some. If you wait quietly, they’ll get comfortable around you again.

A chickadee landing amongst the dappled light of a cedar grove

The Magic

Before you know it, the flaps of Chickadee wings as they dart to and fro will lead to the feeling of their tiny feet on your fingers as they land.

They’ll only stay for a very short moment, enough to pick a seed or two from your palm before they dart away.

Stay still and calm, as exciting as it is to have success. If you want to talk, do so in a relaxed, conversational tone.

Remember to leave some seeds on rocks and railings as you move along, or you can refill some of the feeders.

And enjoy the cute birds!

If you have several people with you, the Chickadees might favour one person for reasons known only to them. Don’t be jealous or let it discourage you. Find a different spot further away and see if they follow.

Some Sights and Sounds

A Chickadee flies in for a close up

Not just Chickadees are around, Nuthatches will land on you, too

A Chickadee lands on my hand near the Lime Kiln Trail’s ruins

A Few More Shots

Wrapping Up the Experience

I’m no photographer, but on one trip, I took hundreds of shots of Chickadees and Nuthatches landing on my hands. You’ll probably want to take photos, too.

If you’re an animal or nature lover, an introvert looking for a peaceful afternoon, or just looking for some incredible Instagram shots, then this adventure is for you. I really can’t recommend enough that you experience for yourself the unique delight that comes from these cute little birds choosing to land right on your hand.

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Hunter Leclerc Brown (he/him) is Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk), born and raised in Ottawa. He is a professional writing student at Algonquin College, class of 2025. A lifelong sci-fi nerd, gamer, and martial artist, he’s now an aspiring author.

You’ll find him most days with a coffee, a good book, and snuggling with his cats.

Frightfully Fun: Saunders Farm Is a Gem for All Ages

October Spook Meets Autumn Charm

As our warm weather fades and the days grow shorter, one holiday creeps into the minds of young and old, for Hallowed Eve fast approaches once the green leaves turn colours. Tis the season of ghosts and gourds, and a family-run farm a short drive outside the city aims to scratch that seasonal itch.

Welcome to Saunders Farm!

Setting the Fun

Located at 7893 Bleeks Road, in Munster (southwest of Stittsville in Ottawa), the 100-acre site has operated attractions since 1976.

As soon as you enter past the admissions gate, you’re hit with the festival-like atmosphere. You’ll find dozens of food stands and vendors lining the paths, music playing, and stilt walkers meandering about. Campfires dot the area, providing pleasant scents and fighting back any chill autumn air that might come along. Signs pointing to restaurants, playgrounds, and trails greet you. Seasonally appropriate spooky décor sets the stage, even in the light of day.

One of the newer Saunders attractions. Photo: Hunter Brown

Main Attractions

Of course, Saunders is best known for its Halloween-themed attractions. As the sun sets, the fall fair atmosphere of the “Pumpkinfest” and Octoberfest-themed day is overtaken by a delightfully scary night: “Frightfest!” The coloured lights and fog machines combine to elevate the atmosphere before you even get in line for some of the performances. The screams emanate from all sides as you take your pick of which set you wish to visit first; do you dare venture to the “Barn of Terror,” “The Coven,” “The Sawmill,” or perhaps the infamous “Haunted Hayride?”

I hope someone mops up the mess—That drink will go right through him! Photo: Hunter Brown

Culinary De-frights

When you’re in between enjoying the well-choreographed performances at Saunders’ various haunted house variants, why not sample some of the food choices?

Sure, you have your staple fair foods like cotton candy and hotdogs, but there’s also a great deal more to quench and satisfy, including several (pun-based) restaurants and bars.

Speaking of refreshments, Saunders offers various strengths and flavours of hard and soft ciders at its bars and restaurants, as well as bottled and canned versions as take-home options. Their ciders are made right on the farm!

Seasonal Sights

A zipline! Photo: Hunter Brown

“Pumpkinfest” and “Frightfest” are both fall and October-centred events, but Saunders offers more than just autumn attractions. Their doors are open from June to September for “Summer Maze Days,” where you can enjoy their permanent maze attractions or wagon rides in shorts and a t-shirt. A splash pad is on-site to cool off on hot days. Their zipline stays open into the fall season as well.

Newer since the pandemic is Saunders’ Christmas-themed “Country Christmas Days,” which opens in late November and runs until New Year's.

MOUTH-WATERING scents are everywhere! Photo: Hunter Brown

Family-Friendly

Saunders is a family-run and family-friendly place to take even young kids. What? Parents should be able to find fun in Ottawa, too! The farm has many play structures and games for even young kids.

“Pumpkinfest” features face painting and toned-down versions of their haunted house-type attractions. Elaborate puppet shows and giant bouncy floors can alternate between sapping their energy and capturing their imaginations. Just because the kids can be entertained doesn’t mean the parents are forgotten.

Did I mention their offerings of ciders?

Expect the mazes to take a while! Photo: Hunter brown

Come Alone

Having a place to bring the kids for a memorable autumn adventure is fantastic, but make no mistake, Saunders is for all ages. At night, the kids go home, and the real serious spook begins. If you are brave enough, or perhaps hubristic enough, to try to make it through every attraction alone, I salute you. The actors and performers have lots of practice perfecting their jump scares, and the winding, sometimes claustrophobic passages are deceptively laid out to make you think you know how things are going to go.

Well? Go on. I’m sure that dark hallway is perfectly fine.

Come With Friends

Of course, there is no substitute for a group of friends' ability to feed off each other’s energy and elevate the experience. It doesn’t mean you're scared if you tell your friend to go first, honest. It’s their turn. I know you just want to see them have fun, too. I’m not judging. Really.

Bringing friends or family is by far the best way to enjoy the night of festivities. Having company while waiting in lines or sharing a Beavertail with (yes, there’s a BeaverTails, too) makes the experience and memories that much more priceless.

Pumpkins! Photo: Hunter Brown

Before You Go

If you enjoy Halloween haunted houses or are just an autumn aficionado, Saunders is a fantastically frightful bit of Ottawa-based fun.

I know I’m going back soon.

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Hunter Leclerc Brown (he/him) is Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk), born and raised in Ottawa. He is a professional writing student at Algonquin College, class of 2025. A lifelong sci-fi nerd, gamer, and martial artist, he’s now an aspiring author.

You’ll find him most days with a coffee, a good book, and snuggling with his cats.