Iqaluit set to warm up with holiday events all through December

The City of Iqaluit is ready to kick off the holiday season and people who get into the spirit and join in have the chance to win prizes such as a plane ticket or gift cards.

Saint Nick himself is set to usher in the festivities Dec. 9 with the Santa Claus parade and visit.

The event starts at 12 noon and runs until 4 p.m., including the visit with Santa which starts following the parade at 2 p.m. at the Elders Qammaq. People will have a chance to snap a picture with the man in red during the visit. There is no cost for either event.

After the parade and visit, people can head to a Winter Wonderland at Iqaluit Square to play on a sliding hill and enjoy hot chocolate and treats. This event runs from 2 until 8 p.m.

Enjoy baking? People can submit their Christmas cookie design to the city’s Christmas cookie contest on Facebook by messaging the City of Iqaluit’s Recreation page.

The online contest takes place Dec. 6 through 9. It’s a chance for the city’s culinary artists to show off their holiday treats.

The annual Holiday Qaumakuluit contest is back on as well. People are invited to light up their homes with their best holiday light display.

The contest is set for Dec. 11 from 6 until 9 p.m., when elders will judge the best lights. Prizes include a Canadian North return ticket to Ottawa for first place, a $500 Uqsuq Fuel heating oil prize and $500 Arctic Ventures gift card for second place, and the third-place prize is a $500 Arctic Ventures gift card.

Also, people should sharpen those blades and head to the Arctic Winter Games arena on Dec. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. for free skating. Arnaitok Arena will hold its own free skate events Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. until noon and 1 until 3 p.m.

Nakasuk School is also hosting Christmas Games from Dec. 23 until 31. Times for this event are yet to be determined.