Cold warnings, as low as -50°C, are not stopping NWT residents from having a joyful and eventful holiday season. Communities are hosting drum dances, community feasts and setting off fireworks to ring in the New Year.
Below is a list of events happening across the NWT this holiday season.
If you know of an event not included here, email news@cklbradio.com to help us create a more complete event guide.
North Slave Region
Yellowknife & Ndilǫ
Families and children can start the Christmas season early with a Christmas movie night on December 23rd at the Ndilǫ Gym. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (The same event will also be held in Dettah at the Youth Centre).
On Christmas Day, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation will host a drum dance at the Ndilǫ Gym at 8 p.m. Residents can join in for handgames on December 26th, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the gym.
Behchokǫ̀
A youth Christmas banquet will take place at the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre on December 20, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event, hosted by the Behchokǫ̀ Presence Office Justice and Victim Services, invites youth aged 12 to 17 to join in on the fun with games, door prizes, Christmas supper, snacks, music and a photoshoot.
A series of drum dances are planned for Christmas Day at 6 p.m., New Year’s Eve at 9 p.m. and January 1st at 5 p.m. The New Year’s drum dance will be followed by a firework show.
A community brunch program will run daily from December 21st to January 3rd, and a handgames tournament valued at $50,000 will take place over the Christmas weekend.
A fire feeding ceremony will wrap up the holiday season in Behchokǫ̀ on January 3rd at noon.
Dettah
The Yellowknives Dene First Nation will host a New Year’s Eve party at the Chief Drygeese Centre on December 31st, from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Residents can also look forward to a drum dance at 5 p.m. at the same location.
Whatì
In Whatì, children can enjoy sledding for free on December 20th, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., thanks to a Christmas initiative from the Justice and Victim Services Department. As sleds are limited, families are encouraged to contact the office at (867)573-3012 ext. 1409 to sign up.
South Slave Region
Fort Resolution
The community government is hosting a Christmas community feast at the community hall on December 20th at 5 p.m.
Hay River
Residents can enjoy an active and healthy holiday as the Town of Hay River offers free sports sessions from December 23rd to January 3rd. Activities includes skating, open swim, junior shinny and senior shinny. Event details can be found on the town’s website.
Fort Providence
Folks in Fort Providence got into the giving spirit this year. Two residents have started a Christmas giving tree initiative, where each ornament represents a child’s wish-list item. Community members can pick an ornament and return the present under the tree. Children will receive their gifts from a secret Santa, as early as December 20.
Fort Smith
The Nightly Santa Float began in Fort Smith on December 17, and will run until Christmas Eve. There will be a full day of events on December 31st, with a youth dance party at the community’s recreation centre at 2 p.m., and a firework show at the Lookout Hill at 7 p.m.
Enterprise
As of December 20th, there is no event planned for Christmas and the New Year in the community of Enterprise, according to a representative from the hamlet’s recreation centre.
Beaufort Delta Region
Inuvik
The Town of Inuvik is hosting a Christmas party for children on December 22nd. Youth aged 12 and under can register before Friday for a free gift from Santa. The party will take place at the Midnight Sun complex-pool lobby, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuktoyaktuk
The community of Tuktoyaktuk can expect a series of holiday events, including an ugly sweater contest on December 21st, a holiday feast on December 27th and a holiday dance on December 28th. Enjoy snacks, music, games and drink!
Fort McPherson
The community will host a Christmas ornament contest on December 20th, and a flee market on the next day at 2 p.m, and a Santa parade at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Residents can also look forward to women’s feast, dance, talent show, bingo and fireworks leading up to the New Year.
Sahtu Region
Colville Lake
A Christmas fair and market will take place at the Gym on December 24, starting at 1 p.m. Residents can reserve a table for free to sell food, deserts, baked goods, household items and more. There will also be a dessert contest for adults and youth, with cash prizes for the top five winners.
Norman Wells
Residents in Norman Wells win cash prizes of up to $500 by entering contests for best Christmas tree, light decorations, or pet costumes. The deadline to participate is December 31st, and winners will be announced on January 6th.
Délı̨nę
A Christmas lights contest is happening in Délı̨nę on December 20 at 6 p.m. For the New Year, a community feast will take place on December 30th, drum dance on the 31st and a fireworks party on January 1st at 2 p.m.
Fort Good Hope
Residents are invited to a casino night at the band hall tonight, December 20 at 7 p.m. A scavenger hunt and men’s night will take place on Monday, and an in-door decoration contest on the Christmas Eve.
Residents can also expect a fireworks show around midnight on December 31st.
Tulita
The hamlet is holding a Christmas tree decorating contest on Monday, December 23rd.
Dehcho Region
Fort Simpson
Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation is hosting a Christmas sale at the band’s office building on December 20, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Residents can shop traditional goods from more than 20 vendors, while enjoying mocktails and hot drinks. Santa also will be there for photos!
Fort Liard
Fort Liard residents can bring their decorated vehicles, skidoos or ATVs to a Christmas parade this Saturday, December 21st. The parade will start at 4 p.m. outside of the community hall. Winners will get gift cards worth up to $200.
Wrigley
The Pehdzeh Ki First Nation invites residents to their New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31st, starting at 6 p.m. Folks can expect Johnny Landry and Ernest Monias on the stage, followed by a talent show, dance, and fireworks.
Nahanni Butte
As of December 20, there is no event planned for Christmas or New Year in the community of Nahanni Butte, according to Qualin Matou, the assistant manager of the band office.
CKLB News would like thank you for choosing CKLB Radio (FM101.9) your go-to radio station. Wish you a happiest holiday, and we look forward to hearing from you and sharing your stories in the new year. Mahsi Cho!
