What’s on this weekend

The second weekend of December is upon us already here with just three more Sundays to go until Christmas. Plenty of festive events will bring the season’s spirits this weekend along with others that celebrate world music and even the ice age.

This Friday and Saturday, the latest edition of the Cyprus Jazz & World Music Showcase will take place in Limassol. In its 10^th year, the showcase returns to Rialto Theatre for a weekend of live music from some of the island’s most acclaimed bands and musicians. Performances will take place at the theatre as well as some parallel concerts at Art Studio 55. Twelve ensembles with over 40 musicians make up this year’s anniversary showcase.

Also happening in Limassol this weekend is a new interactive exhibition opening the gates to the frosty world of mammoths, sabre-toothed tigers, rhinos and other prehistoric animals. The Explore the Ice Age educational exhibition will run from December 10 to January 7 at the old port with large installations, interactive activities and light and sound displays that will bring to life a long-gone wintery landscape.

A Children’s Christmas Parade will add festive cheer in the capital city this Saturday. The parade will begin at 5pm setting off from the junction between Makarios and Spyros Kyprianou avenues. Batukinio Percussion Band will lead the parade playing high-energy music all along Makarios Ave until they reach Eleftheria Square. Stilt-walkers, mascots and Santas will join the children in the parade and offer gifts at the square.

In Lania village, artists and creatives present the Lania Christmas Colours event on Sunday. From 11am to 7pm, visitors can explore local arts and crafts as well as interactive storytelling, a Christmas ornaments workshop and Christmas tree decorations.

Paphos Municipality will host a Santa Run on Sunday, gathering people of all ages at the Municipality Square dressed up as Santa. A walking or running route will begin at 10.30am spreading the holiday cheer throughout town while also aiding charity and volunteer organisations. At Kennedy square, there will be bouncy castles, a market, balloon creations, horses and more.

Of course, dozens of Christmas markets will take place at almost every corner of the island this weekend. One-day and two-day markets will showcase the island’s creatives, offering plenty of ideas for Christmas gifts.

10th Cyprus Jazz & World Music Showcase

Annual two-day event with performances by local bands. December 8-9. Rialto Theatre, Limassol. 7.30pm. €10 per day or €15 for both days. Tel: 7777-7745. www.rialto.com.cy

Explore the Ice Age

Interactive exhibition on the Ice Age period. By Eksagon Exhibitions. December 10-January 7. Old port, Limassol. Tel: 22-055789. www.eksagonexhibitions.com

Children’s Christmas Parade

Festive parade with live music, stilt-walkers and Santas. By the Nicosia Municipality. December 9. Meeting point: Junction between Makariou and Spyrou Kypriakou avenues. End point: Eleftheria Square, Nicosia. 5pm. Free

Lania Christmas Colours

Arts & crafts event with workshops and a market. December 10. Lania village, Limassol district. 11am-7pm

Santa Run

Event with walking, markets and activities for children. December 10. 28th October Square, Paphos. 10.30am. Tel: 26-822270