Upcoming Event: Shchedryk Get tickets
MARY CHRISTMAS TO: A GARDEN OF EVEN EVENT
Shchedryk: A reimagining of the Christmas story
This year, Join Garden of Even™ in Toronto for Shchedryk and journey from the hills of Nazareth to the mountains of the Carpathians for a holiday celebration of vision, resilience and hope.
Come hear the Christmas story from a new perspective and leave inspired with a vision for the future.
Wednesday December 2, 5:30 - 8:30PM
St. Paul’s on Bloor | 227 Bloor Street East, Toronto.
ABOUT THE EVENT
THE CHRISTMAS STORY LIKE YOU’VE NEVER HEARD IT
Garden of Even™ brings the stories of Mother Mary, the woman at the centre of the Christmas story, and Ukrainian writer, Olya Kobilyanska, into conversation to ask a timely question: What is the future inviting you to imagine?
Every generation inherits stories.
Why it matters
STORIES REIMAGINED
Discover two extraordinary women and the worlds they dared to imagine.
TRADITIONS CELEBRATED
Experience the beauty of Ukrainian Christmas through music, art and tradition.
HOPE REKINDLED
Leave with a renewed sense of wonder and possibility for the year ahead.
Event details
Program Highlights
Journey across centuries through immersive storytelling and discover how Mother Mary and Ukrainian writer Olha Kobylianska challenged the conventions of their times, imagined a better world and dared to act on their visions.
Rooted in the spirit of Shchedryk—the beloved Ukrainian composition that travelled the world as Carol of the Bells—the evening celebrates the richness of Ukrainian holiday traditions through music, art, storytelling and cultural ritual.
Experience a curated Garden of Even™ art exhibition, featuring the unveiling of a newly commissioned portrait of Olha Kobylianska by Ukrainian artist Daria Hlazatova.
Together, these experiences bring history into conversation with the present, inviting us to reconsider the stories we've inherited and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Come hear the Christmas story like you've never heard it before—and leave inspired to imagine a different future.
The Evening
5:30 – 6:30pm
Arrival Reception
Begin the evening with refreshments and the opportunity to explore a curated selection of Garden of Even™ original artworks.
6:30 – 7:30pm
Programme
- A signature Garden of Even™ keynote by founder Kadie Philp, offering a thought-provoking re-telling of the Christmas story through Mary's historical lens.
- A conversation that brings Mary and Olha Kobilyanska together across history exploring the enduring relevance of their stories.
- Seasonal music and entertainment showcasing rich and colourful holiday traditions.
- Unveiling and celebration of a new Garden of Even™ portrait of Kobylianksa by Ukrainian artist Daria Hlazatova
- Launch of a new collaboration Tanya Shapenko featuring beautiful garnet gemstones
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Christmas Reception
Continue the conversation over premium wine and seasonal canapés in an intimate holiday inspired setting surrounded by select original Garden of Even™ artwork and holiday themed vendors.
Venue:
St. Paul’s on Bloor | 227 Bloor Street East, Toronto.
Nearest Subway:
Yonge & Bloor (Yonge Line)
Sherbourne (Bloor Line)
MEET YOUR SPEAKER
Kadie Philp
Kadie Philp is the Founder of Garden of Even™, an award-winning storyteller, and a sought-after international speaker whose work sits at the intersection of history, economics, culture, leadership, and social change.
Over the past twenty years, she has worked in more than 100 cities across 30 countries, advising leaders, institutions, and communities navigating transformation. Her insights have been featured in the Financial Times, The Globe and Mail, and other international media.
Through Garden of Even™, Kadie explores the women, myths, and stories that have shaped our collective imagination. Her signature experiences combine historical research, immersive storytelling, and original art to reveal how the stories we inherit influence the futures we create. Through Garden of Even™, she invites audiences to reconsider familiar stories and discover what becomes possible when we see them, and ourselves, differently.
Kadie is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. She received the medal in recognition of her exceptional contributions to strengthening local government across Canada and internationally, as well as her impact on Canadian municipal and international economic growth.
RESERVE YOUR SEAT EARLY
This special Toronto presentation has intentionally limited capacity to create an intimate experience for conversation and connection.
Date: Wednesday December 2 2026, 5:30 - 8:30PM
Location: St. Paul’s on Bloor | 227 Bloor Street East, Toronto.
Who Took The Mary Out of Christmas?
This Year, Join Garden of Even™ in Toronto for Shchedryk: A reimagining of the Christmas story that brings (Mother) Mary and Olha Kobylianska into conversation across centuries.
Through original art, historically grounded storytelling and unconventional conversation, come hear the Christmas story from Mary’s perspective. Explore what changes when we hear the Christmas story differently, and leave inspired by Mary’s revolutionary vision for a better future.
Regular price
$99.00 CAD
Regular price
Sale price
$99.00 CAD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
What to expect
On December 2nd, join us for an immersive event with
- A reimagining of the Christmas story celebrating the full spectrum of women’s agency, power, curiosity and consent, where Olha Kobylianska and (mother) Mary meet across centuries.
- An exploration of Kobylianska’s life and work introducing audiences to the depth of her’s and Ukrainian cultural and intellectual history, placed in dialogue with one of the most familiar stories in the world.
- Fireside chat placing Mary’s and Olha’s story in today’s context exploring the themes outlined in keynote.
- Seasonal music and entertainment showcasing Ukrainian cultural holiday traditions.
- Bespoke Holiday Reception/Celebration in a curated space with the Garden of Even™ Exhibition showcasing the newly commissioned portrait of Olha Kobylianska and Mother Mary.
- Premium wine and bites
- Garden of Even™ curated marketplace
Presented By
Garden of Even™ is an art and storytelling platform founded by Kadie Philp, based in Toronto.
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Regular price
$99.00 CAD
Regular price
Sale price
$99.00 CAD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Date: Wednesday December 2 2026, 5:30 - 8:30PM
Location: St. Paul’s on Bloor | 227 Bloor Street East, Toronto.
Who Took The Mary Out of Christmas?
This Year, Join Garden of Even™ in Toronto for Shchedryk: A reimagining of the Christmas story that brings (Mother) Mary and Olha Kobylianska into conversation across centuries.
Through original art, historically grounded storytelling and unconventional conversation, come hear the Christmas story from Mary’s perspective. Explore what changes when we hear the Christmas story differently, and leave inspired by Mary’s revolutionary vision for a better future.
Available in stock (197)