FUN, LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS
This is THE final weekend before Christmas, so a wonderful time to take a break and enjoy family time at one of the amazing local holiday events, from VanDusen’s Festival of Lights, to the PNE Winter Fair, the Christmas Market and more! I’ve got all of the ongoing special, festival happenings linked in this blog post here.
ANNUAL WINTER SOLSTICE LANTERN FESTIVAL
Saturday 6 pm, False Creek and Granville Island
Celebrate the longest night by creating a lantern and joining one of the 3 lantern processions that converge in the Water Park. on Granville Island. Starting points: 6 pm at Leg-in-Boot Square and the HR MacMillan Space Centre, 6:20 pm at Triangle Square, then there will be workshops, music and food at the Roundhouse Community Centre and False Creek Community Centre.
KERRISDALE HOLIDAY HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDES
Saturday 12 pm – 4 pm, Kerrisdale Village, W.41st, Vancouver
Cozy up for a free, horse and carriage ride through the streets of Kerrisdale. Also, enjoy roving musicians providing live entertainment as you get some Christmas shopping done.
BUNNY CAFE: WINTER SOLSTICE
Sunday 11 am – 12 pm, Petite Forest Play Cafe, West 4th, Vancouver
Join Miss Julie for storytime while surrounded by the sweetest little real bunnies. Bunny Café comes to Petite Forêt Play Café. Make the best out of the shortest days of the year with the most amount of fun! Ticket purchase ahead of time required.
WINTER DISCOVERY DAYS
Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 4 pm, Fraser River Discovery Centre, New Westminster
Winter has arrived at the Fraser River, and we invite you to celebrate the season at the FRDC’s Winter Discovery DaysCreate a drawing of your winter wish and it might be turned into a light display in the FRDC’s front window! Drop in for some seasonal facilitated activities every day between 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm. Delve into the winter wonders of life in the cold with self-guided activities throughout the building.
HUMBUG HOLIDAYS
Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 5 pm, Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada
At Fort Langley, there’s a humbug Chief Trader roaming the fort, making sure everyone stays busy. We’re counting on you to sneak in a little holiday magic! From December 16 to 30, come to Fort Langley National Historic Site and create your own ornaments. Take one home as a keepsake and leave another behind to secretly decorate the fort. But careful—the grumpy Chief Trader is on the lookout, and if they catch you decorating, you might just get recruited for some extra work!
ANNUAL WINTER ICE PALACE
Saturday & Sunday, multiple times, Cloverdale Arena, Surrey
It’s that time of year again where Cloverdale Arena transforms into a winter wonderland with festive lights, decorations and music! This popular, traditional event is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit with your friends and family. AND this Saturday a number of the skate times, are Skate with Santa events!
ELF IN CONCERT
Saturday 7 pm, The Orpheum
This holiday season Buddy travels to New York — with a live symphony orchestra! Experience John Debney’s wonderful score, played live by the VSO, as the full film plays on the big screen.
GOH BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER
Saturday 2 pm & 7:30 pm & Sunday 2 pm, Queen Elizabeth Theatre
A holiday classic and a favourite Vancouver tradition, Goh Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker provides aspiring dancers with an exceptional performance opportunity, bringing together the best local talent and Principal Dancers from world renowned professional companies on the stage
LIGHTS TO THE LODGE
Saturday & Sunday, Cypress Mountain
Lights to the Lodge snowshoeing trail will open this weekend! Enjoy the beautiful snowy snowshoe trek to Hollyburn Lodge, only 1.5km along a self guided snowshoe trail! The Light to the Lodge loop is lit with LED lights strung sustainably through the forest boughs of ancient Cedar, Fir and Hemlock trees. After enjoying your visit to the Lodge and perhaps one of the popular menu items or refreshments, guests can snowshoe back to the base area along a return trail also with feature lighting.
