December is here and there are so many fun things going on! It’s always exciting to put together a jam-packed weekend event list like this one. Here is my list of events for the weekend of December 4-5.
SPIRIT OF THE SEASON CELEBRATION
Saturday, 4 pm – 7 pm, The Shipyards, North Vancouver
Free admission. Mayor Linda Buchanan, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus, officially light the tree at the foot of Lonsdale at 4:30pm. There’s fun for the whole family including live music, twinkling lights, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, foods trucks, plus more surprises
OUTDOOR SKATING
Saturday and Sunday, both Robson Square and The Shipyards Plaza
Both of Metro Vancouver’s free outdoor skating venues are now open to the public! I wrote a blog post earlier this week with all the details, click the link in the title to learn more.
HOLIDAY HOP AND MOM BOP
Saturday, 3 pm, Mount Seymour United Church
Enjoy some fun upbeat kids Christmas classics and original songs by Mom Bop & Katie Brock. Expect bopping interactive fun, dance and giveaways. Buy tickets ahead of time and proof of vaccination required.
PONY RIDES WITH SANTA
Sunday, 9 am – 2 pm, A & T Equestrian, Surrey
Bring your child out for a fun pony ride with Santa! Take pictures and make memories. There will also be vendors at the event. Cost is 30$ plus gst.
THE SNOWMAN DOUBLE FEATURE SCREENING
Sunday, 3 pm, The ACT Arts Centre, 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge
I loved this movie as a kid! These two beloved British Christmas specials, rarely seen in Canada, are coming to The ACT Arts Centre as a double feature. All seats are $12.50.
CHRISTMAS AT CANADA PLACE
Saturday and Sunday, Canada Place
It is opening weekend for this family-friendly, outdoor experience will feature the historic Woodward’s Windows and Avenue of Christmas Trees, delicious holiday recipes, a special holiday-themed Sails of Light display, Canada’s North light display and more
PNE WINTER LIGHTS
Saturday and Sunday, PNE grounds
Grab a hot cocoa, crank up the carols, and enjoy this safe and entertaining experience from the warmth of your car. You will be transported through nine enchanted lands filled with glowing lights, special characters and festive performers along the way. It costs $37 or $42 dollars per car depending on what night you choose to go. Tickets must be purchased online ahead of time.
LUMAGICA
Saturday and Sunday, 4 pm – 10 pm, Cloverdale Fairgrounds
This is an outdoor/indoor global Holiday experience, unique to each location, and it is finally making its Canadian debut at Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey this weekend. Visitors will go on a 1km light walk through diverse lands and photo opportunities. You can get hot cocoa or delicious mulled wine and enjoy it while walking through the lights. There are also several treats and snacks available from various vendors in the park. In addition, there is live entertainment and a Christmas marketplace so you can pick up some gifts. Tickets must be booked online ahead of time.
STEVESTON FESTIVAL OF TREES
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm, Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
Wander through a forest of illuminated holiday trees decorated by local merchants and community organizations. Vote for your favourite tree.
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL AT THE MUSEUM
Saturday and Sunday, 12 pm – 9 pm, Port Moody Station Museum
A magical outdoor Festival with gifts under the Big Tent, hot seasonal beverages, food trucks & more. Admission is by donation.
VISIT SANTA’S WORKSHOP AT GRANVILLE ISLAND
Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am – 3:30 pm, Kids Only Market, Granville Island
There are a number of places (mostly malls) where you can get a distanced photo with Santa this year, but visiting him in his workshop at Kids Only Market is a special experience. Kids can enjoy a sing a long with Santa, and storytime. Visiting Santa is free. You can’t book ahead, you just need to show up and put your name down on a list.
SNOW WHITE – ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME
Saturday, 7:30 pm, Metro Theatre, SW Marine Drive
We grew up going to the Christmas Pantomime at the Metro every year! I have great memories from these shows. In this original, traditional Metro pantomime, Snow White meets all the usual characters, plus a few added surprises. Big production numbers and colourful costumes make this a Christmas-time family hit.
CHRISTMAS IN KERRISDALE
Saturday, 12 pm – 4 pm, Kerrisdale Village along 41st in Vancouver
Get some holiday shopping done while enjoying strolling brass bands, Christmas quarters and holiday horse and carriage rides.
NORTH STAR EXPERIENCE TRAIN
Saturday and Sunday, three locations: Metrotown (Burnaby), Guilford Town Centre (Surrey) and Tsawwassen Mills
Take a train ride to the Northern lights and beyond in this virtual, 3D holiday experience. Seating is limited, so participants must purchase a ticket in advance.
ENJOY A HOLIDAY MARKET
It is a great weekend to check out a holiday market! There is of course the big Vancouver Christmas Market still going on at Jack Poole Plaza, there is also a brand new, large Christmasland Market taking place at Richmond’s Lavenderland, the Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair , the Yaletown Winter Market at the Roundhouse Community Centre, and the Maple Ridge Christmas Craft Fair to name a few.
ALL THE OTHER AWESOME HOLIDAY EVENTS
And of course there are all the other awesome, ongoing holiday events that have kicked off in previous weeks that you don’t want to miss out on including : the Festival of Lights at Van Dusen Gardens, Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park, Dundarave Festival of Lights , Heritage Christmas at the Burnaby Village Museum, Surrey Holiday Lights, Lights at LaFarge, and Glow Gardens in Langley.
