Trying to keep that holiday cheer heading into this weekend, but admittedly I’m feeling stressed with the latest covid variant developments. I just hope everyone can enjoy the first weekend of the kids’ holiday break and still stay safe. There are still so many wonderful events going on, and most of them outdoors, if you’re not comfortable heading inside right now. Check out my list of activities for the weekend of December 18-19.
WINTER DISCOVERY DAYS
Saturday, The Fraser River Discovery Centre, New Westminster
Visit the FRDC for festive, family-friendly fun, learn what we can do to look after riverside ecosystems, and craft seasonal gifts to spread some cheer. Discover the science behind snowflakes – how they form, the surprising diversity of snowflakes, and make 3D models of different types of snowflakes
THE ROBSON SQUARE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Saturday and Sunday, Robson Square Ice Rink
Robson Square’s outdoor skating rink is open, so celebrate winter in style with skating in the heart of downtown Vancouver. On Saturday and Sunday there will be live entertainment down by the rink. On Saturday from 6-9 pm Rumba Calzada will perform, and on Sunday 2:30 – 4:15 pm the Showstoppers will perform.
NUTCRACKER – ROYAL CITY YOUTH BALLET
Saturday and Sunday, 1 and 4 pm, Massey Theatre, New Westminster
The Royal City Youth Ballet Company presents the full length ballet The Nutcracker. This traditional ballet has beautiful sets, extravagant costumes, and features a cast of young, dedicated dancers.
LIGHTS TO THE LODGE
Saturday and Sunday, Cypress Mountain
A safe and easy one-kilometre snowshoe trek to the historic Hollyburn Lodge along a self-guided trail through the enchanting Old Growth Forest. The trail is lit with LED lights strung sustainably through the forest boughs of ancient Cedar, Fir and Hemlock trees. A great way to spend an evening with the family.
TSAWWASSEN SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Saturday and Sunday, Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course
A follower emailed me this week tipping me off about this event out in Tsawwassen (I really appreciate your tips by the way! Send them to me anytime) It is a 20-30 minute walk through a beautiful forest of decorated trees. There is Christmas music and lots of wonderful photo opportunities. You can vote for your favourite tree! Admission is free.
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL AT THE RIO
Saturday, 1:20 pm, The Rio Theatre
One of my most favourite Christmas movies ever! Head to the Rio to watch the Muppets perform the classic Charles Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit and Ebenezer Scrooge played by Michael Caine.
SOAR WITH SANTA AT FLYOVER CANADA
Saturday and Sunday, Canada Place
Fly with Santa and his elves on a magical flight across Canada and on to the North Pole. After meeting some of Santa’s elves, Chestnut and Pinecone, you’ll join them as they take flight across Canada looking for their fellow elves.
WINTER PLAZA PARTY
Saturday, 2 pm – 5 pm, Point Grey Village, West 10th and Sasamat
Kids crafts, prize draws, free hot chocolate and cookies, seasonal entertainment, Santa visits at 3 pm
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 carols and holiday horse and carriage rides. There is also a FREE SKATE at the Kerrisdale arena on Sunday from 5:30 pm – 7 pm.
VISITS WITH SANTA IN DUNBAR
Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm, Save on Foods Parking Lot, 41st and Dunbar
Come and visit with Santa and bring a donation to the Vancouver Food Bank. Photos with Santa are inside a tent, masks and vaccination card for ages 12 plus. Face masks can be temporarily removed for photos.
THE OTHER AMAZING, ONGOING HOLIDAY EVENTS
There are also all of the other ongoing holiday events that kicked off in previous weeks such as : 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, Glow Gardens in Langley, the Steveston Festival of Trees, Lumagica at the Cloverdale Fair Grounds, PNE Winter Lights, and outdoor skating at the Shipyards.
