It has been an intense and devastating week in the Lower Mainland. Admittedly, it feels a little strange to be putting together my weekly list for family fun when so many families are currently displaced by flooding and facing hardship. So let me start by saying if you want to help those affected by the flooding there are places to donate both items and money. Go Fund Me has set up a verified page for some of the victims of this disaster. You can find it linked HERE.
Now, here are some of the family friendly events taking place around Metro Vancouver for the week of November 20-21.
VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET
Saturday and Sunday, Jack Poole Plaza
The Vancouver Christmas Market is in full swing downtown at Jack Poole Plaza. You must purchase an entry ticket and time to enjoy this market and then you can peruse lots of holiday shopping, enjoy German-style food and drinks, hop on the Christmas carousel, and take in the festive music, and lights. Bonus: this year rides on the carousel are free!
CANYON LIGHTS
Saturday and Sunday, Capilano Suspension Bridge
It is the opening weekend for the beautiful light display at the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Journey into the rainforest and walk high above the forest floor between the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world on Treetops Adventure. And the gorgeous “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel will once again wrap its way along a portion of Cliffwalk. BC residents can buy an annual membership for the same price as a visit, so it’s a good idea and let’s you go back if you want to see the lights more than once!
SURREY TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL
Saturday, 12 pm – 10 pm, 13450 104 ave Surrey
A free event, but there is limited capacity and will be on a first come first serve basis. You can expect immersive lights, live music, avHoliday Market, Enchanted Eats presented by Dished, free hot chocolate, photos with Santa and more family activities.
LUMIERE VANCOUVER
Saturday and Sunday (after dark is best), English Bay
The West End will be beautifully illuminated starting this weekend with the kick-off of Lumiere Vancouver. Lumiere is a series of public art installations in different locations in downtown Vancouver. It’s pretty low key, but it’s free and the light installations are lovely to check out. The best place to visit are the ones set up in English Bay, where you can see four large and beautiful displays along the beach.
GLOW GARDENS
Saturday and Sunday, 6690 216 St, Langley
Glow Langley is a light up festival where you never have to get out of the comfort of your car. This year’s theme is “A Fairytale Christmas” – so you can expect to see some of your favourite fairytale characters be a part of the displays. The drive takes about 20 minutes or so and you can munch on same tasty treats as you enjoy the sights. Your ticket includes popcorn and mini donuts (just won me over with the donuts). Tickets and time slots must be booked online and then you just roll up and show your e-ticket.
LIGHTS OF HOPE AT ST PAULS
Saturday and Sunday, St.Pauls Hospital
The gorgeous annual light display out front of St Pauls Hospital has once again been lit for the season. New for 2021 is a Selfie Station at the display – a great spot for this year’s holiday photo with friends and family. You are able to donate to the hospital fundraiser out front of the light display too.
PNE TOY DROP DONATION DRIVE THRU
Saturday, 8 am – 4 pm, The PNE, enter through Gate 6 on Renfrew, near the Pacific Coliseum
Want to do something feel good with the kids that will help those less fortunate have a better Christmas? (no brainer right) Everyone is invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau Toy Drop Drive Thru at the PNE. As a thank you for your donation, each car will receive a special holiday treat. (there is also a drop off time on Friday Nov 19 from 7:30 am – 6 pm)
RICHMOND RCMP TOY DRIVE
Saturday, 8 am – 1 pm, Lansdowne Centre Parking Lot
Stop by and help stuff the squad car with a new, unwrapped toy for the Christmas Fund! You can also make a cash donation of $10 or more. Everyone who donates will get a warm bag of mini donuts.
SOUTHLANDS TSAWWASSEN CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
Saturday, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, 6388 Market Ave, Tsawwassen
Ring in the festive season with an evening of carolling, hot chocolate, kids arts and crafts, fire pits, and the lighting of the Southlands Christmas tree! Attendance is complimentary, but capacity is limited. Registration is required. Toy drive donations will also be collected.
MICHAELANGELO’S SISTINE CHAPEL: THE EXHIBITION
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 8 pm, Vancouver Convention Centre
This unique exhibition in Vancouver invites you to step into the universe of the greatest masterpieces of Michelangelo, seen from a totally new perspective. See innovative and unique interpretations of Michelangelo’s timeless masterpieces.
DEER LAKE CRAFT FESTIVAL
Saturday 10 am – 7 pm and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby
This family-friendly winter shopping extravaganza is free admission, and features entertainment from local emerging performers. Shop over 30+ local B.C. artisans this year at this seasonal artisan market.
