HOLIDAY EVENTS KICKING OFF!
I just completed my list of the best Christmas events and attractions around Vancouver, and for most of them, this is the opening weekend. From Canyon Lights, to the Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain it is go-time for festive fun. Check out that blog post for the complete list here.
SURREY TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL
Saturday & Sunday 12 pm – 8 pm, Surrey Civic Plaza
Join the Mayor and special guests (including Santa!) in lighting Surrey’s official Christmas tree. Standing 60 feet tall, the tree will stay lit during the holiday season. Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy free live entertainment across four stages, take photos with Santa, shop an expanded Holiday Market, experience amusement rides and light displays.
WINTERFEST
Saturday & Sunday 1 pm – 4 pm, Museum of Surrey
Enjoy festive activities for the whole family at the Museum of Surrey. Marvel at dazzling Christmas trees and vote for your favourite. Explore the museum with a fun holiday themed scavenger hunt too!
WOOD WIDE WEB
Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 4 pm, Fraser River Discovery Centre, New Westminster
Super Weekend is a monthly program geared toward families. There are lots of activities that explore different features of the Fraser River, from its booming industry to its diverse ecosystem! Discover the hidden network of the forest! Learn how mushrooms and fungi act as nature’s communication system, connecting plants through the “wood wide web”.
SANTA’S MUSICAL ARRIVAL AT CAPILANO MALL
Saturday 11 am – 2 pm, Capilano Mall, North Vancouver
Santa is officially coming to Capilano Mall and to celebrate his grand entrance and the first day of Photos & Visits with Santa, join for this Holiday event in the Grand Court. Experience Santa’s musical arrival—watch enchanting ballerinas from the Goh Ballet, enjoy a festive performance by the singers from the Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs, and get creative with a nutcracker-themed cookie decorating activity. Warm up with Santa’s favorite holiday drink and let the festive spirit fill your heart.
HOLIDAY PHOTOS AT MACKIN HOUSE
Saturday & Sunday, Mackin House, Coquitlam
Looking to get a wonderful holiday photo done? Get your holiday photos professionally taken in a fully decorated Edwardian heritage house parlour, featuring a Christmas tree, fireplace, piano, and other vintage décor and holiday props. Appointments are available every 15 minutes
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
Saturday 2 pm & 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm, Granville Island Stage
This is one of my favourite Christmas stories, coming to the stage! Check out this heartwarming story of Kris Kringle as he starts working as a Santa at Macy’s department store and begins to spread Christmas cheer, but things tumble out of control.
EAST VAN PANTO: ROBIN HOOD
Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm, York Theatre, Vancouver
Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto returns for its twelfth year, this year Robin Hood and the Merry-Thems are having a tough time at Trout Lake because the naughty Sheriff is looking to privatize the parks! Enjoy this local take on a Christmas tradition.
RAPUNZEL THE PANTO
Saturday & Sunday 2:30 pm, Surrey Arts Centre
Another great pantomime offering! This ‘hair-lariously’ tangled take on the classic fairy tale promises a delightful blend of comedy, slapstick, and enough puns to keep you in stitches. Great for all ages.
