Around town BC . . .

| Vancouver Island | Okanagan | Upcoming | Ongoing |
| Craft fairs | Swap meets | Sales |

Around the Lower Mainland . . .

Goodnight Moon and the Runaway Bunny

Carousel Theatre and Axis Theatre Company present Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, now until Sunday, Dec. 6, at The Norman Rothstein Theatre, 950 West 41st Ave., Vancouver. For children two and older.

Christmas in Williams Park

With the chill in the air, you and the family might enjoy the warmth of the car while you drive through Williams Park in Langley. From now until Dec. 10, 6 to 9 p.m., nightly, enjoy the lights and decorations as you drive through the park. On Dec. 11 and 12, 6 to 9 p.m., there’s a special walk about where you can enjoy horse and carriage rides, entertainment, face painting, food, and a visit with Santa Claus.

North Pole BC

New this year is North Pole BC. Now until Dec. 24, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily, bring the family to the North Pole by Sasamat Lake near Port Moody. Park at White Pine Beach, hop on a North Pole bus and get whisked away to a world of elves, magic and mystery. Make a toy in the toy factory, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more. Reservations are required. For all the details, visit online.

Christmas party in Pomo

Get into the festive spirit at the Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Suter Brook Village in Port Moody, Thursday, Dec. 3, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Meet with Santa, drink hot chocolate, and more fun. Please bring a non-perishable item for the food bank.

Cinderella

Abbotsford Children’s Theatre presents Cinderella: a modern fairytale, Thursday, Dec. 3 to Saturday, Dec. 5, Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford. For showtimes, ticket information and more, visit www.abbotsfordchildrenstheatre.org.

Tree lighting in Pitt Meadows

Friday, Dec. 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m., gather at Spirit Square in Pitt Meadows to kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Spirit of Christmas

Trinity Western University in Langley hosts their annual Spirit of Christmas event, Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5. Fun for the entire family. For all the details, visit online.

All aboard a festive train!

Head out to Surrey for the Bear Creek Train Ride. Friday, Dec. 4 to Thursday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy a train ride through a Christmas forest display and more. Bear Creek Train is located at 13750 - 88th Ave., King George Hwy., Surrey.

Seasonal celebration at Shadbolt

Thursday, Dec. 3, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., celebrate the season with music, dance, interactive family activities, ice sculptor and magic show at the annual Seasonal Celebration at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts in Burnaby.

How to change rainy days from grey to great

With all this rain, here’s a great workshop to check out: The Home Playground: How to change Rainy Days from Grey to GREAT, Thursday, Dec. 3, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Nannies on Call office, 302-788 Beatty St., Vancouver. Event is free with a donation to The Nanny Angel Network. Learn how to make your home into an inspirational educational gold mine without spending ANYTHING! Games, activities and ideas to help keep kids of all ages happy and busy even during the longest stretch of gray that Vancouver can muster.

Peak of Christmas

Grouse Mountain in Vancouver transforms into a winter wonderland with the Peak of Christmas, now until Thursday, Dec. 24. Skate on the outdoor ice rink, visit with Santa and the reindeer and more.

Mission Candlelight parade

It’s the annual Mission Chamber of Commerce annual Candlelight Parade, Friday, Dec. 4. For all the parade details: www.missionchamber.bc.ca.

Holiday Festival on Ice

Friday, Dec. 4, the Holiday Festival on Ice celebrates the spirit of the holidays with world-renowned skaters, including Kurt Browning, Jamie Sale and David Pelletier, and the Canadian Tenors at the Abbotsford ESC. Showtime is at 730 p.m.

French Christmas

L’Ecole des Navigateurs hosts its annual Gingerbread Man Party, Saturday, Dec. 5, 3 to 6 p.m., at the school located at 8580 Kilgour Place, Richmond. Children can decorate gingerbread men, watch a movie in French and celebrate Christmas in French. Of course, Santa Claus will also be there.

Festive fun at Kids Market

Starting Saturday, Dec. 5, there will be all kinds of shenanigans going on at the Kids Market at Granville Island until Thursday, Dec. 24. Santa arrives on Saturday at 11 a.m. and there’ll be singing and stories and Elfina’s holiday magic show.

Children’s Christmas Party

Children two to 10 are invited to a special Children’s Christmas Party, Saturday, Dec. 5, 12:30 to 3 p.m. Cost is $4 per child. Renfrew Park Community Centre, 2929 East 22nd Ave., Vancouver. Craft making, entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus.

Christmas market at Le Centre

Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Le centre culturel francophone de Vancouver, 1551 West 7th Ave., Vancouver, hosts a Christmas Market. Arts and crafts, stories, Santa Claus and more. Cost is $1.

Winter celebration at the market

Haney Farmers Market presents a Winter Celebration Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Andrews Haney United Church, in Maple Ridge. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, yummy food, shop from great vendors and more.

Christmas in the Park and Parade

It’s the annual Christmas in the Park and Santa Claus Parade, Saturday, Dec. 5, 4 to 8 p.m., in Maple Ridge. The anticipated arrival of Santa takes place in Memorial Peace Park at twilight. A parade of lights, music and decorated floats, a community carol sing along, and a photo session with Santa and Mrs. Claus are just a few of the magical surprises for the whole family. Parade begins at 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, warm clothes and a mug for free hot chocolate. For more info, visit online.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

To celebrate the holiday season, the Heights Merchants Association hosts a community Tree Lighting Ceremony at Heights Fountain Square (Hastings and MacDonald) in Burnaby, Saturday, Dec. 5, 3:30 to 5 p.m. For all the fun details, visit online.

Courtyard Christmas

Drop by Tsawwassen Shopping Centre on Saturday, Dec. 5, 3 to 5 p.m., for an afternoon of music, Santa, crafts and more. Fun is held outdoors so dress for the weather.

Magic of Christmas Parade and Country Christmas

The Magic of Christmas Parade and Country Christmas is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, 5:30 to 8 p.m., in downtown Langley. Parade starts at 6 p.m. Following the parade, festive fun is scheduled at the Douglas Recreation centre. For more information: 605-514-2867.

Carol ship fun

Brighten your holiday season with the Festival of Lights Carol Ship Celebration, Saturday, Dec. 5, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Lonsdale Quay Market Plaza in North Vancouver. In addition to seeing the carol ships, join in for the lighting of the Christmas tree, crafts, entertainment and more. Non-perishable food or toys for the Harvest House Project and Family Services of the North Shore gratefully accepted.

Hyack Christmas parade

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are returning to town and will be arriving on Columbia Street in New Westminster for the annual Hyack Christmas Parade of Lights. This year’s parade takes place Saturday Dec. 5 starting at 4 p.m. Some of the best views of the parade are on Columbia Street between Fourth and Eighth streets.

Christmas in Steveston

Share the magic of the holidays at Christmas in Steveston, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2 to 6 p.m., Gulf of Georgia Cannery, 12138 Fourth Ave., Richmond. The afternoon begins with the arrival of Santa by boat at Fisherman’s Wharf. Santa will walk over to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery where parents can take a photo of their child with the jolly old elf. Adding to the charm will be old-fashioned horse drawn carriage rides throughout the afternoon, and carolers will be roaming the streets. The finale of the afternoon, when the sun goes down will be the lighting of the grand Sequoia tree in front of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery with a turn of the magic candy cane!

Eco Christmas

Create earth-friendly arts and crafts projects that make great gifts or keepsakes, and enjoy a variety of fun wintertime activities, Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Surrey Nature Centre. Cost is $7 per child. Event is held indoors. Please allow at least one hour to complete all activities. For more information, call 604-588-6825 or e-mail naturecentre@surrey.ca. Please enter at 9800 140th St. and follow the signs to our parking lot.

Christmas in Leigh Square

Saturday, Dec. 5, starting at 1 p.m., enjoy Christmas in Leigh Square in Port Coquitlam. Carol singing, crafts, treats and more. Please bring a donation to support the SHARE Christmas Toy and Food Drive.

Light up the Square

Place des Arts in Coquitlam presents Light up the Square on Saturday, Dec. 5, 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy entertainment, crafts, and a lot more.

Light the Lake

Head on down to Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam for the annual Light the Lake, Sunday, Dec. 6, 3 to 7 p.m. Check out a Christmas market, activities for the kids, carolers, and more. General admission is free and for $2.50, children receive a hand-made Christmas ornament, free popcorn and unlimited access to the activity and craft tents.

Christmas at Canada Place: Making Spirits Bright

Canada Place's 3rd annual "Donate & Win" Holiday Contest helps feed kids in need. For every online donation of $5 to Strathcona Community Centre's Food Security for Children program, you are entered into the contest to win a trip for two to Jamaica from Air Canada Vacations & Sandals. Catch Canada Place's spectacular Christmas Light Show on the iconic sails from Sunday, Dec. 6 to 31 in Vancouver. Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 6 and 12 will feature family entertainment, visits with Santa and a delicious buffet breakfast. Book early: last year’s events sold out. For more info, visit www.christmas.canadaplace.ca.

Santa’s Parade of Lights

Enjoy Santa’s Parade of Lights, Sunday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m., at Cloverdale Town Centre. All the details are online.

Rogers Santa Claus Parade

Once again it’s the big annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade, Sunday, Dec. 6, 1 p.m., downtown Vancouver along West Georgia and Howe streets. For all the details, visit www.rogerssantaclausparade.com.

VSO Kids Koncerts

Vancouver Symphony presents the VSO Kids Koncerts: Al Simmons – Festive Frivolity, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2 p.m., at the Orpheum in Vancouver. For tickets and more details, visit www.vancouversymphony.ca.

Santa’s Arrival

Join in for winter crafts, goodies, puppet show and more during the Celebration in the Woods and 12th Annual Open house at Lynn Valley Ecology Centre in North Vancouver, Sunday, Dec. 6, noon to 4 p.m.

Santa’s at the Roundhouse

Enjoy a pancake breakfast, activities and meet Santa at the special Breakfast with Santa, Sunday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to noon, Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown. Purchase tickets in advance at the Roundhouse.

Christmas tree lighting in Dunbar

Spend the evening with the family enjoying caroling, crafts, cookies, and more at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event at Dunbar Community Centre in Vancouver, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Around Vancouver Island . . .

All aboard the Christmas express

Enjoy lights and laughter and hop aboard the Christmas Express, Friday, Dec. 4 to Sunday, Dec. 6, 4 to 9 p.m., BC Forest Discovery Centre, 2892 Drinkwater Rd., in Duncan.

Sooke Spirit Festival

It’s the first annual Sooke Spirit Festival, Saturday, Dec. 5, 1:30 to 7:30 p.m., Evergreen Plaza , 6660 Sooke Rd., Sooke. Festival includes a Santa Claus Parade, music, crafters, inner harbor Sail Past and more.

Nanaimo Lions Santa Claus Parade

Kick off the holiday season with the Nanaimo Lions Santa Claus Parade and other fun activities, Saturday, Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus fly in to the harbour at 10:30 a.m. to kick things off. Parade starts at 11:30 a.m. along Commercial Street in downtown Nanaimo.

Dickens Christmas Fair

It’s the Dickens Christmas Fair, Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., James Bay Community School Centre, 140 Oswego St., Victoria. The school’s gym will be filled with vendors selling great items.

Around Okanagan . . .

Nutcracker

Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12, The Canadian School of Ballet & Ballet Kelowna present The Nutcracker at the Kelowna Community Theatre, 1435 Water St., Kelowna.

Upcoming events . . .

Santa shops Sapperton

Visit historic Sapperton in New Westminster to enjoy a visit with Santa, who will be shopping and visiting all the local shops, including the Dimpleskins store, Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Catch sales from the local stores, roasted chestnuts and more.

Polar PJ Party

Curl up for an evening of PJ fun. Put on your coziest PJs and join in for the Polar PJ Party with a night of family adventure at TELUS World of Science in Vancouver, Friday, Dec. 18, 6 to 10 p.m. Explore the feature exhibition, The Geee! in Genome, then settle in with popcorn and juice in the Science Theatre for a showing of The Polar Express at 8 p.m. Tickets sell out fast. Get yours by e-mailing tickets@scienceworld.ca or call 604-443-7500. Cost is members $10, non-members $15. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This is not a sleepover party.

Reconnect with Mama Renew

Give yourself a new beginning with a Mama Renew group this fall. Join other seasoned mothers seeking to reconnect, reclaim, and find balance between giving to our families and caring for ourselves. New groups start soon throughout the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island. Visit www.mamarenew.ca to learn more, or call Sarah at 604-254-1100.

Ongoing events online . . .

Click here to find out the scoop on ongoing events in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

Craft fairs . . .

Place des Arts Christmas Boutique

Find unique Christmas gifts at the Place des Arts Christmas Boutique that runs until Dec. 18 in Coquitlam. For more details, visit www.placedesarts.ca.

Christmas bazaar

Montecito Elementary school, 2176 Duthie Ave., in North Burnaby is hosting a Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the gym. The Christmas shopping event is also a fundraiser for the school. Check out the kids’ zone and Santa meet and greet.

Holiday shopping event

Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., stop by 7460 Moffatt Rd., Richmond, for a shopping event featuring women entrepreneurs who will be displaying and selling their products and services just in time for the holidays.

Canoe Club craft fair

Check out a hip holiday shopping event feature Etsy artists, local momentrepreneurs and other great vendors at the Canoe Club Craft Fair, Sunday, Dec. 6, noon to 4 p.m., Canoe Club at 501 Klahanie Dr., in Port Moody. Admission is free. Businesses participating include, organic seasonal baby food and toddler bars from Ripe Baby Food; kids wear and soother/toy savers by Sophiebelle; perfumes, scented teas, and body products from Novel Essentials; children’s rain hats from Rain Drops Baby Wear; and colourful, casual and contemporary jewellery by Blush Designs.

Got Craft?

Vancouver’s largest indie craft fair is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Royal Grandview Legion, 2205 Commercial Dr. (at E. 6th Avenue). Admission is $2 – children can enter for free. For information and a complete list of vendors, visit online.

Yaletown Christmas Market

LiliQ Café, 1268 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver, hosts the Yaletown Christmas Market, Saturday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Swap meets . . .

Kids’ swap meet

Pick up some treats and gently used kids’ gear at a Kids’ Swap Meet, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 9025 Glover Rd., Fort Langley. Two floors full of great deals. Childcare available for shoppers and vendors throughout the day. Concession available to snack on. More information www.kidswapmeet.ca.

Sales scoop . . .

Get your tree on

Beansprouts along with other Main Street businesses in Vancouver are holding a community tree decorating event called Main Street’s Get Your Tree On, Friday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit www.shopmain.ca.

Legendary Sale

Legendary Sweet Peanut Warehouse Sale is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Barefit and Pregnant Fitness Studio, 3668 Broadway (at Alma) in Vancouver. Don’t miss this opportunity to stock up on designer Sweet Peanut baby clothes at 75% off. All pieces are $10 and under and sizes range primarily from preemie to 24 months with a few toddler pieces. Cash and cheque accepted.

Milk Factory clearance sale

Vancouver-based online retailer Milk Factory is having a clearance on their quick wick active wear for kids. All activewear items are 50% off now.

While we do our best to inform you of great family happenings around town, event details are subject to change. Please check ahead before heading out!

B.C. archives

Happy Birthday to our little guy that’s turning 2! We love you to the moon and back Joshie! Lots of love, Mummy, Daddy, RyRy and the “cat” xoxo

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