Around town BC . . .

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

Around the Lower Mainland . . .

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

Carousel Theatre presents The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood a play based on the classic English legend, now until Sunday, Jan. 2, at The Waterfront Theatre, 1412 Cartwright Street on Granville Island, Vancouver. For ages four and older, no babes in arms.

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. On Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 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.

Hannukkah

The Jewish celebration of Hannukkah, the Festival of Lights, begins at sundown Friday, Dec. 11 to Saturday, Dec. 19 in Vancouver, for more information contact the Multifaith Action Society.

Winter Hay Ride in Steveston

Enjoy a half hour hay ride at the Steveston Community Centre, 4111 Moncton St., Richmond. Fee is $5.40 per person, no strollers, children 0 to 12 months are free. Friday, Dec. 11 rides start at 5:45 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 12, rides start at 6 p.m. Pre-registration required at the Steveston Community Centre or contact the registration call centre 604-276-4300.

Festival of Lights

Combat the stress of the holidays with a visit to the VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights, Friday, Dec. 11 to Jan. 3, 4:30 to 9 p.m. nightly, in Vancouver.

The Nutcracker

Royal City Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker, Friday, Dec. 11 to Sunday, Dec. 13, Surrey Arts Centre, Main Stage 13750 - 88 Ave. For more information and for additional show dates and times, visit online. Book tickets by phone 604-501-5566 or in person.

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.

Breakfast with Santa in Vancouver

Breakfast, crafts, entertainment and a visit from Santa, Saturday, Dec. 12, 9 to 11 a.m. at the West End Community Centre Auditorium. Tickets are $5 per person, advance purchase a must, contact is 604-257-8454. There are also numerous other Santa breakfasts happening at recreation centres in Vancouver. Check with your local recreation centre to find out the details.

Christmas at the London Heritage Farm

A unique Christmas experience for all ages at the London Heritage Farm in Richmond. Open this festive season every Saturday and Sunday to Dec. 19, 12 noon to 5 p.m. Entrance is by donation, there is a farm, a gift shop and tea shop. Christmas tea is $8.50 and there is live entertainment in the tea room on Sunday, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20, 3 to 4pm, reservations recommended.

Holiday market

Saturday, Dec. 12, is the Vancouver Farmers Markets Holiday Market. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., pick up fresh veggies and fruit from local producers, artisans and food preparers. Held at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Dr., in Vancouver.

A pioneer Christmas

Explore Christmas customs from pioneer days, enjoy holiday crafts, and more at the Pioneer Christmas event, Saturday, Dec. 12, 1 to 3 p.m., Surrey Museum, 17710-56A Ave., Surrey. For information, call 604-592-6956.

Baker’s Market

Pick up some delicious home-baked goods for your holiday soiree at the Baker’s Market, Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 118 – 408 E. Kent Ave., S., Vancouver.

Christmas open house

Enter the magical world of an old-fashioned Christmas, Saturday, Dec. 12, noon to 4 p.m., Historic Stewart Farm, 13723 Crescent Rd., Surrey. Make holiday crafts with the children, sample woodstove-baked treats and hot-spiced apple cider, and tour the farmhouse charmingly decorated for Christmas. For information call 604-592-695

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.

Holiday Cookie Making

Bake sugar cookies from scratch on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at the Kerrisdale Community Centre in Vancouver. For two age groups: 4 to 6 yr olds 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., 7 to 12 yr olds 5 to 6pm. Cost is $12 per child, membership required, contact main desk 604-257-8100.

Around Vancouver Island . . .

Global Christmas

Saturday, Dec. 12, 1 to 4 p.m., celebrate a Global Christmas in Spirit Square (beside City Hall) in Victoria. Experience how different cultures celebrate the season with carols, dance, crafts, entertainment, and delicious treats from around the world. Please bring a non-perishable item for the Mustard Seed Food Bank.

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 . . .

Music Together Phoenix Song Holiday Open House

Free Demo Classes offered on Thursday, Dec. 17, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. at Beth Tikvah in Richmond; and Friday, Dec. 18, 10:30 11:30 a.m. at St. Anselm's Anglican Church in Vancouver. Please RSVP to anna@mtphoenixsong.com or 604-327-5165. Classes are free, but space is limited. More information is available at www.mtphoenixsong.com.

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.

Christmas Holiday Train in Agassiz, Maple Ridge and Pomo

The CPR Holiday Train completes its cross-Canada journey on Friday, Dec. 18, in Agassiz 5:15 to 5:45 p.m., Maple Ridge 7:45 to 8:15 p.m., Port Moody 9:30 to 10:00 p.m., times are approximate. The goal of this brightly lit Holiday Train with live entertainment is to collect food and money for local food banks and raise awareness of hunger in communities.

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 . . .

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 . . .

Super sample sale

Spree Fashions will be open Thursday, Dec. 10 and Friday, Dec. 11, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for a great clearance sale featuring tons of stock in boys and girls wear from newborn to 10 years of age. Mim-Pi, Monster Republic, Baby Lulu -- both samples and overstocks. Socks and tights, some shoes. Grippers are $5. Sale will be held at 23 - 7228 Winston St., Burnaby. Phone: 604-421-1295.

Danish clothes on sale

Trendy Tot is having another fantastic sample sale with Friis and co, a great Danish company that specialises in scarves, leather bags and shoes, Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 200 -2550 Boundary Rd., Burnaby. Check out their website for more info at www.trendytot.ca.

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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!

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Our lil' munchkin is turning 1! We love you so much Connor! Lots of Love, Mommy & Daddy

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