Around town BC . . .

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

Around the Lower Mainland . . .

Once again, holiday craft fairs are popping up around the Lower Mainland, and we have created a sub-category: craft fairs (see above) so that you can easily navigate your way to the listings. As well, please feel free to e-mail us with any great craft fairs happening near you!

Christmas in Cloverdale

Friday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21, enjoy Christmas in Cloverdale: Unique Gift and Craft Marketplace where you will find more than 70 vendors selling unique gift and craft items, photo opps with Santa, entertainment by Joseph the Magician, face painting, craft making, and more. The holiday event is taking place at Shannon Hall at the Cloverale Fairgrounds.

Christmas tree lighting

Head down to downtown Abbotsford for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Friday, Nov. 20, 5:30 to 8 p.m. (Essendene and West Railway). Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving by fire truck at 6:30 p.m. Fun includes lighting the Christmas tree at 7:15 p.m., face painting, hot chocolate, and more.

Universal Children’s Day

Everyone is welcome to come celebrate Universal Children's Day at retailer Blue Sky Baby in Mission on Friday, Nov. 20, 3 to 6 p.m. There will be free infant massage classes, gift bags, balloons, cookies, in-store specials and a draw for a $40 natural baby skin care & infant massage set courtesy of Mashala Baby Organics. RSVP online.

Children’s Christmas Fair

Come celebrate the magic and wonder of the winter season with the whole family at the Vancouver Waldorf School’s Children’s Christmas Fair and Open House - featuring creative and festive activities for children, puppet shows, storytelling, live music, delicious organic food and baking and the ever popular Marketplace offering natural toys and handcrafted gifts for all ages, Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www.vws.ca or call 604-985-7435 for more information. The Vancouver Waldorf School is located in North Vancouver.

Cookbook launch

Join Desiree Nielsen, RD and Chef Antonio Cerullo as they demonstrate some of the recipes from their new cookbook, A Local Table, Saturday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cookworks, 1548 W. Broadway (at Granville) in Vancouver. The simple cook book features how to eat well and make cooking easy over our four seasons here in BC, and eat local to boot.

Breakfast with Mrs. Claus

Join Mrs. Claus for a breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 8:30 or 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church, 9025 Glover Rd., Fort Langley. Why should Santa have all the fun? Each child gets to visit with Mrs. For all the details and to order tickets, visit www.mrsclausbreakfast.ca.

Santa’s Workshop for children

Tanglebank Gardens in Abbotsford hosts a Santa’s Workshop for Children, Saturday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children get to create birdfeeders for Santa’s feathered friends. For more details, visit www.tanglebank.co.

Douglas Day

Saturday, Nov. 21, take part in the Douglas Day Celebrations and Victorian Parade at Fort Langley. There will be a Victorian Parade through the village of Fort Langley. For more information visit online.

Nikkei Place Craft & Bake Fair

Celebrate Christmas with a Japanese flair with the Nikkei Place Craft & Bake Fair, Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre, 6688 Southoaks Cres., Burnaby. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.nikkeiplace.org.

Pulse to the Podium

Celebrate the countdown to the 2010 Winter Games, at Marpole Oakridge Community Centre, 990 West 59th Ave., Vancouver, Saturday, Nov. 21, noon to 2 p.m. Enjoy family-friendly events, including winter sport themed carnival games, and more.

Reading at the rink

One Book, One Vancouver hosts Reading @ the Rink: The Farm Team on Ice, a free public skate for children and families, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2:30 to 4 p.m., West End Community Centre, 870 Denman St., Vancouver. Enjoy special guests, door prizes, including tickets to a Vancouver Giants game, and more. Admission is free and skate rental is included.

Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival

Spot some eagles soaring high in the sky or hanging out in a tree at the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival, Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22, at various locations throughout the Valley. For all the details, visit www.fraservalleybaldeaglefestival.ca.

Cookie decorating

Bring the kids out to Glendas Christmas Cottage in Abbotsford to decorate Christmas cookies with Mrs. Claus, Saturday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more info, visit www.glendaschristmas.com.

Heritage Christmas

Saturday, Nov. 21 to Dec. 23, enjoy a heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum. Father Christmas will be there as well as other great activities.

In search of the perfect sitter

Lullaby League is hosting a mixer for parents Tuesday, Nov. 24, 7:30 p.m. at Caramel Salon in Vancouver. To register or for more information, visit www.lullabyleague.ca.

Around Vancouver Island . . .

Port Alice Christmas Creations craft fair

Make a trip up to the North Island and you are sure to not be disappointed - Port Alice Christmas Creations craft fair at the community centre on Sunday, Nov. 22, and Sointula's Annual Winterfest fair on Saturday, Nov. 21.

Christmas Magic in Courtenay

Friday, Nov. 20, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the kick off for holiday celebrations in Courtenay begins. Fun includes lighting the 5th Street Christmas tree, entertainment, sales, and much more.

Santa arrives in Nanaimo

Santa makes his big arrival at Woodgrove Centre in Nanaimo, Friday, Nov. 20, 6 to 9 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and a free photo with Santa coupon.

Santa light parade

See Santa make his grand entrance with the Island Farms Santa Light Parade through the festively decorated streets of downtown Victoria, Saturday, Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m. Be sure to bring a non-perishable food item or donation to the Mustard Seed Food Bank. Join in for a children’s Christmas Festival before the parade at Spirit Square, across from Victoria City Hall. Free admission, but please bring a non-perishable food item for the Mustard Seed Food Bank.

Out of Hand annual Christmas Fair

Not just another craft fair, the Out of Hand Fair is Victoria's premier showcase for contemporary crafts and artisan food from across Canada, and is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 20 to Sunday, Nov. 22, at Crystal Gardens.

Around Okanagan . . .

Christmas light-up

Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with the downtown Christmas light-up, Saturday, Nov. 28. Join Towne Centre Mall in Kelowna for the beginning festivities then walk to Kerry Park for the light up.

Upcoming events . . .

Living without gluten/wheat

Join nutritionist Victoria Pawlowski for a special free discussion on Living without Gluten/Wheat, Saturday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m., Robson Whole Foods Market, in Vancouver. Please preregister at zachary.longboy@wholefoods.com.

Bobs & Lolo concert

Inglewood Parent Participation Preschool in West Vancouver presents Bobs & Lolo and lots of family fun, including games, face painting, concession and more, to help fundraise for the preschool, Nov. 29, West Vancouver United Church (21st and Esquimalt, across from the community centre). Show starts at 3 p.m. Family fun begins at 2 p.m. Come early as seats are not allocated in advance. Tickets are $10 per person, children under two are free. Tickets can be bought from an IPPP parent, online at www.lavishandlime.com or by e-mail.

Preschool open house

Inglewood Parent Participation Preschool invites you to an open house, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 6 to 8 p.m., 1068 Inglewood Ave., West Vancouver. Check out the facilities, meet the teacher and talk to parents of children currently enrolled. Call 604-925-1888 for more information. Spaces available for 2010.

Birds and bees basics

Join in for a foundation-setting session with Sexual Health Educator Saleema Noon as she presents Birds and Bees Basics for Parents of Preschoolers, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Grand Boulevard Parent Participation Preschool, 520 East 20th Street, North Vancouver. This course is designed to help parents of preschoolers talk to their children about sexual health with words and concepts that are easy to use, and how to do it without turning a bright shade of red! This event has limited seating and requires pre-registration. Email Karen at info@newandgreen.com for registration details. Cost is $10 or $5 with a donation to the foodbank.

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, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Catch sales from the local stores, roasted chestnuts and more.

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 opens this weekend and runs until Dec. 18 in Coquitlam. For more details, visit www.placedesarts.ca.

Maternal Creations Art and Craft Show

Drop by the Little Nest Café, 1716 Charles St. (just off Commercial) in Vancouver for the Maternal Creations Art and Craft Show, Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Moms will be selling and exhibiting their fab creations.

Swedish Christmas Market

Pick up Swedish holiday treasures at the Swedish Christmas Market, Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Scandinavian Cultural Centre in Burnaby.

Holiday Craft Fair

West Point Grey Community Centre’s annual craft fair at Aberthau Mansion in Vancouver is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Burnaby Christmas craft fair

Bonsor Complex in Burnaby hosts a Christmas Craft Fair, Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Christmas magic at the manor

It’s the annual Urban Academy’s craft fair, Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Urban Academy, 101 Third St., New Westminster. Come browse through three floors of unique and enchanting gift ideas, enjoy a break from shopping to enjoy high tea in the tea room on the lower level.

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.

Yaletown Christmas Market

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

Swap meets . . .

Sell your gear

There's a kids swap meet and fundraiser, Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at South Delta Rec Centre in Tsawwassen. Tables are $25 or if you are a kid-friendly business, a table is $40. Contact Trudy at kids_swapmeet@yahoo.ca to book a table.

Sales scoop . . .

Specials at Natural Pod

Natural toy online retailer Natural Pod currently has a great specials section. Check it out to find some fabulous deals on their natural toys. Save on gifts for your little loved one for Christmas.

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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