Around town BC . . .

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

Around the Lower Mainland . . .

Behind the scenes

Maplewood Farm in North Vancouver is offering their super popular Behind The Scenes, Thursday, Nov. 26, and Saturday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Prepare grain and hay for the animals, prepares stalls, groom ponies, collect and wash up chicken eggs and more. Call 604-985-FARM or see the cashier for more information or to book a time. Cost is $12.50 per child and includes one adult admission as well.

Bright Nights

Once again the firefighters have strung more than one million lights to transform part of Stanley Park in Vancouver into Bright Nights for Christmas. Opening night is Friday, Nov. 27. For tickets and more information, visit online. Bright Nights in Stanley Park runs daily, 3 to 10 p.m., until Jan. 2.

West Coast Christmas show

Celebrate Christmas early and check out some great vendors to get your shopping don early at the West Coast Christmas Show, Friday, Nov. 27 to Sunday, Nov. 28, at the Tradex in Abbotsford.

Fire hall Christmas display

Bring the family down and celebrate the lighting of the Queensborough Fire Hall in New Westminster, Friday, Nov. 27, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please bring a non-perishable food donation for the food bank.

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.

Peak of Christmas

Grouse Mountain in Vancouver transforms into a winter wonderland with the Peak of Christmas, Saturday, Nov. 28 to Dec. 24. Skate on the outdoor ice rink, visit with Santa and the reindeer and more.

Santa Claus parade

Burnaby hosts a fun Santa Claus parade, Saturday, Nov. 28, 1 to 4 p.m., Eastburn Centre along Edmonds Street. After the parade visit with Santa, eat hot dogs, sip on hot chocolate, play games and more.

Intergenerational family dance

Bring the grandparents, great-grandparents, parents, children and more out for the Intergenerational Family Dance, Saturday, Nov. 28, 5 to 8 p.m., South Surrey Recreation Centre, 14601 - 20 Ave., Surrey. Cost: $5 for adults and $2.50 for children, which includes dance, music, pizza and refreshments. For more information or to register 592-6970.

Agassiz Circle Farm Christmas Tour

Saturday, Nov. 28 and Sunday, Nov. 29, journey out to the farms of Agassiz for the Circle Farm Christmas Tour. The Circle Farm Tour participants each plan something special for Christmas on this weekend. From a live Nativity, to music and entertainment, food and beverages, great gift ideas and free draws for local product. For the lineup, visit online.

Dickens of a Christmas

Celebrate a Victorian Christmas with crafts, food and activities for the entire family, Saturday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Andrew’s United Church, Fort Langley, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Winter festival

It’s the South Vancouver Neighbourhood House’s annual popular Winter Festival, Saturday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 6470 Victoria Dr., Vancouver. Family fun includes raffle baskets, bingo, tombola, food concession, entertainment, Maria's jams and jellies, and children's activities. Free admission.

Bobs & Lolo holiday concert

Bobs & Lolo present a fun-filled holiday concert for all ages, Saturday, Nov. 28, 10:30 a.m., Kerrisdale Community Centre, Vancouver. Tickets are $7 per person or $24 for a family of four.

Artstarts family fun

Join Maobong Oku at the ArtStarts gallery and learn about Nigerian song, dance and traditions as well as lessons about life, family and society with a free family workshop, Saturday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. ArtStarts gallery for young people’s art is located at 808 Richards St. (at Robson) in Vancouver. No registration required but please arrive 10 minutes early. Ideal for children five to 12.

Pulse to the Podium

Get into the Olympic spirit with the Pulse to the Podium event at Riley Park Community Centre, 50 East 30th Ave., Vancouver, Saturday, Nov. 28, noon to 2 p.m. The free family event offers games, a chance to make a medal and pose on the podium and more.

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, Sunday, 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.

Skate an Olympic lap

Here’s your last chance to skate an Olympic lap before the Olympics at the Richmond Olympic Oval , Sunday, Nov. 29, noon to 8 p.m., Richmond Olympic Oval, 6111 River Rd., Richmond. Half-price admission, public skating, Olympic mascots, off-ice activities and more.

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.

Tree lighting ceremony

Join the mayor and other friends to light up Surrey’s Christmas tree, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 6 to 8 p.m., Holland Park – King George Highway and 100 Old Yale. Family activities, entertainment, face painting, and more. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank.

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.

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.

Around Vancouver Island . . .

Light up Ladysmith

Thursday, Nov. 26, enjoy an evening of holiday festivities, including the light-up parade, entertainment, craft fair, and more at the Ladysmith Festival of Lights. For all the details, visit www.ladysmithfol.com.

Festival of Trees

From now until Jan. 4, the Fairmont Empress in Victoria is transformed into a lush forest of decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children's Hospital.

Wrapagami workshops

Learn the art of wrapagami, using reusable gift wrap this holiday season with the following workshops: Friday, Nov. 27, 2 to 4 p.m., Plenty Epicurean Pantry, 1034 Fort St. Cost is $28 and includes a Furochic and Wrapagami; Saturday, Nov. 28, 10:30 a.m., Silk Road, 1624 Government St., Victoria. Cost is $10 and includes a Furochic; and Dec. 16, 7 p.m., at Planet Organic, 109-3995 Quadra St. Free. Please call the stores to register for the workshops.

Christmas fair at the farm

Haliburton Community Organic Farm, 781 Haliburton Rd., Saanich, presents a Christmas fair, Friday, Nov. 27, 3 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a winter food market, holiday décor items, organic apple cider, cookies and more.

Centennial Square Christmas Tree Light Up

Head out for the Centennial Square Christmas tree light-up, Friday, Nov. 27, 5 to 7 p.m., in Victoria. The event is free and includes entertainment and family fun.

Comox Valley Christmas parade

Saturday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m., it’s the Comox Valley Christmas Parade in Courtney. Fun includes kids entertainment at Sid Williams Theatre, breakfast with Santa, petting zoo and more.

Winter lights festival

It’s the Winter Lights Festival at Saanich Municipal Hall, Saturday, Nov. 28, 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy seasonal activities, horse and carriage rides, photos with Santa, and more.

Sidney sparkles

Saturday, Nov. 28, it’s Sidney Sparkles, featuring breakfast with Santa at the SHOAL Centre, 9 to 11 a.m.; the Christmas parade from Beacon Avenue at 5 p.m., and the sailpast beginning at Beacon Pier at 6:15 p.m.

The magic of Christmas

Tuesday, Dec. 1 marks the start of the festive displays at the Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay. Skate on the outdoor rink, enjoy the sights of tens of thousands of lights, displays, live performances, and much more. All the details: www.butchartgardens.com

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 . . .

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.

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 Dec. 6 to 31 in Vancouver. Breakfast with Santa on 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 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.

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 . . .

Toque! Christmas Craft Sale

Friday, Nov. 27, 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., pick up some unique items at Toque! Christmas Craft Sale, 303 East 8th Ave., Vancouver.

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.

Dunbar Holiday Craft Fair

The Dunbar Community Centre in Vancouver hosts its annual Holiday Craft Fair, Saturday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With over 140 local vendors, the juried craft fair is one of the best in the city featuring handmade crafts ranging from jewelry to woodwork. Admission is $3, children under 12 are free. Childminding, refreshments, and free children’s crafts will be available.

Winter Artisans Fair

The Leigh Square Community Arts Village is hosting a fabulous Winter Fair Saturday, Nov. 27 and Sunday, Nov. 28. Leigh Square Community Arts Village, 2253 Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam.

Steveston Christmas Craft Fair

It’s the biggest craft fair in Richmond - the Steveston Christmas Craft Fair is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Steveston Community Centre, 4111 Moncton St, Richmond.

West End holiday craft fair

Check out the West End Holiday Craft Fair, Saturday, Nov. 28, and Sunday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., West End Community Centre in Vancouver.

Harry Jerome Craft Fair

There’s another craft fair at the Harry Jerome rec centre, 200 block East 23rd St., North Vancouver, Saturday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Scandinavian craft sale

Drop by the Scandinavian Cultural Centre in Burnaby, Sunday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the Scandinavian Craft Sale.

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 . . .

It's all about craft fairs this weekend!

Sales scoop . . .

Special eco-shopping event

Green Planet Parties and Pedagogy Toys are hosting a Christmas sale, Thursday, Nov. 26, 6 to 10 p.m., Pedagogy Toys, 424 East Columbia St., in New Westminster. Receive 10 per cent off on all your Christmas shopping.

Black Friday sale at babycheeks

To help you get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping Black Friday is coming to babycheeks, Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28. Receive 30 per cent off everything in store. Babycheeks is located Elgin Corners, 101-14012 32nd Ave., South Surrey.

m+k kidswear warehouse sale

Check out this awesome warehouse sale, Thursday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1507 Powell St., Vancouver (near Clark and Powell) in the Peregrine Plastics building – use east side white door (ground level). Clothing and shoes available for kids in sizes ranging from 0 to 8 years. Cash sales only please.

Raspberry Kids warehouse is open

Online toy store Raspberry Kids has opened their warehouse to help you shop in person (babyvibe readers save 15% off with code: babyvibe15) All the details of their warehouse are online.

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

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