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Filed Under Events | December 22, 2008
Things are wrapping up for the year around here, and just in case you have time to spare we wanted to leave you with a list of ongoing, seasonal events to help you see out 2008. We’ve been looking back at your favourite stories from 2008 and we’ll be bringing them to you for the rest of this week and next. And speaking of looking back, last year’s list of ideas for making Christmas Eve a little more magical is timely for a revisit.
Peak of Christmas
ongoing to December 24th, different times, Grouse Mountain
With Santa’s Workshop open daily, outdoor ice skating, mountaintop sleigh rides, a parade of trees, scavenger hunts and breakfast with Santa, you could easily while the day away very festively at Grouse. In fact there’s so much to do you may have to go twice: www.grousemountain.com
The Light Before Christmas
ongoing to January 4th, 2009, check showtimes, Science World, 1455 Quebec Street
Showing in the Omnimax this winter is this film abut two kids lost on a cold Christmas Eve who are rescued by their friend, the Candleman, a storytelling sage who takes them into the heart of the classic The Night Before Christmas: www.scienceworld.ca
Park & Tilford’s Christmas Festival of Lights
November 29th – December 31st, 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Park & Tilford Gardens, 440 – 333 Brooksbank Ave, North Vancouver
This North Van holiday tradition is back and better than ever. Admission is by donation, and all proceeds go to charity: www.parkandtilford.ca
Bright Nights in Stanley Park
November 30th, 2008 – January 3rd, 2009, 3 pm – 10 pm daily, Stanley Park Miniature Railway
We figure this is a must-not-miss every year. The forest, train and Children’s Farmyard are transformed with more than a million lights, decorations, displays and music, plus you can sip on hot chocolate and munch on popcorn and beard Santa in his den at the train station. Donations and partial proceeds benefit the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. Click here for times, tickets and details on special packages like the Big Bright Night Out Dinner Package.
Christmas at Canada Place
December 4th – 31st, light shows from 6 pm – 10 pm daily, Canada Place, 999 Canada Place
This year “On the Sails” you can catch a dazzling light show that’s viewable from Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, the North Shore, Gastown and the carol ships on the water. The trees will be taking a much-needed rest this year and Christmas at Canada Place support local charities including Strathcona Community Centre’s crucial Food Security for Children Program, helping to feed children on the Downtown Eastside. Breakfast with Santa on the 14th at Canada Place has sold out, so he’s coming down from the pole for another sitting on the 6th, book your tickets now: www.christmas.canadaplace.ca
Festival of Lights
December 5th – January 4th, 4:30 pm – 9 pm, VanDusen Botanical Gardens, 5251 Oak Street (37th & Oak)
This annual event is one of our faves as over 1.4 million lights transform the garden into a true winter wonderland that includes Dancing Lights, Candy Cane Lane, the Gingerbread Wood and more. Santa’s there from the 5th to the 24th as are Svend and Jens, their Scandinavian Christmas elves. You can purchase your tickets ahead of time online at Tickets Tonight or by phone 604.684.2787.
Canyon Lights: Capilano Suspension Bridge
December 6th – January 3rd, 5 pm – 9 pm, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Celebrate winter with light. Cross the suspension bridge and explore the forest by night, hear the carollers and watch and learn as glass blower Malcolm Macfadyen shows how to blow glass icicle ornaments: www.capbridge.com
Bear Creek Xmas Train
December 6th, 2008 – January 5th, 2009, 10 am – 4:30 pm, 13750 – 88th Avenue at King George Hwy, Surrey
Not only will you get to ride the train through the Christmas forest display and Santa’s Golden Reindeer, but tots will end their ride with a candy cane, a reindeer antler headband and a package of reindeer food to put out on Christmas Eve: www.bctrains.com
Holiday Festivities at the Fort
December 13th, 2008 – January 5, 2009, 10 am – 5 pm, Fort Langley National Historic Site, 23422 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley
Sip hot apple cider next to the fire in the cooperage, create holiday crafts, play old fashioned games like draughts and take guided tours of the fort: www.pc.gc.ca/fortlangley
Mother Goose
Wednesday, December 17th – Sunday, December 28th, various times, Surrey Arts Centre, Main Stage, 13750 – 88 Avenue, Surrey
The Royal Canadian Theatre Company’s annual panto includes magic, music, merriment and mayhem, as well as corny jokes and panto traditions like the Dame. Don’t forget, as an audience member you’re required to boo the bad guys and cheer the good guys: www.rctheatreco.com
Panto of the Rings
Friday, December 19th, 7 pm & December 20th & 21st, 2 pm & 7 pm and December 26th, 7 pm & December 27th & 28th, 2 pm & 7 pm, Presentation House Gallery, 333 Chesterfield Ave, North Vancouver
This musical panto for all ages packs all three of the Lord of the Rings books into one two hour extravaganza that includes heaps of audience participation: www.phtheatre.org
Twelve Days of Christmas
Saturday, December 20th, 2008 – Sunday, January 4th, 2009, 10 am – 5 pm, Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver
Come in from the cold and enjoy the Maritime Museum’s annual Twelve Days of Christmas family activities each day from 1 pm to 4 pm including boatbuilding, crafts, storytelling, and gallery tours. The Museum will be closed on December 24th, 25th & January 1st: www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
And we wanted to remind you to always call or visit the website for event info before you head out just in case any changes or cancellations have occurred. And of course, have fun!
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