what to do, what to do?

Filed Under Events | December 3, 2009

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And now a return to our regular programming. Just in case you weren’t convinced Christmas was coming this week’s weekend guide will prove it to you – and lots of these events are ongoing, so be sure to bookmark this list of holiday what to dos. And we’ve added a few more craft fairs to our list as well! Just a note: Breakfasts with Santa are listed chronologically at the end of each set of listings.

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood
Friday, November 27th – Saturday, January 2nd, The Waterfront Theatre, 1412 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
This classic folktale is presented by the same playwright who brought you Carousel Theatre’s smash hit Peter Pan.  Just in time for the holidays you can catch the adventures of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men in a production that includes a bit of audience interaction among other fun. Recommended for kids of four and up:  www.carouseltheatre.ca

The Home Playground: How to change rainy days from grey to great!
Thursday, December 3rd, 6 pm – 8:30 pm, Nannies On Call office, #302 – 788 Beatty Street, Vancouver
Need some tips for making grey days indoors fun with your kids? Learn a treasure trove of games, activities and ideas to keep your kids busy and happy. And all for free but you can make a donation to the children’s charity Nanny Angel Network: www.nanniesoncall.com

Capilano Suspension Bridge: Canyon Lights, A Winter Celebration of Light
Friday, December 4th -  Saturday, January 2, 2010, 5 pm – 9 pm daily (except December 25th), 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
The canyon’s literally alight with over 250,000 lights throughout the park. Plus the Christmas Band will be playing every evening at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 pm and you can learn how to make glass icicle ornaments from Malcolm Macfadyen. If the weather’s inclement call first to confirm the lights are lit: www.capbridge.com

The Christmas Carnival
Saturday, December 5th, 10 am – Noon, Coal Harbour Community Centre, 480 Broughton Street, Vancouver
Kids from two to six are invited to meet Santa, play holiday games and make Christmas crafts. Be sure to pre register: vancouver.ca/parks/cc/westend

Baker’s Market
Saturday December 5th, 11 am – 3 pm, 118 – 408 East Kent Avenue South, Vancouver
Here’s your chance to stock up on delicious baked goods from local, talented and creative bakers, perfect for holiday entertaining and gifts: www.bakersmarket.com

DNA Dynamo
Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th, 11 am – 3 pm in the Eureka! Lab, Science World, TELUS World of Science, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Investigate the awesomeness of DNA with representatives from Genome BC and find out what makes you unique: www.scienceworld.ca

Granville Island Kids Market Holiday Shows
Saturday, December 5th – Wednesday, December 24th, 1496 Cartwright Street, Granville Island, 1496 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
The Kids Market will be packed with holiday fun including Sing-a-longs with Santa on December 5th – 9th, 12th, 14th – 18th, 21st – 24th and Holiday Magic with Elfina on the 10th – 13th and 19th & 20th. All Shows are at 11:00 am and 3:30 pm except the last sing-a-long on the 24th will start at 3 pm: www.kidsmarket.ca

Children’s Christmas Party
Saturday December 5th, 12:30 pm – 3 pm, Renfrew Park Community Centre, 2929 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver
Kids from two to 10 are invited for an afternoon of craft making, entertainment and a visit from Mr. Claus himself. Be sure to pre register: vancouver.ca/parks/cc/renfrew

Festival of Lights Carol Ship Celebration
Saturday, December 5th, 6 pm – 8:30 pm, Lonsdale Quay Market Plaza, at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue North Vancouver
The Lower Lonsdale Business Association, Lonsdale Quay Market and City of North Vancouver have joined together to throw an outdoor, family-friendly celebration including the lighting of a giant Christmas tree, holiday crafts for kids and live entertainment. Santa will be arriving by city fireboat. Please bring non-perishable food or toys for the Harvest House Project and Family Services of the North Shore: www.lonsdalequay.com

Christmas at Canada Place 2009: Making Spirits Bright
Sunday, December 6th – Thursday December 31st, Canada Place, 999 Canada Place,
Vancouver
Not only can you have breakfast with Santa on December 6th and 12th and view Canada Place’s spectacular Christmas Light Show every day to the 31st but when you donate $5 online to Strathcona Community Centre’s Food Security for Children program you’ll be entered to win a trip for two to Jamaica from Canada Vacations and Sandals. Be sure to book for breakfast in advance: www.christmas.canadaplace.ca

Celebration in the Woods
Sunday, December 6, Noon – 4 pm, Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, 3663 Park Road, North Vancouver
Partake of winter crafts, goodies and the black light puppet show Caterpillar and Polliwog beginning at 3 pm: www.dnv.org/ecology

6th Annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade & One Book, One Vancouver
Sunday December 6th, 1 pm – 3 pm, West Georgia and Howe Street, Vancouver
Santa kicks off the 2009 holiday season with marching bands, dance troupes, festive floats and more. If you can’t make it the parade will be televised and the Rogers Santa Claus Parade celebrates the spirit of giving with non-perishable food items and monetary donations to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. One Book, One Vancouver authors Linda Bailey and Janet Love Morrison and the Farm Team will be part of the parade as well. Check their site for the exact route: www.rogerssantaclausparade.com

VSO Kids Koncerts: Al Simmons – Festive Frivolity
Sunday, December 6th, 2 pm, Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver
The kids will enjoy Simons’ Festive Frivolity including gags, jokes, fun and audience interaction: www.vancouversymphony.ca

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Tuesday, December 8th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Dunbar Community Centre, 4747 Dunbar Street
The whole family’s invited for an evening of carolling, hot chocolate and cookies. And tree lighting, at 7:30 pm, of course: dunbarcentre.ca

Breakfasts with Santa

It’s best to register in advance to eat pancakes with Mr. Claus, these breakfasts often sell out in advance:

Farther Afield:

Up Your Watershed! in Surrey Concert for Salmon Conservation
Thursday, December 3rd, 7 pm, Bell Performing Arts Centre, 6250 – 144th Street, Surrey
Holly Arntzen, Kevin Wright and the Dream Band will be joined by 400 singers from South Meridian, Coast Meridian and White Rock elementary schools singing songs to promote watershed stewardship in the Fraser Basin at this event that’s all about our ecological heritage: www.bellperformingartscentre.com

14th Annual Seasonal Celebration
Thursday, December 3rd, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
The park will be awash with pinecone activity, tree decorating, a clay carnival, interactive drum circle, heritage crafts, Chinese lucky red envelopes, gingerbread decorating, an ice sculptor and heaps more seriously festive fun including live entertainment. They’ll also have a Parents’ lounge and stroller parking available: www.shadboltcentre.com

Abbotsford Children’s Theatre Presents Cinderella
Thursday, December 3rd & Friday, December 4th, 7 pm & Saturday, December 5th, 1 pm, Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford
Catch this modern fairytale from ACT which is about fostering live theatre in their community and providing children and youth to develop their artistic abilities: www.abbotsfordchildrenstheatre.org

Bear Creek Train Ride
Friday, December 4th – Thursday, December 24th, 10 am to 5 pm, 13750 – 88th Avenue at King George Highway, Surrey
The train will be winding its way through a Christmas forest display and Santa’s Golden Reindeer tunnel exhibit. Kids will get a candy cane, Reindeer Antler headband and a package of Reindeer food to entice Dasher and Dancer and Prancer et al: www.bctrains.com

Tot Tour: Festive Fun
Friday, December 4th, 11am & 1pm, Surrey Museum 17710 56A Avenue, Surrey
Kids from three to six can explore winter traditions from days gone by through a guided tour of the All Aboard exhibit and they can also make their own decorations to take home: www.surrey.ca

Lighting the Fire Hall
Friday, December 4th, 3:30 pm – 5 pm, Fire Hall No. 5, 22451 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
There’ll be songs, food and fun as Hamilton turns on the Fire Hall Christmas light display at this free, festive, all-ages event: www.richmond.ca

Magic of Christmas
Friday, December 4th, 4 pm & 7 pm, Surrey Centre Elementary, 16670 Old McLellan Road, Surrey
Surrey Centre Elementary is presenting illusionist John Kaplan and his Magic of Christmas show as a fundraiser to pay for the new playground and year-round programs. There’ll be live music, dazzling effects and a cast of dancers and performers. Call 778.241.8600 for tickets and info.

Holiday Festival on Ice
Friday, December 4th, 7:30 pm, Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre: 33800 King Rd, Abbotsford
Catch skating stars like Jeffrey Buttle, Jamie Salé & David Pelletier, Marie-France Dubreuil & Patrice Lauzon, plus eight time British Champion Steven Cousins along with gold selling artists the Canadian Tenors who are known for their eclectic blend of classical and contemporary pop: ev10.evenue.net

Candlelight Parade 2009
Friday December 4th, 7:30 pm, First Avenue, Downtown Mission
Bundle up and come out to watch the amazing floats. Call 604.826.6914 for more info and to check the parade route: missionchamber.bc.ca

Eco Christmas
Saturday, December 5th, 10 am – 1 pm, Surrey Nature Centre (enter via 9800-140 Street on evenings and weekends), Surrey
Kids of all ages are welcome to come and create earth-friendly arts and craft projects that’ll make great gifts for the holidays. There’ll be other wintertime activities to compliment the crafts as well: www.surrey.ca

South Surrey Shop and Swap
Saturday, December 5th, 10 am – 2 pm, Sunnyside Hal, 1845 154th Street, South Surrey
Swap and shop for the holidays and of your $3 admission, $1 goes to the Food Bank and another $1 goes to Basics for Babies. There’ll also be face painting, a craft table and child minding:  southsurreyshopandswap.blogspot.com

ReMax 16th Annual Toy Drive, Chilliwack
Saturday, December 5th, 11 am – 3 pm, The Pantry Banquet room, 2-45466 Yale Road West, Chilliwack
Drop by with a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need over the holidays and have a free photo taken with Santa.

Christmas in Steveston Village: 6th Annual Spectacle of Lights
Saturday December 5th, 2 pm – 6:30 pm, various locations in Steveston Village, Richmond
This true spectacle spectacular begins with the arrival of Santa by boat, then you can have your photos taken with him at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, enjoy Stanley Park Horse-Drawn tours around historical Steveston throughout the afternoon (watch out for carollers), enjoy the local merchants’ holiday displays and finish everything off with the lighting of the grand Sequoia in front of the cannery. Check their site for all the times and locations: www.stevestonkids.com

Courtyard Christmas
Saturday, December 5th, 3 pm – 5 pm, Tsawwassen Shopping Centre, Corner 12 Ave & 56 Street Tsawwassen
Under the glass roof by Rona there’ll be festive music, goodies, Santa, crafts, a chance to help decorate the tree, decorate gingerbread cookies and heaps more holiday fun: www.shoptsawwassen.com

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Heights Fountain Square
Saturday, December 5th, 3:30 pm – 5 pm, Heights Fountain Square (Hastings & MacDonald), Burnaby
The Heights Merchant Association is hosting a tree lighting ceremony featuring festive treats, carollers, family fun and, of course, the lighting of the Christmas tree. Santa will be paying a surprise visit to the Heights from 11 am – 2 pm on December 12th & 19th: www.burnabyheights.com

The 23rd Annual Hyack Christmas Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 5th, 4 pm, downtown New Westminster
It’s not truly Christmas in New West until the Hyack Festival Association kicks things off with their parade of lights which includes bands, floats featuring reindeers, elves, candy canes ane more. The parade travels along Columbia Street between 4th and 8th street and ends up at Hyack Square: www.hyack.bc.ca

Christmas in the Park and the Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 5th, 4 pm – 8 pm, parade begins at 6 pm, Memorial Peace Park, 11900 – 224 Street, Maple Ridge
Santa will be arriving in Memorial Peace Park at twilight accompanied by a dazzling parade of lights, music, floats, a community carol sing-along, photos with the big guy himself and lots more festive fun: www.mapleridge.ca

Light up the Square at Carre Heritage Square
Saturday, December 5th, 4 pm – 7 pm, 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
This annual event is a collaboration between Place des Arts, Musee Mackin Museum and the Gare de Fraser Mills Station and it features entertainment, workshops, arts and crafts, seasonal treats and a chance to make a lantern to light your way along the choral procession led by Les Echos du Pacifique. Check their site for exact times: www.placedesarts.ca

Magic of Christmas Parade & Country Christmas
Saturday, December 5th, parade at 5:30 pm, other events at 6:30 pm, Fraser Highway & 207th Street, Langley
Start with kids crafts at Douglas Recreation Centre at 4:30 pm, then catch Mr and Mrs Claus for the parade and wrap things up back at the Rec Centre with hot chocolate (when you bring a non-perishable food donation): www.spiritofbc.com

Chilliwack Parade of Lights & Sounds
Saturday, December 5th, 6 pm, parade at 7 pm, downtown Chilliwack
This annual event draws thousands for pre-parade entertainment at 6 pm and then the parade itself at 7. And you’ll catch Santa as the grand finale of the whole event: www.downtownchilliwack.com

Santa Comes to Cammidge House
Sunday, December 6th, 1 pm – 3 pm, Boundary Bay Regional Park, Delta
Visit with Santa and enjoy refreshments and special treats for the kids. Be sure to bring your camera. Call 604.948.9908 for more info: maps.google.ca

Christmas Nature Walk
Sunday, December 6th, 1 pm – 3 pm, Burnably Lake Nature House, 4519 Piper Avenue, Burnaby
Enjoy this brisk guided walk and discover the park’s winter wildlife, plus there’ll be crafts available for the kids: www.birdsonthebay.ca

Raise a Brass of Cheer
Sunday, December 6th, 2 pm, at Fraserview M.B. Church, 11295 Mellis Drive, Richmond
This year the Richmond Singers are featuring the Brass Belles, an all-women’s brass quintet, as well as a reading and short enactment of How the Grinch Stole Christmas – all this in addition to their seasonal songs and sing-alongs: www.richmondsingers.ca

Surrey’s Santa Parade of Lights
Sunday, December 6th, 6pm, Cloverdale Town Centre 176 Street & 60th Avenue, Cloverdale
Lighted vehicles and floats will escort Santa on his way to light the town’s Christmas tree. There’ll also be entertainment, food, face painting, Christmas displays, carolling and more:
www.cloverdalebia.com

Osprey’s Christmas Tree Lighting
Wednesday, December 9th, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, Osprey Village, Spirit Square, Pitt Meadows
The community is invited to gather at Spirit Square to kick off the season with the lighting of the Christmas Tree, hot chocolate, entertainment and more: www.mapleridge.ca

Breakfasts with Santa

It’s best to register in advance to eat pancakes with Mr. Claus, these breakfasts often sell out in advance:

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 have been made since we posted it. And of course, have fun!

 

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