Daily, November 26th to January 1st
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Enjoy the boughs, red bows and all the other old-fashioned ornaments and decorations throughout the village and farmhouse. The season features traditional entertainment, demonstrations, hands-on activities and exhibits from the early 1900s. The craft is a popular with children as is a chat with Father Christmas. Complete each visit with a whirl on the C.W. Parker Carousel ($2.25/ride).
2011 Christmas Traditions, Past and Present
Scenes from seasonal storybooks and songs bring Christmas memories to life at the museum. The smell of cedar and pine boughs, the sight of festive wreaths with bright red bows, and the sounds of carollers remind visitors of Christmases past and present.
Also, look for a new scene inspired by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Highlights include:
Father Christmas listens to children’s wishes. (Father Christmas represents the spirit of Christmas and is depicted as a lean man wearing a long belted robe & hat.) Check Father Christmas's hours on the schedule to be posted at http://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca.
Footlight Theatre will return to entertain visitors for another season with a children's play.
Scavenger hunt. A brand new hunt will preview this season with items placed throughout the site: pick up your check list, locate all the items, and earn a small prize.
Musicians, entertainers, demonstrators, story tellers, community choirs and heritage crafts are also scheduled throughout the season.
Hours*: November 26-December 14: noon-4:30pm
December 15-January 1, 2012 noon-8:00pm
December 24 & 25 closed
Complimentary admission in celebration of 40th Anniversary
*Subject to change without notice. Please confirm before you visit.
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Saturdays & Sundays through December 25
Christmas in Kerrisdale
What: Kerrisdale’s shopping district gets in the Christmas spirit on Saturdays, with Christmas decorations galore, free horse & carriage rides, roving quartets, and visits from Santa and his elf.
Where: West 41st Ave, between Larch St. & Maple St., Vancouver
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Friday, December 2–Sunday, December 4
WEST COAST CHRISTMAS SHOW & MARKETPLACE 2011
The West Coast Christmas Show is Western Canada's holiday season show featuring decor, gifts, food, personal services, seminars, and stage presentations. Discover new ideas and products for holiday shopping, entertaining, and home decorating ideas, just in time for the season.
Friday, December 2 - Sunday, December 4
TRADEX Trade & Exhibition Centre
1190 Cornell St. Abbotsford, BC V2T 6H5
Tickets and information: www.westcoastchristmasshow.com
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Saturday December 3 from 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Christmas Comes to Steveston Village
Steveston is preparing to welcome the holiday season with a community display of lights, music, horse-drawn carriage rides, carollers, and the arrival of Santa! Join us on Saturday December 3, 2011 from 2:00 – 6:00 pm for Christmas in Steveston Village brought to you by the Steveston Merchants Association.
The afternoon begins with the arrival of Santa, Steveston-style, by boat at Fisherman’s Wharf with the Fraser River Fiddlers. Santa will walk over to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery where parents can take a photo of their child with the jolly old elf. Adding to the charm will be old-fashioned horse drawn carriage rides throughout the afternoon, and Musically Yours, a trio of carollers, will be roaming the streets and singing at the lighting of the tree. Merchants will participate by decorating their storefronts for the judging of the Best Decorated Business, as well as adding special incentives for customers and passers by. The finale of the afternoon, when the sun goes down, will be the lighting of the grand Sequoia tree in front of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery with a turn of the magic candy cane by Mayor Malcolm Brodie!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Santa’s Arrival
TIME: 2 PM LOCATION: FISHERMAN’S WHARF
Santa will arrive by Vancouver Whale Watch boat at Fisherman’s Wharf to the delight of waiting families. Enjoy music by the Fraser River Fiddlers as Santa pulls in. Uniformed RCMP will escort Santa to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Free Santa hats will be given out to the first 600 people.
Photo with Santa
TIME: 2:15 - 4 PM LOCATION: INSIDE THE GULF OF GEORGIA CANNERY
Bring your camera! Santa will be delighted to have children sit on his lap, tell him their Christmas wishes and have a photo taken. The Gift Shop inside the Cannery will be open for business.
Musically Yours
2 – 5 PM
A trio of carollers will entertain you with Christmas favourites at locations throughout the Village, including Fisherman’s Park where they will sing prior to the lighting of the tree.
Old Fashioned Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
TIME: 2:00 – 6:00 PM LOCATION: BAYVIEW STREET (NEAR FIRST AVE)
Bring the family and transport them back in time with an old-fashioned horse & carriage ride operated by Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours through historic Steveston while listening to your favourite Christmas music! Rides are by donation (suggested $5 minimum) with all proceeds going to the Richmond Christmas Fund. Pick up and drop off is in on Bayview Street every 20 minutes. Each rider receives a chocolate treat.
Tree Lighting
TIME: 4:50 PM LOCATION: FISHERMAN’S PARK/GULF OF GEORGIA CANNERY
Gather around the grand Sequoia tree just prior to 4:50 pm as Mayor Malcolm Brodie officially lights the tree as the sun sets and the village lights up.
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Friday, December 9
Vancouver Tree Lighting Celebration
What: Now in its fifth year, this event celebrates the lighting of a 50-foot Christmas Tree at the Jack Poole Plaza (sight of the Olympic Cauldron). Includes live music and appearances from the BC Lions and Bro Jake from Rock 101.
Where: Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver
Cost: Free
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Friday, December 2 - Sunday, January 1
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
What: Every year, the Capilano Suspension Bridge transforms into a celebration of light for the holidays, with live music, kids activities, and more.
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Cost: $25 for adults; $5 for kids; proceeds go to the BC Professional Fire Fighter's Burn Fund
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Friday, December 9 - Monday, January 2
(closed December 25)
VanDusen Botanical Gardens' Festival of Lights
What: The gorgeous VanDusen Garden turns festive with elaborate light decorations, a Candy Cane Tree, Gingerbread Walk, Santa's workshop, and much more.
Where: VanDusen Botanical Gardens, 5251 Oak St., Vancouver
Cost: $13.50; $10 for seniors & youth; $7.50 for kids 6 - 12; $31 for families
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Ongoing through January 2
Luminescence: A Celebration of Aquatic Light at the Vancouver Aquarium
What: Vancouver Aquarium celebrates the season with a special exhibit on the fascinating ways in which animals create and reflect light. Plus: Scuba Santa, a Christmas Tree switched on by their electric eel, and much more!
Where: Vancouver Aquarium
Cost: $21; $16 for seniors & students; $13 for kids 4 - 12; free for children 3 and under
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Thursday, December 1 – Wednesday, February 29
Robson Square Ice Skating
What: Vancouver's only outdoor ice rink is open for free ice skating all winter.
Where: 800 Robson St., across from the Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver
Cost: Free; skate rentals are $4
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December 2–28 Tuesday through Sunday
Irving Berlin‛s White Christmas: The Musical
An Arts Club Theatre Company Production
VANCOUVER, B.C.—Your beloved holiday favourite is back! Make your days merry and bright by warming to this unforgettable musical about love and friendship. Based on the classic holiday film, this tap-dancing delight brims with tunes—including “Sisters” and the ever-popular “White Christmas”—that will fill you with the joy of the season.
Returning after sold-out runs two years in a row, this season’s production of White Christmas: The Musical already boasts 6 sold-out performances. “Our show has been warmly received by thousands, and the majority of the original cast, as well as some wonderful newcomers in the ensemble, will join us for this year’s run,” says director Bill Millerd. “The stage adaptation of the film musical has more of Berlin’s favourites, and the production has moved beyond the confines of a film, exploding on stage with a versatile cast that sings beautifully and tap-dances furiously. This show captures the timeless yearning during the holidays to be with those that you cherish.”
Irving Berlin wrote the song “White Christmas” for the 1942 movie Holiday Inn, and it won the Academy Award that year for Best Song. Bing Crosby sang it in that movie, as well as the film version of White Christmas in 1954. His recording has sold over 30 million copies and is still one of the best-selling singles in the world. The musical version of the film was first produced in San Francisco in 2004. After a holiday season run on Broadway in 2009, it received two Tony Award nominations and six Drama Desk Award nominations.
December 2–December 28, 2011
at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
(2750 Granville St., at 12th Ave)
Showtimes
Tuesday at 7:30 PM, Wednesday–Saturday at 8 PM, and Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2 PM. Some special showtimes in effect; please see artsclub.com
Tickets are $29 to $85, inclusive of taxes and fees.
Call the Arts Club Box Office at 604.687.1644 or visit artsclub.com
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Wednesday, December 21
Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
What: Take part in one of the world's oldest traditions at this annual event that celebrates the return of the light after the year's shortest day. The Festival includes lantern displays, live musical performances, and events in five Vancouver neighbourhoods, including Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden, Chinatown.
Where: Locations in DTES, Yaletown, Granville Island, and Chinatown; see site for details
Cost: Free / By donation
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Saturday, December 31st
Vancouver Aquarium’s New Year’s Eve Sleepover
Join us at the Vancouver Aquarium’s 25th Anniversary New Year’s Eve Sleepover, a one night event celebrating the long standing success of the sleepover program while ringing in the New Year. This special night will include unique activities including a behind the scenes tour, Amazon “Night Crawler” flashlight tour, special beluga show, a visit to the wet lab and even some retro inspired activities. Buy your tickets today at www.vanaqua.org/visit_us/sleepovers.html for the perfect family event this New Year’s Eve.
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Ongoing Events
The
Young Naturalists Club of Stanley Park
This monthly activity is a chance for children (with
their parents) to enjoy two hours of nature exploration
and hands-on fun. Activities include hiking, games,
wildlife observation, outdoor art, and more! We
meet on the first Saturday of every month, from
10 am to noon. Call (604) 718-6522 to register,
or email ync@stanleyparkecology.ca
Cost: $25.00 per family per year. Pre-registration is required.
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Science World
Engage your mind and uncover the mysteries of everyday science through interactive displays, hands-on experiments and live demonstrations at Science World.
Visit www.scienceworld.ca
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Vancouver Aquarium
70,000 amazing creatures await you at the Vancouver Aquarium, including sea lions, beluga whales, sharks, and dolphins. Check out the new Exploration Gallery at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Visit www.vanaqua.org
or call 604/659-FIS
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Vancouver Public Library
Delve into a mystery or go on a swashbuckling adventure. Wonderful lands and interesting characters await you in a book. Head down to the Vancouver Public Library and check something out.
www.vpl.ca
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Kid’s Market at Granville Island
Head down to Granville Island and check out the Kids’ Market.
604-689-8447
www.kidsmarket.ca
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H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
Visit the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and soar to adventure in the Virtual Voyage Simulator ride, experience the Planetarium GroundStation Canada and the Cosmic Courtyard.
604-738-7827
www.spacecentre.ca
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Burnaby Family Place
Located in North Burnaby @410
Clare Ave. (One Block East of Sperling and Hastings)
Offers drop in playtime for parents and
caregivers and their children from 0 to 6 years.
The hours are 10am to 2pm Monday thru Thursday.
Call ahead for summer schedule. The coffee is on,
so come and meet some new friends in a casual and
relaxed atmosphere. Small drop in fee, but exceptions
always made. Everyone welcome. Call Kelly at 604-299-5112
for more info.
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Telly TV
Check
out Telly TV every day from 7 –
11 am and Kid Zone Live weekdays
from 3pm - 6pm, both on Knowledge Network television.
Visit www.knowledgenetwork.ca
for more information, interactive games, activities
and more
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Sunset Community Centre
Sunset
Community Centre is offering a variety of
programs for all age groups.
Children's
programs include: Kinderplay, ABC's & 123's,
Tunes for Toddlers, Rhymes & Rhythms, Creative
Movement, Playgym, Start with Art, Cartooning, Jazz
Dance, Piano and Voice lessons, Gymnastics, Taekwondo,
Wushu, Badminton, Soccer, and Skating. Summer Daycamp
information is now available! Adults: We have Playcare:
let us entertain your preschooler at our Playgym M/W/F
10-11:30 am while you visit our Fitness Centre or
take part in a step class.
Adult
programs include Fitness, Body Ball, Pilates,
Yoga, Sports, Martial Arts, Dance, Drumming, Piano
and Voice lessons. Adult workshops include Garden
Art, Gardening & Scrapbooking. Sunset Community
Centre is located on East 51st Ave between Fraser
& Main St. in Vancouver. Free parking behind the
centre.
To
register call 718-6505. www.mysunset.net
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Single Mothers’ Support Group
A free of charge
group which provides single mothers with an opportunity
to network, learn parenting skills and access community
resources. Come and share your thoughts about being
a single mother. The group takes place on Mondays
from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the New Westminster Family
Place. Call Monica at 604-525-9144.
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Alcan Children’s Maritime Discovery Centre
Offers hands on displays where kids and the young at heart discover
the maritime world – all designed for fun. At
the Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Avenue In
Vanier Park. Visitor information: 257-8300 www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
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Getting Ready to Read
This program is offered at Thompson,
Steveston and East Richmond (Cambie) community centres
in Richmond. The program includes many reading readiness
activities together with picture books, poetry, felt
stories, songs and puppets. Each session features
an interesting theme and literacy activities appropriate
for four and five year olds. Presented by a B.C. certified
teacher. For more information call: 604-276-4300.
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Just Dance: Dance Globally, Connect Locally
Popular Just Dance offers
an innovative “positive party” community
event for all ages (including many children and teens),
and is free from alcohol and smoking. Its unconventional
focus is on clean and healthy fun with the profits
donated to local charities. Part of Just Dance’s
14-year success is due to the eclectic selection of
world music including African, Drumming, Latin, Celtic,
Pop, Global Fusion and many more.
When: on most 2nd and 4th Fridays
of the month
Cost: $10 at the door- Children are
FREE!
Location: 2114-West 4th Avenue (at
Arbutus)
Just Dance: 9:00pm till 12:30am.
Information and Multimedia: www.justdance.ca
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