Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to reflect, relax and, most of all, have fun with friends and family.
Here's just a few of the many family-friendly activities happening around the Royal City this month.
To the river
Get immersed in nature with a trip to the Fraser River Discovery Centre. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except for the period from Dec. 22 to Jan. 2, when they'll be closed) for an interesting introduction to the wonders of the river. Two special events are being held over the holidays: on Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., take part in a holiday ornament craft activity. Create a silver salmon, a Santa salmon or a boat ornament. On Jan. 5, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., take part in the interactive pollution model, which helps teach how pollution impacts the river environment. The centre is located at 788 Quayside Dr. See www. fraserriverdiscovery.org for more information.
HISTORIC FUN
Step back in time and celebrate the Christmas season with an historic twist. Enjoy a Victorian Christmas at Irving House and learn about traditions of the past while enjoying decorations and performers. On Dec. 22, enjoy a special program dubbed Child's Victorian Christmas, for ages six to eight years. Children will get the chance to explore the house, make traditional crafts and listen to some seasonal stories. Program runs 10: 30 a.m. to noon, with a registration fee of $10.75; register by calling 604-527-4640. Or enjoy a family Victorian Christmas tea in the Grandmother's Room at Irving House, with musical entertainment. Sittings are at 3 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 16; register by calling 604-527-4640.
BREAKFAST TIME
Enjoy breakfast with Santa at Centennial Community Centre, on Dec. 15 from 9: 30 to 11 a.m. The pancake breakfast includes entertainment, crafts, a sing-along and a visit from Santa. Tickets are limited. Call 604-7775100 to register, $6 per person.
DECORATE IT
Here's an all-ages opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit with an afternoon of building gingerbread houses. From 1 to 2: 30 p.m., on Dec. 16, participants will get the chance to build a house and decorate it with candies. Event includes hot chocolate and card crafts. Pre-register at 604-7775100; cost is $10.
ON THE ICE
A popular annual tradition returns to the ice at Moody Park Arena on Dec. 22, from 6: 30 to 8 p.m. with a Skate with Santa, for all ages. The arena is decorated for the season, and the evening will include a variety of on-ice activities, cookie decorating and a special Christmas craft, as well as a visit from Santa. Regular admission rates apply. For teens, there's a special Christmas Skate scheduled for Dec. 15, from 8: 15 to 9: 45 p.m. for those in Grades 6 and above, with DJ, lights, prizes and more. Call 604-525-2301 for info.
LITERARY LESSONS
At the New Westmin- ster Library, check out Christmas Storytime for two-to five-year-olds, 10: 15 a.m. on Dec. 12 and 13; Christmas Stories and Crafts for four-to 10-yearolds, on Dec. 14 at 3: 30 p.m.; Christmas Drop-in Crafts for four-to 10-yearolds on Dec. 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; or Creative Tweens, with readings and crafts, for nine to 12-year-olds, 3: 30 p.m. on Dec. 20. Call 604-527-4660 for more information.
TEEN TIME
Teens in Grades 8 and above have a number of activities to choose from in the Royal City this month. On Dec. 15, from 1 to 8 p.m., take in a Christmas Movie Marathon at the Youth Centre for free. On Dec. 19, Century House hosts a gingerbread house making session, from 3 to 5 p.m. (free, but register in advance at the youth centre).
On Dec. 21, Christmas at the Youth Centre includes presents, dinner and a visit from Santa, from 5 to 9 p.m. (register in advance). As well, try your hand at Christmas cookie and ornament making on Dec. 17 from 4 to 6 p.m., at the youth centre. Free with youth centre membership. Call 604-5133775 for more information on these and other activities.
TO THE RIVER
For kids from toddler to preschool and right through elementary school, the New Westminster Parks and Recreation department has a host of holiday-themed activities. See www.newwestpcr. ca for more on these and other activities.
