’Tis the season to be jolly – and to wonder how on earth you’re going to keep those overexcited small humans in your house busy until Christmas.
Never fear, New West has plenty of pre-Christmas fun for families to enjoy. Here are just a few things you might want to check out:
CRAFT TIME
The New Westminster Public Library has some crafty options for all ages. Among them:
Holiday storytime and craft: Kids aged two to six are invited out for a holiday-themed storytime and craft on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the main branch.
Winter break drop-in craft: School’s out! Kids aged three to eight are invited to join in a drop-in crafting session, with parent participation. It’s on Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, plus two Thursdays (Dec. 22 and 29) from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Adult Crafternoon: Yes, grown-ups can get crafty too. You’re invited to join in with Denise Corcoran of Thrifty by Design, in a free program on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. You have to sign up ahead – call 604-527-4666.
The main library branch is at 716 Sixth Ave. See www.nwpl.ca for details.
NEW WESTMINSTER PARKS AND REC
As always, the city has a host of Christmas offerings for families. Here are just a sampling:
Parent and Tots at Christmas: Two- to four-year-olds, with parent or caregiver, are invited to the Centennial Community Centre on Thursday, Dec. 15 to take part in a 10 a.m. session that includes paints, Play-Doh and holiday projects. It costs $7.75. Register at 604-777-5100 (course 155003).
Let’s Get Frozen: Frozen party games, Frozen treats, and Olaf and Elsa decorations are all on tap for the young Frozen fan in your house. For three- to five-year-olds, this class is on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 12:30 p.m. Register at 604-777-5100, $11.50 (course 155013).
Yuletide Yummies: Three- to five-year-olds can get their hands on some holiday baking in this class at Centennial Community Centre, which costs $11.50. It’s on Thursday, Dec. 15 at noon (course 155007) and Monday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. (155008).
Christmas Craft Creations: Five- to 10-year-olds can take part in this program at Centennial Community Centre on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 12:30 p.m. It costs $11.50, register at 604-777-5100 (155018).
Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen: At the Queensborough Community Centre, kids aged five to 10 can enjoy baking holiday favourites and playing holiday games. It’s on Thursday, Dec. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. Register at 604-525-7388 (course 154995). It costs $22.
Afterschool Special: Holiday Style: This one’s for the 13- to 18-year-old set, and it’s held at Anvil Centre in Studio 411. Teens can turn out for the art-making program to create one-of-a-kind gifts. It runs Tuesday to Friday, Dec. 13 to 16, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Registration fee is $12.50 (course number 152470).
I could go on and on, since the Christmas brochure is packed full of fun, but why not check it out for yourself? Pick up a Christmas 2016 Active Living Guide at city facilities, or download one from www.newwestcity.ca.
IRVING HOUSE
The city’s Victorian home museum is all decked out for the holidays, and it’s offering a number of programs for all ages.
Kids aged five to seven can enjoy A Very Canadian Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. The eight- to 10-year-olds can enjoy Hololy Jolly Christmas Crafts on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m.
Christmas Cheer afternoons for the whole family are offered on Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18, from noon to p.m. – drop in at any time, by donation, to checked out the home’s Victorian decorations, enjoy live Christmas music and make a tree decoration.
The home also hosts Victorian Christmas Teas, by registration, on Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18, with seatings at noon, 1 and 2 p.m. You can register as an individual for $19, or for six people for $114.
See www.tinyurl.com/NWHeritagePrograms or call 604-527-4640.
SKATE WITH SANTA
Moody Park Arena is all decked out for the holidays, and Santa Claus will make his annual appearance. Kids can skate with the big guy, make crafts and take part in a variety of on-ice activities.
The fun is on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Regular admission rates apply. Call 604-525-5301 for details.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Local kids can enjoy pancake breakfast with the man of the moment on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Queensborough Community Centre. For $7.50 per guest, you can enjoy breakfast, plus entertainment and a chance to visit with Santa. It costs $7.50 per person. Call 604-52-7388 to book.
There's another breakst event on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Centennial Community Centre. Enjoy a sing-along, entertainment, crafts and a chance to have your photo taken with Santa. Tickets are limited, and it costs $7 per person – call 604-777-5100 (program number 155036) to book.
Do you have an item for Family Ties? Send family- and parenting-related items to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
