1. Welcome Santa Claus back to town at the 2017 Santa Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. on Columbia Street in downtown New West.
2. Shop for some unique Christmas gifts at the third annual New West Craft Christmas night market, where you’ll be able to shop from more than 50 vendors of handmade items and enjoy live music, food and drinks. It’s taking place on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 6 to 9:30 p.m., River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.
3. Join the Century House Artists in an interactive art event in which local artists showcase their work and show you how it’s done – and let you try your hand at watercolour, drawing and acrylic painting. The Art in Motion – Paintings on Parade is on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Century House, 620 Eighth St.
4. Attend the opening reception of the new exhibition at the Plaskett Gallery at Massey Theatre, Two Different Views by Jacky Hosford. The opening is on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 2 to 5 p.m., and the exhibition runs until Dec. 24. The Plaskett Gallery, part of the Massey Theatre Complex at 735 Eighth Ave., is open Tuesday to Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. and during shows at the theatre.
5. Explore the thoughts and feelings of Woodlands survivors who collaborated with an artist on the Big House project when the institution was closing in the 1990s. Big House is on display at Anvil Centre’s community art space on the third floor until Dec. 3. Anvil Centre, located at 777 Columbia St., is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays.
6. Take the kids to Fraser River Discovery Centre (788 Quayside Dr.) for Fishmas in Winter Wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It features games, crafts, colouring contests, all sorts of interactive activities and shows, including Fishmas Slime and Foamy Snowy Explosion, and includes a chance to win prizes. Admission is $5 or $15 for a family.
7. Hop on SkyTrain and head to B.C. Place Stadium to support the New Westminster Hyacks football team as it takes on the Terry Fox Ravens in the finals of the AAA varsity provincial championships. The game is on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. at B.C. Place.
