The season of fun is upon us - but with so much happening in the city, where should you start?
We've put together this guide to Christmas and holiday-related events in the city to help you plan out your month.
MUSIC
New Westminster Symphony Orchestra: The NWSO and the Richmond Academy of Dance team up for their 15th anniversary Christmas celebration, which features excerpts from the Nutcracker, festive holiday songs and specially choreographed works including talented tappers and vocalists. It's onstage at the Massey Theatre on Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12. Buy through 604-521-5050 or www.ticketsnw.ca.
Carols and Bells: The 17th edition of this annual favourite is on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at Queens Avenue United Church, 529 Queens Ave. Handbell ringers of all ages from Burnaby, New Westminster, Maple Ridge and Langley will take part in the concert, interspersed with the audience singing along to various carols and Christmas songs, accompanied by piano and the church's Casavant Frères pipe organ. A special addition to the concert this year is a performance by the Los Castores Mariachi Band, composed of New Westminster Secondary students and recent grads.Tickets are $20 regular, $15 for students and seniors or $10 for children. They're available through www.queensavenue.org or by calling the church office at 604-522-1606. You can also buy at the door.
Winter Harp: The acclaimed ensemble returns to New West to perform on the Massey Theatre stage with the Vancouver Welsh Men's Choir. The concert is on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m., and it features the 80-voice choir in performance with harps, flutes, percussion and rare medieval instruments. See www.winterharp.com for all the details.
Amabilis Singers: This New Westminster-based choir is joining forces with the Shaughnessy Heights United Church Sanctuary Choir for O Nata Lux, a concert celebrating the magic of the season, featuring music by Abbie Bettinis, Carl Rutti, Bob Chilcott, Guy Forbes and more. The concert runs Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 13th Ave. in Burnaby, and on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Shaughnessy Heights United Church, 1550 West 33rd Ave. in Vancouver. Tickets are $20, or free for kids under 11. Call 604-503-2074 or see www.amabilissingers.org for more details.
Holy Trinity Cathedral: Holy Trinity Cathedral choir is joining forces with the Royal Westminster Regimental Band for a Christmas concert at the cathedral on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Holy Trinity is at 514 Carnarvon St. Tickets are by donation at the door, and donations of $20 or more will qualify for donation receipts.
musica intima: The popular vocal ensemble returns to New Westminster for A Christmas Story, Monday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church, 403 East Columbia St. The performance welcomes people of all ages for an evening of carols and stories in a Vinyl Café-inspired narrative. It includes works by Jonathan Quick, Don MacDonald and Richard Rodney Bennett. Tickets are $35 regular, $30 for seniors and $10 for students. Call 604-731-7718 or see www.musicaintima.org.
New Westminster Secondary School: The school's music department presents its winter band concert on Wednesday, Dec. 17, featuring fun and exciting music by the concert and jazz bands. Tickets are $8, or free for kids under six. Call the box office at 604-521-5050 to book. It's onstage at the Massey Theatre at 7 p.m.
THEATRE and DANCE
Christmas Belles: New Westminster's Vagabond Players are back with their Christmas comedy, running Wednesday, Dec. 3 to Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Bernie Legge Theatre, Queen's Park. The play by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten is set at Christmastime in the small town of Fayro, Texas, where the Futrelle Sisters are in turmoil: One is overdue with her second set of twins, one is in jail, and one is desperately trying to keep the Tabernacle of the Lamb's Christmas program from spiralling into chaos. Catch all the fun with evening shows Wednesday to Saturday at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets $15, or $13 for students and seniors, with $10 previews on Dec. 3, 4 and 5. Reserve at 604-521-0412 or email [email protected]. See www.vagabondplayers.ca for more details.
New Westminster Secondary School: The school's dance department presents adaptations of two family favourites, onstage at the Massey Theatre on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. A Veggie A Day Keeps the Don Away, presented by the junior dance classes and senior acting class, is an adaptation of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. #TheCarol is a modern retelling of A Christmas Carol, featuring a grouchy, inconsiderate teenager named Carol who's addicted to her phone - until three ghosts show her the error of her ways. Tickets for the night are $7. Call 604-521-5050 or see www.ticketsnw.ca.
Scrooge: This dramatic reading with music features a script by Orson Welles, based on Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol. The local production features David Adams, Duncan Ollerenshaw, Sanders Whiting and others, and it's on at Queens Avenue United Church on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 regular, $15 seniors/students, $10 children, call 604-522-1606.
The Nutcracker: The Royal City Youth Ballet returns with its traditional holiday favourite, onstage at the Massey Theatre on Monday, Dec. 22. It's on at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., featuring beautiful sets, extravagant costumes and a large cast of enthusiastic and talented young dancers, all against the backdrop of Tchaikovsky's beloved Nutcracker score. Tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for children under 13. Call 604-521-5050 or buy at ticketsnw.ca.
ARTS and CRAFTS
Brewery District Christmas gift and craft fair: The fair is on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Sapperton Pensioners Hall at 318 Keary St. A wide range of vendors and artisans will offer the perfect gifts for your family and friends. Admission is by donation, with proceeds to be donated to charity.
Artisans Fair: The River Market holds two December editions of its Arisans Fair, on Saturdays, Dec. 6 and 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the community square at River Market. The fair includes jewelers, knitters, crafters and a variety of other artisans. River Market is at 810 Quayside Dr. Check out its website at www.rivermarket.ca for more details.
Van Dop Gallery: Van Dop Gallery, at 421 Richmond St., is getting into the spirit of the season with a number of exhibitions and events, including a Festive Treasures showcase with open houses on Saturdays; The Art of Entertaining, running till Dec. 30; and the Spirit of the Season, with Saturday open houses. To set up a viewing, call 604-521-7887. For more details, see www.vandopgallery.com or email [email protected].
FOOD
Royal City Farmers Market: The winter edition of the market runs on two Saturdays in December: Dec. 6 and Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at River Market. Find organic produce, local honey, meat, eggs and dairy and more. Check out www.rcfm.ca for all the details.
River Critters Baking Class: Kids aged five and under (plus a parent or caregiver) can get their hands on dough and have some fun baking in this class led by Katia Mayo of Pamola Bakery at River Market. Kids can roll cookies, decorate cupcakes and make other special treats for a fee of $5 per child. Class runs Tuesday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. at River Market, 810 Quayside Dr. (Note: There's no class on Tuesday, Dec. 23.) Check out www.rivermarket.ca to sign up.
Yuletide Yummies: Three- to five-year-olds can try their hand at Christmas baking in this special class at Centennial Community Centre. It runs Thursdays, Dec. 11 and 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., or Saturday, Dec. 20 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and it costs $9.50 per class. Call 604-777-5100 or see the Christmas Active Living Guide at www.newwestpcr.ca for details.
Century House Christmas lunch and Christmas dinner: The centre for people aged 50-plus is hosting a number of Christmas festivities, including Christmas dinners (with happy hour and entertainment) on Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Tuesday, Dec. 16, and a Christmas lunch on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 604-519-1066 or see the Christmas Active Living Guide at www.newwestpcr.ca for details.
Family Christmas dinner: This annual favourite includes a catered turkey feast with all the trimmings, plus entertainment and a raffle prize draw. It's hosted by the Queensborough Special Programs Committee at the Queensborough Community Centre on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., $20 for adults and $8 for kids. Call 604-525-7388.
Victorian Christmas Tea: Grandmother's Room at Irving House is the setting for this traditional Victorian Christmas tea, with musical entertainment. Seatings are available on Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21, with seatings for six guests. It's $17 per person. Call 604-527-4640 or see the Christmas Active Living Guide at www.newwestpcr.ca for details.
YOUTH
New Westminster Youth Centre holiday dinner: Kids and teens in Grade 8 and up can join in a turkey dinner at the youth centre on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. Call 604-515-3775.
Christmas chocolates and ornament making: Kids and teens in Grade 8 and up can learn how to make Christmas ornaments and favourite chocolate trees on Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the youth centre. Call 604-515-3775.
Ugly Sweater Holiday Party: Kids in grades 6 to 8 can join in this party - decorating ugly holiday sweaters, playing holiday games and having an off-the-wall holiday feast. It's at the Glenbrook Middle School gym on Friday, Dec. 12 from 3 to 9 p.m. Call 604-515-3775.
FAMILY
Santa Claus Parade: It's not Christmas till Jolly Old St. Nick comes riding into town in style! This year's Santa Claus Parade and tree lighting, on the theme of A Child's Christmas, is set for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, along Columbia Street. The parade will be followed by a number of related fun events: photos with Santa at the Shops at New West from noon to 4 p.m.; Merry Fishmas at the Fraser River Discovery Centre from noon to 4 p.m.; arts and crafts, kids' stories, Festival of Trees and entertainment at the Anvil Centre from noon to 4 p.m.; the holiday market edition of the Royal City Farmers' Market at River Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the grand tree lighting at Hyack Square at 4 p.m. Check out www.newwestcity.ca for all the details.
Festival of Trees: The Festival of Trees returns for its second year after the inaugural event in 2013. It's a 25-day event, running from Dec. 1 to Christmas Day, featuring trees adorned by local schools on display at River Market, and trees sponsored and decorated by businesses on display at Anvil Centre. The festival raises money to help support local schools and, this year, includes a number of special events: a poutine-and-beer fundraiser at Spud Shack on Dec. 7; a Gingerbread House Competition that's being judged on Dec. 7 at River Market; Holiday Pet Photos with the Grinch at Bosley's on Dec. 7; Photos With Santa at River Market on Dec. 13; and a Holiday Movie Night at River Market on Dec. 14. See www.festivaloftreesnewwest.ca for all the details about the festival and all the events involved. It's being hosted by The Stage New Westminster in partnership with River Market and the Anvil Centre.
Lighting of the Fire Hall: The annual lighting of the Queensborough Fire Hall happens on Friday, Dec. 5 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and will include carolling, entertainment and refreshments from Tim Hortons. It's free, but bring along a donation for the food bank. All are welcome.
Breakfast With Santa: Families are invited to join in this pancake breakfast, with entertainment, sing-along and of course a visit from the Jolly Old Elf himself. It's all happening on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Centennial Community Centre. It's $6, call ahead for tickets to 604-777-5100. The Queensborough Community Centre has its Breakfast With Santa event on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. Call 604-525-7388.
Lego Ornament Class: The young Lego fanatic in your home can enjoy this unique class in building ornaments with Lego. It's set for Friday, Dec. 12 and Friday, Dec. 19 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the food hall at River Market. Kids will learn tricks and tips to help them build their own Lego ornament, and they'll have access to all the Lego they'll need (they don't get to take their creations home). The cost is $10 for the session. See www.rivermarket.ca.
Skate With Santa: Moody Park Arena is decked out for the holidays, and people of all ages can join in the fun on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Regular admission rates apply to this skate - but you get a visit from Santa Claus himself included in the cost, plus cookie decorating, a Christmas craft and special on-ice activities. Call 604-525-5301.
Christmas Cheer at Irving House: Families can travel back in time as Irving House is decked out for the holiday season. Enjoy live Christmas music in the parlour and make a decoration for one of the trees. It's on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21, from noon to 4 p.m. Drop in, and the program is by donation. Call 604-527-4640 for more.
Parent and Tot programs: New Westminster parks, recreation and culture offers a number of parent and tot programs for the festive season. Among them: Parents and Tots and Christmas arts and crafts (ages two to four), Thursdays, Dec. 11 and 18 at Centennial Community Centre, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (604-777-5100); Indoor Playland Holiday Party, at Queensborough Community Centre on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (604-525-7388); Rudolph Rompers (ages three to five) on Monday, Dec. 22 from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. at Centennial Community Centre (604-777-5100); and the Motoring Munchkins Christmas Party on Friday, Dec. 19 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Queen's Park Arenex (604-777-5121). See the city's Christmas Active Living Guide (pick up in person or download from www.newwestpcr.ca) for all the details.
New Westminster Public Library: The whole family can join in an all-ages storytime and craft at the library, 716 Sixth Ave., on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 3:30 p.m. There will be stories, songs and a craft, and it's all free. The library is also offering drop-in craft programs for all ages on Mondays, Dec. 22 and 29, from 10 a.m. to noon, and on Tuesdays, Dec. 23 and 30, from 1 to 3 p.m. It's also free. There's also a special Creative Tweens session for the nine- to 12-year-old set on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 3:30 p.m. Call 604-527-4660 for details.
Kids' arts and crafts programs: New Westminster's parks, recreation and culture department offers a number of holiday-related arts and crafts programs for kids of all ages at Queensborough and Centennial community centres. See the city's Christmas Active Living Guide (pick up in person or download from www.newwestpcr.ca) for all the details.
Do you have a Christmas event to share? Send details to Julie MacLellan, [email protected].
