Not in the Christmas spirit yet? Never fear, there’s plenty of festive feeling to be found in the city.
Though the Santa Claus Parade is behind us, there’s still an abundance of holiday cheer to be found in the city. And, because we know you’re more than busy enough at this time of year, we figured we’d make it easy for you by compiling this list of the top 10 things to do, all in one place.
So what are you waiting for? Round up your family and friends and get out to enjoy the fun.
1. Catch the sparkle of the Festival of Trees.
The third annual event, put on by The Stage New Westminster in partnership with the Anvil Centre and River Market, sees businesses and schools compete in a friendly and festive tree-decorating event. Trees are displayed at River Market and Anvil Centre, and the public can stop in, browse the trees and vote for their favourites to win prizes. It goes hand-in-hand with a 25 Days of Christmas giveaway event (use the hashtag #festivaloftreesnw to enter on Twitter) and with a gingerbread house competition that’s being judged at River Market on Dec. 13. Check out all the fun at www.festivaloftreesnewwest.ca.
2. Revel in the magic of the Nutcracker.
Every year, the Royal City Youth Ballet delights packed houses in New Westminster and around the region with its extravagant and colourful production of the Nutcracker. The company returns to Massey Theatre this year for two shows on Monday, Dec. 21 – at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. Check out www.royalcityyouthballet.org for all the information, or buy tickets at www.ticketsnw.ca. You can also call the box office at 604-521-5050.
3. Bask in the sounds of Christmas music.
If you haven’t already heard choral music this Christmas season, there’s no better chance than Tuesday, Dec. 15, when musica intima brings its Christmas Story concert to Knox Presbyterian Church. The seasonal concert includes traditional holiday favourites and contemporary works, including some in-house arrangements by the choir. Tickets are available through musicaintima.org or by calling 604-731-6618. Knox Presbyterian is at 403 East Columbia St. in Sapperton.
Or what about celebrating a Celtic Yuletide? Caelestra, a Celtic ensemble (pictured above), brings its seasonal spirit to the Music at Queens concert series on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Queens Avenue United, 529 Queens Ave. The concert includes voices, flute, harp, guitar, hand drums and cello and promises to take audiences on a journey back in time and around the globe. See www.caelestra.com.
Or, for something less traditional, how about the Langley Ukulele Ensemble? The popular group is bringing its Themes of Christmas concert to the Massey Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 regular, $15 for seniors, $10 for students, available through www.ticketsnw.ca. See www.langleyukes.com for more on the group.
4. Let the Vagabond Players entertain you.
Succumb to the laughter with the madcap Christmas comedy Inspecting Carol, onstage now at the Bernie Legge Theatre. The comedy, directed by Miles Lavkulich, takes the audience behind the scenes of a struggling theatre company’s annual production of A Christmas Carol. It runs Wednesdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, or $13 for seniors and students. See www.vagabondplayers.ca, call 604-521-0412 or email [email protected].
5. Step back in time at Irving House.
Irving House, the colonial home of Capt. William Irving, is an 1865 gem that remains as a tribute to the history of the Royal City. For Christmas, it hosts special Christmas cheer days on Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20, giving visitors a chance to step back into Victorian Christmas splendour – you can hear musical entertainment in the parlour and make a decoration for one of the Christmas trees. It runs noon to 4 p.m. each day. Or you can book yourself in for a Victorian Christmas Tea in the grandmother’s room, with tea and traditional holiday treats. Each seating can accommodate six guests, and seatings are available at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20. Irving House is at 302 Royal Ave. Call[email protected] or call 604-527-4640 for details.
6. Meet Santa Claus!
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a chance to meet the Jolly Old Elf himself and maybe whisper your Christmas wishes to him. Santa’s a pretty busy guy these days, but you can always catch him at Royal City Centre – and he’s making some special appearances at local events, too. Among the upcoming events are a Breakfast With Santa at Centennial Community Centre on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. – tickets are $7.50, all 604-777-5100. Or you can strap on the blades and go skating with Santa during Moody Park Arena’s special event on Saturday, Dec. 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. There will be games, activities and Santa photos to be had. Regular admission rates apply. Call the arena for info at 604-525-5301.
7. Eat.
Yes, it’s that simple. Just eat. The holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without food, would they? You can find plenty of sustenance all around the city – choose your favourite eatery, and chances are they’ve concocted a special holiday treat – or, even better, join in a community-wide Family Christmas Dinner on Sunday, Dec. 13. The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. at Queensborough Community Centre, including a catered turkey feast with all the trimmings. It’s $20 for adults and $8 for kids. Call 604-525-7388 for information and tickets. And while we’re thinking of food, move on to …
8. Enjoy local food and fun at the Royal City Farmers Market.
If you haven’t already checked out the market in its new winter location, there’s no better time than Saturday, Dec. 19. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with vendors offering up fresh local produce, prepared foods and crafts. Food trucks will be on site, and there will be live music and kids’ activities. The market takes place under the tents on Belmont Street, up town, and there’s free parking at Westminster Centre. Check out www.rcfm.ca.
9. Visit the library.
The library is always a great spot for families in New West, and Christmastime is no exception. The library is hosting its seasonal celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 16 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The event, aimed at ages four and up, will include stories and songs for the solstice, Christmas and other winter celebrations. It’s free, and you can just drop in to the library at 716 Sixth Ave.
That same evening, at 7:30 p.m., the library plays host to the New Westminster Historical Society’s Christmas Collection: Local Stories and Requested Favourites. The evening’s program will include a mix of Christmas information, images, stories, historical items and seasonal readings. It’s in the auditorium, and it’s free to drop in – no registration is needed. See www.nwheritage.org for more on the group.
10. Stop. Slow down. Relax.
Quit the shopping, quit the rushing, quit the bundling everyone into the car to get hither and yon. You’ve been plenty busy enough already. You owe it to yourself to actually take some time to enjoy the season. Whether it’s curling up by the fire with a new novel, taking a walk in one of New Westminster’s many beautiful outdoor locations (you can’t have Glenbrook Ravine, people, that’s MY special quiet place) or strolling around your own neighbourhood to enjoy Christmas lights, be sure to set aside some time for more contemplative, quiet enjoyment of the holidays.
So there you have it. Ten ways to enjoy the holidays without straying far from home.
Merry Christmas to all!
