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12 things to do in New West on the Dec. 13 to 15 weekend

Festive markets and entertainment (lots!) and a city celebration are among the happenings in New Westminster this weekend.
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
new-west-farmers-holiday-market-2021
The New West Farmers Market's holiday market, shown here in 2020, returns to city hall this weekend.Jennifer Gauthier/The Record

A city celebration of an international award caps off a jam-packed weekend that features festive fun including markets and live entertainment

Here are the Record’s top picks for the Dec. 13 to 15 weekend.

Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14

WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol

Experience the magic of The WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol, which reimagines Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in a way you won’t soon forget. This production, which features giant masks, whimsical puppets and more, has been described as being “a feast for the eyes, ears, and heart, with a generous kick to the funny bone.”

  • When: Friday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.
  • Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Tickets are available online.

Makers Alley Market

Support local makers and artisans – and do some holiday shopping – at Makers Alley. Local artisans and makers have placed items in display windows; items are available for purchase when shows are held at Massey Theatre. Note: you do not need tickets to performances to shop from the Makers Market Alley.

  • When: Items in the Makers Alley Market are for sale an hour before and during certain shows this winter season – including this weekend’s WONDERHEADS performance.
  • Where: Makers Alley Market is located in the north wing of Eighth & Eight (the hallway where the bathrooms are located leading down to Studio 1C). The Massey Theatre complex is located at 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: More information is available online.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Rainbow Chorus Festive Singalong

Join the Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster in a festive sing-along. RCNW, a community choir for LGBTQ2SI+ and their allies, will lead attendees in singing festive favourites like Let It Snow, Winter Wonderland, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1 p.m.
  • Where: The Sanctuary on 6th, 529 Queens Ave.
  • Details: Everyone is welcome to attend this family-friendly event. Admission is free but donations to support the Rainbow Singers are appreciated; socks are being collected for the Purpose Society.

Bully’s Holiday Pop-Up Shop

Shop for one-of-a-kind treasures at Bully’s Studios’ flea market style pop-up. Vendors and artisans will be selling thrifted clothing, unique crafts and handmade treasures, music will be playing, and food and beverages will be available for purchase.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Bully’s Studio, 67 Sixth St.

Century House Craft and Bake Sale

Support local seniors and do some shopping at the Century House Association’s winter craft and bake sale. In addition to items created by members of Century House, including hand-stitched quilts, one-of-a-kind pottery pieces, handmade crafts, and home-baked goods, shoppers will be able to buy items from local artisans. This evet features raffles, which will also raise money for the various programs at Century House.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Where: Century House, 620 Eighth St.

Native Market

Peruse the offerings of more than 10 Native artisans who will be selling a variety of products, including soap, sculptures, wearable art, leather products, and skateboards at today’s Native Market.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Native Art Renaissance, 721 Carnarvon St.

New West Craft

Head to Westminster Quay for the return of New West Craft, which features a curated collection of more than 30 artisans and local makers.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: River Market at Westminster Quay, 810 Quayside Dr.

Winter Songs

Feel festive at the BC Girls Choir’s Winter Songs’ concert – featuring songs about all things snowy, cold and cozy. This internationally award-winning choir will be presenting a varied program that includes beloved carols and music from your favourite holiday movies.

Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15

Holiday Market

Get into the holiday spirit at the New Westminster Farmers Market’s annual Holiday Market, an outdoor market featuring more than 80 local artisans and food vendors, as well as food trucks, live music, and entertainment. Kids will be able to enjoy free crafts and activities in the Sprout Club tent. Everyone is welcome to attend this family- and dog-friendly accessible event.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: In front of New Westminster City Hall, 511 Royal Ave.
  • Details: By donation; organizers recommend a minimum of $5. Proceeds will be split between the New Westminster Farmers Market Society and the B.C. Association of Farmers Market’s nutrition coupon program.

Holiday Cheer

Travel back in time to experience Christmas past at Irving House, which is decked out in Victorian splendour for the holiday season. Along with touring Irving House, Holiday Cheer visitors can enjoy live music by a variety of performers in the parlour and make a small decoration for one of the house trees. (Tours run each hour starting at noon; last tour welcomed at 3 p.m.) Irving House, built in 1865, is one of the oldest community heritage sites in B.C.

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15, noon to 4 p.m. (It’s also happening on Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22)
  • Where: Irving House, 302 Royal Ave.
  • Details: Drop-in/by donation. For more information, call 604-527-4640.

Sunday, Dec. 5

NWSO Christmas Comes to Town

Enjoy an afternoon of great music when the New Westminster Symphony Orchestra presents its first-ever Christmas Comes to Town concert. Joining the NWSO for the concert are actor Carlos Vela-Martinez, who is the MC and will give a Christmas reading, and soprano Olesia Shewchuk, who will be soloing on Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Victor Herbert’s Toyland, and O Holy Night. Sleigh Ride, The Christmas Song, March of the Toys, an assortment of suites and overtures by various composers are among the musical offerings at today’s concert. More details are available online.

  • When: Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 to 4:30 p.m.
  • Where: The Sanctuary, the corner of Sixth Street and Queens Avenue (529 Queens Ave.)
  • Details: Admission is by donation. Free parking is available at city hall.

Prix Versailles celebration

Celebrate təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre’s win of a prestigious Prix Versailles architectural award. The civic facility beat out buildings around the world to be receive a 2024 World Title Special Prize for an Interior in the Sports category. The city invites community members to celebrate this accomplishment by enjoying refreshments and free drop-in swimming, fitness, and family sports. 

  • When: Sunday, Dec. 15, 12:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be free fitness centre access and a free public swim from 12:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Wibit will be set up from 1 to 3 p.m., so there will be no deep end swimming, diving boards or platforms during this time). A free family sports drop-in with supervised activities will take place in the small gym from 3 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Where: təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, 65 East Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free