Christmas is finally here; so is the anticipation of getting that gift that you slyly gave hints about to your family all through the past month. But irrespective of what’s underneath that wrapping paper, here’s your chance to make the most of your holidays this week.
Kutapira
This Christmas, add a new word to your vocabulary to describe holiday favourites like orange raisin and old-fashioned chewy ginger cookies — ‘Kutapira.’ It means “sweetness” in the Shona language of Zimbabwe. But the word is also the name of an East Vancouver-based band that will be performing a fusion of Zimbabwean marimba, Afro-Cuban and West African percussion live at the Anvil Centre Theatre (777 Columbia St.) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the event are priced between $10 and $20.
When: Thursday, Dec. 22
Details: Anvil Centre website
Shine Bright
Looking for a photo spot with an ideal holiday vibe? As part of Shine Bright Gardens of Lights, multiple parks in the city are decked out with Christmas lights. Thanks to the parks and recreation horticultural team, you can take a photo that’s profile-picture-worthy at several spots across New West including the Friendship Gardens at Tipperary Park, New Westminster Public Library’s main branch, rose garden at Queen’s Park, Moody Park, the waterfront esplanade at the west Pier Park, and more.
When: Thursday, Dec. 22 and Sunday, Dec. 24
Details: Find the entire list on New Westminster City website
O Come All Ye Soulful
Those whose Christmas playlist goes beyond Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas album to include the hits of the 70s and 80s — like Ray Charles’ Spirit of Christmas and Donny Hathaway’s This Christmas, might not want to miss a live festive concert that’s exactly dedicated to such holiday classics. Vocalist Dawn Pemberton and bassist Jodi Proznick will perform the best hits of music legends such as Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald and more, as part of ‘O Come All Ye Soulful’ concert at the Anvil Centre ballroom (777 Columbia St), 7.30 onwards. Tickets are priced between $15 to $30 per person.
When: Friday, Dec. 23
Details: Anvil Centre website
Holiday Market
Here’s one final opportunity to get a local handmade gift for your loved one — Shine Bright Uptown Holiday Market will have about 20 vendors displaying their products at the Royal City Centre and Westminster Centre between 5 and 8 p.m. The event is not all about browsing for jewelry and home decor pieces, but also about joining a craft workshop and catching live music by Quayside Voices and Casey Thomas-Burns.
When: Friday, Dec. 23
Details: New Westminster City website
Ugly Sweater Evening
If you have been waiting for a chance to flaunt your tacky Christmas sweater, here is one. Union Jack Public House (525 Seventh St.) is hosting a Christmas party that has one rule — all customers must wear their ugly sweaters. So, boldly pull out that obnoxious piece of apparel with snowman motif and a 3-D jingle bell from your wardrobe, and head out to the pub that’s featuring specials including prime rib and caesars on Christmas eve.
When: Saturday, Dec. 24
