Monday, November 22, 2010

Christmas is in the Air!

Looking for something to do with your little ones and the hubby? Vancouver & Coquitlam are filled with a ton of great things to do. I have covered a few of my favorites over the years and I would love to hear yours!






November 26, 2010 to January 2 (Closed Christmas Day) 3pm - 10pm (farmyard open to 9pm)
A great display of millions of lights in Stanley Parks forrest setting. 
I recommend getting down early to get a spot on the train or heading down later. This is a very busy event later in December and can make for some long lines. The photo options on this are well worth it and the hot chestnuts & hot chocolate are a great seasonal snacks. 

Santaland - Hours and Photo Information

November 20, 2010 - December 24, 2010
As usual, Coquitlam Centre will be offering digital photos with Santa throughout the holiday season. Photos will be available for pickup immediately following the visit with Santa, in Santaland. Packages start at $18.00. CDs are also available for $15 (with any package).
Santa will be available an hour after mall opening until an hour before closing; and must leave Santaland to feed his reindeer at approximately 3:00 pm everyday. 
Visit our Facebook page this holiday season for a chance to win VIP Santa Photo Packages!
His hours are as follows:
Saturday, November 20  12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Tuesday, November 23  
11:00 am - 6:00 pm
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Monday & Tuesday  11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday to Friday  11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday  10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday  11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Starting Monday, November 29
Monday to Friday  11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday  10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday  11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Christmas Eve
Wednesday, December 24
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday, November 27, 11 am-5 pm 
Leigh Square in downtown Port Coquitlam


Buy or sell used childrens toys and clothes. Tables are $12 and go on sale Oct 16. In person registration only. Only used materials can be sold. No merchants or businesses. Sunday November 28 10:00am -1:00 pm Free Admission. Douglas Park Community Centre - 801 West 22nd Avenue. 604 257 8130.

December 4, 2010 



This year, Heritage Square’s free holiday event Light up the Square is a lantern affair, complete with loads of fun activities and performances for the whole family. Make your own glowing lantern with which to deck Place des Arts’ Leonore Peyton Salon; bring a donation for the food bank to put under the “wish” tree, make an ornament to hang on it, and warm up with free hot chocolate at the Station Museum; partake in heritage baking and cookie and gingerbread decorating; enjoy yummy seasonal treats in the Noël Café; take a tour of Mackin Museum; and visit with Père Noël. The grand finale features a live presentation of the Christmas episode of Radio Maillard: a Vaudeville. Visitwww.placedesarts.ca for more information.

December 5, 2010 
This is a classic Christmas tradition with a visit with Santa, all the floats and Parades. Get down there early, bundle up and bring a blanket to sit on and wrap up in. 


I have volunteered several times to collect money and food for Vancouver Food Bank, so be sure to bring along some change and food! There are over 900k people that use the food banks to feed their families and they could use your help!
December 11 (9-11pm) 
Wilson Centre, Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex  (2150 Wilson Avenue)
 $TBA per person (0-3 years free)
Breakfast with the jolly old elf himself!



Join us for entertainment, crafts, face painting, and a sing-along.
Tickets available from:
  • Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex (2150 Wilson Centre)
  • Hyde Creek Recreation Centre (1379 Laurier Avenue)
  • Parks & Recreation Administration Office (1100 - 2253 Leigh Square; behind City Hall)
  • For more information call 604.927.7970.

Sunday, December 12 · 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Santa has arrived at Coquitlam Center and is now available for Photo's and dropping off letters for the little ones Christmas wishes!

I figure we should make an afternoon of it with the mommies and daddies! We can all meet at the food court by Dairy Queen at 2 pm. This way we can all grab a Starbucks or whatever your heart desires and head down to get pictures done. 

I would also love to hear what all of your big picks for the little ones Christmas gifts are going to be! Please share in your comments!


 Festival of Lights at Van Dusen Gardens

Dec. 10 - 24 2010


This has also become a tradition at our house, and with friends over the holidays. A large section of the park is dedicated to this lights display. There is also a light show that plays by the lake that play ever 30 min starting at 4:30. There is also 'Santa's Livingroom' that you can stop and have a picture with St.Nick!

Other great attractions (as posted on their site):
  • Santa's Living Room: Dec. 10 - 24 with Santa appearances 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 p.m.
  • Svend and Jens, our Scandinavian Christmas Elves appear nightly in the Centre Court
  • Dancing Lights on Livingstone Lake: starting at 4:30 p.m. Two different shows - one show on the half hour and a different one at the top of the hour. Two different shows repeating in sequence throughout the evening.
  • Gingerbread Wood
  • Golden Chain Walk
  • Community Choir Concerts on the Deck at 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm, dates and choirs TBA 
  • Make-a-Wish Candle Shrine
  • Candy Cane Lane
  • Sparkling Spruce in the Centre Court
  • Candy Cane Express model train
November 27, 2010 to January 3, 2011
This holiday season experience the Magic of the North as you explore the fascinating Canada’s Arcticexhibit, transformed into a winter wonderland. You can join Santa’s helpers with holiday crafts, write a letter to Scuba Claus and sing along to holiday carols. 



December 19, 2010  12:45-4pm
December 24, 2010 Christmas Eve Skate  11am-2pm


Location Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex, 2150 Wilson Avenue
Drop in with friends and family to enjoy a festive skate featuring music, lights, and crafts!  Try your luck at the reindeer guessing jar and enjoy free hot chocolate, apple cider and some treats!http://www.coquitlamcentre.com/events/santaland-hours-and-photo-information

2 comments:

  1. December 2010 - Canyon Lights

    Capilano Suspension Bridge invites you to Canyon Lights, a winter celebration of light. Cross the suspension bridge to Treetops Adventure and explore the forest from yet another perspective at night. Enjoy the Christmas Band, dressed in historical winter costumes, performing every evening at 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm. Glass blower Malcolm Macfadyen will add extra twinkle, teaching guests how to make glass icicle ornaments. Another highlight is the spectacular maple tree, draped in an extravaganza of colour. Canyon Lights features over 250,000 twinkling lights throughout the park.

    Canyon Lights will be on display from Friday, December 3, 2010 to January 2, 2011 from 5:00 - 9:00pm daily, (closed December 25, 2010). The cost for adults is $15, children (6-12) are $5 or $35 for a family of four (2 adults & 2 kids).

    http://www.capbridge.com/specialevents.php

    ReplyDelete
  2. Here's a link to a few more events in the area...

    http://www.thenownews.com/life/Events/2816120/story.html

    ReplyDelete